Concerning the Polearm Master Fighter archetype, which weapons are considered polearms? Is there some special ability the weapon must have? Reach? Brace? Something else?
I'm specifically interested in the Dwarven Longhammer, an exotic large warhammer with reach. Can I use it with the aforementioned archetype?
Technically, "polearm" is a fighter weapon group:
Polearms: bardiche, bec de corbin, bill, glaive, glaive-guisarme, guisarme, halberd, hooked lance, lucerne hammer, mancatcher, monk's spade, naginata, nodachi, ranseur, rhomphaia, tepoztopilli, and tiger fork.
This is a bit more restricted than many people would rule; for example, I used to use a long spear in both the SCA and in martial arts class, and I'd say "damn straight, it's a polearm!" But the fighter weapon groups list it in spears.
.... how about their presence in the polearm category created by the fighter weapon training feature? ..But ah, the dwarven longhammer might not be in any category (often happens with exotic weapons)
Oddly, there is a major distinction between polearms and spears in that class feature. The best guess on the difference is that spears usually are just something to stick someone with, while pole arms can be anything that can be summed up with the phrase "- on a stick" such as "blade on a stick", "hook on a stick", or "hammer on a stick".
Luckily, the archetype in question consistently uses the phrase "spear or polearm". So yes, eakratz is basically right for judging whether it would apply for polearm master's class features, in that it typically covers anything that includes a pole and has reach.
Unfortunately the list does not contain the Dwarven Longhammer, neither in polearms or in hammers, so I can't get a RAW response to my question, albeit, since hammers are a category on their own, I guess my GM would rule Dwarven Longhammers there instead of in polearms...
That would be my call, certainly. It's in the name and all. But on the other hand, if it's a cool concept, maybe the GM will cut you a break.
Oddly, there is a major distinction between polearms and spears in that class feature. The best guess on the difference is that spears usually are just something to stick someone with, while pole arms can be anything that can be summed up with the phrase "- on a stick" such as "blade on a stick", "hook on a stick", or "hammer on a stick".
What about a quarterstaff? That's kind of a stick onna stick.
Sausage onna stick?
Oddly, there is a major distinction between polearms and spears in that class feature. The best guess on the difference is that spears usually are just something to stick someone with, while pole arms can be anything that can be summed up with the phrase "- on a stick" such as "blade on a stick", "hook on a stick", or "hammer on a stick".What about a quarterstaff? That's kind of a stick onna stick.
Sausage onna stick?
"The dread hammer Tod Fleisch was crafted by the dwarven hero Sworson as he trekked through the elemental plane of earth. The stony innards of his slain foes serve as the brunt of this brutal weapon"
Now how is that for a dwarven long hammer?
Sausage inna bun? 5p and that's cutting me own throat!
jalapeño on a stick?
Does it do fire damage if something tries to swallow you whole?
