The war fan, a weapon that gracefully blends elegance and lethality, has become a favorite among Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition players. But how exactly does war fan damage work in 5e, and how can you make the most of this versatile weapon in combat?
Understanding War Fan Damage in D&D 5e
The war fan is classified as a melee weapon in D&D 5e, and its damage output reflects this. Unlike heavier weapons, it relies on speed and precision to deal damage. Here’s a breakdown of its key statistics:
- Damage Type: Slashing
- Damage Dice: 1d4
- Properties: Finesse, Light
These properties are crucial in understanding how to maximize war fan damage:
- Finesse: This property allows you to use either your Strength or Dexterity modifier for attack and damage rolls. This makes the war fan ideal for Dexterity-based characters like Rogues or Monks.
- Light: The Light property allows you to make an attack with a war fan as a bonus action on your turn, provided you hit with an attack using the Attack action on the same turn.
Optimizing Your War Fan Damage
While the 1d4 base damage of the war fan might seem low, you can significantly enhance its effectiveness with the right build and tactics:
1. Choose the Right Class
Classes that synergize well with the war fan’s properties include:
- Monk: Monks can utilize the war fan with their Martial Arts feature, adding their Martial Arts die to damage rolls and enabling them to use Dexterity for attack and damage rolls.
- Rogue: Rogues benefit from Sneak Attack, allowing them to deal extra damage once per turn when they meet certain conditions, such as flanking an enemy. The war fan’s Finesse property aligns perfectly with a Rogue’s high Dexterity.
- Bard (College of Swords): Bards of the College of Swords can use the war fan as part of their Flourishes, adding additional effects to their attacks.
2. Enhance Your Ability Scores
Prioritize increasing your Dexterity score to boost your attack and damage rolls with the war fan. Consider using feats like Sharpshooter or Crossbow Expert to further increase your damage output.
3. Utilize Feats and Abilities
Several feats and class features can amplify your war fan damage:
- Fighting Initiate (Thrown Weapon Fighting): This feat allows you to draw a weapon that has the thrown property as part of the attack you make with the weapon.
- Two-Weapon Fighting: This fighting style allows you to add your ability modifier to the damage of the second attack you make with a light weapon on your turn.
Common Questions About War Fan Damage
Is the war fan a good weapon in D&D 5e?
The war fan’s effectiveness depends on your playstyle and character build. It excels in the hands of Dexterity-based classes that can take advantage of its Finesse and Light properties.
Can you throw a war fan in D&D 5e?
While not traditionally designed for throwing, the Dungeon Master has the final say. With the right feats and abilities, you could potentially make a case for using your war fan as a thrown weapon.
Mastering the Art of the War Fan
The war fan offers a unique and stylish approach to combat in D&D 5e. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, and strategically utilizing its properties, you can transform this elegant weapon into a formidable force on the battlefield.
