Weapon issues in D&D/PF: Falchion

The falchion is a weapon that can probably be considered the classic weapon of orcs, along with the greataxe. Two-handed weapon, 1d8 slashing damage, and the best critical threat range that I know of even without Keen. Mechanically, this is an excellent weapon. However, its description does not fit that of a real falchion.

A falchion is a one-handed, single-edged, curved sword. Its grip is generally not long enough to be used two-handed. This is my primary objection to calling this weapon a “falchion.” I propose to divide this falchion into two different weapons, one to represent the real falchion and one more like the in-game statistics.

Falchion: 1d6S damage, 18-20/x2 crit, weighs 5lbs, costs 35gp

Kriegsmesser: stat block of old falchion

Orcs and half-orcs gain proficiency in both.

The stat block of the falchion can be used to represent both the falchion and the grossemesser. The most significant difference between the two weapons is how the blade is attached to the grip, something that has no mechanical effect in-game, so unless you’re somebody who thought that the infamous list of polearms was a good idea (including a few examples of separate weapons that differed only in how the head was attached to the shaft: via socket, via tang, or something else) or a HEMA enthusiast, you probably don’t care enough about the differences between the weapons for it to matter to you. If you are, why are you playing D&D or Pathfinder when you have Riddle of Steel and MYFAROG to cover the fine differentiation between weapon types that you are clearly looking for (note: I haven't actually looked at either rulebook, I just know them by reputation). The d20 System’s combat and weapon mechanics are too simple for that to be of any importance and I am very happy about that because if combat takes too long, it gets in the way of the story. The story is, of course, the most important part of an RPG.