Comparing Weapons

[Expostfacto]

Hey just debating through two weapons and trying to find the "better" one.

So I'm debating between Battle axe and Scimitar.

I know that a battle axe and long sword are the same but I'm wondering if the extra 5% crit chance makes scimitar better. It would certainly crit more often.

At the moment the battle axe is coming in way ahead a whole 0.925 is my math right?

[blackbloodtroll]

This, also depends on the build.

[Expostfacto]

Well right now since I have no focus on criticals and am just twf with a shield(paladin) I don't think my mainhand weapon choice makes any difference at the moment I was mostly just comparing to see.

[rangerjeff]

Well, they're all slashing. BA 1d8 x3, Scimitar 1d6 18-20... so I guess looking at a reasonable 12+ hits, for battle axe your average damage will be (4.5 x 8 + 4.5 x 2 x .4 (to confirm))/20 = 39.6/20

Scimitar, (3.5 x 8 + 3.5 x 3 x .4)/20 = 32.2/20

so yeah, Battle Axe in this case (12+ hits) will do 7.4/20= .36 more dpr than a scimitar. Now, in the situation that only 18+ hits, the scimitar may do more damage. In other words, are you building a full BAB melee specialist? If so, Battle Axe. If not, maybe Scimitar (thought I didn't do the math on that.. but it will be closer.)

Hmm... this isn't adding in bonus damage. If you're at like +10 from +2 weapon, +4 power attack, +4 strength, then:

Battle axe = (14.5*8 + 14.5*2*.4)/20 = 6.38 DPR
Scimitar = (13.5*8 + 13.5*3*.4)/20 = 6.21 DPR

So, BA still better, but again closer, so again, even more so, if you're not full BAB, maybe Scimitar if you also have a lot of bonus damage

[blackbloodtroll]

Do you have the Improved Shield Bash feat?

[Expostfacto]

Ok Current Build

STR 18
DEX 15
CON 11
INT 8
WIS 8
CHA 16

Feats:
Two Weapon Fighting
Improved Shield Bash
Double Slice
Greater Mercy

I'm thinking I'll get Bashing added to my shield as well so it will then do 1d8 damage instead of 1d4

[Byrdology]

What kind of shield do you use?

[blackbloodtroll]

Just wield that heavy shield with two-hands for x1.5 strength to damage.

Maybe add some Armor Spikes in there.

Even when two-weapon fighting, you will get more out of Power Attack, which I suggest you get next.

[Expostfacto]

@Byrd
Light Spiked Shield

@bbt
Eh with an archer fighter, a magus and an alchemist I don't really need to focus on damage terribly hard, even though I'm up there in melee strength.

[blackbloodtroll]

The ability to quickly gain a free hand is helpful.

Nab yourself a Concentrated Mithral Heavy Shield.

Slap some Adamantine Armor Spikes on your armor, and embrace the Holy Juggernaut you are.

[mplindustries]

The Battleaxe is better until you deal about +20 bonus damage, because then the extra 5% crit rate will equal out with the extra point of average damage the Battleaxe deals.

[blackbloodtroll]

Still, one-handing the Battleaxe will not out-damage two-handing the Heavy Shield.

[Expostfacto]

Also double checking a light spiked shield does bump to d8 if bashing is added to it, right?

[blackbloodtroll]

Bashing does nothing for Shield Spikes.

[Byrdology]

Get a heavy mithril shield... Lightens the load.

[blackbloodtroll]

Byrdology wrote:

Get a heavy mithril shield... Lightens the load.

Also, counts as silver for the purposes of overcoming damage reduction.

[Expostfacto]

blackbloodtroll wrote:

Byrdology wrote:

Get a heavy mithril shield... Lightens the load.

Also, counts as silver for the purposes of overcoming damage reduction.

True but you can't lay on hands with a heavy shield. My DM would allow me to use a mithral as a light for that purpose but said so in that DM way of "eeeh sure but only because you asked". We optimize but we're not super cheesy.

[blackbloodtroll]

You can Lay on Hands if you are only carrying the Shield.

Free hand, then grip shield with two hands when attacking with it.

Think Captain America.

[Byrdology]

blackbloodtroll wrote:

You can Lay on Hands if you are only carrying the Shield.

Free hand, then grip shield with two hands when attacking with it.

Think Captain America.

Give us a 6 lvl sample if you will, please.