Why do current RPGs not have scythes?

[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

 

[Zelist]

Warscythes have been used in wars as recently as 1921, they were the most popular in peasent uprisings where weapons where few and far between, all your needed to do was take a farming scythe and turn the blade upright and you have a long reach pole arm, which could take out Calvary and give superior range to swords.

 

[Kenko]

Neverwinter Nights series always had scythe as a possible weapon. And thats pretty much one of the best RPG series ever made.

 

[Eponet]

Final Fantasy XI and .hack//G.U. both use scythes as weapons.
I, too, am miffed about a lack of polearms and axes as weapons in games. They're rather fun. But, why do axes often get categorized as blunt weapons? Can someone explain this to me?

I thought they tended to be categorised into the same category as a sword.

Handaxe/Short Sword
Battleaxe/Longsword (I still hold that this is an arming sword)
Greataxe/Greatsword
Waraxe/Bastard Sword (I still hold that this is a longsword)

Which also happens to be the same category as:

Light hammers
Warhammers
Greatclubs

So I guess it's technically true, but still...