I'm thinking of making a Half-Orc Inquisitor and I am trying to decide which weapon to give him. Thematically and mechanically I've narrowed it down to two weapons, the Greataxe or the Heavy Flail and I am wondering which would be the better choice? On the one hand the Greataxe does better damage, but the Flail has other properties and a better chance to crit. Help me decide.
ps. I appreciate that there are other options, but I really do want to choose between these two so "Use a Falchion instead" replies will not be helpful.
Jager Cull wrote: I'm thinking of making a Half-Orc Inquisitor and I am trying to decide which weapon to give him. Thematically and mechanically I've narrowed it down to two weapons, the Greataxe or the Heavy Flail and I am wondering which would be the better choice? On the one hand the Greataxe does better damage, but the Flail has other properties and a better chance to crit. Help me decide.
ps. I appreciate that there are other options, but I really do want to choose between these two so "Use a Falchion instead" replies will not be helpful.
Are you going to be taking improved critical/trip/disarm? If so take the flail. If not the greataxe.
I'm a big fan of the heavy flail. I just think its more stylish.
Jager Cull wrote: I'm thinking of making a Half-Orc Inquisitor and I am trying to decide which weapon to give him. Thematically and mechanically I've narrowed it down to two weapons, the Greataxe or the Heavy Flail and I am wondering which would be the better choice? On the one hand the Greataxe does better damage, but the Flail has other properties and a better chance to crit. Help me decide. I don't think the "better damage" of the Greataxe is honestly worth more than the crit range and special properties of the Heavy Flail. I also don't think that the damage dice will matter too much overall compared to everything else that comes into play, unless you plan on having a constantly huge character (not just a large character).
Axes are SO overused. The flail has a lot more options that make it a better choice if you're willing to invest in it.
Cathedron wrote: Axes are SO overused. The flail has a lot more options that make it a better choice if you're willing to invest in it. +1. The flail has more of a "I'm gonna punish you" vibe. Whether or not you choose feats for it, the higher crit range makes up for the 1 point less damage (more or less). Style points go to the inquisitor with a flail.
Personally love the Falchion for most Half-Orcs, something about a heavy blade like that really does it for me, but I get that after a while you just want to throw the whole damn thing down a deep, dark hole and bury it.
Ah, can we ask what sort of God/Belief the Inquisitor has? If a Chaotic bent, I could see the Great-Axe, being the 'traditional' weapon of barbarian tribes and a symbol of both war and strength, would be a good choice.
Not only does the weapon grant formidable combat potential and the second-best 'normal' damage outside of the almighty Greatsword without the need for the Exotic Weapon Feat, but it also can have many uses outside of combat, such as cutting wood for the camp-fire, chopping up game-animals for food, even a walking staff if your weapon has a decent length haft, although for a particularly tall Half-Orc this might be stretching the weapon's physical stats a bit too far towards the 'Game Fantasy' level for your tastes.
For Lawful bents, I'd actually suggest the Flail, Light or Heavy, as the weapon was originally derived from a tool for threshing grain, I believe. Not only is it a weapon has a variety of uses in combat, but the very concept of the weapon, the actual damaging part of the weapon is the mace-like head, which can be swung around defences, as well as smashing through them like a Greataxe.
Again, symbolic of the Inquisitor's many and varied methods of pursuing the agenda of the day. Furthermore, the Flails are often maligned by players who can't see the uses of the weapon outside of full-attacks. Wrap the chain around a rope and use it to slide down, brace the sturdy haft of the weapon against the door as a makeshift prop to help hold it in place while the Sorcerer prepares a mass teleport spell to get you all the hell out of dodge, a make-shift garrot, wrap the chain around the sentry's neck to stop them from crying out, etc etc.
From a more mechanical side (And I'll probably be drowned in Fire for this ...) A Keen Greataxe has the same crit rate as a Flail, but a Flail can spend that additional enhancement point on other areas. Both weapon have wooden sections that can turn around and bite you on the ass if the GM feels like it (Druids, we're looking at you, dammit!).
For a Greataxe, I would actually go for the Keen and, depending upon your God's/Belief's direction, bane qualities and Holy or Unholy. For the Flail, I would actually go for an Elemental Enhancement and, if you can spare the gold, the Brilliant Energy enhancement.
HalfOrcHeavyMetal wrote: Personally love the Falchion for most Half-Orcs, something about a heavy blade like that really does it for me, but I get that after a while you just want to throw the whole damn thing down a deep, dark hole and bury it.
Ah, can we ask what sort of God/Belief the Inquisitor has? If a Chaotic bent, I could see the Great-Axe, being the 'traditional' weapon of barbarian tribes and a symbol of both war and strength, would be a good choice.
Not only does the weapon grant formidable combat potential and the second-best 'normal' damage outside of the almighty Greatsword without the need for the Exotic Weapon Feat, but it also can have many uses outside of combat, such as cutting wood for the camp-fire, chopping up game-animals for food, even a walking staff if your weapon has a decent length haft, although for a particularly tall Half-Orc this might be stretching the weapon's physical stats a bit too far towards the 'Game Fantasy' level for your tastes.
For Lawful bents, I'd actually suggest the Flail, Light or Heavy, as the weapon was originally derived from a tool for threshing grain, I believe. Not only is it a weapon has a variety of uses in combat, but the very concept of the weapon, the actual damaging part of the weapon is the mace-like head, which can be swung around defences, as well as smashing through them like a Greataxe.
Again, symbolic of the Inquisitor's many and varied methods of pursuing the agenda of the day. Furthermore, the Flails are often maligned by players who can't see the uses of the weapon outside of full-attacks. Wrap the chain around a rope and use it to slide down, brace the sturdy haft of the weapon against the door as a makeshift prop to help hold it in place while the Sorcerer prepares a mass teleport spell to get you all the hell out of dodge, a make-shift garrot, wrap the chain around the sentry's neck to stop them from crying out, etc etc.
From a more mechanical side (And I'll probably be drowned in Fire for this ...) A Keen Greataxe has the same crit rate as a Flail,...
I actually haven't chosen a diety yet, but I am leaning towards a more chaotic bent. I appreciate everyone's reply. I think the Heavy Flail is going to work best for what I want to do. Thanks to everyone!
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