Has anyone heard of this monstrosity? Apparently there is an errata on it for Races of Stone, but I am beginning to wonder. You see, it has a damage, vs med. of 2d6, with this threat range: 18-20/x4. Of course it recquires an exotic weapon feat, but it seems way out of balance.
The leader of the Jun Horde in Beastmaster wielded a four-bladed axe. Remember? ;-)
Thats basically what a lot of maces look like.
I don;t think it seems that out of balance - for a weapon that requires an Exotic Weapon Proficiency, maybe thte crit multiplier - but that said it probably should have a minimum strength requirement as well.
No way is that threat range/ damage multiplier correct, even for an exotic weapon. I an thinking it is a typo. Or at least I am hoping.
I wouldn't be surprised if they really did intend it that way. I say make it 19-20/x3, still exotic of course.
Has anyone heard of this monstrosity? Apparently there is an errata on it for Races of Stone, but I am beginning to wonder. You see, it has a damage, vs med. of 2d6, with this threat range: 18-20/x4. Of course it recquires an exotic weapon feat, but it seems way out of balance.
In my opinion, it's the shape of the weapon that determines the critical multiplier.
Small striking surface (club, sword - things that you hit with the tip, in general) = x2
Wide striking surface (axes) = x3
Pick-shaped striking surface = x4
Also, threat range seems dependant on curve, which keeps reverb down. I'm not sure how an axe could get the curve to have a 19-20, let alone an 18-20.
Base damage seems correct for a 2-handed weapon, especially an exotic one.
I'd use 2d6/19-20/x3, personally. Depending on what it looks like, it might also give a bonus to disarm (using a hook and twist method).
Also, threat range seems dependant on curve, which keeps reverb down. I'm not sure how an axe could get the curve to have a 19-20, let alone an 18-20.
My guess is that the threat range opens up for two reasons: First, because there's a lot of weight in the business end (like a kukri or falchion, both 18-20 machete-like weapons); and second, because there's a chance of hitting with two blades at once (bringing this axebeast down so one blade hits shoulder and the other hits head would be nasty indeed).
Although I really think the second reason is more likely to affect the multiplier...but, yes, I think 19/x3 would make the most sense for this thing (although I shudder to think of the feats and flags some of my players would apply to this thing).