Improvised Weapons + Catch-off-guard


Pathfinder First Edition General Discussion


Pathfinder PF Special Edition Subscriber

With the addition of the Catch-off-guard feat with the Pathfinder RPG, we have a bunch of new options for characters. Improvised weapons are everywhere. Several such weapons are listed right in the equipment list. That being said - you've all seen comics, cartoons, anime, video games, etc... with a character that uses a large wrench or other tool or some odd object as their weapon of choice. I myself have been highly tempted to explore these options for characters who specialize in a improvised weapon as their weapon of choose. The rogue who totes around a crowbar for example.

Though this brings to mind a question...

If you wonderful members of the boards were to create a character that used Catch-off-guard and improvised weapons as your main attack option, what would your choice of class and weapon be?


Lokie wrote:

With the addition of the Catch-off-guard feat with the Pathfinder RPG, we have a bunch of new options for characters. Improvised weapons are everywhere. Several such weapons are listed right in the equipment list. That being said - you've all seen comics, cartoons, anime, video games, etc... with a character that uses a large wrench or other tool or some odd object as their weapon of choice. I myself have been highly tempted to explore these options for characters who specialize in a improvised weapon as their weapon of choose. The rogue who totes around a crowbar for example.

Though this brings to mind a question...

If you wonderful members of the boards were to create a character that used Catch-off-guard and improvised weapons as your main attack option, what would your choice of class and weapon be?

Spoooooon!


Lokie wrote:

With the addition of the Catch-off-guard feat with the Pathfinder RPG, we have a bunch of new options for characters. Improvised weapons are everywhere. Several such weapons are listed right in the equipment list. That being said - you've all seen comics, cartoons, anime, video games, etc... with a character that uses a large wrench or other tool or some odd object as their weapon of choice. I myself have been highly tempted to explore these options for characters who specialize in a improvised weapon as their weapon of choose. The rogue who totes around a crowbar for example.

Though this brings to mind a question...

If you wonderful members of the boards were to create a character that used Catch-off-guard and improvised weapons as your main attack option, what would your choice of class and weapon be?

I've seriously been thinking about this.

Gnome commoner
throw anything
Needs at least 12 int.
skills are perception, stealth, and craft alchemy :)
Eventually get improvised weapons master and make those bad boys 19/20 crit touch attacks for 1d6 fire/acid.. if he lives that long

On a less underpowered note a character the Rock played in walking tall would be a good example of catch off guard, power attack, and some combat manuever trees.


Pathfinder PF Special Edition Subscriber
ZappoHisbane wrote:
Lokie wrote:

With the addition of the Catch-off-guard feat with the Pathfinder RPG, we have a bunch of new options for characters. Improvised weapons are everywhere. Several such weapons are listed right in the equipment list. That being said - you've all seen comics, cartoons, anime, video games, etc... with a character that uses a large wrench or other tool or some odd object as their weapon of choice. I myself have been highly tempted to explore these options for characters who specialize in a improvised weapon as their weapon of choose. The rogue who totes around a crowbar for example.

Though this brings to mind a question...

If you wonderful members of the boards were to create a character that used Catch-off-guard and improvised weapons as your main attack option, what would your choice of class and weapon be?

Spoooooon!

"Not the face! Not the face!"


Pathfinder PF Special Edition Subscriber
grasshopper_ea wrote:
Lokie wrote:

With the addition of the Catch-off-guard feat with the Pathfinder RPG, we have a bunch of new options for characters. Improvised weapons are everywhere. Several such weapons are listed right in the equipment list. That being said - you've all seen comics, cartoons, anime, video games, etc... with a character that uses a large wrench or other tool or some odd object as their weapon of choice. I myself have been highly tempted to explore these options for characters who specialize in a improvised weapon as their weapon of choose. The rogue who totes around a crowbar for example.

Though this brings to mind a question...

If you wonderful members of the boards were to create a character that used Catch-off-guard and improvised weapons as your main attack option, what would your choice of class and weapon be?

