[MA] Weapon Questions: Hook, Two-Handed One-Handers

[Kromm]

If weapon capable of one- or two-handed use allows Hook, then initiation always uses the Hook level appropriate to the number of hands the weapon is in. Once the Hook is established, the Hook technique level itself actually becomes irrelevant, as none of the follow-up moves use it for anything. Thus, you can add or remove hands freely. About the only effect this has is to determine what skill you use if you decide to move to a disarm, and whether you get the disarming and ST bonus for using two hands in some circumstances.

If Fighter A has Axe/Mace-14 and Hook (Axe/Mace)-14, while Fighter B has Two-Handed Axe/Mace-14 and Hook (Two-Handed Axe/Mace)-14, then Fighter A has to start out using one hand to Hook at full skill, while Fighter B has to start out using two hands. After that, Fighter A could add a hand or Fighter B could remove hand without affecting the hold established using Hook.

If Fighter A wants to start with his weapon in two hands and Hook, or if Fighter B wants to start with his weapon in one hand and Hook, then tough bananas. Neither has practiced this specialized attack with the skill in question. You also don't get to use your Disarming (Two-Handed Sword) level when you have a katana in one hand and use it with Broadsword . . . you didn't study that.