A scimitar in dnd 5e is a curved sword with a single-edged blade that typically widens toward the point in DnD 5e. Its distinctive shape, resembling a crescent or a sickle, characterizes it.
Throughout history, the scimitar has been used as a weapon in various regions of the world such as the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, giving it a rich and diverse background.
Fighters rely on the scimitar for its curved shape, which allows them to deliver powerful slashing and cutting attacks from different angles. In DnD 5e, the scimitar is a widely used weapon among several character classes, including fighters, rogues, and paladins.
The scimitar originated in the Middle East and has a long history dating back to ancient times. Active civilizations such as the Persians, Arabs, and Turks used the scimitar as a weapon of choice due to its curved design and sharp edge.
Many rulers and officials carried ornate scimitars as a sign of their status throughout history, using the weapon not only as a means of defense but also as a symbol of authority.
In the 19th century, the scimitar became a popular weapon among pirates who roamed the seas and used it to intimidate their victims.
Today, the scimitar remains a popular weapon in many cultures, and its distinctive design has made it a recognizable symbol of the Middle East and its rich cultural history.
Scimitar DnD 5e Properties
In DnD 5e, the scimitar is a versatile and popular weapon with several distinct properties:
- Damage and Attack Bonus: The scimitar deals 1d6 slashing damage on a hit and has a +2 bonus to attack rolls.
- Weapon Range: The scimitar has a reach of 5 feet, making it a melee weapon.
- Weapon Type: The scimitar is a one-handed melee weapon that can be wielded in either hand.
- Weight: The scimitar weighs 3 pounds, making it a lightweight weapon that is easy to carry and maneuver.
- Cost: The scimitar has a cost of 25 gold pieces, making it a relatively affordable weapon for most adventurers.
Magical Scimitars
Magical scimitars are weapons that have been imbued with magical properties through enchantment. They can be found as loot from defeated enemies or acquired through quest rewards. Some examples of magical scimitars include:
Flame Tongue: This scimitar is enchanted to deal additional fire damage with each hit.
Frost Brand: This scimitar deals additional cold damage and can freeze enemies upon a successful hit.
Vorpal Sword: This legendary scimitar can instantly sever an opponent’s head upon a critical hit.
Unique Scimitars
Players can find unique scimitars as one-of-a-kind weapons that often associate with significant events or characters in the game’s lore. They typically earn them as rewards for completing major quests or defeating powerful enemies. Examples of unique scimitars include:
Scimitar of Speed: This scimitar allows the wielder to make an additional attack per turn.
Moonblade: This legendary scimitar glows brightly in the presence of evil creatures and has several unique abilities.
Scimitar of Sunlight: The enchantment on this scimitar allows it to deal additional radiant damage and also enables the user to cast sunlight.
Masterwork Scimitars
Masterwork scimitars are weapons of exceptional craftsmanship, crafted with remarkable skill and attention to detail. They are usually found in high-end shops or as rare loot drops. Some examples of masterwork scimitars are:
Balanced Scimitar: This scimitar has a perfectly balanced design that grants a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls.
Engraved Scimitar: This scimitar has intricate designs etched into the blade that grants a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls against certain enemies.
Adamantine Scimitar: Craftsmen crafted this scimitar from adamantine, a rare metal that provides it with added hardness and durability.
Scimitar Proficiency
Here’s some information on scimitar proficiency and combat in DnD 5e:
Proficiency with Scimitar
To effectively use a scimitar in combat, a character must have proficiency with the weapon. Characters proficient in scimitars can add their proficiency bonus to attack rolls made with the weapon.
Scimitar in Combat
The Scimitar suits melee combat with its versatility. One can wield it in either hand to deliver quick strikes. Some key features of the scimitar in combat include:
One-Handed Weapon: The scimitar is a one-handed weapon that can be wielded in either the main hand or offhand.
Versatile Damage: The scimitar deals 1d6 slashing damage on a hit, making it effective against a variety of enemies.
Finesse Weapon: The scimitar is a finesse weapon, meaning that characters can use their Dexterity modifier instead of their Strength modifier for attack and damage rolls.
Light Weapon: The scimitar is a light weapon, meaning that it can be wielded alongside another weapon or shield.
Scimitar as Offhand Weapon
Characters who are proficient in scimitars can choose to wield the weapon as their offhand weapon. When used as an offhand weapon, the scimitar can be used to make an additional attack as part of the Two-Weapon Fighting rules.
