I know there was a similar thread knocking around recently, but my search-fu is weak and I think they were talking about a different issue in any case. Basically, what I was thinking of doing here was using some of the principals behind ranged weapon penalties and transferring them to melee weapons. Mainly because in some cases (two-handed weapons in general), there don't seem to be any rules at all, while in others (two-handed weapons such as the Spear) it's because they have been widely utilized one-handed in real life. I've put down my thoughts using the template below:

Ranged Category -> Melee Category: Rules listed here.

Examples of Melee weapons.

Please tell me your thoughts on these optional rules.

Pistol -> One-Handed: Requires one hand to use.

Sword, Chain-axe, Witch Lance.

Hand Cannon -> Adaptable: -10 to BS/WS when using one-handed unless you have a Strength Bonus of 4+.

Spear, Flail, Long-Sabre, Power Longsword.

Basic -> Two-Handed: -20 to BS/WS when using one-handed.

Great Weapon, Eviscerator, Thunder Hammer.

Recoil Gloves: Allows all non-Heavy weapons to be used one-handed without penalty.

I personally don't like the idea. If anything I would consider a character's size category to determine what he could reasonably handle one handed (hulking and larger perhaps being able to wield two-handers one handed even then there are still limits like the relic blades and such in dw are stated as being two-handed even for astartes given their scale).

If I was going to implement such a rule (i.e. you are normal sized and using a two-handed weapon in one hand) there would be no way to overcome it (I see where you are going with them, but I don't find recoil gloves or an equivalent appropriate here). I would say -20WS seems fair if you were going to using something like a great sword and a shield if you were making an offhand attack with the shield or something and had all the appropriate talents you would be only at -30BS tests with the sword.

If you wanted to attempt dual wielding two-handed weapons if it were even possible for a normal person I would add an additional -10WS when attacking with both weapons bringing your penalty to -40WS with both weapons.

I also think parrying with just about any two-handed weapon wielded in one hand again if not size appropriate would be next to impossible (you are wielding the weapon in a manner inconsistent with its design).

My thoughts...

Hmmm. I didn't think about dual-wielding - or even Parrying, as I think most two-handers are Unwieldy - but I agree, some of those situations are ridiculous.

I admit, I didn't put too much thought into this, as I don't actually get a chance to play. Just wondered why some weapons were classed as two-handed, and why there weren't rules for doing foolish things with them - like there are for full-autoing an assault rifle from the pistol grip.

Still, thanks for getting back to me.

yeah most weapons that have 2 handed requirements have them because in order to be used effectivly they need 2 hands, for example a spear (that you are not throwing) does little to no good held in one hand, you really need a good grip to get your full strength behind it, i might make it so miswielding a weapon doesn't influence WS but instead influences strength or even weapon damage, that way you won't make the players be unable to hit with weapon configurations they just won't do lots of damage.