What's the Katana good for?


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What does this have to do with katanas


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Rynjin wrote:
What does this have to do with katanas

The fear the Russians had of mighty Japanese steel is why they invaded Germany instead of Japan.


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Rynjin wrote:
What does this have to do with katanas

See, my grampa told me once that when he was fightin to clear the Japanese off one of them islands his squad set up a machine gun emplacement. They laid down some suppressin fire, and not but ten seconds after they stopped firin, up comes this guy with a sword, and slices clean through the machine gun barrel.

A course they shot him dead, but my grampa was real impressed.


If anyone feel's like singing the praises of glorious nippon steel, here's a thread I made trying to make a strength based two katana wielding ninja.

Yes it's every bit as silly as it sounds


Rynjin wrote:
What does this have to do with katanas

The original topic's sort of done, so we've managed to trade the old topic for a better one?

I strongly recommend John Keegan's military histories.

The sheer scale of the fighting on the Nazi-Soviet front was staggering - there were numerous battles fought that were functionally wars in of themselves.

@ Athaleon - IIRC, Stalin publicly acknowledged that the sheer volume of war materials the Soviets got from the U.S. played a significant part in the Soviet Union's victory. (Though he probably stated it much more succinctly).

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Hell, SPAM played a monstrous role in helping the Soviet Union. Canned meat from the US was a huge lifesaver in those days...basically a luxury item.

It's still thought of well over there.

==Aelryinth


For whatever its worth here are the stats of the appropriate weapons:
http://fieldofbattlecards.com/dmg_calc/?n=Scimitar&b=6&h=6&ia=6 ,1&a=fa&d=1d6+7&ed=&c=18&m=2&ch=0&cd=&cr=cr &ac=6&n1=Katana&b1=6&h1=6&ia1=6,1&a1=fa&d1=1d8+ 7&ed1=&c1=18&m1=2&ch1=0&cd1=&cr1=cr&ac1=6&n 2=Longsword&b2=6&h2=6&ia2=6,1&a2=fa&d2=1d8+7&ed2=&a mp;&c2=19&m2=2&ch2=0&cd2=&cr2=cr&ac2=6

And here they are keen:
http://fieldofbattlecards.com/dmg_calc/?n=Scimitar&b=6&h=6&ia=6 ,1&a=fa&d=1d6+7&ed=&c=15&m=2&ch=0&cd=&cr=cr &ac=6&n1=Katana&b1=6&h1=6&ia1=6,1&a1=fa&d1=1d8+ 7&ed1=&c1=15&m1=2&ch1=0&cd1=&cr1=cr&ac1=6&n 2=Longsword&b2=6&h2=6&ia2=6,1&a2=fa&d2=1d8+7&ed2=&a mp;c2=17&m2=2&ch2=0&cd2=&cr2=cr&ac2=6

From a mechanics standpoint it doesn't look like it is worth a feat unless you plan on adding keen and then it marginal. Still worth it form an RP stand point though.

If you not talking a feat to wield it one handed its only slightly worse than a Falchion:
http://fieldofbattlecards.com/dmg_calc/index.html?n=Greatsword&b=6& h=4&ia=6,1&a=fa&d=2d6+15&ed=&c=19&m=2&ch=0& cd=&cr=cr&ac=6&n1=Greataxe&b1=6&h1=4&ia1=6,1&a1 =fa&d1=1d12+15&ed1=&c1=20&m1=3&ch1=0&cd1=&cr1=c r&ac1=6&n2=Falchion&b2=6&h2=4&ia2=6,1&a2=fa&d2= 2d4+15&ed2=&c2=18&m2=2&ch2=0&cd2=&cr2=cr&ac2=6& amp;&n3=Katana&b3=6&h3=4&ia3=6,1&a3=fa&d3=1d8+15&am p;ed3=&c3=18&m3=2&ch3=0&cd3=&cr3=cr&ac3=6

And even with keen none of the high critical weapons pull ahead of the great sword / great axe until your static damage bonuses get very high:
http://fieldofbattlecards.com/dmg_calc/index.html?n=Greatsword&b=6& h=4&ia=6,1&a=fa&d=2d6+15&ed=&c=19&m=2&ch=0& cd=&cr=cr&ac=6&n1=Greataxe&b1=6&h1=4&ia1=6,1&a1 =fa&d1=1d12+15&ed1=&c1=20&m1=3&ch1=0&cd1=&cr1=c r&ac1=6&n2=Falchion&b2=6&h2=4&ia2=6,1&a2=fa&d2= 2d4+15&ed2=&c2=18&m2=2&ch2=0&cd2=&cr2=cr&ac2=6& amp;&n3=Katana&b3=6&h3=4&ia3=6,1&a3=fa&d3=1d8+15&am p;ed3=&c3=18&m3=2&ch3=0&cd3=&cr3=cr&ac3=6


Aelryinth wrote:

Hell, SPAM played a monstrous role in helping the Soviet Union. Canned meat from the US was a huge lifesaver in those days...basically a luxury item.