However, the attack made with the offhand scimitar does not add the character’s ability modifier to the damage roll, unless the character has the Two-Weapon Fighting fighting style or another ability that grants that bonus.
Scimitar Combat Maneuvers
Sure, here are some details on scimitar combat maneuvers in DnD 5e:
Basic Scimitar Attacks
A wielder can use the scimitar for various basic attacks, making it a versatile weapon in combat. Some of the most common scimitar attacks include:
Standard Attack
The character makes a single attack with the scimitar, rolling a d20 and adding their attack bonus. On a hit, they roll damage with a d6 and add their ability modifier.
Two-Weapon Fighting
If the character is wielding two scimitars (one in each hand), they can use their bonus action to make an additional attack with their offhand scimitar.
However, they do not add their ability modifier to the damage roll unless they have the Two-Weapon Fighting fighting style or another ability that grants that bonus.
Opportunity Attack
If an enemy moves out of the character’s reach without using the Disengage action, the character can use their reaction to make an opportunity attack with their scimitar.
Special Scimitar Techniques
Characters proficient in scimitars can use special techniques to gain an advantage in combat. Some examples of special scimitar techniques include:
Feint: The character can use their bonus action to make a Deception check against an enemy’s Insight check. If successful, the character gains an advantage on their next attack against that enemy.
Riposte: If an enemy misses the character with a melee attack, the character can use their reaction to make a melee attack with their scimitar.
Precision Attack: Fighters who have the Precision Attack maneuver can use it to add a superiority die to their scimitar attack roll, potentially turning a miss into a hit.
Dual Wielding Scimitars
Characters who choose to dual-wield scimitars gain the benefits of the Two-Weapon Fighting rules. This allows them to make an additional attack with their offhand scimitar as a bonus action.
However, dual wielding also carries some drawbacks, including a penalty to the attack rolls made with the offhand weapon and a lack of a shield or other defensive item.
Feats related to Scimitars
There are a few feats in DnD 5e that are related to scimitars. Here are the details of each
Dual Wielder
This feat grants several benefits to characters who choose to dual-wield weapons, including scimitars. Some key features of the Dual Wielder feat include:
Ability to Dual-Wield Non-Light Weapons: Normally, characters can only dual-wield light weapons. With this feat, characters can dual-wield any one-handed weapon, including scimitars.
Bonus to AC: When wielding two weapons, characters gain a +1 bonus to their AC. Characters who dual-wield weapons can use their bonus action to make an additional attack with their offhand weapon.
Defensive Duelist
This feat allows characters to use their reaction to add their proficiency bonus to their AC against one melee attack. To use this feat, the character must be wielding a finesse weapon, such as a scimitar.
Mobile: This feat grants several benefits related to mobility and movement in combat. Some key features of the Mobile feat include:
Additional Movement: Characters gain an additional 10 feet of movement speed.
Avoid Opportunity Attacks: When the character makes a melee attack against an enemy, they do not provoke opportunity attacks from that enemy for the rest of the turn.
Hit and Run Tactics: After making a melee attack, characters can move up to their remaining movement speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
While these feats are not specific to scimitars, they can be used effectively by characters who choose to wield these weapons in combat. Whether looking to dual-wield scimitars or gain mobility on the battlefield, characters can use these feats to enhance their abilities in combat.
In D&D 5e, there are a few abilities that are related to scimitars. Here are some examples:
Fighting Style
Some classes, such as Fighters and Paladins, gain access to a Fighting Style at 1st level. One of the options available is Two-Weapon Fighting, which allows characters to add their ability modifier to the damage roll of their offhand weapon.
This can be particularly useful for characters who choose to wield two scimitars.
Hex Warrior
The Warlock’s Hexblade subclass gains access to the Hex Warrior ability at 1st level. This ability allows the character to use their Charisma modifier for attack and damage rolls made with a single weapon of their choice.
This can include a scimitar, making it a powerful option for Hexblade Warlocks who prefer the finesse and versatility of the scimitar.
Bladesinger
The Wizard’s Bladesinger subclass gains several abilities related to melee combat. At 2nd level, Bladesingers gain the Bladesong ability, which grants them several benefits, including a bonus to AC, movement speed, and concentration checks.
While Bladesinging, the character can also use their Intelligence modifier for their scimitar attack and damage rolls.
