Is a staff from background starting equipment counted as a quarterstaff or an improvised weapon?
up vote
14
down vote
favorite
When selecting the background for my Sorcerer, I chose Outlander (PHB, p. 136-137). This background gives a "staff" for starting equipment (among other things).
Does the staff act like a quarterstaff or an improvised weapon if used to attack?
dnd-5e weapons equipment background
edited Nov 27 at 21:18
V2Blast
18.2k248114
asked Nov 27 at 20:57
Eternallord66
609417
add a comment |
up vote
14
down vote
favorite
When selecting the background for my Sorcerer, I chose Outlander (PHB, p. 136-137). This background gives a "staff" for starting equipment (among other things).
Does the staff act like a quarterstaff or an improvised weapon if used to attack?
dnd-5e weapons equipment background
edited Nov 27 at 21:18
V2Blast
18.2k248114
asked Nov 27 at 20:57
Eternallord66
609417
Related but not a duplicate: Can the arcane/druidic focus staff double as quarterstaff?; slightly less related: Can a magic rod be used as a quarterstaff?
– V2Blast
Nov 27 at 21:15
add a comment |
up vote
14
down vote
favorite
up vote
14
down vote
favorite
When selecting the background for my Sorcerer, I chose Outlander (PHB, p. 136-137). This background gives a "staff" for starting equipment (among other things).
Does the staff act like a quarterstaff or an improvised weapon if used to attack?
dnd-5e weapons equipment background
edited Nov 27 at 21:18
V2Blast
18.2k248114
asked Nov 27 at 20:57
Eternallord66
609417
When selecting the background for my Sorcerer, I chose Outlander (PHB, p. 136-137). This background gives a "staff" for starting equipment (among other things).
Does the staff act like a quarterstaff or an improvised weapon if used to attack?
dnd-5e weapons equipment background
dnd-5e weapons equipment background
edited Nov 27 at 21:18
V2Blast
18.2k248114
asked Nov 27 at 20:57
Eternallord66
609417
edited Nov 27 at 21:18
V2Blast
18.2k248114
asked Nov 27 at 20:57
Eternallord66
609417
edited Nov 27 at 21:18
V2Blast
18.2k248114
edited Nov 27 at 21:18
V2Blast
18.2k248114
edited Nov 27 at 21:18
V2Blast
18.2k248114
18.2k248114
asked Nov 27 at 20:57
Eternallord66
609417
asked Nov 27 at 20:57
Eternallord66
609417
asked Nov 27 at 20:57
Eternallord66
609417
609417
Related but not a duplicate: Can the arcane/druidic focus staff double as quarterstaff?; slightly less related: Can a magic rod be used as a quarterstaff?
– V2Blast
Nov 27 at 21:15
add a comment |
Related but not a duplicate: Can the arcane/druidic focus staff double as quarterstaff?; slightly less related: Can a magic rod be used as a quarterstaff?
– V2Blast
Nov 27 at 21:15
Related but not a duplicate: Can the arcane/druidic focus staff double as quarterstaff?; slightly less related: Can a magic rod be used as a quarterstaff?
– V2Blast
Nov 27 at 21:15
Related but not a duplicate: Can the arcane/druidic focus staff double as quarterstaff?; slightly less related: Can a magic rod be used as a quarterstaff?
– V2Blast
Nov 27 at 21:15
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
9
down vote
This would definitely be a question for your DM, but I believe most people agree that it can be used as a quarterstaff.
answered Nov 27 at 21:24
Andrew Hunter
992
New contributor
Andrew Hunter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
There are three things in the equipment list that are within the price range of background kit and could conceivably be described as "staff" - the Staff arcane focus, the Wooden Staff druidic focus, and the quarterstaff itself. For the focuses, it appears that there's a decent amount of support for the idea that one of them can be used as a quarterstaff.
Can the arcane/druidic focus staff double as quarterstaff?
Of course, if it's the quarterstaff, you're good to go.
