Make longswords finesse-able?

[Bobbydean]

Just a random though I had. What if longswords were finesse-able? Guessing there are enough dex based characters (especially elves who get longsword proficiency for free as its part of the elf mythos/brand) that would benefit and/or enjoy being able to use this signature weapon. And logically I could see how a longsword with right fighting style could a finesse/accuracy/stabby weapon as much as a rapier.

In classic fantasy setting, always thought of a longsword wielding elf as more of a dex based character rather than strength based warrior.

Thoughts?

[Rinzler]

https://wiki.bgtscc.net/index.php?title ... _Larethian

https://wiki.bgtscc.net/index.php?title=Sarol%27Veldruk

[blazerules]

To be entirely fair realistically speaking using bladed weapons always depends on dex not str.

It's not a club, having more strength isn't really that useful for a sword. It's all about making cuts with correct blade alignment. Which is more of a dex thing. Sure strength helps a little but not much.

Maybe more when you flip the sword and use the guard and pomel as a mace. Then yeah strength.

It's probably why elves use swords as these dexterous warriors.

So I don't see why not? Probably for all bladed weapons really. But we are focused on following the D&D ruleset more than anything I believe.

[Tantive]

I know in Races of the Wild, two weapons are available that have something similar.

The Elven Courtblade,and the Elven thinblade.

Then, there is the sunblade that is a more legendary weapon, which has finessable properties.

[Rhifox]

Not happening. Sorry.

[Bobbydean]

To be entirely fair realistically speaking using bladed weapons always depends on dex not str.

It's not a club, having more strength isn't really that useful for a sword. It's all about making cuts with correct blade alignment. Which is more of a dex thing. Sure strength helps a little but not much.

Maybe more when you flip the sword and use the guard and pomel as a mace. Then yeah strength.

It's probably why elves use swords as these dexterous warriors.

So I don't see why not? Probably for all bladed weapons really. But we are focused on following the D&D ruleset more than anything I believe.

Yah. Agreed. If youve tried wielding different kind of swords to get the feel for their handling, you find the strength/dex components differ. A greatsword = very strength based weapon for big swings. A rapier, very precision and dex based. A katana requires rqual amounts of both. Never actually held a longsword so not sure the dex/strength ratio there irl, but figured it more matched “dexterous elf” mythos.

But anyway looks like the response is negative probably because of DnD rules. Ah well.

[Bobbydean]

I know in Races of the Wild, two weapons are available that have something similar.

The Elven Courtblade,and the Elven thinblade.

Then, there is the sunblade that is a more legendary weapon, which has finessable properties.

Cool! We need these swords in game!