So one of the things I dont particularly like about most OSR games is that their weapon table is very basic and undifferentiated. In fact I'm fairly sure the earliest D&D had all weapons causing 1d6 damage, with no differentiating qualities at all. Things have of course come a long way since then, as the 5e weapon list demonstrates. But I am not really a fan of some of the differentiation of 5e weapons. I think finesse weapons cause more problems than they solve, for instance, and the 5e division of slashing, bludgeoning or piercing damage rarely (if ever?) seems to matter in play (or at least against the MM monsters). So, this houserule is a revised weapons table. Well, two actually, melee weapons and ranged weapons. My objectives were: 1. To make nearly every weapon a valid/useful/competitive choice. 2. To give each broad category of weapon a special effect on a natural 19 roll, or alternatively, some other useful quality (such as reach). 3. To make ranged weapons such as crossbows more deadly, but much more difficult to use in caught in melee. So here it is. Houserule #16: OSR Alternative Weapons Table.
4 Comments
Morgaine
13/5/2019 07:36:56 pm
I really like the goal of this project! One weapon that could use some further polishing is the polearm. It have the same average damage output as a spear wielded in two hands (1d10 and 1d6+2) but with the disadvantage in close quarters, 17 GP more expensive and less versatility as it can't be thrown or used one-handed.
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SteveG
14/5/2019 08:39:12 am
Thanks Morgaine, appreciate you taking the time, and you're right about the polearm - although max damage is also a relevant consideration, in addition to average damage.
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Bronco Hermenez
28/1/2023 05:11:00 pm
If you are revising, look into slings. In real life, they outdistance short bows and hit with the force of a .44 magnum. Truly remarkable weapons nerfed into mere slingshots in 5th edition.
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