As for which it is, it's unclear. The most obvious from a pure RAW standpoint is the one simply called "staff" (the arcane focus). The second most obvious is the druidic focus. Those raise odd questions, though, in the case of an Outlander who is neither a druid nor an arcane caster. Perhaps the simplest answer would be for the player to pick one of the three. The most expensive of the lot is 5gp - little enough that it shouldn't be a big issue one way or the other.
answered Nov 27 at 21:15
Ben Barden
8,16512151
4
While the names are similar, I don't think there's any connection between an spellcasting focus staff and and the staff from the Outlander background.
– V2Blast
Nov 27 at 21:16
1
@V2Blast RAW, I believe that it's the only thing described simply as "staff" in the PHB gear list, and 5gp isn't too much for a piece of background gear. If it's not the spellcasting focus (either the arcane "staff" or the druidic "wooden staff"), then what is it?
– Ben Barden
Nov 27 at 21:55
5
Why would a (e.g.) Fighter with the Outlander background start with a Druidic or Arcane spellcasting focus item?
– SevenSidedDie♦
Nov 28 at 0:25
Have edited to account for previously stated concerns.
– Ben Barden
Nov 28 at 14:45
I think the most logical answer (albeit one not described in the game) is that the "staff" is actually either meant to just be a walking stick of some sort, or it's a quarterstaff and they got the name wrong.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
|
show 1 more comment
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
9
down vote
This would definitely be a question for your DM, but I believe most people agree that it can be used as a quarterstaff.
answered Nov 27 at 21:24
Andrew Hunter
992
New contributor
Andrew Hunter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
up vote
9
down vote
This would definitely be a question for your DM, but I believe most people agree that it can be used as a quarterstaff.
answered Nov 27 at 21:24
Andrew Hunter
992
New contributor
Andrew Hunter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
up vote
9
down vote
up vote
9
down vote
This would definitely be a question for your DM, but I believe most people agree that it can be used as a quarterstaff.
answered Nov 27 at 21:24
Andrew Hunter
992
New contributor
Andrew Hunter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
This would definitely be a question for your DM, but I believe most people agree that it can be used as a quarterstaff.
answered Nov 27 at 21:24
Andrew Hunter
992
New contributor
Andrew Hunter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered Nov 27 at 21:24
Andrew Hunter
992
New contributor
Andrew Hunter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered Nov 27 at 21:24
Andrew Hunter
992
answered Nov 27 at 21:24
Andrew Hunter
992
992
New contributor
Andrew Hunter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Andrew Hunter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Andrew Hunter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
There are three things in the equipment list that are within the price range of background kit and could conceivably be described as "staff" - the Staff arcane focus, the Wooden Staff druidic focus, and the quarterstaff itself. For the focuses, it appears that there's a decent amount of support for the idea that one of them can be used as a quarterstaff.
Can the arcane/druidic focus staff double as quarterstaff?
Of course, if it's the quarterstaff, you're good to go.
As for which it is, it's unclear. The most obvious from a pure RAW standpoint is the one simply called "staff" (the arcane focus). The second most obvious is the druidic focus. Those raise odd questions, though, in the case of an Outlander who is neither a druid nor an arcane caster. Perhaps the simplest answer would be for the player to pick one of the three. The most expensive of the lot is 5gp - little enough that it shouldn't be a big issue one way or the other.
answered Nov 27 at 21:15
Ben Barden
8,16512151
4
While the names are similar, I don't think there's any connection between an spellcasting focus staff and and the staff from the Outlander background.
– V2Blast
Nov 27 at 21:16
1
@V2Blast RAW, I believe that it's the only thing described simply as "staff" in the PHB gear list, and 5gp isn't too much for a piece of background gear. If it's not the spellcasting focus (either the arcane "staff" or the druidic "wooden staff"), then what is it?
– Ben Barden
Nov 27 at 21:55
5
Why would a (e.g.) Fighter with the Outlander background start with a Druidic or Arcane spellcasting focus item?
– SevenSidedDie♦
Nov 28 at 0:25
Have edited to account for previously stated concerns.
