Rod of Absorption and its use by two-handed fighter


Rules Questions

Grand Lodge

Can a fighter who uses a two-handed weapon (THW)also use a rod of absorption? it would seem that this should not be allowed.

I can imagine the argument for it's use:

When the fighter isn't in combat, he can carry his THW in one hand and the rod in the other. In combat, when he isn't attacking, he can still keep the rod in the other hand, just like a fighter using a small buckler while using a THW

This seems like a play on the rules and I don't think I'd allow this....for the same reason I don't allow players to hold 4 reach weapons on them. It's just ridiculous.


Pathfinder Maps Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

If the PC can hold (but not wield) the 2-handed sword in one hand, he should have maximum leeway to use the other hand to draw a rod (or whatever he wants) and use it.

Or he could carry the sword in a sheath over his back. My problem with polearms is that a PC shouldn't be able to "sheath" it or carry it anywhere except in his hands. Or maybe a bag of holding...

Doesn't this sort of rod require an arcane user or UMD?


Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

How can the Fighter draw the rod and resheath it in between attacks? Unlike a buckler, you can't just strap it to the back of your arm, can you?


Xethik wrote:
How can the Fighter draw the rod and resheath it in between attacks? Unlike a buckler, you can't just strap it to the back of your arm, can you?

Weapon cord?


Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

Weapon cords have been nerfed. Besides, I thought a limit previous to the errata was that you could not use the hand with a cord dangling off to wield a weapon.


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Rods generally have to be held to be used, not strapped on an arm, not just hanging from a belt but held.

Weapon cord would, if allowed for a rod which is questionable, allow you to drop the rod, make an attack as a standard action, and recover the rod as a move action. You would not be wielding the sword though, and it wouldn't be available for attacks of opportunity etc.

Liberty's Edge

And you can't quickdraw a rod unless it is a weapon, and that require one of the magical rods that are weapons.

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