John McDruid's page

So, no penalty if it is like a great club.

Cool, thanks!

John McDruid wrote:

Blakmane wrote:

Although bob bob bob is being snarky, he is 100% correct. If you want to use the chainsaw as per the book stats, you need to consume a charge per hour. If you are not, you cannot use the chainsaw as written at all. However, you can use anything as an improvised weapon, given the DM agrees and you take the -4 penalty (and do only the d6-d8 or so damage a large improvised weapon would do). Thus, this is your only option when the chainsaw is 'off'.

How did you come up with 1d6-1d8?

Improvised Weapons

Sometimes objects not crafted to be weapons nonetheless see use in combat. Because such objects are not designed for this use, any creature that uses an improvised weapon in combat is considered to be nonproficient with it and takes a –4 penalty on attack rolls made with that object. To determine the size category and appropriate damage for an improvised weapon, compare its relative size and damage potential to the weapon list to find a reasonable match. An improvised weapon scores a threat on a natural roll of 20 and deals double damage on a critical hit. An improvised thrown weapon has a range increment of 10 feet.

There is the rub. Why can't it be compared to a great sword or bastard sword?

Although bob bob bob is being snarky, he is 100% correct. If you want to use the chainsaw as per the book stats, you need to consume a charge per hour. If you are not, you cannot use the chainsaw as written at all. However, you can use anything as an improvised weapon, given the DM agrees and you take the -4 penalty (and do only the d6-d8 or so damage a large improvised weapon would do). Thus, this is your only option when the chainsaw is 'off'.

How did you come up with 1d6-1d8?

Please tell me what damage a chainsaw used as an improvised weapon does. Page numbers, quote, whatever you have handy.

This is why I'm asking the community for some advice. So far ou haven't given anything constructive. ;-)

The fact that it's an exotic weapon doesn't mean exotic weapon proficiency prevents you from taking penalties for using it as an improvised weapon.

Maybe I should have been clearer. It isn't an improvised weapon if the engine doesn't work. It is still a weapon that is still wielded like a sword to hit (but now the damage is bludgeoning). It is not like that chair you just picked up to hit the orc.

if you're not using a charge it's not a weapon.

Sure it is. It doesn't stop being a weapon.

Did you have anything useful to contribute to this discussion? You could try reading to OP to figure out what it's actually about.

lol!

I was reading about the chainsaw and I have a question.

If I do not use a charge, how much damage does it do? I'm thinking improvised weapon. Maybe 1d6 or 2d6 like a great sword? And the damage should be bludgeoning. Crit on 20?

Should I get the -4 penalty to attack for using it as an improvised weapon? I have the exotic feat to wield the thing and the technique doesn't change much. I do not think I should get the penalty even if it is not supposed to be used like that. The lower damage and crit should be enough.

Suggestions?