In the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e), adventurers wield a vast array of weapons, each with unique characteristics and advantages. Among these weapons, the mighty mauls stand tall as some of the most powerful and devastating choices. If you’ve ever held a warhammer and wished for a weightier impact or were dissatisfied with the conventional club’s design, perhaps the maul is the answer to your desires. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of wielding a maul, showcasing its remarkable capabilities and guiding you towards becoming a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
Mauls: The Mighty Smashers
A maul, a formidable weapon reminiscent of a sledgehammer, emerges as a force to be reckoned with in both combat and destruction. This large martial weapon demands the use of both hands and inflicts a powerful 2d6 bludgeoning damage upon impact. With a weight of 10 pounds and an affordable price tag of 10 gold pieces, mauls offer an enticing option for those seeking devastating force on the battlefield.
What Defines a Maul?
Essentially, a maul is a sizeable hammer designed to be wielded with both hands. Typically, one side of the hammer boasts a flat surface, while the opposite side tapers to a point akin to an axe or pick, albeit with a thicker and less sharp profile. Originally crafted for wood-splitting purposes, the substantial weight and broad dimensions of mauls make them exceptionally efficient for such tasks. However, it’s important to note that not all mauls adhere to this design. Some variations adopt a simpler, flat-on-both-sides shape, resembling a traditional sledgehammer. By reinforcing the handle, these modified mauls transform into perilous weapons, often employed for hunting vulnerable targets, including the undead, with a single powerful blow.
The Power of the Maul
Mauls possess a versatility that extends beyond their capacity for destruction. While their primary role revolves around pulverizing enemies and decimating structures, their sheer weight and concentrated impact can also be harnessed for practical purposes. Adventurers exploring treacherous terrain can rely on the formidable weight of a maul to aid in breaking obstacles or dislodging objects. Additionally, the imposing presence of a maul can serve as a deterrent, discouraging potential adversaries from challenging those who wield such an intimidating weapon.
Maul Stat Block
To facilitate quick and convenient access to the key specifications of a maul, refer to the following stat block:
| Category | Weapon |
|---|---|
| Weapon Type | Melee, Martial |
| Rarity | Standard |
| Damage | 2d6 |
| Damage Type | Bludgeoning |
| Properties | Heavy, Two-Handed |
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Cost | 10 gold pieces |
Special Properties of the Maul
When considering the utilization of a maul, there are two crucial special properties to keep in mind. Let’s delve into these properties and their implications:
Heavy: A Burden of Strength
The heavy property reflects the sheer magnitude and weight of the maul, presenting a challenge to wielders. As a result, smaller creatures are disadvantaged when attempting to wield this substantial weapon in combat. Even possessing an exceptional strength stat does not rectify this drawback. Regardless of their impressive strength, even a halfling with a remarkable strength score of 20 would still face this penalty, as the maul exceeds their physical capabilities. It’s worth noting that this property serves a purpose beyond limiting weapon access for smaller creatures. It also showcases the Great Weapon Master feat, offering additional options and benefits to those skilled in wielding heavy weapons—a topic we will explore later.
Two-Handed: Unyielding Control
The two-handed property signifies that the maul requires both hands to wield effectively. Consequently, wielding a maul precludes using a shield or dual-wielding with another weapon simultaneously. Furthermore, the maul’s two-handed nature presents spellcasting challenges, as it typically necessitates a free hand to perform somatic and material components. While this restriction may initially appear restrictive, the formidable force and increased damage potential accompanying wielding a substantial weapon like the maul more than compensate for these limitations.
Classes That Can Use the Maul
While certain Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) classes demonstrate a natural affinity for various weapons, it’s essential to note that weapon proficiency isn’t exclusively tied to class selection. Through feats and other means, characters from any class can broaden their arsenal. In this vein, let’s explore the classes that naturally lend themselves to maul usage while considering the unique qualities they bring to the battlefield:
Barbarian: Unleashing Feral Fury
Barbarians, known for their ferocity and diminished reliance on shields, thrive in two-handed weapons. While many barbarians gravitate towards the allure of greataxes or greatswords, the maul presents a more accessible and cost-effective alternative. Consider the versatility of a maul, allowing for both slashing and crushing damage. It is a reliable go-to weapon, particularly for those seeking a more economically viable choice while embodying their Conan-esque aspirations.
