Great Sword vs. Falchion

[Ouroboros]

A friend is making a Weapon Master. I have not come across or seen any +4 Falchions, or even +4 Scimitars, but I do see +4 Great Swords now and again in the marketplace. For a two-handed, large-weapon, Weapon Master, does anyone see any reason not to just select Great Sword? I have read a lot about the math. I could just advise him to select Falchion and to be patient, and wait for a good one to show up at a fair price. But are they so rare that they are hoarded? Thanks

[Whirlwind]

Falchion will do a bit less damage but will get more critical hits.

Kraak Helzak sells +4 weapons.

Baldur's Gate East Gate section sells an epic falchion that's quite nice.

[MrSmith]

A friend is making a Weapon Master. I have not come across or seen any +4 Falchions, or even +4 Scimitars, but I do see +4 Great Swords now and again in the marketplace. For a two-handed, large-weapon, Weapon Master, does anyone see any reason not to just select Great Sword? I have read a lot about the math. I could just advise him to select Falchion and to be patient, and wait for a good one to show up at a fair price. But are they so rare that they are hoarded? Thanks

The Greatsword cannot match the Scimitar/Falchion crit range of 13-20. Statistically, the Scimitar is the better weapon overtime for a weapon master because you can use a shield when you need AC and AB. Otherwise, wield it two-handed for maximum effect as there are only two points of difference between a 1d6 vs. a 2d4 weapon, and yet the ability to use a shield/scimitar without impacting your AB can make a world of difference against epic content where many of the foes are immune to crits.

There is an EB +4 Scimitar with 1d4 Acid damage at the Epic store. Otherwise, securing an inexpensive +4 EB weapon is too easy if you stalk the Auction house.

Cheers!

[KOPOJIbPAKOB]

On a weaponmaster, if we take a long run, scimitar/falchion crits multiply damage by 180%, greatsword by 160%. However, greatsword deals +0-4 base damage compared to falchion and +1d6 compared to scimitar. Additionally, there's a +1d6 bonus damage gsword available at the epic shop, while falchion/scimitar max bonuses are +1d4.

With that in mind, a weaponmaster with a falchion begins outperforming greatsword weaponmaster starting from roughly 27~ damage per hit. Scimitar weaponmaster starting from 36~ damage per hit. Below that threshold, greatsword is stronger.

Math aside, though, just choose what weapon you enjoy more. These categories have completely different available appearances, and there's an ocean of RP difference between wielding a curved saber and wielding a 1.5m long metal paddle. Mechanical difference is not huge enough to sacrifice flavor for it.

[MrSmith]

[T]here's an ocean of RP difference between wielding a curved saber and wielding a 1.5m long metal paddle.

Spot on and well said!

Cheers

[Ouroboros]

Whirlwind looks a lot less dramatic with a scimitar, that is for sure. I don't suppose range of weapon is considered within the mechanics of the game? You can reach a lot of opponents with a great sword that you cannot reach with a scimitar. In terms or reach, are all the weapons treated the same for whirlwind and cleave?

[Rhifox]

Whirlwind looks a lot less dramatic with a scimitar, that is for sure. I don't suppose range of weapon is considered within the mechanics of the game? You can reach a lot of opponents with a great sword that you cannot reach with a scimitar. In terms or reach, are all the weapons treated the same for whirlwind and cleave?

Range of weapon is considered, and the greatsword has the longest range for a non-polearm. That being said, for most weapons the range differences are pretty insignificant (1.0 to 1.7). Polearms and whips are the only weapons with sizeable range differences (2.0 to 3.0 for polearms, 5.0 for whips).