I've seriously been thinking about this.

Gnome commoner
throw anything
Needs at least 12 int.
skills are perception, stealth, and craft alchemy :)
Eventually get improvised weapons master and make those bad boys 19/20 crit touch attacks for 1d6 fire/acid.. if he lives that long

On a less underpowered note a character the Rock played in walking tall would be a good example of catch off guard, power attack, and some combat manuever trees.

Hmm... acid and fire flasks. If you are just treating them as "objects" wouldn't the flasks also deal at least 1 point of damage for their size?

Would you be able to add strength modifiers or would they be too light?


Pathfinder PF Special Edition Subscriber

If you focused a fighter character around the use of improvised weapons, I wonder if most DM's would allow a "Improvised Weapons" group for the fighters Weapon Training. (I know I would.) If we were to create a Improvised Weapons group, should it just say "Improvised Weapons" or should there be a list?

Improvised Weapons - For example - Crowbar, Hammer, Shovel, Torch, and Miner's Pick. (DM's should allow additional weapons for this group on the fly.

As I type this, it occurs to me we have a prime example of this put into play in the Chronicles of Riddick movies, where in one scene Riddick kills a guard with his tea cup. A good example of Catch-off-guard and Improvised Weapons Mastery.

IMHO Riddick fights too well to be a straight rogue-type, and were we to think of him as a multi-class fighter/rogue or fighter with maxed ranks in stealth it seems to fit him. Because of his eyes and ferocity, you could even consider him a Half-orc with the feat from the Pathfinders Campaign setting book that makes him look human. Yes, I think a human looking half-orc works well for a furian. Matter of fact, if you take away the weapons familiarity, and just give them Veiled Vileness as a bonus feat it'd work perfectly as a "sub-set" of half-orc.


Lokie wrote:
grasshopper_ea wrote:
Lokie wrote:

With the addition of the Catch-off-guard feat with the Pathfinder RPG, we have a bunch of new options for characters. Improvised weapons are everywhere. Several such weapons are listed right in the equipment list. That being said - you've all seen comics, cartoons, anime, video games, etc... with a character that uses a large wrench or other tool or some odd object as their weapon of choice. I myself have been highly tempted to explore these options for characters who specialize in a improvised weapon as their weapon of choose. The rogue who totes around a crowbar for example.

Though this brings to mind a question...

If you wonderful members of the boards were to create a character that used Catch-off-guard and improvised weapons as your main attack option, what would your choice of class and weapon be?

I've seriously been thinking about this.

Gnome commoner
throw anything
Needs at least 12 int.
skills are perception, stealth, and craft alchemy :)
Eventually get improvised weapons master and make those bad boys 19/20 crit touch attacks for 1d6 fire/acid.. if he lives that long

On a less underpowered note a character the Rock played in walking tall would be a good example of catch off guard, power attack, and some combat manuever trees.

Hmm... acid and fire flasks. If you are just treating them as "objects" wouldn't the flasks also deal at least 1 point of damage for their size?

Would you be able to add strength modifiers or would they be too light?

I don't know, but if it gets ruled that you do 1 damage with 19-20 crit plus the acid/fire he's still coming out ahead of just acid and fire and is a really buff commoner.. for a commoner :) God forbid he ever gets the idea to throw something sharp

Silver Crusade

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Jan Itor. Carries a broom, a dustpan and a mop and bucket.


Lokie wrote:

With the addition of the Catch-off-guard feat with the Pathfinder RPG, we have a bunch of new options for characters. Improvised weapons are everywhere. Several such weapons are listed right in the equipment list. That being said - you've all seen comics, cartoons, anime, video games, etc... with a character that uses a large wrench or other tool or some odd object as their weapon of choice. I myself have been highly tempted to explore these options for characters who specialize in a improvised weapon as their weapon of choose. The rogue who totes around a crowbar for example.

Though this brings to mind a question...

If you wonderful members of the boards were to create a character that used Catch-off-guard and improvised weapons as your main attack option, what would your choice of class and weapon be?

