Elven Curved Blade vs. Nodachi (Ultimate Combat)


Pathfinder First Edition General Discussion


The Elven Curved Blade is considered an Exotic Weapon in the Pathfinder Core Rulebook

with the following stats (page 143)
1d10 Medium damage, 18-20x2 critical, does only slashing damage and costs 80gp

In the Ultimate Core Rulebook there is a non Exotic Weapon called the Nodachi with the following stats (Page 131)
1d10 Medium damage, 18-20x2 critical, does slashing or piercing damage and can be used to brace and cost 60 gp the only thing against it is that it weighs 1 lb. more than the Elven Curved Blade

A) I really think it should be designated as an exotic weapon
B) and possibly cost more than the Elven Curved blade?


Its an eastern weapon so it is exotic to those not of the dragon kingdoms (ie Tian )


The major difference is the elven curveblade can be finessed, the nodachi cannot.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

The elven curve blade is also harder to sunder than the nodachi and can be used with weapon finesse.

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1 person marked this as a favorite.
Kolokotroni wrote:
The major difference is the elven curveblade can be finessed, the nodachi cannot.

This. Gets overlooked a lot.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Kolokotroni wrote:
The major difference is the elven curveblade can be finessed, the nodachi cannot.

Doh didn't see that =+)

I was mostly basing it on it on the damage vs critcal stuff because it takes a proficiency to gain Dwarven Axes

and bastard sword even two handed can only go from 19-20x2 critical

I would say setting a sword for charge and gaining en xtra damage type be considred for exotic training but the finesse thing DOES make a really big difference...I will go with that

I "sit" sufficiently corrected

Liberty's Edge

Shivok wrote:
Its an eastern weapon so it is exotic to those not of the dragon kingdoms (ie Tian )

Where did you find that rule?


ForgottenRider wrote:
Shivok wrote:
Its an eastern weapon so it is exotic to those not of the dragon kingdoms (ie Tian )
Where did you find that rule?

I think he is going by definition of the word "exotic"

Nodachi=Japan=Exotic


Pierre Kluchert wrote:
ForgottenRider wrote:
Shivok wrote:
Its an eastern weapon so it is exotic to those not of the dragon kingdoms (ie Tian )
Where did you find that rule?

I think he is going by definition of the word "exotic"

Nodachi=Japan=Exotic

Which is silly. Like a Oracle is someone who predicts the future... no they are someone cursed and cast divine spells in Pathfinder.

Liberty's Edge

Pierre Kluchert wrote:
ForgottenRider wrote:
Shivok wrote:
Its an eastern weapon so it is exotic to those not of the dragon kingdoms (ie Tian )
Where did you find that rule?

I think he is going by definition of the word "exotic"

Nodachi=Japan=Exotic
Starbuck_II wrote:
Pierre Kluchert wrote:
ForgottenRider wrote:
Shivok wrote:
Its an eastern weapon so it is exotic to those not of the dragon kingdoms (ie Tian )
Where did you find that rule?

I think he is going by definition of the word "exotic"

Nodachi=Japan=Exotic
Which is silly. Like a Oracle is someone who predicts the future... no they are someone cursed and cast divine spells in Pathfinder.

I though I might have missed something. The only thing I could find was this.

Characters need not always be of an Eastern-inspired class—such as the ninja or the samurai—or have a background in an Asian-fantasy-inspired nation to take advantage of these expanded choices. An unusual or exotic weapon gained during the course of a hero's adventures or inherited from a relative or mentor with a mysterious past is an easy way to help an otherwise European-inspired character expand his background and stand out from the crowd. In many ways, the character who fights with a completely normal kusarigama might seem as exotic to his opponents and admirers as one who fights with a magical longsword, and weapons that strike onlookers as unusual go a long way toward assisting gladiators and other performance fighters in distinguishing themselves on the field—one of the primary reasons why those warriors often choose strange and unique arms and armaments for their battles.


Kolokotroni wrote:
The major difference is the elven curveblade can be finessed, the nodachi cannot.

Not such a major difference, considering that two-handed weapons tend to reward higher-strength characters; it's on par or worse than being able to alternate between two types of damage. The resistance to sundering can be countered by the brace ability of the nodachi. These leave them about equal, except that one is a martial weapon and the other exotic.


