[DF] Maximizing Maces

[Bruno]

Originally Posted by Kalzazz

pg 59 Low Tech, +49 CF for Very Fine axes
pf 33 DF8, same price

Fair cop. Very Expensive :)

[Rupert]

Originally Posted by VariousRen

I've got a goblin thief who loves using his signature mace to deliver backstabbing skull blows. It's a ton of fun to yell "Thunk!" in a goblin voice while I brain someone from behind, but it feels like not using an axe is holding him back for no real reason. Axes can be made fine or very fine for extra damage as well as do cutting damage. I was hoping you fine people could give me some solid reasons to keep my beloved mace, or ways I can make it more effective so it stays relevant compared to an axe.

If you are hitting people in the brain, cutting vs crushing is a pointless distinction - the brain's x4 damage multiplier over-rides the damage type. They also do more blunt trauma and they do knockback regardless of penetration. A dwarven made one is good for parrying with as maces are heavy for 1-handed weapons. Whether these and the slightly higher base damage offset the increased damage of an axe when used on places other than the target's skull (and the higher base damage of a very fine axe) is the question. At the point levels where you can reliably brain someone the answer is unfortunately 'probably not'.

[Dalin]

Originally Posted by VariousRen

I was hoping you fine people could give me some solid reasons to keep my beloved mace, or ways I can make it more effective so it stays relevant compared to an axe.

(emphasis added)

I'd say the main reason to keep it is the fun of role-playing it. Sounds like you're already having a blast with the concept. The only two situations where I might worry about it would be if you have other martial PCs in the group who are overshadowing you or if the GM balances encounters for some sort of theoretically DPS-optimized group. In either case, you may want to talk to the GM about options... perhaps purchasing an enchanted mace or going on a quest to find a legendary one.

One of my players in a beginning DFRPG game has been using Kromm's Lucky the Agile Goon sample character who fights with a club rather than a sword. He hasn't missed the cutting or impaling multipliers at all. His gleeful club jokes during combat are a highlight of every game for the rest of us. This is one of the advantages that tabletop games have over CRPGs—there's not as much pressure to optimize at all costs.