Throwing Axes?

[Fajitaduke]

Just curious if there is a worthwhile way to design a character who relies heavily on throwing axes as something different from the norm.

I've seen a couple of builds on Bioware forums, but they rely on high level, multiclassed characters. I was wondering if a fighter, with the appropriate stats and feats, could be throwing-axe reliant and only pull out a melee weapon as a last resort.

Any thoughts?

[Xanderleo]

I like the idea, however, keep in mind that finding enchanted throwing axes may prove to be difficult atm. And, even so, it can hurt the pocket to continue buying them as you use them (but maybe not, don't know the prices) I know how the PnP rules for the Magic Weapon spell work vs ammo, but I haven't checked how or if they're implemented in the NWN2 engine. Somehow I doubt it.

Unfortunately throwing based feats that allow you to use your str instead of dex to hit with thrown weapons as well as ranged power attack and double throw didn't make it into the game.

All that said...I really do like the idea and it would be an interesting character.

[Machiavelli]

I've used them with a couple of characters... they're nasty, but they're basically just a bow substitute.

[Fajitaduke]

My understanding from the Bioware boards is that throwing axes and darts use dex to hit but strength mod to damage (shriuken does not get str dmg bonus), and work with certain archery feats such as rapid shot.

In the campaign nonmagical throwing axes aer relatively cheap, so I'm not worried about expense. I've not seen many magical weapons (my deleted halfling monk had +1 cold damage gloves, that's all i've encountered) so I'm not counting on magical gear.

Still, discussions of 2H weapon damage and dex based parry fighters have me thinking in a few different directions at the moment. This sounded like an interesting possibility (as does a monkey-gripped spear).

At the end of the day I don't expect to ever be venturing out solo, so I don't need a powerbuild with crazy damage, I just don't want to try to be different and end up with a completely handicapped character who doesnt' contribute to a party beyond my ability to add RP flavor.

[BrylliantInsnity]

I'm sure it's viable. Make a character with a decent STR mod for the added damage bonus and then dex for accuracy. The only downfall is a stack of throwing axes is 50 lbs, weighing in at 50lbs a piece, so you're going to be mighty encumbered if you carry a decent supply of ammo around, and wear armor.

[aleksei_aiden]

Actually, throwing axes rely totally on Str for the dammage and the AB bonus. A ranger archer build can actually pull off throwing axes easily. I've done it with darts on Tibby here and there, and it works wonders--especially acidic darts on troll ;P

[Venture]

take point blank shot and dont bother switching weapons, an axe in the fore head is an axe in the forehead no matter how far away you are

[Machiavelli]

Actually, throwing axes rely totally on Str for the dammage and the AB bonus. A ranger archer build can actually pull off throwing axes easily. I've done it with darts on Tibby here and there, and it works wonders--especially acidic darts on troll ;P

Just checked this in game, and throwing axes definitely depend on dexterity for BAB.

[Xanderleo]

Just checked this in game, and throwing axes definitely depend on dexterity for BAB.

As they should.

[Fajitaduke]

So now all we could ask for is a script that allows you to recover some of your throwing axes from the corpses of your enemies similar to arrows in NWN1 to reduce the bulk of ammunition carried around.

[Blue_Wyrm]

Hmm the problem I could see with that is people ~not~ grabbing their axes from corpses and littering an area with loot bags... but then Sundren's mighty cleanup scripts could take care of them. That's a good idea :P

[Machiavelli]

So now all we could ask for is a script that allows you to recover some of your throwing axes from the corpses of your enemies similar to arrows in NWN1 to reduce the bulk of ammunition carried around.

They also don't weight anything... that's right, nothing at all; they're as light as a feather if not lighter!

[Fajitaduke]

Oh heck, in that case the only reason to make them recoverable is if they're (a) expensive, which I don't think they are, or (b) magical, which I haven't seen any of on Sundren (though if there ever were any, you'd expect a character to at least try to recover some of them).

I'm now quite torn on what to do with my permanent character. Maybe I'll actually get home at a reasonable hour tonight and be able to start rolling one up.

[Blue_Wyrm]

A great way to get inspiration would be having a look at Sundren's Factions on the Wiki and think about how you could get involved with the established setting. Then you just make something fitting and try to contact the group's representatives.

[Fajitaduke]

I've been hopping on and off the server with a few test characters for a couple months now, so I think I'm pretty familiar with the setting (though I've not engaged in much RP yet, as I've been observing, mostly). the issue is really the type of personality I want to play. I had applied for a character I wanted to model in the vein of Doc Holiday from Tombstone (a capable yet self-loathing type who is preserved from self-destruction by his loyalty to a few friends, with a quick wit, an acid tongue and penchant for fighting), which seems to fit well with the dexterity-based fight -> duelist concept.

In the past, among the littany of other characters I've developed in a couple NWN1 PWs I frequented was a grizzled woodsman named Gareth the Untamed (a shifter then, sadly a lost class in NWN2), who might be well-revived as an axe-wielding ranger.

I think I'd rather play the former, but the latter has some appeal. I think both are a little different than other characters already on the server, although I think there are a fair number of woodsman-types already.