Funny, I thought more than a few posters on this site find Weapon Finesse to be a suboptimal choice? I do not, but it seems an oft repeated view.

I am a bit confused as to why the Nodachi is martial and the Katana is exotic, since they are extremely similar historically and functionally. I see the katana as analogous to the bastard sword and Nodachi as a great sword. Yet the katana is generally always employed two handed (at least in the kendo type of sword use). I've personally never seen a Nodachi demonstration though they are quite large in artistic representations.

Also as a nitpick, the artistic representation of the Nodachi in UC is actually a Nagamaki which is like a Naginata more than a Katana.

When I went through my personal Nihonto sword nerdery phase, I remember the Nodachi being the weapon that swordsmiths try to prove their mastery with since they are really hard to make, thus quite rare and very expensive. Whether the ECB or the Nodachi is rarer or more costly is hard to gage.

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The Shaman wrote:
Kolokotroni wrote:
The major difference is the elven curveblade can be finessed, the nodachi cannot.
Not such a major difference, considering that two-handed weapons tend to reward higher-strength characters; it's on par or worse than being able to alternate between two types of damage. The resistance to sundering can be countered by the brace ability of the nodachi. These leave them about equal, except that one is a martial weapon and the other exotic.

Well, it can be significant for a non-heavy-armor-using character who needs DEX for their AC but still wants to put out some damage without using Dervish Dance. A fun thing to keep in mind is that Power Attack will give you more bonus damage on a 2H weapon regardless of STR.

For instance, you could have a Finesse character with 18 DEX and 14 STR (or 13, then bump it at level 4) and use Power Attack. With an ECB, this will leave you dealing 1d10+6 damage per hit (more as your BAB progresses). That's pretty decent for a Finesse build, especially when you also have that awesome crit potential, and doesn't really cost you much in a point-buy.

Granted, that might be narrow enough that it still doesn't qualify as a "major" difference, but it's still cool to think about. :D

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder PF Special Edition, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
zagnabbit wrote:

I am a bit confused as to why the Nodachi is martial and the Katana is exotic, since they are extremely similar historically and functionally.

Reread the text on the Katana. Like the bastard sword, two-handed use is martial.


Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Pathfinder Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Is the Elven Curved blade considered a Martial weapon for Elves? Or are they automatically proficient with it? Or what?

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Kelvar Silvermace wrote:
Is the Elven Curved blade considered a Martial weapon for Elves? Or are they automatically proficient with it? Or what?
The Core Rules wrote:
Elves are proficient with longbows (including composite longbows), longswords, rapiers, and shortbows (including composite shortbows), and treat any weapon with the word “elven” in its name as a martial weapon.


Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Pathfinder Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
Jiggy wrote:
Kelvar Silvermace wrote:
Is the Elven Curved blade considered a Martial weapon for Elves? Or are they automatically proficient with it? Or what?
The Core Rules wrote:
Elves are proficient with longbows (including composite longbows), longswords, rapiers, and shortbows (including composite shortbows), and treat any weapon with the word “elven” in its name as a martial weapon.

Thanks! I figured it was something like that, but I'm at work and my books are at home!

Grand Lodge RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

Kelvar Silvermace wrote:
Jiggy wrote:
Kelvar Silvermace wrote:
Is the Elven Curved blade considered a Martial weapon for Elves? Or are they automatically proficient with it? Or what?
The Core Rules wrote:
Elves are proficient with longbows (including composite longbows), longswords, rapiers, and shortbows (including composite shortbows), and treat any weapon with the word “elven” in its name as a martial weapon.
Thanks! I figured it was something like that, but I'm at work and my books are at home!

If you have access to the messageboards, you have access to the Core Rulebook. And the APG. And UM/UC. And the GMG. And Bestiaries 1 and 2.

Pretty cool, no? :D

Dark Archive

Jacomo The Fool wrote:

The Elven Curved Blade is considered an Exotic Weapon in the Pathfinder Core Rulebook

with the following stats (page 143)
1d10 Medium damage, 18-20x2 critical, does only slashing damage and costs 80gp

In the Ultimate Core Rulebook there is a non Exotic Weapon called the Nodachi with the following stats (Page 131)
1d10 Medium damage, 18-20x2 critical, does slashing or piercing damage and can be used to brace and cost 60 gp the only thing against it is that it weighs 1 lb. more than the Elven Curved Blade

A) I really think it should be designated as an exotic weapon
B) and possibly cost more than the Elven Curved blade?

