TWF question; single attack

[IQuarent]

This is a pretty simple question.

If you are using two weapons, can you make a single attack with your primary weapon without taking the TWF penalties, even though there is a weapon in your other hand?

I assume the answer is 'yes', but I thought I would ask.

(For those of you who don't know, TWF stands for 'Two Weapon Fighting')

[Malachi Silverclaw]

You only ever apply TWF penalties when actually using the TWF rules to gain an extra (off hand) attack.

[Chaotic Fighter]

Look at it this way. Why take the penalties if you're not gonna get the benefits. The only class that should take the penalties on a single attack while two weapon fighting is the Two Weapon Warrior. Because he gets the benefits. Actually he technically doesn't need to take the penalties.... Ever....

[MrSin]

IQuarent wrote:

If you are using two weapons, can you make a single attack with your primary weapon without taking the TWF penalties, even though there is a weapon in your other hand?

The answer is yes, as you thought. You can also do a full attack routine with just your right or left hand. Or if you have 6 BAB attack once with your right hand and once with your left hand. Of course, usually these options are kind of meh compared to getting all of your attacks off right? You do sink a few feats into it after all.

The bonus for not having a weapon in your offhand is usually being able to wield a weapon in two hands for 1.5xstr to damage.

[Barry Armstrong]

Yes. TWF penalties only apply when your intention is to also swing that other sword.

If you're only attacking with the one sword, normal attack rules apply.

[IQuarent]

Thanks!

[Happler]

Barry Armstrong wrote:

Yes. TWF penalties only apply when your intention is to also swing that other sword.

If you're only attacking with the one sword, normal attack rules apply.

Nope Berry, only if you are trying to get more attacks then normal BaB.

Useful FAQ link:

FAQ

Which basically states the same thing, don't take the penalty, unless you are trying to get more attacks then normally allowed by BaB.

Their example:

All the following do not cause the two-weapon fighting penalty.

Quote:

Let's assume you're a 6th-level fighter (BAB +6/+1) holding a longsword in one hand and a light mace in the other. Your possible full attack combinations without using two-weapon fighting are:

(A) longsword at +6, longsword +1
(B) mace +6, mace +1
(C) longsword +6, mace +1
(D) mace +6, longsword +1

this would include the following single attacks also:

Longsword at +6
Mace at +6

[Malachi Silverclaw]

Just to be clear, if you have a BAB of +6 and have a weapon in each hand, you could attack with one at +6 and the other at +1, and you still wouldn't take TWF penalties!

You only take TWF penalties if you are getting an extra attack from TWF, over and above your normal allowance!

[Barry Armstrong]

Ummm, thanks, but that's all highly irrelevant.

The OP asked simply "If I have a weapon in each hand, and only want to make a single attack with one of them, do I take TWF penalties"?

The answer is no. Complicating things with FAQ's and high BAB calculations doesn't matter. The mechanics still work the exact same way.

If you take an extra attack above what you are allotted, you may do so, but at a penalty. If you have the TWF feat, those penalties are reduced.

I think the OP is simply asking the wield vs. carry question, but from a different angle.

[blackbloodtroll]

Basically:

No extra attack from two weapon fighting, then no penalty from two weapon fighting.

Note, these penalties are only present for the full attack action in which you are two weapon fighting.

They do not continue to remain, such as when your turn ends, and you make an Attack of Opportunity.

[Barry Armstrong]

Yep.