Perfect for a bard. Grab arcane strike and now ANYTHING you grab does decent damage and is magical !!

The Exchange

If you are using WotC splat books take a monk and give him the feat that allows him to use his flurry with a specific weapon and choose Improvised weapons, then you can name him Jackie Chan.


Pathfinder PF Special Edition Subscriber
Crimson Jester wrote:
If you are using WotC splat books take a monk and give him the feat that allows him to use his flurry with a specific weapon and choose Improvised weapons, then you can name him Jackie Chan.

Speaking of Jackie Chan... in the case of large objects used as improvised weapons, like folding ladders or tables... should they provide a shield or cover bonus to AC?


Lokie wrote:
Crimson Jester wrote:
If you are using WotC splat books take a monk and give him the feat that allows him to use his flurry with a specific weapon and choose Improvised weapons, then you can name him Jackie Chan.
Speaking of Jackie Chan... in the case of large objects used as improvised weapons, like folding ladders or tables... should they provide a shield or cover bonus to AC?

Complete Warrior had rules for tables as improvised weapons.


So if just about anything can be used as improvised weapons as long as you possess the applicable feat(s), how would you even go about determining on the fly the damage that the item does in the first place? Is there a list or does the DM just make things on the fly by fiat?


Urizen wrote:
So if just about anything can be used as improvised weapons as long as you possess the applicable feat(s), how would you even go about determining on the fly the damage that the item does in the first place? Is there a list or does the DM just make things on the fly by fiat?

You compare it to a weapon it most resembles. A lead pipe would be most like a club so you would use club damage. Reaaly weird items like boulders you go by weight.


grasshopper_ea wrote:
You compare it to a weapon it most resembles. A lead pipe would be most like a club so you would use club damage. Reaaly weird items like boulders you go by weight.

I guess I should have stressed more unique items. Let's say that the PC grabs one of the cards laid out on the table from a Harrow Deck and decides to use that?

Hey! It could happen. ;)


Urizen wrote:
grasshopper_ea wrote:
You compare it to a weapon it most resembles. A lead pipe would be most like a club so you would use club damage. Reaaly weird items like boulders you go by weight.

I guess I should have stressed more unique items. Let's say that the PC grabs one of the cards laid out on the table from a Harrow Deck and decides to use that?

Hey! It could happen. ;)

1 damage + str for a light weapon weighing less than 1 oz.

with improvised weapons mastery it will do 1d2 and have a 19-20/x2 crit range. Could be used to deliver deadly stroke against flatfooted opponents.

The Exchange

Urizen wrote:
grasshopper_ea wrote:
You compare it to a weapon it most resembles. A lead pipe would be most like a club so you would use club damage. Reaaly weird items like boulders you go by weight.

I guess I should have stressed more unique items. Let's say that the PC grabs one of the cards laid out on the table from a Harrow Deck and decides to use that?

Hey! It could happen. ;)

"Looks like it isn't in the cards for you...." Splortchhh!!!

"You drew the 'death by card' card." Shlinnnng!!


Fake Healer wrote:
Urizen wrote:
grasshopper_ea wrote:
You compare it to a weapon it most resembles. A lead pipe would be most like a club so you would use club damage. Reaaly weird items like boulders you go by weight.

I guess I should have stressed more unique items. Let's say that the PC grabs one of the cards laid out on the table from a Harrow Deck and decides to use that?

Hey! It could happen. ;)

"Looks like it isn't in the cards for you...." Splortchhh!!!

"You drew the 'death by card' card." Shlinnnng!!

Combine that with Arcane Strike, and learn a cajun accent...

Sczarni

Or sneack attack and get a bullseye on your forehead.


I built a fighter/rogue/dread commando around caught off guard, improvised weapon mastery, and improved disarm.

"Aww, sorry about that, did I knock your great sword across the room with that fork? Oops, now its in your eye'


Ideas I have/had:

Rogue with Catch off Guard that spends a lot of time in inns/bars/saloons. Fighting style is a lot like Mad Dog from Ong Bak. Carry a stein/mug everywhere you go...

