D&D (2024) [Houserule] If Sabre was a new weapon type, what should it's mastery property be?

[Kobold Avenger]

I've always had the idea that Sabre is a weapon that's very much like the Rapier. That it's a weapon that's bigger than a Cutlass (which I'll say is the "same thing" as a Scimitar) and can be wielded with speed and precision:
Martial Melee (One-handed)
Damage: 1d8 Slashing
Properties: Finesse

But should it's weapon master property remain Vex? Vex remains the safest choice in terms of balance and the least complicated one, as it's what the Rapier already has.
I know it can't be Nick because it's not a light weapon in this case. Slow currently seems to be only other choice allowed based on weapon property prereqs.

 

[Merlecory]

If you don't mind a question here: would a fueling sabre be meaningfully different from a rapier? I would also mention that Hussars used a version of the sabre, as light cavalry. Is there a mounters, skirmisher type weapon you want to make? Maybe a vex weapon?

 

[UngainlyTitan]

I've always had the idea that Sabre is a weapon that's very much like the Rapier. That it's a weapon that's bigger than a Cutlass (which I'll say is the "same thing" as a Scimitar) and can be wielded with speed and precision:
Martial Melee (One-handed)
Damage: 1d8 Slashing
Properties: Finesse

But should it's weapon master property remain Vex? Vex remains the safest choice in terms of balance and the least complicated one, as it's what the Rapier already has.
I know it can't be Nick because it's not a light weapon in this case. Slow currently seems to be only other choice allowed based on weapon property prereqs.

A sabre is more of a development of the scimitar (depending on what type of sabre you are talking about) as the rapier. It can be legitimately view as a d6 or d8 weapon, again depending on time period and place and vex or nick would be appropriate in my mind.

 

[aco175]

Could the argument be made that a sabre is a cutlass is a scimitar is a wakizashi? They all seem to full the same role. I say this partly because I'm against the 1d8 finesse weapons.

 

[Vael]

I know the UA had rules for which weapon masteries can go with which types of weapons, but that seems to be missing from the actual printed PHB (aside from Nick). So why not Graze or Cleave? Graze kinda makes sense if we think of the Sabre as a cavalry weapon. I know it's a finesse weapon here, but I'm less interested in realism than making weapons distinct enough to offer legit choices.

 

[Undrave]

Almighty.

 

[UngainlyTitan]

Could the argument be made that a sabre is a cutlass is a scimitar is a wakizashi? They all seem to full the same role. I say this partly because I'm against the 1d8 finesse weapons.

Not really but the issue with the d8 finesse weapon has more to do with D&D's attribute system and how it interacts with combat. Strength is important but in real life so is dexterity.
If you look at the actual weights of real weapons (as distinct from D&D weights) then all single handed weapons are in a similar ballpark. Some types tend to the lighter side and some to the heavier but the difference is not that large,

Cutlasses tend to have shorter blades than other swords because they were intended to be used (and carried ) in confined spaces (the decks of ships). Wakizashi is a short sword as far as I know. Rapiers tend to be on the long side (though there are many examples the same length range as arming swords) as they were mostly individual duelling weapons.

That said the heavier sabres would probably be strength weapons as would some weapons that many would identify as scimitars like tulwars.

 

[GMMichael]

Sabres should be able to mesmerize guardsmen when you draw them during your turn.

 

[jayoungr]

Could the argument be made that a sabre is a cutlass is a scimitar is a wakizashi? They all seem to full the same role.

I've always thought saber (sabre) is to cutlass as katana is to wakizashi, or as longsword is to shortsword. Longer blade, in other words.

 

[bedir than]

For sabre I like Graze
For a cutlass I like Sap