It's still thought of well over there.

==Aelryinth

Yeah, the sheer amount of logistical aid the US provided the Soviets is staggering, but often gets overlooked by a lot of armchair generals who just focus on weapons production. Sure, the Soviets had factories in Siberia churning out bullets, guns, and tanks, but none of that would have mattered if not for stuff like the 400,000+ trucks and 2000 locomotives the US provided to actually get everything from the Siberian factories to the frontlines.

Plus, as you mentioned, an army fights on it's stomach. With most of the USSR's prime farmland either in German hands or being fought over (not to mention all the able-bodied males in the army) a lot of that food had to come from the US.

Grand Lodge

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Pathfinder PF Special Edition, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Aelryinth wrote:
This is why nobody fights an open war with the united states. We annihilated Iraq, which had the greatest tank army in the mIddle East. We totally destroyed their air power and naval power in addition. We are masters of fighting open warfare.

It's important to note that the bulk of the Iraqui army had pretty much surrendered us prior to the actual fightingm when we promised that we wouldn't turn them out on the street and keep them employed in a post-Saddam Iraq.

Much of what has happened since then, is the result of us breaking that promise and disbanding the Iraqi army right after our victory. The bulk of the post war enemies we are fighting today, can be traced to yet another one of our colossal mistakes.


Speaking of WW2, I had 2 different great uncles who served in the war, one my uncle Dayton, though he was a merchant marine and not a soldier served in the Atlantic. The other great uncle was a physician for the Japanese Army and was killed somewhere in the South Pacific.

What I find interesting is that my great grandfather (the father of the Japanese uncle who died in the S. Pacific) was an influencial physician whose family had acquired wealth before the war, and owned a lot of land. When the Japanese who served in China returned to Japan as "heroes", the Japanese government promised land grants, except the government had no land to give. So they approached my great grandfather (and people like him), and in exchange for keeping all five of his sons out of the war, confiscated much of his land for this purpose. So my Japanese male relatives were excempt from fighting even though Japan was extremely militaristic at the time - and you'd think they'd want all eligible males serving the military. My great uncle defied his father and served and died anyway.

So I've got WW2 connections on both sides of the war.


Pathfinder Lost Omens Subscriber

Katana's honestly should ignore an amount of hardness or DR, they were made in a way that makes them cut through things and slow down less quickly and thus keep moving further.

European and most swords have a concave edge, while katanas have a convex edge that pushes the material away. very good weapons.


Bandw2 wrote:

Katana's honestly should ignore an amount of hardness or DR, they were made in a way that makes them cut through things and slow down less quickly and thus keep moving further.

European and most swords have a concave edge, while katanas have a convex edge that pushes the material away. very good weapons.

Not sure if this is bait.

Sovereign Court

gamer-printer wrote:
So they approached my great grandfather (and people like him), and in exchange for keeping all five of his sons out of the war, confiscated much of his land for this purpose. So my Japanese male relatives were excempt from fighting even though Japan was extremely militaristic at the time - and you'd think they'd want all eligible males serving the military.

Historically - that's not an uncommon practice. Many countries allowed people to buy their way out of the draft through various methods in order to help pay for the war - and Japan was having trouble paying for their military.

Heck - the US allowed it during The Civil War - you could get someone else to take your place or pay $300 instead, (think approx. 8-15 grand, though with the standard of living so much lower - few would have that much to spare - much less on hand) though even at the time it was a bit controversial.

Admittedly - WWII Japan is the most recent instance of it that I can think of.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Athaleon wrote:
Bandw2 wrote:

Katana's honestly should ignore an amount of hardness or DR, they were made in a way that makes them cut through things and slow down less quickly and thus keep moving further.

European and most swords have a concave edge, while katanas have a convex edge that pushes the material away. very good weapons.