I still think the nodachi is better. Brace on a non-spear is pretty solid. Sure it doesn't work against a charge lance, but lots of monsters charge, and having the option on your primary weapon is sweet.

Elven curve blade's Finesse part is nice, but it's not a build I normally would go for since I would have high STR anyways due to 2H and Power Attack.


BYC wrote:
Jacomo The Fool wrote:

The Elven Curved Blade is considered an Exotic Weapon in the Pathfinder Core Rulebook

with the following stats (page 143)
1d10 Medium damage, 18-20x2 critical, does only slashing damage and costs 80gp

In the Ultimate Core Rulebook there is a non Exotic Weapon called the Nodachi with the following stats (Page 131)
1d10 Medium damage, 18-20x2 critical, does slashing or piercing damage and can be used to brace and cost 60 gp the only thing against it is that it weighs 1 lb. more than the Elven Curved Blade

A) I really think it should be designated as an exotic weapon
B) and possibly cost more than the Elven Curved blade?

I still think the nodachi is better. Brace on a non-spear is pretty solid. Sure it doesn't work against a charge lance, but lots of monsters charge, and having the option on your primary weapon is sweet.

Elven curve blade's Finesse part is nice, but it's not a build I normally would go for since I would have high STR anyways due to 2H and Power Attack.

All you need for the power attack bonus is 13 str (to qualify for power attack). Then you get the same benefit from power attacking as a character with a 26 strength. So yes your damage from strength is less, but that is certainly balanced out by the benefits of having a high dex (better AC, better reflex save, better initiative, bonus to more useful skills then str), and you still get teh 3-1 bonus from power attack.

You wont be doing as much damage as the high optimized guy, but if you are playing a light armored guy, it is a good way to go.


Kelvar Silvermace wrote:
Thanks! I figured it was something like that, but I'm at work and my books are at home!

Yeah, I can't keep a set at work either...

Liberty's Edge

Bwang wrote:
Kelvar Silvermace wrote:
Thanks! I figured it was something like that, but I'm at work and my books are at home!
Yeah, I can't keep a set at work either...

Pdfs ftw.

Liberty's Edge

clawoftiamat wrote:
The elven curve blade is also harder to sunder than the nodachi
(Because it's a heavy blade rather than a polearm.)
Quote:
and can be used with weapon finesse.

An ECB has a unique property: it's the only high-threat finessable weapon which can be used two-handed for maximum Power Attack damage. And it can take the Agile weapon enhancement despite it being a two-hander, meaning you only need as much strength as is necessary to carry it.

Which means: you can do a TON of damage without being built like Arnold Schwarzenegger.


Mike Schneider wrote:
clawoftiamat wrote:
The elven curve blade is also harder to sunder than the nodachi
(Because it's a heavy blade rather than a polearm.)
Quote:
and can be used with weapon finesse.

An ECB has a unique property: it's the only high-threat finessable weapon which can be used two-handed for maximum Power Attack damage. And it can take the Agile weapon enhancement despite it being a two-hander, meaning you only need as much strength as is necessary to carry it.

Which means: you can do a TON of damage without being built like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Slight correction: Power Attack requires 13 Strength


Don't think of the Nodachi as overpowered, think of the Falchion (and by extension most other martial weapons) as woefully under powered.


Haha yeah the falchion is abysmally bad.


Starbuck_II wrote:
Which is silly. Like a Oracle is someone who predicts the future... no they are someone cursed and cast divine spells in Pathfinder.

I would encourage you to type in Oracle to a search engine.


Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Pathfinder Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
Jiggy wrote:

If you have access to the messageboards, you have access to the Core Rulebook. And the APG. And UM/UC. And the GMG. And Bestiaries 1 and 2.

Pretty cool, no? :D

*Very* cool! Thanks, man! I had no idea. Something tells me productivity is going to go down for a couple of days...

:-)


Mike Schneider wrote:
Quote:
and can be used with weapon finesse.

An ECB has a unique property: it's the only high-threat finessable weapon which can be used two-handed for maximum Power Attack damage. And it can take the Agile weapon enhancement despite it being a two-hander, meaning you only need as much strength as is necessary to carry it.