– Ben Barden
Nov 28 at 14:45
I think the most logical answer (albeit one not described in the game) is that the "staff" is actually either meant to just be a walking stick of some sort, or it's a quarterstaff and they got the name wrong.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
3
down vote
There are three things in the equipment list that are within the price range of background kit and could conceivably be described as "staff" - the Staff arcane focus, the Wooden Staff druidic focus, and the quarterstaff itself. For the focuses, it appears that there's a decent amount of support for the idea that one of them can be used as a quarterstaff.
Can the arcane/druidic focus staff double as quarterstaff?
Of course, if it's the quarterstaff, you're good to go.
As for which it is, it's unclear. The most obvious from a pure RAW standpoint is the one simply called "staff" (the arcane focus). The second most obvious is the druidic focus. Those raise odd questions, though, in the case of an Outlander who is neither a druid nor an arcane caster. Perhaps the simplest answer would be for the player to pick one of the three. The most expensive of the lot is 5gp - little enough that it shouldn't be a big issue one way or the other.
answered Nov 27 at 21:15
Ben Barden
8,16512151
4
While the names are similar, I don't think there's any connection between an spellcasting focus staff and and the staff from the Outlander background.
– V2Blast
Nov 27 at 21:16
1
@V2Blast RAW, I believe that it's the only thing described simply as "staff" in the PHB gear list, and 5gp isn't too much for a piece of background gear. If it's not the spellcasting focus (either the arcane "staff" or the druidic "wooden staff"), then what is it?
– Ben Barden
Nov 27 at 21:55
5
Why would a (e.g.) Fighter with the Outlander background start with a Druidic or Arcane spellcasting focus item?
– SevenSidedDie♦
Nov 28 at 0:25
Have edited to account for previously stated concerns.
– Ben Barden
Nov 28 at 14:45
I think the most logical answer (albeit one not described in the game) is that the "staff" is actually either meant to just be a walking stick of some sort, or it's a quarterstaff and they got the name wrong.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
There are three things in the equipment list that are within the price range of background kit and could conceivably be described as "staff" - the Staff arcane focus, the Wooden Staff druidic focus, and the quarterstaff itself. For the focuses, it appears that there's a decent amount of support for the idea that one of them can be used as a quarterstaff.
Can the arcane/druidic focus staff double as quarterstaff?
Of course, if it's the quarterstaff, you're good to go.
As for which it is, it's unclear. The most obvious from a pure RAW standpoint is the one simply called "staff" (the arcane focus). The second most obvious is the druidic focus. Those raise odd questions, though, in the case of an Outlander who is neither a druid nor an arcane caster. Perhaps the simplest answer would be for the player to pick one of the three. The most expensive of the lot is 5gp - little enough that it shouldn't be a big issue one way or the other.
answered Nov 27 at 21:15
Ben Barden
8,16512151
There are three things in the equipment list that are within the price range of background kit and could conceivably be described as "staff" - the Staff arcane focus, the Wooden Staff druidic focus, and the quarterstaff itself. For the focuses, it appears that there's a decent amount of support for the idea that one of them can be used as a quarterstaff.
Can the arcane/druidic focus staff double as quarterstaff?
Of course, if it's the quarterstaff, you're good to go.
As for which it is, it's unclear. The most obvious from a pure RAW standpoint is the one simply called "staff" (the arcane focus). The second most obvious is the druidic focus. Those raise odd questions, though, in the case of an Outlander who is neither a druid nor an arcane caster. Perhaps the simplest answer would be for the player to pick one of the three. The most expensive of the lot is 5gp - little enough that it shouldn't be a big issue one way or the other.
answered Nov 27 at 21:15
Ben Barden
8,16512151
edited Nov 28 at 14:44
answered Nov 27 at 21:15
Ben Barden
8,16512151
answered Nov 27 at 21:15
Ben Barden
8,16512151
answered Nov 27 at 21:15
Ben Barden
8,16512151
8,16512151
4
While the names are similar, I don't think there's any connection between an spellcasting focus staff and and the staff from the Outlander background.
