I don't want to start a ruckus but after seeing the Nodachi's stats and merits, I think if you build the character right, a fighter specializing in the Nodachi (either as wielding an oversized version or dual wielding normal sized versions> may end up being better than a fighter using a similar build but for bastard swords.
Utilizing Wield Oversized weapon (if this is a Pathfinder feat; I don't know because I'm admittedly a noob), a Larrge Nodachi could be wielded instead of a large bastard sword in two hands and the fighter would benefit more thanks to the Nodachi's additional properties such as the ability to strike with slashing or piercing for the same amount of damage (theoretically), brace ability, and a larger crit threat range of 18-20, instead of 19-20. Other than that they do about the same base damage, the advantage comes from the Nodachi's bonuses.
Prove me wrong and I shall accept your statement wholeheartedly.
I dont thnk you can wield an oversize nodachi without an ability (due to it being a 2H), though you could wield a bastard sword that was too large, since you could use it 1H (albeit as an exotic weapon).
potentially a fighter could also dual wield bastard swords (though is a lot of feats, that's what fighters are good for)
while statistically possibly better, it might not fit the character/world theme.
personally i am more fond of a falchion, something with more guaranteed damage.
remember 18 might threaten, but might not hit, in some instances
No ability(as far as I know) allows you to wield an oversized weapon 2-handed weapon and the only class I know of that could dual wield two normal Nodachi are the Titan Mauler Archetype for Barbarian.
Though having a higher crit ranged, being able to do slashing and piercing with the same damage as a bastard sword does seem nice.
I dont thnk you can wield an oversize nodachi without an ability (due to it being a 2H), though you could wield a bastard sword that was too large, since you could use it 1H (albeit as an exotic weapon).
potentially a fighter could also dual wield bastard swords (though is a lot of feats, that's what fighters are good for)
while statistically possibly better, it might not fit the character/world theme.
personally i am more fond of a falchion, something with more guaranteed damage.
remember 18 might threaten, but might not hit, in some instances
True, but when you've built a warrior that is built to specialize in the Nodachi, you build guaranteed damage over time thanks to ability modifiers and feats. So in the end base damage is never my point in an argument so much as flexibility.
No ability(as far as I know) allows you to wield an oversized weapon 2-handed weapon and the only class I know of that could dual wield two normal Nodachi are the Titan Mauler Archetype for Barbarian.
Though having a higher crit ranged, being able to do slashing and piercing with the same damage as a bastard sword does seem nice.
Aren't there feats you can stack to wield larger and larger weapons?
no there isn't.
i would call flexibility being able to use your weapon when grappled.
normal sized bastard swords can. nodachi no can do.
Not to my knowledge. The only feat I knew of that allowed that was in 3.5(Monkey Grip) and does not show up in Pathfinder.
there are some racial modifiers that let you, some spells, but i dont think any straight feats.
no there isn't.
i would call flexibility being able to use your weapon when grappled.
normal sized bastard swords can. nodachi no can do.
True, but this is meant for the possibility of use of larger sized weapons. A fighter specializing in two-handed weapons isn't meant to grapple anyway. That's what your barbarian is for.
a large human can wield a large weapon with no penalty, and tieflings can get to use large weapons.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/fiendish-heritage
#16
no there isn't.
i would call flexibility being able to use your weapon when grappled.
normal sized bastard swords can. nodachi no can do.True, but this is meant for the possibility of use of larger sized weapons.
A fighter specializing in two-handed weapons isn't meant to grapple anyway. That's what your barbarian is for.
so what do you mean by flexibility? more damage is not flexibility.
everything you've posted has revolved around mechanics which increase damage.i didn't write 'can grapple when grappled'. i wrote 'can use your weapon when grappled'. (i.e. full attack)
are barbarians targetted by grappling foes more often than fighters?
grappling foes should tactically prefer to target the least capable grappling opponent,
and the ones most impeded by being grappled (2h weapon users, casters).
lead blades spell and the impact weapon enchantment both increase weapon damage die as if larger, while not changing actual weapon size.
Tiefling variant ability, if your gm allows you picking it (I don't) allows wielding weapons one size larger without any penalties.
I thought a titan mauler barbarian could
A titan mauler barbarian is supposed to allow you to do this, but due to poor writing it doesn't actually work (b/c of the number of hands rule). There are like a million threads on here about it, the guy who wrote the archetype has even said his intention didn't make it through the editing process. So, you could house rule it, but RAW doesn't allow it.
I really wish it did, I had a great idea for a halfling titan mauler, but alas, it was not to be.