Pipe smoker.

Shovel. Ties in well with a Priest/Necromancer. If possible get an old hockey goalie mask.

Quills, with or without poisonous ink.

Gambler with dice, cards, and coins.

RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16

Bard. Flute. (If you've never seen Circle of Iron, just watch the first six seconds of the trailer.)


Paladin, Sausage

Gate Keeper of Heck to Succubus, "How did you die on the material plane?"
Succubus mumbles, "A paladin beat me to death with his sausage."

Or a barbarian with the feats using the gnome paladin as an improvised weapon... "Preach no more!"


Abraham spalding wrote:

Paladin, Sausage

Gate Keeper of Heck to Succubus, "How did you die on the material plane?"
Succubus mumbles, "A paladin beat me to death with his sausage."

That would probably be the most unexpected use of Smite Evil ever. I can just see that discussion at the table. "I can use Smite Evil with any 'weapon' I want, right?" "Uh, well, the rules don't limit it as such, but..." "And I could use it with unarmed strike, right?" "Yeah, but, that's..." "My Paladin drops trou and takes her down."

You all know a gamer who would totally try that.


Abraham spalding wrote:

Gate Keeper of Heck to Succubus, "How did you die on the material plane?"

Succubus mumbles, "A paladin beat me to death with his sausage."

LOL!

-----------------
Drunken Master PrC(Complete Warrior) actually gets extra dice for using improvised weapons. Prerequisites require 2 levels of Monk though. (or 1 monk, 2 rogue)

I've been contemplating a Monk/Paladin based on becoming a Drunken Master. As for the constant drinking... Dwarven.

-----------------

Quote:
Rock, Walking Tall

I've always seen a two-by-four and a two-by-four with nails as something goblins would use for a club and a spiked club(morningstar now) respectively.


You could combine the 2 concepts(two-by-four and manhood) into a lumberjack character...
"I beat people with MY wood!"

Sovereign Court

Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber; Pathfinder Maps, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Maps, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber

Thrown broken glass = improvised shuriken? I've building a new monk with Throw Anything for his ranged attacks.


I had a Bard with catch off guard and arcane strike use his digeridoo as an improvised weapon.

He was the only bandit to actually touch the monk

Batts


Pathfinder PF Special Edition Subscriber

Arrows and Bolts can be used as improvised daggers with Catch-off-guard or with Throw Anything you could just skip the bow/crossbow. Arcane Strike could make them magical. Improvised Weapon Mastery would increase the damage to 1d6 and 19-20/x2. The "Durable Arrow" alchemical enhancement from Elves of Golarion would make the arrows/bolts reusable. As ammo they can be drawn as a free action.

You could walk in a tavern and surrender your crossbow and still be able to use the ammo.


Disenchanter wrote:

Ideas I have/had:

Rogue with Catch off Guard that spends a lot of time in inns/bars/saloons. Fighting style is a lot like Mad Dog from Ong Bak. Carry a stein/mug everywhere you go...

Pipe smoker.

Shovel. Ties in well with a Priest/Necromancer. If possible get an old hockey goalie mask.

Quills, with or without poisonous ink.

Gambler with dice, cards, and coins.

I like the quill idea . . . I think I will try some . . .


I have a paladin with catch off guard who uses a Sledgehammer as him main weapon. For 51 gold you get a master work weapon that you treat as an Earth breaker. Pair this with the surprise weapon bonus trait and you have a +3 Earth breaker at first level at next to nothing for cost.


You are responding to a 9 year old post. I'm not sure if the OP is likely to see your response.


Also.

A Sledgehammer should most likely use the damage dice of a Warhammer, not an Earth Breaker.

A masterworked Sledgehammer does not give you any bonus to attack, only a +2 bonus to craft/profession skills that require it.

So paired with the Surprise Weapon trait, you have a improvised weapon that is equivalent to a Warhammer (1d8 dmg), with a +2 to hit.

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