| A.J.Gibson |
Well, I'm still new all this, but I'd like to express a few thoughts:
First, I'd like to see the ambidexterity penalty removed. Instead, let untrained characters carry a second weapon, they just don't get any extra attacks. Instead, they can switch weapons from attack to attack. There really isn't much advantage to do this, so I don't see why it shouldn't be allowed.
Second, I'd like to see some consideration given to characters who wield two small weapons - like Raphael from TMNT or that little guy from Conan. The -2 or -4 penalty can be changed to -2 per medium weapon, so a character with 2 small weapons has no penalty. Later, instead of feats removing these penalties, they can simply give a hit bonus equal to the penalty they would have removed.
Third, I think maybe an off-hand weapon ability should not give you an extra attack, but instead a second chance - if you miss with your first weapon, you get a free shot with your second at the same bonus. The result is that two weapon fighting is more likely to hit, but can not do more damage per attack then two-handed weapon fighting. Just a thought.
So here's how I'd do it:
Untrained: characters can fight with two weapons, but only can use one on each attack.
Two-Weapon Fighting: characters take a penalty of -2 for each medium weapon being carried, but get a 'second chance' once per round to make a free attack with their second weapon when they're primary weapon has missed. In addition, they get an extra AoO (are those still around?) Character's may switch weapons from attack to attack.
Improved Two-Weapon Fighting: characters may make a free second attack with their secondary weapon any time they miss with their primary weapon.
Two-Weapon Mastery: characters gain +2 to hit when wielding two weapons, and maybe an AC bonus or a small damage bonus (since at this point in the game they're hitting most of the time anyways).
Of course, I have no idea how this would screw up the balance of the game.