Fighter: Adapting the Battlefield
Though more inclined towards shield usage, fighters still find ample opportunities to wield mauls effectively. Many fighter builds, especially those incorporating multiple classes, seamlessly integrate these heavy weapons into their arsenal. Such fighters exhibit devastating damage potential on the front lines, offering a formidable presence against adversaries.
Paladin: Crusaders of Mighty Strikes
Driven by righteous zeal, Paladins may face challenges in wielding larger hammers to crush skulls with fervor. While some paladins opt for the added defense of a shield, those who eschew this choice discover the maul’s prowess as a powerful alternative. Paladins frequently confront undead adversaries, and the maul’s bludgeoning damage becomes an ideal tool for dismantling skeletons and dealing with the undead menace.
Cleric (War/Tempest/Twilight Domain): Divine Maul Mastery
Clerics, usually restricted from wielding martial weapons, encounter limitations in their weapon choices. However, those who follow the War, Tempest, or Twilight domains gain martial weapon proficiencies, expanding their options. In such cases, the maul becomes an appealing selection. With undead often succumbing to bludgeoning damage, clerics armed with a maul prove adept at purging skeletons and other undead abominations.
Ranger: A Departure from Tradition
Rangers, emphasizing agility and speed, often prioritize dexterity as their primary attribute. Their weapon preferences typically reflect this focus, favoring bows or dual-wielding finesse weapons. However, a strength-based ranger can explore the unorthodox choice of a maul, presenting a distinctive and unconventional build that can surprise foes.
Recommended Feats for Maul Mastery
Discover the exceptional feats that enhance the prowess of maul-wielding adventurers. Here are a few standout options:
Crusher: Asserting Dominance
One of the joys of wielding a colossal hammer is intimidating opponents with the sheer force of your blows. The Crusher feat capitalizes on this aspect, granting the ability to push targets up to 5 feet in any direction following a successful bludgeoning attack. Moreover, critical hits become even more devastating, granting you advantage on all subsequent attacks against that creature until the start of your next turn. As an added benefit, the feat includes an attribute point that can be allocated to either strength or constitution, providing a welcome bonus to bolster your character.
Fighting Initiate (Great Weapon Fighting): Versatility Unleashed
The Fighting Initiate feat offers a wealth of options for a wide range of weapons, and Great Weapon Fighting stands out as an excellent choice. With this feat, you can reroll any damage die that shows a 1 or 2. Given that the maul utilizes two dice for damage rolls, the likelihood of rolling 1s or 2s increases, making this feat particularly advantageous. Embrace its versatility, enabling you to maximize your damage potential on the battlefield.
Great Weapon Master: Unleashing Devastation
As previously discussed, the Great Weapon Master feat elevates the effectiveness of heavy weapons by allowing you to take a -5 penalty to your attack roll in exchange for a substantial +10 bonus to the damage roll. This feat shines particularly against creatures with substantial hit points but low armor class, such as the formidable Nightwalker. With Great Weapon Master, every swing of your maul becomes an opportunity to unleash unparalleled devastation. Furthermore, this feat allows you to make an additional attack as a bonus action whenever you land a critical hit or reduce a creature’s hit points to 0, ensuring you make the most out of every action.
Savage Attacker: Consistent Carnage
Similar to Great Weapon Fighting, the Savage Attacker feat empowers you to reroll a melee weapon’s damage die once per turn, providing the option to choose between the two results. While modest on its own, this ability ensures consistent high damage output when combined with other reroll-oriented feats. Embrace the art of relentless assault, driving fear into the hearts of your enemies as you deliver devastating blows with your maul.
Pros and Cons
Pros of the Maul:
- Powerful Impact: The maul delivers substantial bludgeoning damage, making it effective against many creatures and exploiting their vulnerabilities.
- Affordable: Compared to other heavy weapons, the maul comes relatively cheap, making it accessible to adventurers on a budget.
- Versatile Utility: Beyond combat, the maul proves useful for breaking weak walls, doors, and floors, providing practical applications in exploration and environmental interactions.
- Two-Handed Might: Wielding the maul with both hands grants additional damage potential, allowing characters to unleash devastating blows.
- Exploits Weaknesses: Bludgeoning damage can overcome resistances and immunities possessed by certain creatures, giving the maul an advantage in specific encounters.
Cons of the Maul:
- Heavy and Bulky: The maul’s weight of 10 pounds can encumber characters, limiting their maneuverability and potentially impeding their ability to carry additional equipment.
