Long Reach weapon and Initiative

[crabus]

Hello,

As I am french and the english is not my primary language I have some trouble to understand this sentence:

A character using a weapon with a long reach (spears, for instance) may choose to attack a closing opponent on the closing opponent's number and thus attack simultaneously with the opponent, even if the attacker rolled lower for Initiative.

who are who ? attacker == character ?
What mean "attack a closing opponent on the closing opponent's number" ?

Thx

[Husk]

the character is the player or person holding the spear

the attacker is the person running at the spear holder trying to attack them.

The "number" is the turn in the attack order.

It means that a character using a long weapon (spear) being closed by an attacker that would normally be able to attack first, can attack at the same time.

This only applies when they are "closing" or moving close enough to get into range for melee.

hope that helps. If it's still not clear I could try and explain better.

[crabus]

Ok, I understand. It's clear now. Thank you.
I didn't get that closing = move closer

[Husk]

Glad I could help out, funny thing is I never saw that paragraph all the times I've read the book. Kind of makes me want to play a spear centric fighter, maybe a dwarf.

[Hywaywolf]

I've often thought of using the spear as well. With it you can fight from the second rank, probe the floors for traps, throw it, match the initiative of a 'closing' opponent, set it against a charge or just normal melee.

[Joe the Rat]

You can also charge with it (and apparently nothing else...). A spear will work with a shield, or you can increase your damage by switching to two-handed. And unlike swords, throwing your spear actually works.

There are a few dungeon-sized polearms that would work in a similar manner (except the throwing part) - just specify you're using one of the ones with a pointy bit at the end.

I could see a thief with a spear. Doesn't say you can't use the reach with a sneak attack.

[Hywaywolf]

As I mostly play a thief I agree that it would be a good weapon for them. I also don't think it would be a realistic weapon for someone who is trying to sneak about and move silently, especially if that person is a halfling. So, although it would likely be allowed by the game I would feel like a munchkin if I used one.

[Solomoriah]

You can also charge with it (and apparently nothing else...

There are a few dungeon-sized polearms that would work in a similar manner (except the throwing part) - just specify you're using one of the ones with a pointy bit at the end.

If it has the pointy bit at the end, you can charge with it. I just didn't write that down in detail.

[Joe the Rat]

Is it specifically long pointy spear/pole weapons that can be used in a charge, or are there other options? It wouldn't be hard for me to add a note as to what can be used in a charge in the equipment supplement.