Question on weapons

Age : 49 Posts : 1036

Few questions regarding the weapon specialty rules and an observation about the list of available weapons.

A) When choosing a weapon specialty is it simply a particular type (ex. swords), or do we need to specify further (ex sword: ninjato)? I've seen examples of both and I'm a little confused about which is the proper way.

B) When a weapon on the approved list says Primary does that mean it can only be used by someone whose primary weapon specialty is in that weapon type or is does that indicate that the weapon must be in the primary hand to be used? For example: A katana is listed as a C-ranked weapon and a pimary/ melee. Does that mean only someone whose primary weapon specialty was swords could use a katana, or does that simply mean that the weapon can only be used in the "primary" hand (ie. right hand for a right-handed person)?
The first one is worrisome for me because I've gone through the weapons list and there is a very limited choice of weapons that are secondary/ X and even fewer that are under C-rank.

Also, in going over the weapons list, I noticed that it appears extremely biased towards C-rank weapons or higher in all categories with an extreme lack of D-ranked options (some categories having no D-ranked options at all). Especially in light of the rules section which states, and I quote, "D Rank: Good quality or rare weapons but otherwise mundane including swords etc." "C Rank: Particularly sharp, sturdy weapons. Unusal shaped weapons, otherwise relatively normal" and "B Rank: Chakra conductive and semi-magical affects + the above". Reading those descriptions it sounds to me as if the vast majority of weapons should be D-ranked with only weapons that one would rarely see among ninja (ex. long bows, nodachi, and high-tech items such as air vents and melody arm) being listed a C-rank.

I can understand a desire to give weapon specialist a reason to exist by limiting the availability of the most "powerful" such items to such dedicated characters. However I think that that is done just as well by the limited ranks of weapon-based jutsu available to non-specialists combined with the non-weapon specialists not having access to B-ranked weapons or higher. Speaking a DM who has been on both sides of similar issues, I suggest possibly making a change to the lists of various weapons. Keep certain weapons that are unusual (ex. giant fan and long bow), of higher quality (ex. fuma shuriken), and/ or require extensive outside support (air vents & melody) arm as C-ranked. Other weapons would drop to D-rank unless said weapon has been modified or is described as being unusually well made (ex. a bo staff with a concealed spear blade or a heirloom katana).

PS.
*smacks the forum code* Why is it whenever I take the time to carefully write out a post, no matter which site I'm on, the blasted forums always kick me off right before I hit the send button?! Do the forums think they're American journalists and only do sound bytes instead of waiting for the whole post to be written!? Shocked

*staples the log out timers hands in one spot with a dozen exploding sebon* Try logging me out now... I dare you. *makes a one-handed seal* Twisted Evil

Posts : 2032

Quote :: A) When choosing a weapon specialty is it simply a particular type (ex. swords), or do we need to specify further (ex sword: ninjato)? I've seen examples of both and I'm a little confused about which is the proper way.

No, just merely saying Kenjutsu is fine.

Quote :: B) When a weapon on the approved list says Primary does that mean it can only be used by someone whose primary weapon specialty is in that weapon type or is does that indicate that the weapon must be in the primary hand to be used? For example: A katana is listed as a C-ranked weapon and a pimary/ melee. Does that mean only someone whose primary weapon specialty was swords could use a katana, or does that simply mean that the weapon can only be used in the "primary" hand (ie. right hand for a right-handed person)?
The first one is worrisome for me because I've gone through the weapons list and there is a very limited choice of weapons that are secondary/ X and even fewer that are under C-rank.

Not necessarily our take on general weapons are not overly strict, only when it comes down to specialised ones. So, when it says primary it is just meaning the nature of that weapon not necessarily the specialty requirement. We do not limit weaponry specialists to only have a Katana. Anyone can have a basic katana, but a kenjutsu weaponry user is only able to have technique's which are drawn from that.

Quote :: Also, in going over the weapons list, I noticed that it appears extremely biased towards C-rank weapons or higher in all categories with an extreme lack of D-ranked options (some categories having no D-ranked options at all). Especially in light of the rules section which states, and I quote, "D Rank: Good quality or rare weapons but otherwise mundane including swords etc." "C Rank: Particularly sharp, sturdy weapons. Unusal shaped weapons, otherwise relatively normal" and "B Rank: Chakra conductive and semi-magical affects + the above". Reading those descriptions it sounds to me as if the vast majority of weapons should be D-ranked with only weapons that one would rarely see among ninja (ex. long bows, nodachi, and high-tech items such as air vents and melody arm) being listed a C-rank.

C-Rank is indicating presumable that it is at a genin level, so it can be used practically but any ninja on the forum. As for 'special or magical' weapons, on US we have a professions system which covers this. Though B-Rank+ weapons are allowed to channel chakra, for a weapon to have unique abilities it needs to be created by a ninja who is a part of the 'craftsman' profession. They are the only ones able to imbue weapons with unique abilities.

Quote :: PS.
*smacks the forum code* Why is it whenever I take the time to carefully write out a post, no matter which site I'm on, the blasted forums always kick me off right before I hit the send button?! Do the forums think they're American journalists and only do sound bytes instead of waiting for the whole post to be written!?
*staples the log out timers hands in one spot with a dozen exploding sebon* Try logging me out now... I dare you. *makes a one-handed seal*

Don't worry, you brought up some important points that some may get confused with. I hope you understand now. Smile

Age : 49 Posts : 1036

That goes quite a ways in clearing up the issue. So basically my character could be a weapons specialist (swords primary & ranged secondary) and still use a short bow (a C-ranked weapon) as a genin - he just couldn't use any special techniques with the short bow until he hit jonin. While if a genin character had no weapons specialties they could still use the basic weapon up to C-rank but not with any sort of special techniques. Is the right idea?

Posts : 2032

Correct..but

Quote :: he just couldn't use any special techniques with the short bow until he hit jonin.

You would still be able to use specialist ranged weaponry technique's (within rank). Though it may seem weird, as a primary and secondary weaponry spec (or specs in general) there is no difference in the level for which they can make a technique. It is more so there for aesthetic, SC and IC purposes.

Age : 49 Posts : 1036

Okay, the concept filtered through thick skull. Smile

Of course you realize you just opened a proverbial Pandora's box right? I've got just enough knowledge of various ancient weapons with an oriental origin to be dangerously creative with names and designs without getting into the estoric realm. If I get any complaints about being too creative I'm sending them your way. *insanely evil cackling*

Thanks again - questions are answered.

Subject: Re: Question on weapons Mon 15 Aug 2011, 1:39 pm

Beautiful!~ C:

Topic Solved by the amazing Todd! <3