Sneak Attack
The Rogue’s Sneak Attack ability allows them to deal extra damage to enemies when they have an advantage on their attack roll, or when an ally is within 5 feet of the enemy.
This extra damage can be particularly potent when paired with the finesse and versatility of the scimitar.
Scimitar Mastery
In D&D 5e, there is no specific “Scimitar Mastery” feat or ability. However, characters can become masters of the scimitar through a combination of weapon proficiency, combat experience, and character abilities.
By investing in the Scimitar proficiency and taking advantage of abilities that enhance their attacks, characters can become skilled at wielding this weapon.
For instance, they might use feats like Dual Wielder, Defensive Duelist, or Mobile, or take levels in classes like Fighter or Rogue that grant additional combat abilities.
To become a true master of the scimitar, characters should focus on developing their combat strategy and tactics. This might include learning special techniques for using the scimitar in combat, such as feinting, parrying, or striking with precision.
It could also involve mastering the use of other abilities, such as spells or maneuvers, that complement the scimitar’s strengths.
Ultimately, becoming a master of the scimitar requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.
With the right combination of skills, abilities, and strategy, characters can wield the scimitar with deadly precision and become a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
Classes That Can Use Scimitars
In DnD 5e, several classes are proficient in using scimitars as a primary or secondary weapons. Here are some examples of classes that can use scimitars:
Fighter
In DnD 5e fighters are proficient in using all weapons, including scimitars. They can specialize in two-weapon fighting, which allows them to use a scimitar in each hand, dealing a high amount of damage in a short amount of time.
Additionally, fighters can choose the Battle Master archetype, which grants them access to special combat maneuvers that can further enhance their scimitar attacks.
Rogue
Rogues can use scimitars as their primary weapon, dealing a high amount of damage with sneak attacks. They can also use scimitars as a secondary weapon in combination with another weapon, such as a dagger or a short sword.
The Swashbuckler rogue subclass specifically focuses on the use of finesse weapons like scimitars, granting bonuses to attack and damage rolls.
Paladin
Paladins can use scimitars as a versatile weapon, dealing slashing damage and benefiting from their high mobility. In addition, they can use scimitars in conjunction with divine smites, dealing additional radiant damage to undead and fiendish enemies.
For those who want to specialize in scimitar combat, the Oath of the Crown Paladin subclass is an ideal choice, as it focuses on the use of two-weapon fighting.
Ranger
Rangers can use scimitars as a versatile weapon, dealing slashing damage and benefiting from their high mobility. They can use scimitars in conjunction with spells like Hunter’s Mark, dealing additional damage to their chosen prey.
Additionally, the Hunter Ranger subclass focuses on the use of two-weapon fighting, making it an ideal choice for scimitar users.
Bard
Bards can use scimitars as a finesse weapon in DnD 5e, dealing slashing damage and benefiting from their high mobility. They can also use scimitars in combination with their spells, making them a versatile combatant.
The College of Swords bard subclass specifically focuses on the use of swords and other melee weapons, making it an ideal choice for scimitar users.
Blood Hunter
Blood Hunters, a class created by Matthew Mercer, can use scimitars as a primary or secondary weapon. They specialize in dealing damage to their enemies using blood curses and other supernatural abilities.
The order of the Ghostslayer subclass specifically focuses on the use of two-weapon fighting, making it an ideal choice for scimitar users.
Monk
Monks can use scimitars as a versatile weapon in DnD 5e, dealing slashing damage and benefiting from their high mobility. They can use scimitars in conjunction with their unarmed strikes, making them a deadly combination in combat.
The Way of the Kensei monk subclass specifically focuses on the use of swords and other melee weapons, making it an ideal choice for scimitar users.
Scimitar in Different Settings
Scimitars appear in various settings in DnD 5e as versatile weapon. Here are some examples of how scimitars might be used in different settings:
Scimitar in High Fantasy Settings
In high fantasy settings, scimitars are often used by swashbuckling adventurers, skilled swordsmen, or exotic warriors. Craftsmen can use enchanted metals or imbue scimitars with magical properties, providing wielders an advantage against specific enemies.
The most skilled and respected warriors in these settings are known for their mastery of the weapon, which can be a symbol of status or power.
Scimitar in Arabian Nights Settings
In Arabian Nights settings, scimitars are a common choice of weapon for skilled swordsmen or dashing rogues, who often associate these weapons with the exotic and glamorous world of the Arabian Peninsula.
