Two-Handed Wpns

[Alex Koponen]

Proposed optional rule for P&P by Alex Koponen

TWO-HANDED WEAPONS
Weapons wielded in two hands have advantages and disadvantages. The obvious
disadvantage is that it takes both hands, thus preventing use of a second
weapon or shield.
Against missiles in particular this can be perilous.
The advantages with two handed weapons are their reach, WSB, FV and
<optional rule>
the ability to use full weapon EL vs ALL melee opponents to their front (not
just put
towards a single opponent or split between opponents as with one-handed
weapons). The
same amount of EL applied defensively towards one applies to all melee
opponents.
Further, leverage allowed by two-handed use means that weaker people can use
the
weapon (at WSB-1). Thus while a Bastard Sword WSB+1 requires a SB of +1 to
use one-
handed, someone with SB of 0 can use it two-handed. Similarly a Great Sword
WSB+2
only requires SB+1 to use as it is a two-handed weapon. A Spear WSB0 can be
used two-
handed by those of SB-1.

Other options thought of and rejected were applying EL twice (at full
offense and full
defense), applying full EL twice towards all melee opponents and using any
special rule
vis-a-vis shields.


© 2000 Alex Koponen