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I'm trying to figure out how to build a Pathfinder PC modeled after Taoist priest characters I've seen in various Chinese martial arts films and television programmes. But I'm stuck on one item: an exotic weapon.
The archetypal Taoist in most forms of entertainment is practiced in kung fu or Tai Chi Chuan, and uses a sword. But they typically also carry a fly whisk. This fly whisk isn't just for chasing off annoying insect pests. It's a weapon that can be used to wound, grapple or trip an opponent.
Sometimes these fly whisks are shown as resembling a flail, with a short piece of chain attaching the horsehair whisk to the handle. Other times it's more like an extra-large paintbrush with extremely long, flexible bristles. The link I've included shows an illustration of such a Taoist, with his fly whisk tucked in the crook of his elbow.
http://drunkensword.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/chuji.jpg?w=620
My problem is how to model the fly whisk as a weapon using Pathfinder rules. It has elements of both a flail and a whip. It isn't usually deadly (though it can be used to choke someone), but I don't see it as non-lethal damage only, like a whip.
What's the least problematic way to represent this? Use the stats for a flail but reduce the damage and give it range? Make it like a whip but lethal? Keep it non-lethal like a whip but increase the damage? Would any of these options make it seem too powerful?