– V2Blast
Nov 27 at 21:16
1
@V2Blast RAW, I believe that it's the only thing described simply as "staff" in the PHB gear list, and 5gp isn't too much for a piece of background gear. If it's not the spellcasting focus (either the arcane "staff" or the druidic "wooden staff"), then what is it?
– Ben Barden
Nov 27 at 21:55
5
Why would a (e.g.) Fighter with the Outlander background start with a Druidic or Arcane spellcasting focus item?
– SevenSidedDie♦
Nov 28 at 0:25
Have edited to account for previously stated concerns.
– Ben Barden
Nov 28 at 14:45
I think the most logical answer (albeit one not described in the game) is that the "staff" is actually either meant to just be a walking stick of some sort, or it's a quarterstaff and they got the name wrong.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
|
show 1 more comment
4
While the names are similar, I don't think there's any connection between an spellcasting focus staff and and the staff from the Outlander background.
– V2Blast
Nov 27 at 21:16
1
@V2Blast RAW, I believe that it's the only thing described simply as "staff" in the PHB gear list, and 5gp isn't too much for a piece of background gear. If it's not the spellcasting focus (either the arcane "staff" or the druidic "wooden staff"), then what is it?
– Ben Barden
Nov 27 at 21:55
5
Why would a (e.g.) Fighter with the Outlander background start with a Druidic or Arcane spellcasting focus item?
– SevenSidedDie♦
Nov 28 at 0:25
Have edited to account for previously stated concerns.
– Ben Barden
Nov 28 at 14:45
I think the most logical answer (albeit one not described in the game) is that the "staff" is actually either meant to just be a walking stick of some sort, or it's a quarterstaff and they got the name wrong.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
4
4
While the names are similar, I don't think there's any connection between an spellcasting focus staff and and the staff from the Outlander background.
– V2Blast
Nov 27 at 21:16
While the names are similar, I don't think there's any connection between an spellcasting focus staff and and the staff from the Outlander background.
– V2Blast
Nov 27 at 21:16
1
1
@V2Blast RAW, I believe that it's the only thing described simply as "staff" in the PHB gear list, and 5gp isn't too much for a piece of background gear. If it's not the spellcasting focus (either the arcane "staff" or the druidic "wooden staff"), then what is it?
– Ben Barden
Nov 27 at 21:55
@V2Blast RAW, I believe that it's the only thing described simply as "staff" in the PHB gear list, and 5gp isn't too much for a piece of background gear. If it's not the spellcasting focus (either the arcane "staff" or the druidic "wooden staff"), then what is it?
– Ben Barden
Nov 27 at 21:55
5
5
Why would a (e.g.) Fighter with the Outlander background start with a Druidic or Arcane spellcasting focus item?
– SevenSidedDie♦
Nov 28 at 0:25
Why would a (e.g.) Fighter with the Outlander background start with a Druidic or Arcane spellcasting focus item?
– SevenSidedDie♦
Nov 28 at 0:25
Have edited to account for previously stated concerns.
– Ben Barden
Nov 28 at 14:45
Have edited to account for previously stated concerns.
– Ben Barden
Nov 28 at 14:45
I think the most logical answer (albeit one not described in the game) is that the "staff" is actually either meant to just be a walking stick of some sort, or it's a quarterstaff and they got the name wrong.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
I think the most logical answer (albeit one not described in the game) is that the "staff" is actually either meant to just be a walking stick of some sort, or it's a quarterstaff and they got the name wrong.
– V2Blast
2 days ago
|
show 1 more comment
Thanks for contributing an answer to Role-playing Games Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
Use MathJax to format equations. MathJax reference.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Some of your past answers have not been well-received, and you're in danger of being blocked from answering.
Please pay close attention to the following guidance:
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2frpg.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f136363%2fis-a-staff-from-background-starting-equipment-counted-as-a-quarterstaff-or-an-im%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Related but not a duplicate: Can the arcane/druidic focus staff double as quarterstaff?; slightly less related: Can a magic rod be used as a quarterstaff?
– V2Blast
Nov 27 at 21:15