Halberds

[Silas North]

Halberds have always looked cool and I wondered why they were made overall weaker that most other two-handed martial weapons (though there are some aspects that may make that debatable).

I then read that it was due to the fact that weapon range aspect was not really incorporated into the games like it was apparently in pen and paper.

So, I was thinking, much like the whips in NWN1 had the free disarm feat, what if all halberds had a free feat to help make them more useful. I was thinking Improved Initiative, to help halberd users make the first blow. It would somewhat simulate the longer range halberds have.

Just a thought... It is possible that many would rather take the more popular greataxe/sword or falchion anyway, but it still might be a good idea.

[Jaeram]

Y'know, I always loved halberds and was, like you, disappointed to see them a bit gimped. Not really sure what anyone can do about it, because of how things are represented differently, nor do I think the DM's will want to change halberds. Although I like the way you're thinking.

[Vavutsikarios]

Improved initiative on halberts... that is so reasonable that, now that youve mentioned it, I feel like it definetly should have been there since the begining.

Btw, I ve seen combat systems where the combatant with the longer weapon got an initiative bonus in the first round of combat, and polearms got an extra bonus.
That was about polearms in general, not just halberds.

[sharringtonm]

Hmm.. Weapon ranges are not incorporated?

Try this...

Make a mod with a enemy set to immobile.

Then attack him with a s.sword.

Back away and then attack him with a polearm.

You'll notice something. He doesn't attack back when you have the polearm. He can't reach you.

Its not quite PNP but it is in the game.. how does this effect combat though?

The only effect I've ever seen is Attacks of Opportunity. When you rush into combat.. you notice how sometimes they get AOO on you? Try it with a polearm against someone already engaged. Most of the time.. no AOO (there will always be exceptions).

I agree it sucks that it doesn't extend the range of things like whirlwind attack and such.. but at least it does have a singular benefit to take advantage of.

[CloakandDagger22]

That makes sense, thats a huge issue NWN has in general, its taking a ruleset that is originally meant for a group of people sitting around a table, where each person has time to think about every action. Alot gets lost in the fast pace of the REAL world.

[ThePaganKing]

If it is the same as in NWN1, one advantage you get from Halberds and I think scythes are two types of possible damage. I think you get the possibility of doing piercing or slicing damage. Therefore, if a creature has some damage resistance to say piercing or slicing, then you have the ability to damage it more than if with just a sword.

[Silas North]

Ah, so the range factor IS there, eh? Not to the same degree, but resisting the occasional AOO and having the ability to gum up opponent's attack flow with the right strategy actually sounds pretty good to me.

[Kangleton]

Alls I know is that I have a level 5 character that hits for like, 40 damage with a Halberd. I'm quite satisfied.

[Lollercide]

Ah, so the range factor IS there, eh? Not to the same degree, but resisting the occasional AOO and having the ability to gum up opponent's attack flow with the right strategy actually sounds pretty good to me.

If I'm not mistaken - If you're charged by a group of enemies that have significantly shorter reach than yourself and you stand still waiting for them... You'll smack them all with AOOs (Well, as many as you're able to take that round). Test this by letting a group of goblins charge you.. Stand still and face them. I've gotten this to work with Hano a few times, but haven't quite figured out how it triggers or under what circumstances.

I could be thinking of some other weird rule that I don't know much about, but I imagine this is the reason why. Similar to charging the Ogre Beserkers that have those big ass clubs that can nail you a billion miles away.

If what I've stated is true then you'll be able to have a pretty nice advantage if you use nice strategy under extreme circumstances - Which is my favorite kind of advantage in games.

[sharringtonm]

If it is the same as in NWN1, one advantage you get from Halberds and I think scythes are two types of possible damage. I think you get the possibility of doing piercing or slicing damage. Therefore, if a creature has some damage resistance to say piercing or slicing, then you have the ability to damage it more than if with just a sword.

Doesn't work that way.. if a weapon does piercing/slashing damage..
Damage reduction slashing or damage reduction piercing will resist against the weapon. THe damamge reduction only needs one form to resist the weapon. Stupid I know.. but thats how it works in nwn2.

[Kangleton]

...So, is there a benefit to it doing both? Or is that completely useless, and only sounds cool.

[Lollercide]

...So, is there a benefit to it doing both? Or is that completely useless, and only sounds cool.

I imagine it's a double edged blade.. You'll do extra damage to those weak to slashing or piercing, while doing crap damage against those strong against slashing or piercing.

[sharringtonm]

correct

[Vichtor]

On the topic of Halberds...and polearms in general. Here is a MAJOR benefit...try it yourself.

1) Get someone foolish enough or armored enough to stand in a chokepoint and attract enemies. They will stop and attack him/her.

2) Move up behind the person and try to attack with a sword or other type weapon. You'll notice you have to get beside them and adjacent to the enemy, allowing you to get hit.

3) Pull out a polearm. You'll notice you start swinging over your buddy, and if he/she is good, the enemy will be unable to get by him to you...or if they do, he/she will get a nice, free AoO.

Polearms are wonderful for front-line type strategy.

Armor->Polarm->Range/Magic from front to back.

[Jaeram]

Now that you mention that... I almost want to be 'that' guy that gets attacked over lol. Full plate + tower shield + Imp combat expertise.... mmm...