- Limited Finesse: The maul lacks finesse, making it a suboptimal choice for characters who rely on finesse-based combat styles or those seeking precision strikes.
- Restricted to Two-Handed Use: Wielding the maul requires both hands, preventing characters from simultaneously using a shield or dual-wielding other weapons.
- Unwieldy for Small Creatures: Due to its size and weight, small creatures may struggle to wield the maul effectively, suffering penalties to attack rolls unless they possess exceptional strength or specific feats.
- Lack of Stealth: The maul’s heft and unwieldy nature make it an impractical choice for characters relying on stealth and subtlety.
Creatures Wielding Mauls
Mauls find utility in the hands of player characters and various creatures you may encounter on your journeys. Here are a few notable examples:
Moss Lurker: Forest-Dwelling Brutes
Resembling trolls, moss lurkers inhabit forests and caves. Covered in moss and emitting a musty fungus-like scent, they often don simple leather and wool clothing or no attire. They frequently adorn themselves with mud and grass to blend seamlessly with their surroundings.
When it comes to weaponry, moss lurkers exhibit a preference for rocks as projectiles and traps. In situations where such resources are scarce, they resort to wielding heavy weapons like the maul, employing their strength to devastating effect.
Storm Giant: Towering Forces of Nature
Standing at a colossal height of 26 feet, storm giants embody fearsome titans among their kind. Their incredible strength enables them to wield the most massive weapons available. Proficient in weather-dependent spellcasting, they possess the flexibility to engage foes from a distance, should they choose to do so.
However, when forced into melee combat, their two-handed weapons have the potential to tear even the mightiest adversaries asunder. While many storm giants favor the greatsword, some opt for alternative weapons such as the greataxe or the maul, harnessing their raw power to deliver devastating blows.
Dao: Earthly Genies of the Material Plane
Originating from the Earth Elemental Plane, the dao genies often traverse the Material Plane, mining for precious gems. Despite their humanoid appearance, they lack legs and glide upon dust clouds. Their skin, akin to hardened rock, allows them to effortlessly traverse through stone. Although possessing magical abilities, the dao prefer close-quarter confrontations, wielding massive mauls that can potentially knock opponents down with a failed DC 18 strength check. With their unearthly strength and unwavering determination, dao genies demonstrate the formidable force behind their maul strikes.
Encountering these creatures wielding mauls adds challenge and variety to your adventures. Be prepared to face the unique combat styles and tactics these formidable adversaries exhibit as you navigate the vast realms of your campaign.
Legendary Mauls: Icons of Power
Certain mauls have attained renowned status within the realms of legend, celebrated for their exceptional abilities and unique characteristics. Here are a few examples of these fabled weapons:
Maul of the Titans: Colossal Impact
The Maul of the Titans, an enormous 8-foot-long mallet, resembles a traditional maul. However, its true nature aligns with that of a +3 greatclub, possessing enhanced properties. This mighty weapon inflicts three times the damage when striking inanimate objects, making it ideal for demolishing walls and bridges. Due to its immense weight and unwieldy nature, utilizing this maul effectively requires considerable strength. Characters with a strength score below 18 will experience a significant -4 penalty on all attack rolls when attempting to wield it.
Matalotok: Frost-Forged Terror
Owned by the demon lord Kostchtchie, Matalotok—a cold iron maul—exudes an aura of dread. Known by alternate names such as Frost Father or The Maul of Brutal Endings, this black hammer unleashes substantial cold damage upon enemies. Remarkably, Kostchtchie himself remains impervious to the icy effects of his weapon. Matalotok is a testament to the demon lord’s penchant for unleashing devastating blows, cementing his reputation as a fearsome force to be reckoned with.
Pyremaul: Blazing Fury
Crafted as the flaming weapon of Grand Legate Phaestor, the fire giant leader of Vulkanon, Pyremaul stands as an awe-inspiring sight. This maul, forged from deep red iron and adorned with a magical fire opal, radiates an eternal flame. Distinguishing itself from conventional weapons, Pyremaul possesses three distinct states: dormant, awakened, and exalted. As it transitions through these states, its power intensifies, capable of reducing anything it strikes to mere ash. Grand Legate Phaestor wields this legendary weapon, harnessing the fiery might of Pyremaul to devastating effect.
