How much better is a khopesh than a scimitar?

[mindlessdrone1991]

The general consensus on these forums seems to be that the khopesh is the pinnacle of twf dps. Based on the qualities of this weapon (1d8 base dmg, crit on 19-20 for x3), I can see how this would be the case. But for a feat-starved pally, would a scimitar be "almost as good" enough to justify using one instead in order to have that extra feat?

[Angelus_dead]

Of course it depends on the exact feat you're getting instead, but in general Yes, a scimitar (or rapier) is close enough.

In fact, a scimitar gains more benefit from Divine Sacrifice and Exalted Smite III than khopesh does.

[mindlessdrone1991]

Also, thanks for the advice. One thing I'm confused about: how does the scimitar gain more from divine sacrifice? I thought that the extra damage from that wasn't impacted by critical hits...

Edit: Just looked at the compendium and saw the bit about increasing the crit multiplier of the weapon. Didn't realize that.

[Ulurjah]

The question is ... will the feat you take instead of Khopesh provide enough benefit to you to overcome the dps difference? As I understand it, it's pretty significant.

[theb]

I had a related discussion:

http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=259953

The build+equipment setup discussed in the build is obsolete with Epic Emerald Claw bracers coming out, which overwrite the monk bracers. The level split will still be good for Epic Chaosblades (Vampiric Khopeshes).

The khopesh/scimitar points there are still valid.

[mindlessdrone1991]

How significant is the dps difference? Does anyone have some rough numbers on this? The feat I would be taking would be more for style/flavor than anything else - oversized twf. And even so, it would only really be applicable for the mid levels. From levels 9 to 17 or so, if I don't take otwf, I don't really want to use a heavy off-hander. But I just don't like the idea of my paladin having a kukri in his offhand. It's just such a small blade - it looks more like a dagger to me, and I prefer swords. Once I get into raids and such with bard buffs, etc. I would use two heavy weapons without worrying much about the extra -2 to hit.

[theb]

Pure TWF Paladin:

Mandatory:

Toughness
TWF
ITWF
GTWF
IC: Slashing
Power Attack


Optional:

Khopesh
OTWF
Extend
Quicken

Be a human and pick two, or be a drow and cut to the metamagic. Take Improved Critical: Piercing instead of slashing if you have Deathnips. Other special circumstances I can't think of may apply .

[mindlessdrone1991]

Pure TWF Paladin:

Mandatory:

Toughness
TWF
ITWF
GTWF
IC: Slashing
Power Attack


Optional:

Khopesh
OTWF
Extend
Quicken

Be a human and pick two, or be a drow and cut to the metamagic. Take Improved Critical: Piercing instead of slashing if you have Deathnips. Other special circumstances I can't think of may apply .

I'm following a build posted by Junts. He recommended all of your "mandatory" feats, plus khopesh and extend. I was thinking of switching out khopesh with otwf.

Khopesh will boost my endgame dps by ~8%, whereas otwf will mostly help with flavor in the mid levels. Scimitars do get more of a boost from paladin clicky attacks (smites and divine sacrifice), which may help bridge that 8% gap a bit. As I am likely to spend a lot more time in the mid levels than most people who frequent the forums, otwf seems like the way to go for me.

[Gercho]

8% dps is a lot... in any case you can switch otwf for khopesh after lvl 17, remember you have a free feat exchange...
I dont see how otwf can be a flavor feat, you can use two khopesh or two scimitars without the feat...
Anyway, if you feel that you really need that +2 to hit in middle levels, as i said, go with otwf, and later switch it to khopesh... i particularly wouldnt bother...

[grodon9999]

Are you an elf? if so the difference is about 1 point a swing at 30 STR, goes more in favor of Khopesh as you get stronger.

[Gercho]

he is human...

[LookingForABentoBox]

You don't need oversided two weapon fighting to use a medium sized weapon in your offhand. It's only a difference of 2 attack and paladins especially have a bunch of ways to boost their attack score

[unbongwah]

What Junts has to say about weapon selection. Short version: Divine Sacrifice & Exalted Smite Evil boost the crit multiplier on your weapons; since these are clickie attacks, then the higher your crit range, the more often you'll benefit from using DS & ESE. That's a big part of why scimitars & rapiers are good paladin weapons, especially if your char is an elf or drow. [I actually wanna try a halfling paladin using kukris, but I'm kinda weird. ]

If you're short on feats and/or funds, one option is to use scimitars or rapiers while leveling, then take khopesh after you hit pally 14 and get Holy Sword. That way you don't have to worry about paying absurd amounts of plat for good khopeshes off the AH.