With the release of the new Executioner Sword (which is faster, longer, and deals as much damage as 1h axes while in 1h mode, and ALSO has a 2h mode) I thought I ought to make this thread again :rolleyes:
One-handed axes Overhaul
Main points and suggestions:
Point 1: Adding diversity to one-handed weapons - all one handers are remarkably similar, especially compared to the polearms and two-handers. The only real "diversity" between the weapons is can it thrust?
Point 2: Representing axes with greater (well, at least some) historical accuracy - single-handed axes were designed for offensive, rapid, shock combat
Point 3: Filling niches - "shield-breaking" is a very weak niche, and one-handed axes could represent a much larger one
Suggestions to point 1: add the "Unbalanced" tag to all one-handed axes
Suggestions for point 2: increases the speed of all one-handed axes by 5 points (this would mean the Broad One Handed Battle Axe has a speed of 103)
Suggestions for point 3: decrease the damage of all one-handed axes by 2-3 points
What would this accomplish?
Diversity: One-handed axes would become a much more offensive choice of weapon. The unbalanced tag means that they are harder to use and also harder to block, parry, and feint with. The additional speed to the axe would also contribute to its offensive nature, since a user can strike a greater number of times in a shorter period of time. The naturally shorter reach of the axes compliments this further, as it requires the user to get up close and personal with his/her foe.
Historical accuracy: as previously said, axes are meant to be offensive weapons. They ARE unbalanced (majority of the weight is in the ax head), and most medieval single-handed axe fighting techniques involved using their lack of balance to create a rapid swinging momentum, not just hacking into whatever was in front of you.
Niche-filling: these overhauled axes would compliment any build, agility or strength based. They would still preserve their shield-breaking quality, but also be useful as an offensive shock weapon for archers and shielders, especially effective against users of the heavier two-handed weapons and polearms.
I also think that this is fairly simple as far as "overhauls" go, since its mostly just scaling the item stats. I don't know about the unbalanced part though, since there are no unbalanced one handed weapons, if it requires new mechanics or if it's something altogether impossible.