Magmahammer of Dumathoin: Dwarven Inferno
It is no surprise that the dwarven god of mining, Dumathoin, possesses one of the most potent mauls. The Magmahammer, true to its name, is a hammer crafted from molten magma. Instead of dealing bludgeoning damage, this formidable weapon inflicts searing fire damage upon its targets. As a testament to Dumathoin’s mastery of his domain, the Magmahammer represents the dwarven deity’s divine might and unrivaled forging prowess.
Great Mallet of Silvanus: Nature’s Fury
Silvanus, the god of nature, finds favor in the form of the Great Mallet rather than an axe. This +5 maul, cherished by foresters who revere Silvanus as the Oak Father, carries remarkable power. When reducing a creature to 0 hit points, wielders of the Great Mallet gain the ability to unleash additional attacks, symbolizing the relentless fury of nature’s wrath.
These legendary mauls are testaments to their wielders’ power and the fabled tales woven around them. They serve as awe-inspiring relics, capable of shaping destinies and carving their names into the annals of history.
Similar Weapons: Alternatives to the Maul
Explore these alternative weapons that share similarities with the maul, each offering distinctive qualities and potential advantages:
Greatsword: Slashing Might
The greatsword bears striking similarities to the maul, differing primarily in its slashing nature. While sharing the same properties, the greatsword comes at a higher price of 50 gold pieces, but is 6 pounds lighter than the maul. Beyond these nuances, the greatsword is an excellent alternative, wielding similar power and characteristics.
Greatclub: Simplified Impact
Considered a simpler version of the maul, the greatclub does not require proficiency with martial weapons to wield effectively. It deals 1d8 bludgeoning damage, slightly less than many other weapons, but its lack of the heavy property allows even small creatures to use it effortlessly. The greatclub provides a viable choice for those seeking a straightforward and accessible bludgeoning weapon.
Quarterstaff: Versatile Efficiency
Some argue that the quarterstaff surpasses the greatclub in overall effectiveness. When wielded with one hand, the quarterstaff deals 1d6 damage, but its true potential shines when used with both hands, increasing its damage to match the greatclub at 1d8 bludgeoning damage. As a simple weapon lacking the heavy property, the quarterstaff can be used with a shield, offering versatility and defensive options. If given the option, selecting a quarterstaff over a greatclub presents a superior choice.
Warhammer: Versatile Impact
Like the maul, the warhammer presents a versatile weapon suitable for various combat styles. When used with one hand, it inflicts 1d8 damage, while wielding it with both hands increases its damage to 1d10. Unlike the maul, the warhammer does not possess the heavy or two-handed properties. However, its consistent damage output and the option to utilize a shield make it appealing for those seeking a maul-like weapon with the added benefit of shield usage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Maul
Discover answers to common queries about the maul, shedding light on its attributes, effectiveness, and practical applications:
Q: What is a Maul? A maul is a large hammer, resembling a strengthened sledgehammer specifically designed for use in battle. Its size and weight make it a formidable weapon on the battlefield.
Q: Is the Maul considered a good weapon? While it may not be the pinnacle of weaponry, the maul is undoubtedly a very good choice. It offers affordability, although its damage output falls short of a greatsword’s. However, its bludgeoning damage type can exploit the vulnerabilities of many creatures. Moreover, its practicality extends beyond combat, as it can break weak walls, doors, and floors. Although it lacks stealth and occupies substantial space, those skilled in its usage will appreciate its versatility and utility.
Q: What is the price of a Maul? The cost of a maul is 10 gold pieces (gp), which is remarkably inexpensive for a weapon of its size and impact.
Q: How heavy is a Maul? A maul weighs 10 pounds (lb), making it exceptionally heavy even among weapons of its size.
Q: Can dwarves use a Maul? Yes, dwarves, being medium-sized creatures, can effectively wield mauls without incurring any penalties from the heavy property. However, dwarves must choose a class or acquire a feat that grants proficiency in maul usage since their racial feat, Dwarven Combat Training, only enables them to wield battleaxes, handaxes, light hammers, and warhammers.
Q: Is 2d6 better than 1d12? The preference between 2d6 and 1d12 depends on personal inclinations. Opting for 2d6 ensures that the average damage remains consistent. However, if rolling a 12 is desired, employing 1d12 is the way to go. With 2d6, the lowest possible roll is 2, whereas 1d12 can yield a 1. In summary, 2d6 delivers a reliable middle range of numbers, while 1d12 introduces an element of randomness.
