[Bo9S] Tell me of the bloodstorm blade

[Kunimatyu]

We've got a Bloodstorm Blade in our Ravenloft(Castlevania-flavored) Expedition mini-campaign, as a descendant of Grant DaNasty.

It's powerful but not ridiculously so -- the character can throw a decent flurry of daggers, or toss a greataxe for a powerful single hit. It seems balanced, and probably the only way to play a non-rogue Strength-based throwing character without running into serious issues.

The "all weapons are returning" setup seems pretty key to allowing things to work.

 

[EyeontheMountain]

Being able to use strikes at range also gets around a very solid balance component of the Bo9S. Most tiems, if you can get 20 feet above a Bo9S guy, there is little he can do to you

 

[Hammerhead]

The "problem" with the Bloodstorm Blade only comes in when used in synergy with the Master Thrower prestige class. Imagine power attacking a bunch of thrown scimitars (with the x3 Crit range courtesy of MT) that are also touch attacks (also courtesy MT).

Ouch.

 

[hong]

Is there any range limit on the Blade Storm 10th level ability? As written, it looks like you can hit anyone within 5 range increments of your weapon (normal cap for thrown weapons). Not that it's likely to matter in actual play.

 

[Drowbane]

It allows you to use Power Attack with Thrown Weapons.

It also gives you a free "Returning" weapon property on any weapon you through. Which may not be broken in itself, but can lead to some strange side effects. Such as throwing shurikens. Are they destroyed, or do they return? (I'd assume they are destroyed, but lets assume admantine shurikens).

But yeah, I think it's the whole Power Attack with a thrown weapon that people fear.

Shuriken shouldn't be destroyed anyways... thats a silly side effect of lumping them in with Ammo.

 

[AllisterH]

The "problem" with the Bloodstorm Blade only comes in when used in synergy with the Master Thrower prestige class. Imagine power attacking a bunch of thrown scimitars (with the x3 Crit range courtesy of MT) that are also touch attacks (also courtesy MT).

Ouch.

Then wouldn't the problem be the Master Thrower prestige class then?

As for the BB using strikes in conjunction at range, well, remember, the BB doesn't get any manoeuvers and isn't considered a marital adept prestige class (thus it only counts as 1/2 not like the others) so basically the BB will be using ranged strikes that were effective several levels back.

I think it is a very well balanced class personally. Fun, exciting, but not too powerful and the first prestige class that can duplicate Xena...

 

[Victim]

Then wouldn't the problem be the Master Thrower prestige class then?

As for the BB using strikes in conjunction at range, well, remember, the BB doesn't get any manoeuvers and isn't considered a marital adept prestige class (thus it only counts as 1/2 not like the others) so basically the BB will be using ranged strikes that were effective several levels back.

I think it is a very well balanced class personally. Fun, exciting, but not too powerful and the first prestige class that can duplicate Xena...

No, because Master Thrower isn't really problematic on its own either. A crit multiplier of 3 isn't so hot when the class normally relies on volleys of individually weak attacks.

To put things simply, the Master Thrower is trying to boost a thrown attack character up to par in one manner (basically, lots of weak but accurate attacks). The Bloodstorm Blade is trying to boost a thrown attack character up to par in another manner (as well as provide some ranged manuever tricks) via increasing the power of each thrown weapon (manuever, plus throwing big weapons). In conjunction, each class is multiplying the strengths of the other, putting the character over the top (for most campaigns).

 

[Darklone]

I think it's safe to say some people don't like that either.

The Power Throw in that book is pretty balanced cause you need very high strength and high dex to make it useful with TWF and Rapid Shot...

 

[starwed]

Imagine power attacking a bunch of thrown scimitars (with the x3 Crit range courtesy of MT) that are also touch attacks (also courtesy MT).

1. Use falchions, not scimitars.
2. There's a stance that gives you a +1 to hit/damage for every critical hit you make.
Combined with improved crit, this is pure win.

 

[AllisterH]

No, because Master Thrower isn't really problematic on its own either. A crit multiplier of 3 isn't so hot when the class normally relies on volleys of individually weak attacks.

To put things simply, the Master Thrower is trying to boost a thrown attack character up to par in one manner (basically, lots of weak but accurate attacks). The Bloodstorm Blade is trying to boost a thrown attack character up to par in another manner (as well as provide some ranged manuever tricks) via increasing the power of each thrown weapon (manuever, plus throwing big weapons). In conjunction, each class is multiplying the strengths of the other, putting the character over the top (for most campaigns).

Hmm..what level would you say this synergy becomes a problem....