Off-Hand Weapon

[vargr1105]

What is the penalty of fighting with a single weapon using your off-hand?

The penalties for dual-wielding are -2/-4 modified by DEX. It would stand to reason that not having to worry about using two weapons simultaneously would incur a lesser penalty when fighting off-hand.

Is there a btb rule for this?

[BlackBat242]

Not that I know of.

I'd just use -2.

[genghisdon]

agreed, although I'd let high dex counter it just the same as 2 weapon combat penalties

Not BTB, though, as the books simply don't mention this at all.

[SimperingToad]

Not that I know of.

I'd just use -2.

Yeah, that makes sense. Normally –2 for the off-hand, coupled with a general –2 for using a weapon in both. So, –2/–4 total. Sounds good to me.

[vargr1105]

agreed, although I'd let high dex counter it just the same as 2 weapon combat penalties

Not BTB, though, as the books simply don't mention this at all.

The system outlined here seems fine, except that benefiting from the DEX bonus to counter the penalties means every PC with DEX 16+ is effectively ambidextrous (just not multitasking-ambidextrous) and it seems excessive.

Also, the dual-wielding rules are only applicable to a few/small weapons on the off-hand. What if the weapon in question is a sword?

[genghisdon]

well, it would be 17+ dex that is ambidextrous (which is fine by me)

As for swords in the off hand, the rules have nothing for it. I allow other small/light weapons as off hand weapons myself; hammer, horseman's mace, horseman's pick, horseman's flail, short swords, jo sticks, knives, spiked bucklers/shields, & saps, in addition to hand axes & daggers.

The AD&D 2 weapon combat rules are problematic though

If one wanted a quick rule for fighting with 2 medium/full size weapons I think a base -4/-6 penalty would be workable (although it will only expand the existing problems the game already has with 2 weapon combat). IE, another -2 penalty to hit.