Whip - rules question

**Rastfar** · 06-10-2010, 09:42 AM

The whip is one of those odd and often unused weapons, though not for any lack of style points or common understanding. It's just that when it comes time to dish out some damage, the whip is not often one's choice. However, as a tool to get the job done in some kind of 'support' capacity, well, how cool is the whip?

The whip is obviously intended to be used to either disarm or trip. And while it is a melee weapon it does not threaten the area(s) it can effect, it does have a reach of 15' (3 boxes) - again very cool. The downside is that it does provoke an AoO if a foe is in an adjacent box.

My question - If a target (A) is engaged in melee with others (B,C,D) and the wielder of a whip (E) wishes to attempt to trip the target (A) but said others (B,C,D) are in a direct line between the whip wielder (E) and the intended target (A), is it feasible?

To me this is reminiscent of two different scenarios - attempting to thrust a reach weapon, like a long spear, over/past someone to effect a target; which I have allowed with characters one size category (height) difference. And/or attempting to shoot into melee. Both of which incur a penalty to hit.

So, what say you?

**Arch Lich Thoth-Amon** · 06-10-2010, 08:39 PM

Whips are exceptional and particularly underused tools in game terms. Hobbits (halflings) and gnomes have found, in WFRP (Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay), that whips are the best tool/weapon out there for keeping wild animals - and some monsters - at bay out in the wild - where no one can here you scream.

No doubt not the answer you were looking for, but thought I'd mention its #1 use in game terms.

**yukonhorror** · 06-11-2010, 08:26 AM

they are not occupying the WHOLE square at all points in time. It is sort of like a probability field for where the guy is. In real time, the whip wielder should be able to find a space between the guys to hit the intended target. However, I would treat it like shooting an arrow into combat, so they would provide some sort of cover.

**d-_-b** · 06-11-2010, 05:18 PM

In my game we simply use the "line of sight" rules as when you are charging to determine whether or not you can attack someone with your whip.

**Lord.Sorasen** · 06-12-2010, 04:00 AM

I have to point out, as long as we're talking about the whip's value as a weapon, that it deals nonlethal damage, making it one of the only options for a character who for whatever reason cannot kill. I'm actually playing a campaign right now where my bard/psion has taken the vow of peace feat (our DM seems to let us do pretty much anything) and the whip has saved me quite a few times where I normally would have been defenseless.

**HaeshkaManju** · 09-14-2010, 09:28 AM

For adjudicating whether or not you can attack with a whip -- I would personally say that intervening individuals do not prevent an attack. The idea that intervening characters may provide a penalty on the to-hit roll, or a cover bonus may seem applicable -- unless there is an elevation difference. (If you are higher on a hill and two targets are below you.. it would seem easier to get around a target.) Remember, a whip is a flexible cord. Not a solid, inflexible object like a Pike.

Also -- for anyone wondering as to the use of the whip -- go get Masters of the Wild or Sword and Fist (old splat books) -- and then look up "The Lasher" -- probably one of the single coolest classes for a utility fighter ever. Granted, it is probably closer to a bard in use, it is still awesome. Level 6 Fighter, level 1 Bard, Level 10 Lasher = Level 17 Dual-Whip-Wielding Death.

**SDJThorin** · 09-14-2010, 04:49 PM

I know a professional whip wielder and one day when talking about whips and how they were in AD&D 2e he laughed his ass off... he then went about to show me what the whips he used could do.

All I can say is that it opened my eyes to whips, and showed me what kind of damage they can really do.

In my games an expert whip wielder with the right type of whip could easily do what you describe. In AD&D 2e game terms they would most likely get a penalty based on skill level: masters a -0, specialists a -2 and a proficient user a -4. They would also need the appropriate strength or leverage to pull the target to the ground.

**Soft Serve** · 10-11-2010, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by HaeshkaManju

For adjudicating whether or not you can attack with a whip -- I would personally say that intervening individuals do not prevent an attack. The idea that intervening characters may provide a penalty on the to-hit roll, or a cover bonus may seem applicable -- unless there is an elevation difference. (If you are higher on a hill and two targets are below you.. it would seem easier to get around a target.) Remember, a whip is a flexible cord. Not a solid, inflexible object like a Pike.

Also -- for anyone wondering as to the use of the whip -- go get Masters of the Wild or Sword and Fist (old splat books) -- and then look up "The Lasher" -- probably one of the single coolest classes for a utility fighter ever. Granted, it is probably closer to a bard in use, it is still awesome. Level 6 Fighter, level 1 Bard, Level 10 Lasher = Level 17 Dual-Whip-Wielding Death.

I'm thinking the Iron Man 2 bad guy this whole time...

**nijineko** · 10-14-2010, 01:21 AM

thank you for mentioning the lasher. ^^ as far as d&d rules go, cover seems applicable if the direct line of sight in front of you goes. in real life, however, i would expect that anyone familiar with the properties of a whip would be able to use the tip to slash someone around a few other someones with relative ease.