Polearm Master, a feat introduced in the Player's Handbook, has been a subject of debate among Dungeons & Dragons players, especially when it comes to its compatibility with the humble quarterstaff. This guide aims to shed light on this topic, ensuring you make the most out of your character's abilities.
Before delving into the specifics, let's briefly recap what Polearm Master does. This feat allows you to make opportunity attacks with reach weapons, such as a quarterstaff, and deal extra damage with them. But does it really work with a quarterstaff? Let's explore this in detail.
Understanding Polearm Master
The Polearm Master feat states that it works with "reach weapons," which include weapons like the lance, halberd, and quarterstaff. So, on the surface, it seems compatible with a quarterstaff. However, there's more to consider.
Some argue that the quarterstaff isn't a true polearm, as it lacks the distinctive polearm properties of having a long, straight shaft and a head at one end. But the rules as written include the quarterstaff in the list of reach weapons, making it eligible for the feat.
Opportunity Attacks with a Quarterstaff
One of the key benefits of Polearm Master is the ability to make opportunity attacks with reach weapons. With a quarterstaff, this means you can attack enemies up to 5 feet away from you when they move within your reach. This can significantly increase your chances of landing hits and controlling the battlefield.
For example, a rogue with Polearm Master and a quarterstaff can make opportunity attacks against enemies moving through their space, even if those enemies aren't adjacent to them. This can be particularly useful in crowded combat situations.
Extra Damage with a Quarterstaff
The other benefit of Polearm Master is the extra damage. When you hit with a reach weapon, you deal an additional 1d4 piercing damage. With a quarterstaff, which deals 1d6 bludgeoning damage, this can add a significant amount of damage output.
For instance, a fighter with Polearm Master and a quarterstaff would deal 1d6 + 4 bludgeoning damage on a hit, making the quarterstaff a surprisingly potent weapon.
Quarterstaff as a Versatile Weapon
While the Polearm Master feat is interesting, it's also worth considering the quarterstaff on its own. The quarterstaff is a versatile weapon, with a reach of 5 feet and the ability to be used one- or two-handed. It's also relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
Moreover, the quarterstaff's versatility extends to its damage type. It deals bludgeoning damage, which is useful against a wide variety of creatures. It also has the potential to deal thunder damage if you have a means of applying the thunder damage type, such as the Thunderwave spell.
Quarterstaff and Monk
One particularly interesting combination is the quarterstaff and the monk class. Monks are proficient with quarterstaffs and can use their Martial Arts feature to deal extra damage with them. With Polearm Master, a monk can make opportunity attacks with their quarterstaff and deal even more damage.
For example, a 5th-level monk with Polearm Master and a quarterstaff would deal 1d6 + 4 bludgeoning damage, plus their Martial Arts damage, on a hit. This can make the quarterstaff a formidable weapon in the hands of a monk.
Quarterstaff and Other Classes
While the monk is a particularly good match for the quarterstaff, other classes can also benefit from it. Fighters, rogues, and even spellcasters can make effective use of a quarterstaff, especially with Polearm Master.
For instance, a rogue with Polearm Master and a quarterstaff can make sneak attacks with it, dealing extra damage to surprised or unaware enemies. A spellcaster with Polearm Master and a quarterstaff can use it to control the battlefield and deal damage when needed.
In conclusion, the Polearm Master feat works with a quarterstaff, offering interesting opportunities for opportunity attacks and extra damage. The quarterstaff itself is a versatile weapon that can be effective in a variety of hands. Whether you're a monk, a fighter, a rogue, or a spellcaster, the quarterstaff is a weapon worth considering, especially when combined with Polearm Master.