Is the Spiked Chain really a Two-Handed Melee Weapon?

[PaulSC]

Specifically, does the spiked chain (exotic weapon) really grant the normal two-handed weapon bonuses - 1.5 STR Bonus to damage and +2 Damage per -1 to hit from Power Attack?

I only ask because it somehow feels wrong to me. I solicit the opinions of people who have used (or been abused by) this weapon in their game(s).

- Paul San Clemente

 

[Hypersmurf]

Specifically, does the spiked chain (exotic weapon) really grant the normal two-handed weapon bonuses - 1.5 STR Bonus to damage and +2 Damage per -1 to hit from Power Attack?

Unless it states otherwise in the description, it follows all the normal rules for a two-handed weapon.

And it doesn't state otherwise, so yes.

-Hyp.

 

[Liquidsabre]

Specifically, does the spiked chain (exotic weapon) really grant the normal two-handed weapon bonuses - 1.5 STR Bonus to damage and +2 Damage per -1 to hit from Power Attack?

I only ask because it somehow feels wrong to me. I solicit the opinions of people who have used (or been abused by) this weapon in their game(s).

- Paul San Clemente

As Hyper said, according to the rules it follows the same rules for 2H weapons.

Not to mention of course that the silly things are finessable, have reach, and allow attacks in adjacent sqaures as well. If there is a weapon in the game that needs balancing its the spiked chain.

 

[Bishop2113]

Un-Balanced

Fun to use, thats for sure, like adding Improved trip & disarm, also combat reflexes. People stand up from being tripped and thats a free attack, or so I believe.

Painful to get hit with, like someone who has the cash to pump the chain up, or maybe fighting the chain master, a prestige class from 3.0 days. Let's just say you could easily add a few points to someone's CR just by giving them a spiked chain, and a couple of feats.

Anyone have idea's to fix the chain?

And is it just me or did improved trip change from 3.0 to 3.5?

 

[Scion]

It is strong, but it requires a feat to use, generally cant be found at random in treasure hordes, and does little damage for a 2 handed weapson (only does 2d4 20/x2)

 

[PaulSC]

Well at least it's not a double weapon (despite how it looks in the PHB).

While I'm at it, what is the "reach" of the spiked chain when under the effects of "enlarge person"? A quick check of the PHB reveals that normal "large reach weapons" can attack at 15' or 20' (but not 5' or 10') - am I right in assuming that the a large spiked chain can attack at 5', 10', 15' and 20' away? That's a mighty nasty 1st level combo.

Should be very interesting to see how my players react to an enlarged 7th level monk wielding a spiked chain.

- Paul San Clemente

 

[nimisgod]

Somewhat off topic but how the heck does one carry a spiked chain without magick? I have a player who has one and I force him to carry it in the open bec. there's no sheath on that thing. T'would be fine if it didn't have spikes but with those spikes it seems impossible to carry around stealthily...

 

[Hypersmurf]

Well at least it's not a double weapon (despite how it looks in the PHB).

Unless you're a Master of Chains...

-Hyp.

 

[El Ravager]

Somewhat off topic but how the heck does one carry a spiked chain without magick? I have a player who has one and I force him to carry it in the open bec. there's no sheath on that thing. T'would be fine if it didn't have spikes but with those spikes it seems impossible to carry around stealthily...

I had an NPC in one of my games who was a spiked chain user. I described him carrying the chain wrapped around his waist and over his shoulder. He had thick leather patches around his waist and shoulder to account for the spikeyness of the chains. It worked for my players, YMMV.

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El Rav

 

[Impeesa]

Yeah, I had a fighter once who used a spiked chain. He basically wore it like suspenders over his armor when he wasn't using it. Works for me.

--Impeesa--