Is there any way, any way at all to threaten the squares near you with a reach weapon? This is mostly for a reach cleric.
There is no way to threaten both the adjacent squares AND squares at reach at the same time with the same reach weapon.
There are ways to threaten adjacent while wielding a reach weapon that threatens at reach, but they involve threatening with something else other than that reach weapon.
Not as a Cleric, to my knowledge. Fighter has an archetype that allows it.
D&D PBHII included a feat called Short Haft, which allowed you to use a swift action to threaten adjacent squares (but not 'reach' squares) with a reach weapon.
Personally, I would prefer to see the Pole Fighting feature of the Polearm Master Fighter archetype be made into a feat or feat chain that the archetype gets for free.
A second weapon that you don't hold in your hands, like a spiked gauntlet or armor spikes, is the common way to go. There is a bit of debate about whether that really threatens, but most people seem to be on the side that says it's legal.
Some people also like the idea of using the other end of the pole-arm as an "improvised weapon". Basically, you're using it wrong but you can thump enemies on the head with your big wooden stick. This follows the improvised weapon rules and doesn't take advantage of magical enchantment on your weapon, but it can be done if your GM will allow it.
Would the Improved Unarmed Strike feat work? You wouldn't be threatening with the reach weapon itself, but you should still be able to smack/kick a foe who provokes an opportunity attack while adjacent to you.
Yes, IUS would work.
My assumption was that Hogeyhead was asking specifically for a way to threaten with the reach weapon. There are numerous ways to to threaten adjacent with another weapon.
Kusarigama. The sickle end should work against adjacent foes while the chain end works against foes at reach.
Thanks guys, it would need to work with a long spear (favored weapon of Tsukyio) The reason being that I would use wis to hit with it, but with no other weapon with the guided hand feat.
|
Is there any way, any way at all to threaten the squares near you with a reach weapon? This is mostly for a reach cleric.
Per the other people who responded, the strict answer is probably 'no', but your GM might allow it. There are some ways, but they are not practical. The more important question, though, is , 'Who cares?'.
I've played a variety of Reach Clerics through many levels, and I've found it mostly doesn't matter. With a non-reach weapon you threaten 8 squares. With a reach weapon you effectively threaten 12-16 [different] squres. Sure, on rare occasions it hurts to not threaten adjacent squares, but there are lots of ways to deal with the issue. E.g. 5' step away and full attack with your reach weapon, drop the reach weapon and draw another weapon, et cetera.
By and large, I've found that it's perfectly possible to do well in fights without threatening adjacent squares. It's usually a non-issue.
|
I was thinking about making a cleric of desna, with the tattooed mystic trait, who could then use the varisian bladed scarf to threaten both reach and adjacent (at least according to the description in the rise of the rune lords player's guide the scarf is both reach and adjacent). You take a big hit on damage, but at least for desna I think the flavor fits. The big problem is sacred summons and the lack of CG monsters even with summon good monster.
more recent versions of that weapon do not threaten at reach. Not an issue for a home game, but it would be problematic in PFS game.
For the OP: half Orc Toothy racial trait is a good way to threaten adjacent. You get 1.5 x STR and 3:1 Power Attack if the bite is your only natural weapon.
Kobolds or ratfolk could pick up a tail attack, skinwalkers could pick up hooves, bites or gore, tiefling, tengu and 12 orcs bite, ect. Plenty of natural weapon options. Or the old armor spikes, blade boots and Barbazu beard non-hand weapons.