Sakabato (3.5e Equipment)

Sakabato or Reverse-Blade Katana

Critical: 19-20/x2 or 18-20/x3 Range Increment: — Type: Bludgeoning or Slashing and Piercing Hardness: 12
Size	Cost1	Damage	Weight1	hp
Fine	*		*	1
Diminutive	*		*	1
Tiny	*		*	2
Small	500	1d6	3	4
Medium	500	1d8	6	8
Large	1,000	2d6	12	16
Huge	*		*	32
Gargantuan	*		*	64
Colossal	*		*	128
The SRD only gives a means to determine costs and weights of weapons for Large and Small versions based on the Medium weapons. Any other supplied values are the author's best determination.

The Sakabato, or Reverse-Blade Katana, was primarily a peace-keeping weapon. Better for defense than offense when held normally, it was still an effective blunt weapon. When turned around it's cutting power was undeniable, and was more likely to cut deeply into a foe than its twin/opposite the Katana. It had the unfortunate tendency to bind up in an enemies armor, but those with true skill commonly used this to their advantage.

When wielded as the Sakabato, that is, using the blunt side to hit things, it confers a Shield bonus equal to your Dex-modifier +1.

When wielded as the Reverse-Blade Katana, that is, using the sharp side to hit things, it has a 50% chance to bind up in any metal armor. If one possesses the Exotic Proficiency for this weapon, you can use this as a Trip attempt, Strength DC15 for you to end, or an opposed grapple check to escape. There is a 5% chance that the weapon will bind on any attack, regardless of armor. If the blade binds on an enemy, regardless of what armor they are wearing, you lose all remaining attacks that round. If you are wielding the blade two-handed, you only lose one attack that round. Apply a +2 to damage rolls when using the blade as a Reverse-Blade Katana. This is not a magical enhancement, it simply is a difference in the way the weapon is designed and wielded.

All Sakabato are considered masterwork weapons, and this is already taken into account in damage calculations. It has not been added into cost, or any other considerations.

For all special material information, this is the same as a Katana. All enchantments applied affect both forms of attack, unless the special ability requires one form of damage, such as "Disruption". If such an ability is placed on a Sakabato, it only takes effect when the appropriate type of attack is used. A Sakabato qualifies as a bludgeoning weapon for the Disruption special ability.

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