Not sure if this is bait.

IF he's serious, then it's downright hilarious.

"Can cut through tank" should be amended to the item description.

==Aelryinth

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Aelryinth wrote:
Athaleon wrote:
Bandw2 wrote:

Katana's honestly should ignore an amount of hardness or DR, they were made in a way that makes them cut through things and slow down less quickly and thus keep moving further.

European and most swords have a concave edge, while katanas have a convex edge that pushes the material away. very good weapons.

Not sure if this is bait.

IF he's serious, then it's downright hilarious. maybe he's mixing swords up with ice skates?

"Can cut through tank" should be amended to the item description.

==Aelryinth


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Aelryinth wrote:
Aelryinth wrote:
...

I too have hit reply instead of edit.


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Aelryinth wrote:
Athaleon wrote:
Bandw2 wrote:

Katana's honestly should ignore an amount of hardness or DR, they were made in a way that makes them cut through things and slow down less quickly and thus keep moving further.

European and most swords have a concave edge, while katanas have a convex edge that pushes the material away. very good weapons.

Not sure if this is bait.

IF he's serious, then it's downright hilarious.

"Can cut through tank" should be amended to the item description.

==Aelryinth

And then all the characters say 'what is a tank?'

Yes. I do believe this should be added into the system.


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There may not be a single tank in the whole world, but the MOMENT one shows up, I'm g$! d*@ned gonna be ready for it!

I sure hope this is a Reign of Winter campaign.

Sovereign Court

lemeres wrote:
Aelryinth wrote:
Athaleon wrote:
Bandw2 wrote:

Katana's honestly should ignore an amount of hardness or DR, they were made in a way that makes them cut through things and slow down less quickly and thus keep moving further.

European and most swords have a concave edge, while katanas have a convex edge that pushes the material away. very good weapons.

Not sure if this is bait.

IF he's serious, then it's downright hilarious.

"Can cut through tank" should be amended to the item description.

==Aelryinth

And then all the characters say 'what is a tank?'

It's what you store water in when you're in the desert... duh!

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

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Among other things, she is really good for taking care of any of your customer service needs.

Oops! Sorry... that's the answer to "What's Katina good for?"

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Oh, thought you were making a reference to Tetsuo from DC Comics. 'Taking care of your customer needs, one soul-trapping sword stroke at a time.'

==Aelryinth


TETSUOOOOOOOO

Isn't there also a DC character NAMED Katana as well?


She is a powerful waterbender and very emotionally mature, and is very...wait, nevermind.


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I always assumed the elven curved blade was a katana. With weapon finesse it at least behaves like one.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Rynjin wrote:

TETSUOOOOOOOO

Isn't there also a DC character NAMED Katana as well?

Her 'real name' is Tetsuo. Yes, hero name is Katana.

The way you drew that out probably means something, but I'm not sure what! :)

==Aelryinth


Aelryinth wrote:
Rynjin wrote:

TETSUOOOOOOOO

Isn't there also a DC character NAMED Katana as well?

Her 'real name' is Tetsuo. Yes, hero name is Katana.

The way you drew that out probably means something, but I'm not sure what! :)

==Aelryinth

KANEDAAA

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

HAH!

Tetsuo actually translates as 'stone-rose'. You have now been exposed to my highly limited knowledge of Japanese!

==Aelryinth


Bandw2 wrote:

Katana's honestly should ignore an amount of hardness or DR, they were made in a way that makes them cut through things and slow down less quickly and thus keep moving further.

European and most swords have a concave edge, while katanas have a convex edge that pushes the material away. very good weapons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FopyRHHlt3M

Liberty's Edge

Katanas honestly were not well-designed weapons, they have very ineffective hilts and poor reach for a two handed weapon. They also weren't all that effective as a piercing weapon, which was fine in feudal Japan against lamellar armour but will get you killed against someone wearing mail.


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PrinceRaven wrote:
Katanas honestly were not well-designed weapons, they have very ineffective hilts and poor reach for a two handed weapon. They also weren't all that effective as a piercing weapon, which was fine in feudal Japan against lamellar armour but will get you killed against someone wearing mail.

Are you sure?

Because obviously Katanas are so absolutely perfect, that they slash right through slash resistant armor.

I heard that Jesus himself was a Katana.


