Quarterstaff - What is it for?

[Rundur]

I may not just understand the DnD ruleset, but I find the staves kinda.. useless?
I was expecting the staff to be used for some kinda magic channeling or to cast magic but it genuinely just seems to be a normal wooden pole that does nothing.

Is there a reason that I should keep the quarterstaff over a magic sword for example?

[Cirrus]

Originally posted by sevensided:

Since BG3 doesn't deal with (at least so far) with components of spells, the real reason you see Wizards in DnD with staves doesn't apply: as an arcane focus. For wizards (and Druids), that big stick can be used in place of material components (of 50gp in value or less, and who do not get used up in the spell, terms and conditions apply, see store for details) when casting spells.

Yes. Arcane caster needs to be holding rod, wand, staff, orb, crystal or wearing component pouch to cast spells with random material components.

P.s. i do not know any 50 gp limit. Any item that specifically costs gold (even 1 gp) and caster should have them separately by raw.
Quote from phb:
But if a cost is indicated for a component, a character must have that specific component before he or she can cast the spell.

[sevensided]

Originally posted by Cirrus:

Originally posted by sevensided:

Since BG3 doesn't deal with (at least so far) with components of spells, the real reason you see Wizards in DnD with staves doesn't apply: as an arcane focus. For wizards (and Druids), that big stick can be used in place of material components (of 50gp in value or less, and who do not get used up in the spell, terms and conditions apply, see store for details) when casting spells.

Yes. Arcane caster needs to be holding rod, wand, staff, orb, crystal or wearing component pouch to cast spells with random material components.

P.s. i do not know any 50 gp limit. Any item that specifically costs gold (even 1 gp) and caster should have them separately by raw.
Quote from phb:
But if a cost is indicated for a component, a character must have that specific component before he or she can cast the spell.

You're right! I was mixing that up with something else entirely.

[Lord Adorable]

In addition to what others have said here, Quarterstaves are also used by Monks to beat the daylights out of people.

Most forego using them in favor of their fists & feet however because if you wanted to hit someone with a weapon you'd -usually- play a Fighter or Barbarian.

[Gaius]

Originally posted by Drengr:

I may not just understand the DnD ruleset, but I find the staves kinda.. useless?
I was expecting the staff to be used for some kinda magic channeling or to cast magic but it genuinely just seems to be a normal wooden pole that does nothing.

Is there a reason that I should keep the quarterstaff over a magic sword for example?

In this game, not only they usually have caster properties but also the weapon skill topple, that inflicts prone - perfect to run away from melee.

The obvious issue is, it's a STR based weapon, so most casters have a less that stellar chance to hit (except a druid with shillelagh).

The best caster weapons in the EA are staffs - Staff of Arcane Blessing and The Spellsparkler change the power of the characters using them a lot.

[Yojo0o]

Yeah, staffs are pretty badass for monks. They can attack with the staff for more damage than their unarmed strikes, then make unarmed strikes with Flurry of Blows. Monks are probably the only class in the game that makes frequent use of staffs for more than a passive benefit just for holding them. Casters generally should be using cantrips, not making weapon attacks.

Coincidentally, I actually make use of a staff in combat in the campaign I'm a player in currently, but it's much more of an exception than a proper build. I'm running a homebrew warlock subclass, and the staff magically has the Finesse property, AND I have Wrathful Smite and Green Flame Blade to further augment my melee attacks, so it makes for a solid melee option. Still probably just worse in most cases than a simple Eldritch Blast, of course.

[WeenerTuck813]

Variant Human Arcana Cleric
Takes Booming blade
Takes Feat: Magic initiate Druid
Takes Shillelagh
Uses Quarterstaff (1h)
Uses shield

Wins D&D

[Lord Adorable]

Originally posted by WeenerTuck813:

Variant Human Arcana Cleric
Takes Booming blade
Takes Feat: Magic initiate Druid
Takes Shillelagh
Uses Quarterstaff (1h)
Uses shield

Wins D&D

Correction: Pick Cleric.


Win D&D.

[Heu, Iterum Id Feci]

Originally posted by Lord Adorable:

Originally posted by WeenerTuck813:

Variant Human Arcana Cleric
Takes Booming blade
Takes Feat: Magic initiate Druid
Takes Shillelagh
Uses Quarterstaff (1h)
Uses shield

Wins D&D

Correction: Pick Cleric.


