[RPG] How to use a polearm with Reach as a Monk/Kensei weapon

balancednd-5ehomebrewweapons

I want to make a dexterity based support character that uses weapons mainly for self-defence and not for offence. She will be multi-classed as a Monk/Cleric and themed as a Japanese shrine maiden.

For that, I want her to use a polearm with Reach so that she can keep enemies at a distance with the Polearm Master and Sentinel feats. But being a dexterous character with very little strength it would be useless if she has to do strength based attack rolls.

For this to work, I need a polearm with the Reach property that fulfils either of these conditions:

  • Simple weapon which lacks the Heavy and Two-handed properties. (Monk weapon)

  • Simple/Martial weapon which lacks the Heavy and Special properties. (Kensei weapon)

I wouldn't mind taking Way of the Kensei as her monk tradition to achieve the result I want, but a Simple weapon would be preferable since Way of Tranquillity fits the character much better.


So, I came up with an idea for a homebrew weapon that would allow me to play out the above character idea, but I want to make sure it is balanced.

The weapon is basically a longer quarterstaff with Reach, and Two-handed instead of Versatile. It may as well be Martial since the Two-handed property disqualifies it from being a monk weapon.

Is this weapon with these properties balanced?

If so, would 1d6 damage (two-handed) be an appropriate damage for it?

Alternative suggestions are welcome.

Best Answer

Heavy is used to gate higher damage weapons

Typically only high damage weapons are Heavy, or moderate damage with reach. Compare the Greatsword (2d6) to the Halberd (1d10, Reach). Note that the difference between a Heavy Two-Handed weapon and a Non-Heavy Two-Handed Weapon is only about one die size. A Longsword in two hands is 1d10, and a Greatsword or Greataxe is 2d6 or 1d12.

Non-Heavy Reach Weapons are a thing

The Whip is a Non-Heavy Reach weapon, with Finesse. To compensate it does only 1d4 damage. Note that the difference between a Heavy Weapon, and a Heavy Reach weapon is only about 1 die size. Compare the Halberd (1d10) with the Greatsword (2d6) or Greataxe (1d12).

Non-Heavy Polearm-like weapons are also a thing

Although not called out in Polearm Master, the Spear and Trident are both polearm-like, as well as the Quarterstaff. All three do 1d6, with versatile (2h) for 1d8.

Given this precedent, it doesn't seem it would be unbalanced

Consider asking your GM to houserule the spear or quarterstaff to be considered a Polearm with reach. Traditionally, there was a wide range of long spears and staves utilized by monks (particularly in a defensive style) in Asia.

If we're looking for a Non-Heavy Reach weapon, let's start with the Halberd. If we were to remove the Heavy property, we should bump the damage die down by one. This would give us a 2h weapon with 1d8 damage. One note is that generally the difference between a Martial weapon and Simple Weapon is roughly 1 die size as well. If this weapon is Simple, you may want to limit it to 1d6. If it is Martial, you can easily have it be 1d8.

Final Note: Polearm master's bonus action attack will quickly fall behind your bonus action unarmed strike from martial arts (albeit at only 5 foot range), which makes this less problematic from a GM perspective.

Proposed Weapons

Long Spear
1d8 Piercing damage
Reach, Two-Handed, Martial

Long Staff
1d6 Bludgeoning damage
Reach, Two-Handed, Simple