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Soilent wrote:
PrinceRaven wrote:
Katanas honestly were not well-designed weapons, they have very ineffective hilts and poor reach for a two handed weapon. They also weren't all that effective as a piercing weapon, which was fine in feudal Japan against lamellar armour but will get you killed against someone wearing mail.

Are you sure?

Because obviously Katanas are so absolutely perfect, that they slash right through slash resistant armor.

I heard that Jesus himself was a Katana.

I heard that pontius pilate had a BLACK katana. Which obviously means it was even better.

At least until Jesus released his fighting spirit after three days of training, and his katana turned GOLD.

Liberty's Edge

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On the plus side, they were really good at killing unarmoured peasents with makeshift weapons and poor training. And they looked cool at the samurai's hip while they used their superb mounted archery skills when they actually needed to fight in real battles.

RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32

Aelyrinth wrote:
Just like the other equatorial civilizations

??? I wouldn't say Japan was equatorial! :-)


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PrinceRaven wrote:
Katanas honestly were not well-designed weapons, they have very ineffective hilts and poor reach for a two handed weapon. They also weren't all that effective as a piercing weapon, which was fine in feudal Japan against lamellar armour but will get you killed against someone wearing mail.

I think the restrained peasant murdering is where the bonus to coup-de-graces comes from actually. That makes sense.

Also, relevant. Pathfinder is probably giving the Katana more credit than it deserves for the sake of fairness.

I didn't change the entire first line because the guy I quoted said the same thing I did earlier. Nope.


Zenogu wrote:
swoosh wrote:

As an exotic one handed you're basically spending a feat for the Deadly property and +1 crit range, which might be nice for a CdG focused build... but if you are building for CdGs wouldn't you be better off with a weapon with a better crit multiplier? The two features are asynergistic with each other anyways, since CdGs autocrit.

I've never seen anyone survive a Coup de Grace. Is that something people actually build for?

In our games over many many years, a Drow barbarian survived the coup de grace... once.


PrinceRaven wrote:
Katanas honestly were not well-designed weapons, they have very ineffective hilts and poor reach for a two handed weapon. They also weren't all that effective as a piercing weapon, which was fine in feudal Japan against lamellar armour but will get you killed against someone wearing mail.

Yes, katanas will always just be bastard swords for me. No I don't care for extra rules to make them cooler because there are fanboys about (I say that as a bit of a weeaboo, but not a katana fan). If I am feeling particularly nasty, they are bastard swords with less hardness.

For a long time the samurai used a better battlefield weapon than the katana, no I'm not talking about their bow, I'm talking about the naginata (better reach and momentum potential).

Swiss two-handed sabre, or Korean version of the same (better metal quality) for a more durable slicer, or Turkish kilij to do what the katana does better (and it's an even better cavalry sword to boot). Or Polish/Hungarian sabre to get the same cutting power one-handed and faster.

Liberty's Edge

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Between the kanabo, naginata, yuri and yumi bow the samurai had a variety of really good weapons they could use quite effectively on the battlefield.

Then they had the katana, which was basically there for the symbolism, duels and executing prisoners.

Personally, I think comparing them to bastard swords is an insult to bastard swords.

Scarab Sages

Kthulhu wrote:
Senko wrote:
I think I've actually seen a movie with that theme, very weird one distopic world with super samurai vs genetically engineered mutants (who deformed to use something as a weapon e.g. armour piercing pens) that ended with the main female lead becoming one and having a katana hand or something. Contained interspersed "adds" for various content including a seppuku kit (used by two teenage girls as it was the cool thing) and katanas.

Tokyo Gore Police. Brilliant movie. My personal favorite of Japan's over-the-top gore films. Highly recommended. It's on Hulu.

EDIT: I see someone else thought maybe Mutant Girls Squad. The description still sounds more like TGP to me, though. I don't think MGS had any seppuku kit adds. Ruka's hand was less a katana and more of a creepy monster head. With claws.

Yes that's the one Tokyo Gore Police.

On topic to be fair the katana isn't that much worse a weapon than the cavalry sabre if you really think about it.


Senko wrote:
Kthulhu wrote:
Senko wrote:
I think I've actually seen a movie with that theme, very weird one distopic world with super samurai vs genetically engineered mutants (who deformed to use something as a weapon e.g. armour piercing pens) that ended with the main female lead becoming one and having a katana hand or something. Contained interspersed "adds" for various content including a seppuku kit (used by two teenage girls as it was the cool thing) and katanas.