Additionally, they could decorate their scimitars with ornate designs or precious gems as a sign of their status and wealth. In these settings, warriors often use scimitars as a weapon of honor and chivalry, either to defend their honor or to win the heart of a fair maiden.
Scimitar in Historical Settings
Warriors from the Middle East and North Africa commonly used scimitars in historical settings, as these weapons were known for their speed, agility, and ability to deal quick, devastating blows.
Moreover, Warriors often used scimitars in combat alongside shields or other defensive equipment, enabling them to quickly strike their enemies and then retreat to safety.
In these settings, scimitars might be seen as a symbol of cultural identity, with warriors using them to assert their dominance and defend their way of life.
Famous Scimitars
In the world of DnD 5e, there are several famous scimitars that have become iconic due to their unique abilities and interesting histories. Here are some more examples of these legendary weapons:
Ashram
Ashram, the dark knight in the anime and manga series Record of Lodoss War, wields a legendary magical scimitar known for its incredible power and the ability to summon dark energy to attack opponents.
Twinkle & Icingdeath
In the novels of R.A. Salvatore, the legendary drow ranger Drizzt Do’Urden wields these paired scimitars that possess unique enchanted abilities. Twinkle is imbued with the power of light and can reveal hidden enemies, while Icingdeath can freeze opponents and inflict extra damage.
The Silver Scimitar Of Amahl the Mad
The villainous Amahl the Mad wields this powerful magical scimitar in the DnD module S3: Expedition to the Barrier Peaks. It is said to have been crafted from a meteorite and has the unique ability to summon powerful lightning bolts to strike down enemies.
The Hornblades Of Mielikki
The goddess Mielikki and her followers in the Forgotten Realms setting choose enchanted scimitars made from unicorn horns as their weapons of choice. These weapons possess the unique ability to summon forest animals to assist their wielders in combat.
These famous scimitars are just a few more examples of the many legendary weapons that have become a part of DnD lore, each with its own unique story and abilities that can help players in their adventures.
Similar Weapons to Scimitars in DnD
While scimitars are a popular weapon choice in DnD, there are several similar weapons that players can choose from depending on their preference and play style. Here are some examples of similar weapons to scimitars in D&D:
- Longswords: These versatile weapons are similar in shape to scimitars but have a longer blade and a broader point. Additionally, many classes, including fighters, paladins, and rangers, favor the use of scimitars.
- Falchions: Barbarians or characters with high strength typically use greatswords, which are larger and more unwieldy than scimitars. Additionally, these heavy, curved swords can deal massive damage to enemies.
- Sabers: These weapons are similar to scimitars but are typically shorter and more curved, with a single cutting edge. Classes that rely on speed and mobility in combat often favor them; cavalry units are often associated with them.
- Kukris: Rogues or other characters who rely on speed and finesse to defeat opponents typically use these small, curved knives. They are similar in shape to scimitars but much smaller and designed for quick, agile strikes.
- Cutlasses: These weapons are like scimitars but shorter, sturdier, thicker, and more curved. Classes that specialize in naval combat or boarding actions often favor them; pirates or naval officers are often associated with them.
Players have various options for weapons in DnD, like longswords for versatility, falchions for power, and sabers for speed. Similar weapons to the scimitar are available.
Summary
Scimitars are a popular weapon choice in DnD due to their elegant design and versatility in combat. They are favored by several classes, including fighters, rangers, and paladins, and are known for their curved, single-edged blades.
In addition to their basic properties, scimitars dnd 5e can also come in magical, unique, and masterwork variants, each with its own special abilities and properties.
Players can use scimitars for basic attacks, special techniques, and dual wielding in combat, and can also benefit from feats and abilities that enhance their proficiency with these weapons.
Similar weapons to scimitars include longswords, falchions, sabers, kukris, and cutlasses, each with unique combat strengths.
FAQs
Can a Scimitar Cut Through Bone?
It is possible for a scimitar to cut through bone, although it would depend on factors such as the thickness and density of the bone, as well as the sharpness and quality of the scimitar. However, it is not typically the intended or recommended use for the weapon.
Can You Backstab with a Scimitar?
Scimitars can be used for sneak attacks in some games or fictional contexts. Backstab success in real life depends on factors like the angle of attack, the force used, and the specific target, unlike certain games or fiction.
Do Scimitars Have Crossguards?
Scimitars may have protrusions or quillons near the blade base for hand protection, despite lacking crossguards.
