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My group has had some confusion as to how the Fighter archetype Polearm Master works with his Pole Fighting ability. For reference, here's the ability.
Pole Fighting (ex): At 2nd level, as an immediate action, a polearm master can shorten the grip on his spear or polearm with reach and use it against adjacent targets. This action results in a -4 penalty on attack rolls with that weapon until he spends another immediate action to return to the normal grip. The penalty is reduced by -1 for ever four levels beyond 2nd. This ability replaces bravery.
Our group is divided into two camps on how this ability works in practice.
Interpretation #1: Polearm masters can change their threatened area from 10' reach to adjacent as an immediate action. Attacks made against adjacent enemies are made at a -4 penalty.
Interpretation #2: Polearm masters can change their threatened area from 10' reach to adjacent as an immediate action. The act of switching, in either direction, causes a -4 penalty until they spend another action to adjust his grip.
Which, if either, is the correct interpretation?
"spends another immediate action to return to the normal grip" seems to be the relevant text.
In other words the penalty goes away as soon as you return to "normal grip", i.e. 10' reach.
"spends another immediate action to return to the normal grip" seems to be the relevant text.
In other words the penalty goes away as soon as you return to "normal grip", i.e. 10' reach.
Exactly. You have a -4 penalty on attack roles UNTIL you spend an immediate action to return to normal grip.
Yup. The phrase "this action results in a -4 penalty" refers to the action "shorten the grip" mentioned in the preceding sentence. The ability provides a second action of returning to a normal grip. This action has the effect of removing the penalty.
Correct. When using the polearm normally (at reach) you take no penalty. When you are using the polearm abnormally (at adjacent targets), you take the penalty. To use the polearm abnormally, you must spend an immediate action. To stop using it abnormally, you have to spend another immediate action.
Correct. When using the polearm normally (at reach) you take no penalty. When you are using the polearm abnormally (at adjacent targets), you take the penalty. To use the polearm abnormally, you must spend an immediate action. To stop using it abnormally, you have to spend another immediate action.
Which also means you can't do both on your turn. You are free to use an immediate action when it isn't your turn, but it effectively uses up your immediate/swift action for your next turn. This could get tricky from time to time, and I think I'll stick with switch hitters (i.e. dropping my reach weapon and using quick draw to pull a normal one).
Is it me? This is completely off topic, but every time I see this thread title, I mentally fill in the word "Dancing" instead of "Fighting".
Probably just me.
Is it me? This is completely off topic, but every time I see this thread title, I mentally fill in the word "Dancing" instead of "Fighting".
Probably just me.
Not just you, not at all.
Which, if either, is the correct interpretation?
Technically, by RAW, I think neither of those interpretations are correct.
I know this is going to sound crazy, but the ability actually never mentions anything about losing the ability to attack at reach.
As written, there are essentially two "modes" involved and it takes an Immediate action to switch between them.
"Mode 1" is the normal, default grip. (Assuming you're medium size) Your weapon attacks 10' away, and can't attack adjacent spaces.
"Mode 2" is the shortened grip. In this mode, you take a -4 to all attacks and you gain the ability to attack adjacent foes. Again, it never says anything about losing the Reach ability, so you take a -4 to attack, but can attack adjacent or 10 feet away (again, assuming Medium size).
This actually creates a really weird hole for Large creatures. Normally, with a reach weapon, Large creatures can attack 15-20' away, but can't attack 5-10' away. With a shortened grip, a Large creature would be able to attack (at a -4 penalty, of course) 5', 15', or 20', but not 10' away. Bizarre.
That is, if you go by RAW, at least.
If you're talking RAI, though, well, then the answer is probably your #1. You can spend an immediate action to shorten your grip, which basically removes the Reach quality from your weapon. However, you have a -4 to all attacks. You can spend another immediate action to switch back to "normal mode" in which you take no penalties and attack at Reach again.
Pole Dancing does warrant it's own chain of feats all to itself.
I'm thinking one thing you do not want to run into is a kyton pole dancer.
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Is there any way to get this ability without this Fighter archetype? I want a inquisitor to have it.
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This should do the trick, and without the -4 to hit. pre-reqs are a bit brutal depending on the build though.
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Is there any way to get this ability without this Fighter archetype? I want a inquisitor to have it.
Not exacly the ability, but you can use a small weapons loophole to be able to threaten at reach and adjacent without a feat or special ability.
Assuming a Medium sized PC, buy a Small sized polearm.
Small polearm, wielded by a Medium PC, is a one-handed weapon with a -2 penalty to hit, but retains Reach. Add a Medium sized non-reach weapon (longsword, rapier, scimitar) and you now threaten at both 10' and adjacent without needing the Whip Mastery feats.