Which means: you can do a TON of damage without being built like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Sorry to necro a thread a month and a half dead, but I do have a question about this:

Let's say you're packing an ECB with a Dex 18 and you receive the agile enhancement. Since it's not a light weapon, are you now applying a 1.5 Dex bonus (+6) instead of the standard 1.5 Str bonus for 2h? Or ... something else? I don't have the PFS Field Guide yet, so I'm not entirely sure how this works, but I am curious.

Thanks - and again, sorry for the necro.


Also useful is the Duelling enhancement which at 14000 gp is a nice boost for finesse weapons


ForgottenRider wrote:
Shivok wrote:
Its an eastern weapon so it is exotic to those not of the dragon kingdoms (ie Tian )
Where did you find that rule?

So, since this has already been necro'd, let me ask this:

Is this an actual rule or not? I also can't find any text that suggests it is exotic for non-Tianese (and if that's the case, it seems kind of weird and racist that they would have better gear just from being from a Japanese-analog), and I'd like to use a No-Dachi in an upcoming game--is it going to cost me a feat or not?

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Dave Leach wrote:

Sorry to necro a thread a month and a half dead, but I do have a question about this:

Let's say you're packing an ECB with a Dex 18 and you receive the agile enhancement. Since it's not a light weapon, are you now applying a 1.5 Dex bonus (+6) instead of the standard 1.5 Str bonus for 2h? Or ... something else? I don't have the PFS Field Guide yet, so I'm not entirely sure how this works, but I am curious.

Thanks - and again, sorry for the necro.

If memory serves (my PFS Field Guide is at home), the Agile weapon enhancement specifies that you don't get 1.5x for two-handed wielding. I'm like 91% certain. So an Agile ECB with 18 DEX would get 1d10+4 damage (well, plus an enhancement bonus because it has to be a +1 weapon before you can add Agile, but you know what I mean).

But Power Attack will still grant you the extra bonus associated with using a two-handed weapon.

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mplindustries wrote:
ForgottenRider wrote:
Shivok wrote:
Its an eastern weapon so it is exotic to those not of the dragon kingdoms (ie Tian )
Where did you find that rule?

So, since this has already been necro'd, let me ask this:

Is this an actual rule or not? I also can't find any text that suggests it is exotic for non-Tianese (and if that's the case, it seems kind of weird and racist that they would have better gear just from being from a Japanese-analog), and I'd like to use a No-Dachi in an upcoming game--is it going to cost me a feat or not?

This is not a rule; it is someone's in-universe attempt at justifying exotic-ness. :)

Simple, Martial, and Exotic weapons are as listed in their source material, unless your (non-PFS) GM decides to houserule otherwise to fit the campaign (which could be fun for an eastern-themed campaign).

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder PF Special Edition, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Starbuck_II wrote:


Which is silly. Like a Oracle is someone who predicts the future... no they are someone cursed and cast divine spells in Pathfinder.

Actually the classic definition of Oracle, such as the Oracle of Delphi is someone who receives messages from the gods.


Jiggy wrote:

If memory serves (my PFS Field Guide is at home), the Agile weapon enhancement specifies that you don't get 1.5x for two-handed wielding. I'm like 91% certain. So an Agile ECB with 18 DEX would get 1d10+4 damage (well, plus an enhancement bonus because it has to be a +1 weapon before you can add Agile, but you know what I mean).

But Power Attack will still grant you the extra bonus associated with using a two-handed weapon.

Thanks Jiggy. Not what I wanted to hear, but that's what I assumed.

Grand Lodge

1 person marked this as FAQ candidate.
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook Subscriber

Agile stillnseemsnworthnwhile,mifnyounare dumping or taking min Str for a Dex finesse build, a +1 item enhancement that gives acaling damage still seems worth while. By level 8 you probably have a +5-6, and by 12, with magic, probably a +7-8.

Given the crit range on ECB keen is another good option, or anything-burst

Shadow Lodge

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Eric The Pipe wrote:
Starbuck_II wrote:
Which is silly. Like a Oracle is someone who predicts the future... no they are someone cursed and cast divine spells in Pathfinder.
I would encourage you to type in Oracle to a search engine.

And I would like you to type in Cleric (or clerk), Fighter, Rogue, Monk, Paladin, Sorcerer (a little iffy on that one), Barbarian, Bard (again iffy), or Ranger into a search engine . . .

:)

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