Torches in combat

[Dave G]

I know I've seen this info somewhere, but I didn't find it. So some questions inspired by random thoughts...

Is it possible to do damage with a torch?
If you have a torch in your off-hand and can take a full round action, can you attack with a sword and a torch?
Is it a simple weapon? Can you Weapon Focus/Finesse? Could you buy a weapon-grade torch?

I just got this mental image of a fighter in combat, who's got the Ambidexterity and TWF feats, just going to town on someone with a torch and a sword... In game terms is it possible? Easily?

Out of Curiousity, how would you approach the idea?

 

[AuraSeer]

I seem to recall reading official rules for this, but I can't find them at the moment. Oh well.

IMC anyway, a torch is a makeshift club. It's not designed as a weapon, so you get a -4 penalty to hit. Since it's a Medium weapon, a human-size character can use it in his off-hand, but would take further penalties for doing so. (I.e., it's not a light weapon. I mean, it's light, as in glowing, but it's not smaller than the character.)

Damage is as a club, plus 1d3 fire damage. I know it's low, but even a first-level commoner shouldn't die from accidentally burning his hand with a torch.

I'd let you take Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Torch if you wanted to. This feat (which I just created this minute) would remove the -4 nonproficiency penalty, and allow you to consider the torch a light weapon when used in your off hand. Prerequisites: have Ambidexterity, and be at least Medium size.

A masterwork torch could be priced as a masterwork morningstar. It would burn for one hour, after which you'd need to replace the flammable head, which costs as much as an ordinary torch.