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Vrecknidj
Warlord
10493 Posts
    
United States
 | | 07/14/2008 6:14 AM |
| Greatsword
Prof: +3
Damage: d10
Longsword (versatile)
Prof: +3
Damage: d8+1
At low levels, I think the versatile longsword is better. The average damage is the same, and you can't roll a 1 for damage (of course, you can't roll a 10 either).
At high levels, when you're doing a lot of attacks that do 4[W] or 5[W] or whatever, the +1 doesn't matter as much, and so I think the Greatsword is better. (Unless I'm misunderstanding how the bonus works. If you add it to each of the dice you roll, then the longsword is obviously the better choice.)
But, with the longsword, you have the option of using a shield, and there are advantages in that, so, overall, the longsword may still win out as the letter choice.
If the proficiency bonus were different, it might be easier to pick.
What are your thoughts on the matter?
Dave
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Warlord
5692 Posts
| | 07/14/2008 7:26 AM |
| | I haven't delved too deeply into the PHB and DMG yet, but are there any special abilities/moves associated with the weapons? | |
Originally posted by Schooly_D
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zenthrus
Warlord
5132 Posts
SLC, UT
| | 07/14/2008 7:54 AM |
| The only special ability on either weapon is the longsword has "versatile" which means it can be used 1-handed or 2-handed (with a +1 damage bonus).
As Dave already noted the statistical difference is negligible (2-9 damage vs. 1-10 damage) when wielding the weapons 2-handed. Ώw] gives a slight advantage to the longsword (higher minimum, virtually identical average). ΐw] and higher gives a slight advantage to the greatsword (always a 10% chance per die of rolling 10 for a higher maximum). Longsword can be used with a shield but loses the extra damage (becomes 1-8 damage again).
From what I've seen weapons seem to be pretty evenly balanced. There aren't any major advantages to using any given weapon over another. This is nice since in 3.x anyone with martial proficiency ran around with greatswords (and shields if they had access to Monkey Grip). Simple proficiency tended to all be heavy maces or morningstars. 4e encourages greater variety. | |
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Loquacious1
Sneak
61 Posts
San Diego, CA
| | 07/14/2008 9:24 AM |
| Don't forget that if you are using power attack at heoric tier, you get one extra point of damage with a two-handed Weapon. I'm not sure if you would get that with a versitile weapon; it didn't seem too clear. Personally, I would think not, because that would negate much of the advantage of having a two handed weapon.
Of course, if you were Eladrin and took the Eladrin Weapon Proficency, you'd get a +2dmg bonus for a long sword; even used one handed, that makes it oficially better at lower levels for raw damage. If you like two handed weapons, then the longspear eclipses the greatsword--same stats, but you get the +2 dmg as well. Dwarves have a similar affinity for thier weapons of choice.
It's mostly a style thing, though since many classes don't get shields any more (Cleric's don't!!), that makes it much more likely for them to want to actually use a bigger, stronger weapon. I would say, though, that some of these weapons do not seem balanced very well. Why use a Scythe at all as a weapon? They used to be awesome! Now they aren't even a high Crit Weapon. So unless you're taking feats (or powers) that are really specific for heavy blade weapons, you're better off with a morningstar. That is kind of unfortunate. I do think it's funny that shiruken's have the best attack bonus out of all the missile weapons (not counting thrown)! But then, they do need some sort of advantage for someone to want to use them (for reasons other than style). ;-) | | | |
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Teflon Jeff
Warlord
7908 Posts
Sector 2814
| | 07/14/2008 11:04 AM |
| Longsword is for early. The versatility and shield option give it the advantage.
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