Can a Small Creature Wield a Longsword? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: Yes, a small creature can use a longsword, but it’s not quite as straightforward as it seems. While they can wield it, they face some key limitations and tactical considerations. The core of the issue lies in the size category of the weapon versus the size of the creature wielding it, as defined by the rules of many tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons (5e). Let’s dive into the specifics of how this works, the rules, and what it means for gameplay.
The Basics: Size Categories and Weapon Properties
Understanding “Heavy” Weapons
The most significant challenge for a small creature wielding a longsword stems from the “Heavy” weapon property. The official rules often state something along the lines of: “Small creatures have disadvantage on attack rolls with heavy weapons. A heavy weapon’s size and bulk make it too large for a Small creature to use effectively.”
- Disadvantage on Attack Rolls: This is the core penalty. When a small creature attacks with a weapon designated as “Heavy,” they must roll their attack die twice and take the lower result. This dramatically decreases the chance of hitting an enemy.
- What is a “Heavy” Weapon? Usually, weapons like Greatswords, Greataxes, Longbows, Heavy Crossbows, and certain Reach weapons are considered “Heavy.”
- Longswords are NOT Heavy: This is key! Longswords are generally not considered “Heavy.” They are typically classified as versatile or martial weapons, which means small creatures can use them without the disadvantage imposed by the “Heavy” property.
Small Creatures and Versatile Weapons
While a small creature can use a longsword, a common point of confusion revolves around the versatile property of some weapons. The “versatile” property means that the same weapon can be used in one hand for a lesser damage dice or two hands for a larger damage dice. Small creatures can use a versatile weapon in one hand, and the rule is that a Small Creature can only use versatile weapons with both hands if they desire to use them two handed. This limitation may affect a character’s attack options in certain cases.
The Impact on Gameplay
Even though they can wield a longsword, small creatures may find it less effective than a weapon designed for their size. Here’s how the interaction impacts play:
- Damage: The damage die of the weapon remains the same, regardless of the size of the wielder. A longsword does 1d8 damage (or 1d10 when wielded two-handed), whether wielded by a human or a gnome.
- Roleplaying Opportunity: A small creature using a longsword can be a unique character concept. Imagine a gnome barbarian wielding a longsword like a greatsword or a halfling rogue who learned to use it to disarm opponents.
- Tactical Considerations: Small creatures may find themselves limited by their shorter reach compared to larger creatures. Even if they can hit, they might be exposed to more counterattacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a Halfling use a Longsword effectively?
Yes, a halfling can wield a longsword, and they do not suffer disadvantage on attack rolls due to its size. However, they may be better suited to shorter weapons that fit their frame. They may also need to use it two-handed if they wish to benefit from the versatile property of it when it’s wielded with two hands.
2. Do Gnomes have Disadvantage with Longswords?
No, Gnomes do not have disadvantage when using a longsword. Longswords are not considered Heavy, and thus, the disadvantage for small creatures wielding heavy weapons doesn’t apply.
3. Can a Goblin use a Longsword?
Yes, a goblin can use a longsword without disadvantage, as long as the longsword isn’t considered a Heavy weapon. The goblin’s small size doesn’t prevent them from using it effectively, even though the longsword might appear oversized on a goblin character.
4. What are the size rules for Tiny creatures?
Tiny creatures have a 2.5-by-2.5-foot space. Four tiny creatures can fit in a 5-foot square. Tiny creatures can only move through a space occupied by a creature that is at least two sizes larger than them. An attack from an improvised weapon will only do 1d2 damage unless the weapon is intended for tiny sized creatures. A weapon that is created for a tiny creature will do normal damage and weigh 1/10 of the normal weight of that weapon.
5. Can a small creature use two handed weapons?
Small creatures cannot use any weapons with the “Heavy” property. While Versatile weapons may be used two-handed by small creatures, it is not necessary.
6. Why do Small Creatures have Disadvantage with Heavy Weapons?
The “Heavy” property reflects the size and bulk of those weapons. Small creatures are simply not strong enough or large enough to wield them effectively.
7. Can a small creature use a greatsword?
No, a small creature cannot use a greatsword without suffering a disadvantage on attack rolls due to the greatsword’s Heavy property.
8. Can a small creature mount a medium creature?
While no official rules exist for this, it is usually up to the DM. A smaller creature can theoretically use a larger creature as a mount. It will depend upon the immersion level that you are seeking. It will be generally accepted that both creatures would be somewhat inhibited in a real fight.
9. Can a small creature use a longbow?
No, small creatures generally cannot use longbows without disadvantage because longbows have the Heavy property. Shortbows are generally the preferred ranged weapon of choice for small races.
10. Do dwarves have disadvantage with heavy weapons?
No, dwarves are medium-sized creatures and do not suffer disadvantage when wielding weapons with the Heavy property.
11. Can Gnomes use Rapiers?
Yes, gnomes can use rapiers. However, because of their size they must wield them with both hands so they cannot apply any finesse bonuses to the attack roll.
12. Can a Bard use a Longsword?
Yes, bards typically have proficiency in longswords. This allows them to use the weapon without penalty as long as there are no other limiting factors.
13. Can a Monk use a Longsword?
Monks may use longswords if they are proficient in them. Some racial classes of Monk may have proficiency by default such as Elven Monks.
14. Can a Druid use a Longsword?
Yes, a druid can use a longsword if they are proficient in it. Some druid subclasses such as circle of the moon are more likely to be proficient.
15. Can Halflings be Rangers?
Yes, halflings can be rangers and are a popular choice for the class due to some racial abilities that match well. They can also use shortbows and light crossbows without restriction.
Conclusion
In summary, while a small creature can use a longsword, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of weapon properties and size categories. They don’t suffer a penalty on attack rolls like they would with heavy weapons. However, small creatures should also evaluate if the longsword is the best weapon for them, as other weapons more specifically designed for small sized creatures may be more effective. This also highlights a unique element of gameplay that should encourage roleplaying. Understanding how to best use weapons like the longsword gives a player a deeper connection to their character.