Tokyo Gore Police. Brilliant movie. My personal favorite of Japan's over-the-top gore films. Highly recommended. It's on Hulu.

EDIT: I see someone else thought maybe Mutant Girls Squad. The description still sounds more like TGP to me, though. I don't think MGS had any seppuku kit adds. Ruka's hand was less a katana and more of a creepy monster head. With claws.

Yes that's the one Tokyo Gore Police.

On topic to be fair the katana isn't that much worse a weapon than the cavalry sabre if you really think about it.

Some cavalry sabres are very nice and more durable than the katana.


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Some people seem to miss the point of the modeling of weapon in Pathfinder: it's to make possible some typical character, not to relfect reality. Does an archer can shoot 1 arrow per second at 35 feets in real life? No, but we had some archer in litterature that could do it (Legolas, I'm looking at you). Can you reload a crossbow/ a musket in a few seconds? No. Heck, can you fight with a double-flail? Lol no.

It's the same thing with the Katana: was it a great weapon? No. But a lot of character out there use it with style, be it Morpheus who cut a car in 2, Blade, Kill Bill or anything straight from Japan. In that case, the goal of the rule set for the Katana is not realism, but to reflect how it is use in media to let player do it. And in media, it's a type of bastard sword that can cut anything.


DM Under The Bridge wrote:
Senko wrote:
Kthulhu wrote:
Senko wrote:
I think I've actually seen a movie with that theme, very weird one distopic world with super samurai vs genetically engineered mutants (who deformed to use something as a weapon e.g. armour piercing pens) that ended with the main female lead becoming one and having a katana hand or something. Contained interspersed "adds" for various content including a seppuku kit (used by two teenage girls as it was the cool thing) and katanas.

Tokyo Gore Police. Brilliant movie. My personal favorite of Japan's over-the-top gore films. Highly recommended. It's on Hulu.

EDIT: I see someone else thought maybe Mutant Girls Squad. The description still sounds more like TGP to me, though. I don't think MGS had any seppuku kit adds. Ruka's hand was less a katana and more of a creepy monster head. With claws.

Yes that's the one Tokyo Gore Police.

On topic to be fair the katana isn't that much worse a weapon than the cavalry sabre if you really think about it.

Some cavalry sabres are very nice and more durable than the katana.

Well, the ''art'' of doing Katana stopped to develop in 1600, while the cavalry sabre was still in use in battle until the XX century.


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Saigo Takamori wrote:

Some people seem to miss the point of the modeling of weapon in Pathfinder: it's to make possible some typical character, not to relfect reality. Does an archer can shoot 1 arrow per second at 35 feets in real life? No, but we had some archer in litterature that could do it (Legolas, I'm looking at you). Can you reload a crossbow/ a musket in a few seconds? No. Heck, can you fight with a double-flail? Lol no.

It's the same thing with the Katana: was it a great weapon? No. But a lot of character out there use it with style, be it Morpheus who cut a car in 2, Blade, Kill Bill or anything straight from Japan. In that case, the goal of the rule set for the Katana is not realism, but to reflect how it is use in media to let player do it. And in media, it's a type of bastard sword that can cut anything.

Did you notice how none of those examples are from Pathfinder?


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Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Pathfinder Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber
Scythia wrote:
Rynjin wrote:
What does this have to do with katanas

See, my grampa told me once that when he was fightin to clear the Japanese off one of them islands his squad set up a machine gun emplacement. They laid down some suppressin fire, and not but ten seconds after they stopped firin, up comes this guy with a sword, and slices clean through the machine gun barrel.

A course they shot him dead, but my grampa was real impressed.

Nope...


Soilent wrote:
Saigo Takamori wrote:

Some people seem to miss the point of the modeling of weapon in Pathfinder: it's to make possible some typical character, not to relfect reality. Does an archer can shoot 1 arrow per second at 35 feets in real life? No, but we had some archer in litterature that could do it (Legolas, I'm looking at you). Can you reload a crossbow/ a musket in a few seconds? No. Heck, can you fight with a double-flail? Lol no.

It's the same thing with the Katana: was it a great weapon? No. But a lot of character out there use it with style, be it Morpheus who cut a car in 2, Blade, Kill Bill or anything straight from Japan. In that case, the goal of the rule set for the Katana is not realism, but to reflect how it is use in media to let player do it. And in media, it's a type of bastard sword that can cut anything.

Did you notice how none of those examples are from Pathfinder?

