Shortsword + Gnome - Dmg roll question

[Dwarfi]

Hi,
I have a beguiler gnome with 6STR (-2)
Recently I got a +2 short sword, +4 vs evil and I am a bit insecure about the atk/ dmg roll, so I want to check.

ATK roll: 1D20+3/+5vs evil
BAB (+2) + STR(-2) + small size (+1) + magical(+2/+4 vs evil)

DMG roll: 1D4 (small short sword) +2/ +4 vs evil
BAB (+2) + STR (-2) + magical (+2/+4 vs evil)

Now what I am interested in:
If I use it in my offhand I only add 1/2 my STR mod, would this actually increase my hitting chance/dmg, because 1/2x(-2 STR) = -1, instead of the flat -2STR ?

On a side note: Its THIS sword: http://guilesworld.com/role-playing-games-stuff/dragonlance/shard-of-light/
I have no idea what its worth, but it must be a lot. ^^
Sadly I am the only one who can use it, as the rest of my group is more or less evil. My gnome isnt much of a fan of paladine, but at least I am neutral.

[Jackinthegreen]

Strength penalties apply 1x for damage on all weapons, regardless of whether they're used in the off hand or even 2-handed.  I'm digging through the rules to find the exact quote...  But it's around somewhere.

That said, to be able to make off-hand attacks you need to use the Two-Weapon Fighting rules, thus you'd need a second (or in this case, first) weapon to be a primary.

Even if you were able to use it in your off hand to lower the penalty on damage, you'd still have a lower chance to hit due to it being an off hand strike, which negates the gain you'd get in the first place.

[Dwarfi]

Thanks, I was afraid it would be like this.

Sadly the sword is pretty much wasted on me, but except for a sorcerer, we dont really have somebody else who could use it. And his BAB/STR is... like a usual sorc.
Well, we have a neutral draconian, but the GM already ruled that he doesnt really play neutral enough to be worthy of this weapon. ^^°

And selling that thing? Would easily reach 50-100k if not more... IF we could reach Palanthas to sell it to the clerics there. ^^

My beguiler would prefer something to enchance mindcontrol, enchantments or illusions... her deitys are Lunitary and Gilean, the god of knowledge.
Its fun creating godly artifacts: The book of knowledge (Gilean artifact) All knowledge skills are class skills and get a +5 bonus as long as you can have the book to study in. This would still only be a worth of~38-50k. Nowhere near the sword.

Stone of the mind: +1DC/CL to all enchantment spells and basically what the mindbender class gives ^^. THAT would be sweet.

[kitep]

ATK roll: 1D20+3/+5vs evil
BAB (+2) + STR(-2) + small size (+1) + magical(+2/+4 vs evil)

DMG roll: 1D4 (small short sword) +2/ +4 vs evil
BAB (+2) + STR (-2) + magical (+2/+4 vs evil)

Just so you know, BAB is not added to the dmg rolls.  It should be 1d4 +0/+2 vs evil

[Dwarfi]

Thanks for the correction.

Though definately powerful, I like the idea of the book of knowledge as it would fit my character and fill out a lot of weak spots in our group.

+5 to all knowledge skills (can be done untrained) as long as you have the book to study in
Maybe some spells x/day: Identify, find the path, tongues... stuff like that.
Identifying objects, and not getting lost is a big problem of our group.

The knowledge domain would give some nice ideas for stuff like that.

Maybe even some insight bonus to AC? I like spinning some ideas together.

[NunoM]

Sorry, i don't know much about the Dragonlance setting (asides from the novels)... Is MIC allowed, or does you DM allow it, in that setting?

If so...
- "Tome of Worldly Memory" (MIC, p.190, 1,500 GPs) - if you have 5 ranks in a Knowledge skill, standard action to gain +5 in a Knowledge check, otherwise it takes 1 minute, 3/day.
- "Parrying" weapon ability (MIC p. 40, +2): +1 Insight bonus to AC and all saves. Put it in a spiked gauntlet? or shield/armor spikes?
- "Artificer's Monocle" (MIC, p.72, 1,500GPs): With all those knowledge skills, you can't miss this one to identify stuff.

I don't know if other sources are allowed, but when combat and knowledge are together the "Knowledge Devotion" feat from "Complete Champion" pops up instantly... mix it in with the "Collector of Stories" ("Complete Scoundrel") and you can get some nice insight bonuses for attack and damage (applicable to spells, as well).

Hope this helps.