| Shadowhen |
Randomly stepped in here and realized your post was fairly recent.
- The penalty for it not being a thrown weapon does NOT apply, as the ability itself MAKES it a thrown weapon, essentially.
- It only takes a standard round because 1) It is not an improvised thrown weapon when using the ability(as above) and 2) The ability itself states that it is a standard action.
The better question is if the two-handed strength bonus of 1.5 applies, and the FAQ seems to imply that it only gets the strength mod bonus with the rules as written, but the spirit of the ability implies that it should .
I tend to agree that it should get the x1.5 bonus, as it is a limited use ability, and it is balanced out because you will be running into other issues if you're a caster wielding a two-handed weapon.
I've been researching this a bit lately since I recently made a half-orc cleric with a greataxe, and the above pretty much sums up what I've figured out. My GM is fine with the x1.5 strength to damage (especially considering they only have 14 strength), but I still need to check with what he thinks about the critical. Again, the FAQ said it is a rules as written vs. spirit of the ability.
I tend to think they should just be the threat range and multiplier of the weapon used, as weapons in and of themselves have mechanisms to keep themselves balanced through proficiency. I mean, really... what is more frightening? A club flying at you through the air, or a heavy pick?