And your point is? I could say that the Dwarf from Pathfinder are, in fact, from Tolkien, that the Elf are also (with minor change) from Tolkien...

Edit: and don't forget: Pathfinder is a set of rule, Golarion is the setting. Pathfinder should not give you ''example'', it sould give you rule set to create character.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder PF Special Edition, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
PrinceRaven wrote:
Katanas honestly were not well-designed weapons, they have very ineffective hilts and poor reach for a two handed weapon.

In the game they are designated an exotic one-handed weapon, and they work just fine.


Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Pathfinder Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber
Bandw2 wrote:

Katana's honestly should ignore an amount of hardness or DR, they were made in a way that makes them cut through things and slow down less quickly and thus keep moving further.

European and most swords have a concave edge, while katanas have a convex edge that pushes the material away. very good weapons.

The curved edge of a katana is good for draw cuts (to cause more bleeding), not chopping through metal armor; against lightly armored (padded cloth, if anything) conscript troops, it was a lot more effective. Unlike some other curved swords, the katana does not act to concentrate the force of the blow to any large degree over a straight-edged sword; the curve is too gradual for that and the balance isn't far enough forward (to add momentum to the swing).


Dragonchess Player wrote:
Bandw2 wrote:

Katana's honestly should ignore an amount of hardness or DR, they were made in a way that makes them cut through things and slow down less quickly and thus keep moving further.

European and most swords have a concave edge, while katanas have a convex edge that pushes the material away. very good weapons.

The curved edge of a katana is good for draw cuts (to cause more bleeding), not chopping through metal armor; against lightly armored (padded cloth, if anything) conscript troops, it was a lot more effective. Unlike some other curved swords, the katana does not act to concentrate the force of the blow to any large degree over a straight-edged sword; the curve is too gradual for that and the balance isn't far enough forward (to add momentum to the swing).

True, but, again, it's in real life. In fantasy/ litterature/ popular culture, it's not the case.


Saigo Takamori wrote:
Dragonchess Player wrote:
Bandw2 wrote:

Katana's honestly should ignore an amount of hardness or DR, they were made in a way that makes them cut through things and slow down less quickly and thus keep moving further.

European and most swords have a concave edge, while katanas have a convex edge that pushes the material away. very good weapons.

The curved edge of a katana is good for draw cuts (to cause more bleeding), not chopping through metal armor; against lightly armored (padded cloth, if anything) conscript troops, it was a lot more effective. Unlike some other curved swords, the katana does not act to concentrate the force of the blow to any large degree over a straight-edged sword; the curve is too gradual for that and the balance isn't far enough forward (to add momentum to the swing).
True, but, again, it's in real life. In fantasy/ litterature/ popular culture, it's not the case.

Then change that for your own magical realm.

The katana does not need to be some magical adamantine weapon, from level 1.

Grand Lodge

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PrinceRaven wrote:

Between the kanabo, naginata, yuri and yumi bow the samurai had a variety of really good weapons they could use quite effectively on the battlefield.

Then they had the katana, which was basically there for the symbolism, duels and executing prisoners.

Personally, I think comparing them to bastard swords is an insult to bastard swords.

Things I have learned from this thread:

1. My hatred of katanas is completely justified, but there are way cooler Japanese weapons that sadly are not getting their due.

2. Do NOT Google a "yuri" bow at work with the safe search off.


Soilent wrote:
Saigo Takamori wrote:
Dragonchess Player wrote:
Bandw2 wrote:

Katana's honestly should ignore an amount of hardness or DR, they were made in a way that makes them cut through things and slow down less quickly and thus keep moving further.

European and most swords have a concave edge, while katanas have a convex edge that pushes the material away. very good weapons.

The curved edge of a katana is good for draw cuts (to cause more bleeding), not chopping through metal armor; against lightly armored (padded cloth, if anything) conscript troops, it was a lot more effective. Unlike some other curved swords, the katana does not act to concentrate the force of the blow to any large degree over a straight-edged sword; the curve is too gradual for that and the balance isn't far enough forward (to add momentum to the swing).
True, but, again, it's in real life. In fantasy/ litterature/ popular culture, it's not the case.

Then change that for your own magical realm.

The katana does not need to be some magical adamantine weapon, from level 1.

I would change it if I was angry about the actual rule for the Katana, but I'm not. True, I make it easier to get dex to damage for a lot of weapon, including the Katana, but it's all. I'm quite happy with the actual rules.

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