[DraconisRex]

Understanding the Interrelationship of Offense and Defense in 3E Rules.

2E rules favored offense over defense through the lack of foresight by the creators. Characters were supposed to retire, or go into semi-retirement, by the time they hit the high levels (14th+...) But that didn't happen as we all got attached to our characters...

Offense/defense unbalance ensued, especially with the more unbalanced pro-combat classes, the greatest offender being the Kensai. At moderately high levels, a Kensai couldn't miss (except on a one) the toughest opponent, no matter how powerful the shield and armour and all other defensive modifiers. 3E changed this.

Defense Versus Offense - The Set Up

A young adult Blue Dragon is terrorizing the desert town of Palm Dale. His AC is 26 against medium or smaller creatures. His attack bonuses and damages are:

Bite +23, 2 Claw +18, 2 Wing +18, 1 Tail +18.
2d6 +4, 1d8 +2, 1d6 +2, 1d8 +6.

Two characters answer the call. A lvl 10 ranger & a lvl 10 paladin.

The Ranger: For ease, the ranger did not take dragons as a racial enemy and dual-weilds a +2 longsword with a +2 dagger. He wears +3 studded armour, has a +2 amulet and a +2 cloak with an 15 dex & 15 str. AC = 10+2+6+2+2 = 22. His attacks are: +12/+7 & +12(OH)

The Paladin: +1 Full Plate, +3 Tower Shield, +2 longsword. +2 amulet, +2 cloak. 16 Str, 10 Dex. AC = 10+0+9+6+2+2 = 29. Her atacks are: +15/+10.

Dragon v. Defender

Dragon attacks Ranger Rick

1 Attack at +23 vs AC 22. Needs to roll a 2 or better.
5 Attacks at +18 vs AC 22. Needs to roll a 4 or better.

Average expected damage to Ranger per MR:

Bite = 10
Claws = 11
Wings = 9
Tail = 9

Total = 39

The Dragon attacks Paladin Paula

1 Attack at +23 vs AC 29. Needs to roll a 6 or better.
5 Attacks at +18 vs AC 29: Needs to roll an 11 or better.

Average expected damage to Paladin per MR:

Bite = 8
Claws = 7
Wings = 6
Tail = 6

Total = 29 (10 HPs less damage per MR).

In our example a Ranger would be lucky to last deep, if at all, into the 3rd melee round. The Paladin might make it to the 4th round. except that a dragon can't really bring all those attacks to bear on one a single individual.

Attacker vs Dragon

The ranger attacks as follows:

1 Attack (MH) at +12, needs a 14 or better to hit.
1 Attack (OH) at +12, needs a 14 or better to hit.
1 Attack (MH) at +7, needs a 19 or better to hit.

Expected avg. damage dealt per MR: 6

The paladin attacks as follows:

1 Attack at +15, needs an 11 or better to hit.
1 Attack at +10, needs a 16 or better to hit.

Expected avg. damage dealt per MR: 8

So, what we can see is that defense now plays a far greater role against tough opponents. Dual weilding, while "flashy" and "fun," does not increase the survival chances of a player character against strong opponents.

But that's not fair you say? Take the paladin and dual-weild her (using the feats and cheating to get ambidexterity) in her +1 full plate. She'll die as fast as the ranger. Give the ranger a big shield, he'll survive as long as the paladin.

The Role of Dual-Weilding

There is a legitimate role for dual-weilding. Against numerous, weak foes. At that point, the difference between a 22 AC and a 29 AC won't be as apparent due to the weakness of the opponents attacks. CR1 & CR2 monsters would pose little offensive threat to either the ranger or the paladin.