Homebrew Lance rules

Vulash
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Favorite D&D Class: Wizard
Favorite D&D Race: Elf and Human

Homebrew Lance rules Sept 21, 2015 1:25:21 GMT

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Post by Vulash on Sept 21, 2015 1:25:21 GMT

I have a character that wants to use (is using) a lance in my campaign. I don't like the rules as written, so I'd like some advice on tweaking it to make them a little better. As written, it does 1d12 damage and requires two hands (if not mounted) and has reach. It has disadvantage within 5 feet.

In the very first battle the character sat on his horse attacking gnolls around him, but without moving. I just don't think this makes sense, and it doesn't make for a good battle story either. I'd like to tweak this a bit. He's also asking if he gets his "dueling" benefit since it's one handed on the horse.

So let's start by answering questions:

Should the Lance be single use?

Should it require a "charge"?

I want this to be cool for the character, but within the bounds of balance and to make sense. I'd also like it to offer some tactical considerations. As written it's just a poor polearm hybrid. Last week the player was absent, but I let the person subbing for him set the lance against the tree against a charging giant boar. I didn't give the Str bonus, but I gave it double damage. The boar died on the end of the lance. It was a cool narrative and something different.

Initially in my head I'm thinking of letting him use it in a charge (at least 20') while mounted. Perhaps there is a chance it gets stuck in the creature if he hits? If not he can keep riding past and come back for another pass the next round. Or he can always drop it and pull out his sword. Anyway - what are some thoughts you guys have?

Deleted
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Homebrew Lance rules Sept 23, 2015 5:52:29 GMT Tesla Ranger likes this

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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2015 5:52:29 GMT

Your ideas seem sound to me. Historically, lances were a one shot item for breaking enemy lines. They're just too damned heavy and unwieldly for anything else. They also weren't used individually, just in cavalry formations. Frankly, I think they're kind of a dumb weapon to include in the PHB. It worked in TERA, I guess? Anyway, he technically would get his dueling damage, and sure, 5e rules allow for that wonky polearm version of fighting with a lance, but allowed rules are not necessarily good rules. Fortunately, I've never had a lance user at my table.

My three rules on house ruling:
1) Understand why the original rule exists (or does not exist, in the case of a new rule)
2) Consider how the house rule affects the game as a whole (e.g. pay close attention to class balance)
3) Obtain consent from the players, and make sure it makes the game more fun (rules that feel more mechanically 'real' can be a sort fun, but this isn't always the case for all players)

Sounds like you're looking at the issue from all three angles. As a player, I would consent to the limitations you propose for the sake of verisimilitude. However, you might consider offering him an alternative weapon with similar stats and call it something other than a lance, if all he wants to do is poke stuff with a pointy object from on top of a horse, whether he's charging or stationary.

Last Edit: Sept 23, 2015 5:54:00 GMT by Deleted

Vulash
Hero

Posts: 207

Favorite D&D Class: Wizard
Favorite D&D Race: Elf and Human

Homebrew Lance rules Sept 23, 2015 14:45:35 GMT

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Post by Vulash on Sept 23, 2015 14:45:35 GMT

Thanks Nevvur, here is what I've come up with after some thought and research. I haven't yet proposed these to my players (I was letting it brew a bit) so I'd still welcome feedback.

It seems that 5e has combined multiple weapons for simplicity. I was thinking of splitting the "Lance" out into 2 weapons, and letting him choose which he wanted to be using.

1) Basically a pike. I would keep the rules as written. 1d12 damage, reach, and disadvantage at 5'. This would have to be used with 2 hands, and would basically be meant for unmounted combat.

2) Mounted pike. Basically a pike designed to be used 1-handed while mounted. I'd probably lower the damage here to 1d10 (still large for a 1 handed weapon) and keep it with having reach and disadvantage at 5'. So basically a lance-like weapon that is shorter that you can use continuously as a mounted spear.

3) A true lance. You can't really effectively use this while not mounted, and it's a one-hit use for that combat. Because of that I would say it's one-handed, and does 1d12 damage. However, if you can charge with it (at least 20 feet in a straight line) it's double damage. This would offer a one-time big hit in the fight, and then the character would have to drop it (probably lodged in a body) and draw a sword.

I don't want to over complicate, but I don't imagine this coming up too much so once he chooses that's probably it. There is another warrior in the group that might also want one.

You're right though, I'm trying to balance fun with a bit of tactical consideration and make sure it's not over balanced compared to the other party members. I don't mind things working well for the players, but I don't want one character to over shadow the others. Also, any decisions I make can be used against them so I have to keep that in mind.

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Homebrew Lance rules

Post by Vulash on Sept 21, 2015 1:25:21 GMT

Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2015 5:52:29 GMT

Post by Vulash on Sept 23, 2015 14:45:35 GMT

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