Custom item feedback

[Enaloindir]

Hi all,

Would the following item be overpowered?

Gloves of Lightning Admixture
Level 10/20/30 Uncommon
Price: 5,000 gp

Item Slot: Hands

Power (Encounter * Lightning): Free Action. The next attack you make this turn deals 2/4/6 extra lightning damage to each enemy within 2 squares of the target; the target of this attack does not take this damage.

It's based on the Tempest Whetstone, which gives all your attacks for en entire encounter the extra lightning damage, but costs you 200gp per pop. This item is the same level as the whetstone, and is the equivalent of 25 whetstones (just less than a full week of adventuring).

Thanks!

 

[the Jester]

I think it looks fine at a glance.

 

[TarionzCousin]

I like it.

The problem with whetstones is you don't realize until you're in combat that the monster is vulnerable to an energy type. Do you use a Standard action to apply the whetstone to your weapon? I don't think it's worth it to lose an attack to do it.

In some situations, it is fine--e.g., when you can't attack for round, like when you are moving to attack and can't reach your target. Otherwise, my character's whetstones are just gathering dust.

 

[Enaloindir]

Whetstones require only a minor action to apply, so you don't lose an attack when using them.

 

[chitzk0i]

I think the item could stand to be as low as level 8 like the Gloves of Eldritch Admixture, but it doesn't matter a whole lot. See below

 

[Noctos]

While moving his arms around one another in a circular pattern he chants. "Wunfasxe Incoteega Nurnioga Lupizde " Arms still in motion he goes through many different hand gestures. " Tuenasdiom Rancrantus Karvientis Palowuis" Gajoides body radiates massive energy as his garments produce a red mist that spreads away from his body. " Moecraut Luntorzun Xyhiomer Jaqurgilum " Eight inch spherical red orbs with waves of fire running from the top to the bottom appears above his head six in all. While moving his right arms toward the ground he says. " Harowtus" and one of the spheres race to the ground below landing in the middle of undead unit. The dirt at point of impact lifts off the ground. Red beams of light streak out the hole forming a cylindrical shape. The beams of light gain a hint of fire as the grow up and out spreading a cross twenty square feet instantly throwing the top soil across the ground out. The undead in it's path combust sending shards of rotting flesh air born. As it sinks back in to the ground another one appears in front of it taking more undead in it's quake. As the first one vanishes in to the soil a third cylinder grows in front of the second it too spreads across twenty feet before sucking back in to the ground. The ground is charred and littered with scraps of undead soldiers.

 

[Colmarr]

In some situations, it is fine--e.g., when you can't attack for round, like when you are moving to attack and can't reach your target. Otherwise, my character's whetstones are just gathering dust.

My personal favourite use for whetstones is on ranged weapons (javelins, specifically). I don't need a magical ranged weapon often enough to buy one, but I always keep at least one level-appropriate whetstone on hand in case we find ourselves up against a flyer or really disadvantageous terrain.

 

[Neonchameleon]

5*5 minion destruction for a level 10 item every encounter? *wince*

Actually it gets a whole lot worse in the hands of a wizard or the like. Drop a big area attack with a lot of bad guys in it and have the lightning arcing off everyone into everyone else.

 

[chitzk0i]

5*5 minion destruction for a level 10 item every encounter? *wince*

Actually it gets a whole lot worse in the hands of a wizard or the like. Drop a big area attack with a lot of bad guys in it and have the lightning arcing off everyone into everyone else.

Oh, huh. I... didn't actually read the item the first time through. I assumed it just added lightning damage to one target. Wow, that would be pretty ridiculous on something like hand of radiance. That definitely should be a daily item power.

 

[Enaloindir]

The function is identical to the tempest whetstone. The way I read it, it damages creatures within 2 squares (but not in) the spell's original area of effect: "the target of the attack does not take this damage". Basically, you get a donut with automatic damage around the original spell.

With the restriction on daily magic items usages gone, you could get yourself 25 whetstones and use one in each and every encounter. A full week of adventuring would set you back the same amount of gp.

Anyway, I'll tell my player his proposed item is still up for deliberation.

Thanks for the feedback!