Kusari

[Sindri]

Is there a reason behind the persistent lack of † strength on the kusari statline?

What is it about the opposite blade kusari mounting on a kusarigama that allows you to use it as a one handed kama and should it really be strictly better than the butt mounted version?

Aside from hidden kusari and cost and weight is there any reason to use a 2 yard kusari over a 4 yard kusari?

[DAT]

Originally Posted by Sindri

Is there a reason behind the persistent lack of † strength on the kusari statline?

What is it about the opposite blade kusari mounting on a kusarigama that allows you to use it as a one handed kama and should it really be strictly better than the butt mounted version?

Aside from hidden kusari and cost and weight is there any reason to use a 2 yard kusari over a 4 yard kusari?

Ready time.

[the_matrix_walker]

Originally Posted by Sindri

Is there a reason behind the persistent lack of † strength on the kusari statline?

I can only guess... But I assume it's because someone quite weak could wield it, bu someone of great ST can use their full ST when they smack someone with it. Having a ST statistic for the weapon would cut off damage capability at 3X the listed ST.

Originally Posted by Sindri

What is it about the opposite blade kusari mounting on a kusarigama that allows you to use it as a one handed kama and should it really be strictly better than the butt mounted version?

Because what you have now is essentially a flail with a blade on the handle. With the attachment on the butt, you don't have the leverage to attack one handed, you have a handy anchor point and the attack action comes from the opposite hand. I think you should be able to attack one handed with the butt mounted version if you hold the weapon inverted, but they don't allow for that in the rules.

Originally Posted by Sindri

Aside from hidden kusari and cost and weight is there any reason to use a 2 yard kusari over a 4 yard kusari?

Mostly I would say ready time. Kusari are readied like whips, so a 2 yard kusari is readied in one maneuver, and a 4 yard in two.

The other concern is that you need room to swing it, so in dense trees, with people close by or indoors, you need far less clearance to attack with the 2 yard version than with the 4.

[Sindri]

Originally Posted by DAT

Ready time.

What is this an answer to?

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

I can only guess... But I assume it's because someone quite weak could wield it, bu someone of great ST can use their full ST when they smack someone with it. Having a ST statistic for the weapon would cut off damage capability at 3X the listed ST.

Um, kusari have a ST stat. They just don't have a † even though it really seems like they should.

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

Because what you have now is essentially a flail with a blade on the handle. With the attachment on the butt, you don't have the leverage to attack one handed, you have a handy anchor point and the attack action comes from the opposite hand. I think you should be able to attack one handed with the butt mounted version if you hold the weapon inverted, but they don't allow for that in the rules.

Even the two yard kusari is pretty long. It seems like it's going to be weighing down your movements pretty much the same wherever it's attached.

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

Mostly I would say ready time. Kusari are readied like whips, so a 2 yard kusari is readied in one maneuver, and a 4 yard in two.

They are? It says "a" ready maneuver to adjust reach from 1-4.

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

The other concern is that you need room to swing it, so in dense trees, with people close by or indoors, you need far less clearance to attack with the 2 yard version than with the 4.

Oh right. I just sort of assume people will be using the snap option but that's a fair point.

[Kromm]

The lack of a dagger on ST for the kusari is an erratum. Per Martial Arts, p. 228, kusaris are two-handed weapons.

[Sindri]

I did eventually find a reference to kusari being readied as a whip, so I guess that is indeed a factor.

If a kusari weapon is used one handed what skill should it use? Still kusari or flail or even whip? Should anything else change?

Originally Posted by Kromm

The lack of a dagger on ST for the kusari is an erratum. Per Martial Arts, p. 228, kusaris are two-handed weapons.

Thanks!