Why do current RPGs not have scythes?

[NotSoNimble]

The thing you cut corn stalks with?

I used one when us delinquents got 'community service' as punishment for small crimes. It really isn't a useful weapon, unless you are fighting tall grass!

 

[Arkzism]

Because scythes aren't weapons. They're farming tools. Only an idiot would fight with a scythe.
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.70517-Scythes#694172
The real question is why do RPGs neglect polearms and axes? Historically they were the most commonly used melee weapons. Swords were the equivalent of an officers pistol.

Agree!!!

but yeah scythes are farming equipment, used to reap crops.. ie the grim reaper he reaps souls with his scythe.. yeah sickles are farming tools as well but a bit easier to use...

but yeah i get dissapointed by the lack of polearms in most rpgs. you where more likely to see a spearman then a swordsman... spears where cheap and easy to make/use unlike a sword that took some skill to do either

 

[Arkzism]

Because scythes aren't weapons. They're farming tools. Only an idiot would fight with a scythe.
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.70517-Scythes#694172

Because keys aren't weapons. They're for opening doors. Only an idiot would fight with a key.

Because slabs of cement aren't weapons. They're building materials. Only an idiot would fight with a slab of cement.

Because balls aren't weapons. They're for playing sport. Only an idiot would fight with a ball.

Because boomerangs aren't weapons. They're for traditional aboriginal ceremonies. Only an idiot would fight with a boomerang.

Because scythes aren't weapons. They're farming tools. Only an idiot would fight with a scythe.


It's an RPG. How well a weapon would fare IRL has NOTHING to do with it.

actually boomerangs are hunting tools... but ill let that pass.. and honestly final fantasy is not the best i use this as a weapon excuse...

but scythes where not designed to be weapons, and honestly i like realism with my rpgs.. i mean id rather have a simple spear then any of those fancy ones above

 

[Canadian Briton]

Because they are not very practical weapons. But they are still commmon in jrpgs because Jrpgs tend to throw the practicality of weapons and armour out of the window.

 

[Arkzism]

yes the whole grim reaper using the scythe thing, he is reaping souls, you use a scythe to reap crops. scythes are farming tools as are sickles and a majority of weapons used by ninjas, and there is such a thing as a war scythe http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_scythe

and the first thing you should notice is the blade position..

and to be honest wielding a farming scythe would be rather awkward its not designed to go through people

 

[Lazy Kitty]

Neverwinter Nights 2 has scythes...

 

[Alandoril]

Because scythes aren't weapons. They're farming tools. Only an idiot would fight with a scythe.
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.70517-Scythes#694172
The real question is why do RPGs neglect polearms and axes? Historically they were the most commonly used melee weapons. Swords were the equivalent of an officers pistol.

Tell that to the Grim Reaper.

 

[Lazy Kitty]

Because scythes aren't weapons. They're farming tools.

So are nunchucks and tonfas.

 

[Stilton]

Because scythes aren't weapons. They're farming tools.

So are nunchucks and tonfas.

WERE, you mean. Right now, those are weapons. Scythes still aren't.

Paulus Hector Mair would like to have a word with you.

 

[Jet_02]

Guild wars is a mmo with a dervish class which specialize in scythe mastery.

 

[Lazy Kitty]

Because scythes aren't weapons. They're farming tools.

So are nunchucks and tonfas.

WERE, you mean. Right now, those are weapons. Scythes still aren't.

No, now they're just ancient farming tools used as a weapon.
People just don't use scythes because they're not awesome enough! (the people I mean)

 

[Asehujiko]

I have a gunblade ...

Spoiler

It lacks a trigger and the blade is attached to the bolt, which prevents the pistol from even chambering a round, let alone firing it. This a sword with a very pointless novelty grip that looks like a luger.

 

[Fensfield]

Have you ever tried animating a scythe-wielder realistically?

I'm not saying it's impossible to use one as some here - anything can be a weapon, especially anything pointy and especially if you're strong. Efficiency is another question entirely, but scythes have been used in combat in history, albeit largely by those without other options. But high quality 3D plunges awkward weapons straight into immersion breaking territory without some bloody good animation work.

'Least that's what I think.

 

[Grouchy Imp_v1legacy]

Because scythes are farming implements, not weapons of war. That's like asking "Why don't most RPGs let me wield rakes?". If I found myself playing a game where I was handed a scythe as weapon, the first thing I would do is find a better weapon. Proper weapons designed to kill people are always going to be more lethal than improvised weapons designed to reap barley.

 

[Guitarmasterx7]

As stated in the first post, a scythe isn't designed to be a weapon, hence the blade curves inward and is facing the user. really the only way you could fight with a scythe realistically is if you got behind someone and put it around their neck before they noticed a la "Dead Rising" or you held it upside down and swung it upwards. Either way, that animation isn't going to look too good.

 

[MasterChief892039]

This thread was finished after only the second post. Souplex summed it up - scythes are farming tools, not weapons. Sure, the Grim Reaper carries a scythe, but does that mean it's a weapon? Anubis was fond of scales, but that doesn't mean he goes around bludgeoning people with them.

Edit: Actually before I get Egyptian mythology nerds on my ass, Anubis is also associated with a flail. Funny enough, Anubis holding a flail is much like the Grim Reaper holding a scythe, as a flail is another farm-tool-turned-weapon.

 

[The DSM]

Screw Scythes, im all about pick axes!

Think, if one of those with a strong swing can smash rock, what can it do to someone, also they arnt exactly rare, there my improvised weapon of choice!

 

[masseyguy911]

Im am shocked that this is still going on... especially since people post the same thing.
Those against scythes usually say its not a weapon, its a farming tool. Also, they state that it is an impractical weapon to wield in battle, which yes it would be. A few say it would be pretty hard to animate believably in a game.
Those for scythes say the grim reaper uses it, it looks cool, its a game who cares, or my favorite "well there are war scythes" (which are scythes so heavily modified they more akin to glaives).
So, there you go, summed up every post on here pretty much.

 

[The_ModeRazor]

Because scythes are not weapons.
Now the real question is, why are there no people with the AK-47 as their signature weapon?

What was Lugunas(SP) weaopn of choice in FF8? It was a machingun of some kind, also wild arms uses guns.

There's a reason I said AK-47 instead of just some random firearm thing.
Because he's a pretty cool guy he kills teh aleins and doesnt afraid of anything.

 

[carpathic]

I have often had the same thought. They look cool - which is generally enough for RPGs