What if a katana is model after a short sword? The damage dice for the katana would be 1d4 +1 at base. With 20 in dex and proficiency, damage would be 1d4 +6. Its would be finesse and light just like the short sword. The damage range of the katan would be from 2-5 while the shortsword is 1-6. These two weapons would be very similar, but different enough that there would be a good argument for either option
A kitana isn’t really a finesse weapon, and is definitely not light. The word “kitana” also literally means “longsword.” So I reskin a longsword as a kitana. Besides, a Japanese longsword (kitana) and a European longsword have similar lengths & weights, required similar training and practice in set drills, and would both have the versatile property. A kitana is as much a longsword as any European longsword is.
If you want a Japanese style short sword you have 2 to choose from - the wakazashi- the shorter companion sword to the katana but with basically the same shape - in 5e it would be a scimitar. the Ninjato - a straight bladed shorter sword with an enlarged hand guard (for stepping on as a help in scaling walls) . They could be longer than the wakazashi but not as long as the katana typically but still a slashing weapon not really a stabbing one so also a scimitar of sorts. The wakazashi would be a light and possibly versatile weapon (mine have handles long enough to get both hands on not just one) so it could conceivably have 1 handed and 2 handed damages) .
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Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.
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What if a katana is model after a short sword? The damage dice for the katana would be 1d4 +1 at base. With 20 in dex and proficiency, damage would be 1d4 +6. Its would be finesse and light just like the short sword. The damage range of the katan would be from 2-5 while the shortsword is 1-6. These two weapons would be very similar, but different enough that there would be a good argument for either option
A kitana isn’t really a finesse weapon, and is definitely not light. The word “kitana” also literally means “longsword.” So I reskin a longsword as a kitana. Besides, a Japanese longsword (kitana) and a European longsword have similar lengths & weights, required similar training and practice in set drills, and would both have the versatile property. A kitana is as much a longsword as any European longsword is.
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If you want a Japanese style short sword you have 2 to choose from -
the wakazashi- the shorter companion sword to the katana but with basically the same shape - in 5e it would be a scimitar.
the Ninjato - a straight bladed shorter sword with an enlarged hand guard (for stepping on as a help in scaling walls) . They could be longer than the wakazashi but not as long as the katana typically but still a slashing weapon not really a stabbing one so also a scimitar of sorts. The wakazashi would be a light and possibly versatile weapon (mine have handles long enough to get both hands on not just one) so it could conceivably have 1 handed and 2 handed damages) .
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.