Win D&D.

Pick Bard
Have tons and tons of fun, while winning D&D :P

[Pan Darius Cassandra]

Originally posted by (っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Rusty ♥:

Originally posted by Lord Adorable:

Correction: Pick Cleric.


Win D&D.

Pick Bard
Have tons and tons of fun, while winning D&D :P

Multiclass Bard/Cleric (Clard? Baric?) and play by yourself because everyone else refuses to play with you. Winning at life!

[Aldain]

Counterpoint: Pick Fighter and stack feats for comedy value.

[Heu, Iterum Id Feci]

Originally posted by Aldain:

Counterpoint: Pick Fighter and stack feats for comedy value.

How about this one made by ChatGPT?

A Paradoxical Fighter could be a character that goes against the typical expectations of a fighter in Dungeons and Dragons 5e. Here's one possible concept for a character like this:

Name: The Pacifist Warrior

Background: Soldier

Race: Halfling

Class: Fighter (Battle Master)

Appearance: This Halfling is small in stature, but carries themselves with a sense of confidence and determination. They wear light armor and carry a quarterstaff, but also carry a banner with a symbol of peace.

Personality: The Pacifist Warrior is a peaceful individual who believes in the power of diplomacy and nonviolence to resolve conflicts. They refuse to kill and will only use their combat skills to disarm and incapacitate opponents. However, they will still defend themselves and others if they are threatened. They are not opposed to the use of force, but only as a last resort.

Abilities: The Pacifist Warrior is a skilled fighter, able to use their quarterstaff with precision and efficiency. They are also trained in tactics and strategy, allowing them to outsmart their opponents in combat. They have a strong sense of justice and will always try to find a peaceful solution to conflicts, even in the heat of battle.

Feats: The Pacifist Warrior has taken the feat "Defense Duelist" which allows them to use their reaction to add their proficiency bonus to their AC against one melee attack that would hit them. They also have taken "Mobile" feat which increases their speed and allows them to move through difficult terrain without penalty.

Equipment: The Pacifist Warrior carries a quarterstaff, a set of light armor, a banner with a symbol of peace, and some basic supplies for camping and survival.

This character concept could make for an interesting and unique addition to any party, providing a different perspective on combat and problem-solving. However, it's important to note that D&D is a game and the players have the freedom to create any character they want, and what works for one group might not work for another.

edit: and while we are at it...here's the background: ^^

The Pacifist Warrior was born into a family of farmers in a small Halfling village. From a young age, they were taught the value of hard work and the importance of living in harmony with nature. As they grew older, they began to develop a strong sense of justice and a desire to help others.

When they were still a teenager, their village was attacked by a group of bandits. The Halfling fought bravely to defend their home, but many of their friends and family were killed. In the aftermath of the attack, they vowed to never let something like that happen again. They left their village and joined the military, hoping to learn the skills they would need to protect others.

During their time in the military, they quickly proved themselves to be a skilled fighter and a natural leader. However, they also began to question the use of violence as a means of resolving conflicts. They saw firsthand the destruction and suffering that war brought and became convinced that there must be a better way.

After their term of service was over, they left the military and began traveling the world, searching for a way to put their skills to use in a more peaceful way. Along the way, they met many different people and learned about different cultures and ways of life. They also studied different forms of combat, focusing on techniques that could be used to disarm and incapacitate opponents without killing them.

Eventually, the Halfling came across an order of monks who shared their beliefs in the power of peace and nonviolence. They joined the order and spent several years training with them, honing their combat skills and learning about the spiritual aspects of peace and inner harmony.

Now, the Pacifist Warrior travels the land, using their skills to protect the innocent and defend the weak. They carry a banner with a symbol of peace, hoping to inspire others to find peaceful solutions to conflicts and to strive for a world where violence is no longer necessary.

[Yojo0o]

Originally posted by WeenerTuck813:

Variant Human Arcana Cleric
Takes Booming blade
Takes Feat: Magic initiate Druid
Takes Shillelagh
Uses Quarterstaff (1h)
Uses shield

Wins D&D

Eh, I've seen this suggested, but I really don't think it's especially good.

Sure, you give your cleric a pretty sweet SAD melee option, but it has significant opportunity cost at character creation, and it doesn't even scale as well as a martial class's melee would. I'd rather play a race with a better starting Wisdom score, or pick a feat with more long-term significance.