[3.5] A question of RAW and Logic

[Ishcumbeebeeda]

If I have a negative strength modifier to my damage with melee weapons do I do less damage with a two handed weapon? (Let's say I have a STR mod of -2, so my damage is xDx-2 with a one handed weapon. If I hold that weapon in two hands would RAW have me doing xDx-3?)

[Lin Bayaseda]

I believe RAW states that the bonus is multiplied by 1.5.

[kamikasei]

Odd coincidence.

When you hit with a melee or thrown weapon, including a sling, add your Strength modifier to the damage result.

When you deal damage with a weapon that you are wielding two-handed, you add 1½ times your Strength bonus.

Source.

[Ishcumbeebeeda]

Odd coincidence.

Lol. that is kinda of an odd coincidence. And I'm glad to know that the penalty isn't multiplied. But now the question arises of whether it is negated by using two hands or just left alone. One could argue that since using a two handed weapon (or one handed in two hands) only adds a bonus that the STR penalty is gone. Which would make logical sense as well.
EDIT: Wait a second, did we just find a case where RAW supports logic?

[jiriku]

I think you're stuck with sucking. As someone who has a negative Str modifier IRL (curse you, oh comfortable couch!), and occasionally plays around with practice weapons against people who actually work out, I can tell you that putting an extra hand on the hilt of a sword or a grip of a staff doesn't change the fact that I just don't hit very hard when I take a swing at someone.

[Greenish]

Lol. that is kinda of an odd coincidence. And I'm glad to know that the penalty isn't multiplied. But now the question arises of whether it is negated by using two hands or just left alone. One could argue that since using a two handed weapon (or one handed in two hands) only adds a bonus that the STR penalty is gone. Which would make logical sense as well.
EDIT: Wait a second, did we just find a case where RAW supports logic?

Banish the thought. RAW doesn't say you can get rid of the penalty by two-handing a weapon.

[JaronK]

You're still hitting with a melee weapon, so the penalty is there. You just don't multiply that penalty, because you'd only multiply it if it were a bonus.

JaronK

[Ishcumbeebeeda]

You're still hitting with a melee weapon, so the penalty is there. You just don't multiply that penalty, because you'd only multiply it if it were a bonus.

JaronK

*Sigh* Yeah, that's what I figured. But a man can hope, right?

[JaronK]

No. Abandon all hope, ye who enter into rules land!

JaronK