Double weapon buffing

[burnrate]

If I cast a buffing spell such as magic weapon or sonic weapon on a double weapon does it affect both ends?

 

[mikebr99]

If I cast a buffing spell such as magic weapon or sonic weapon on a double weapon does it affect both ends?

Sorry... no.

You have to temporarily or permanantly enchant both ends.


Mike

 

[burnrate]

That's what I thought - do you know where I can find that reference?

 

[mikebr99]

That's what I thought - do you know where I can find that reference?

RIght here...

Creating magic double-headed weapons is treated as creating two weapons when determining cost, time, XP, and special abilities.

Mike

 

[burnrate]

Thanks - and that applies to temp buffs as well?

 

[Infiniti2000]

RIght here...

That's a limit on crafting weapons. Do you have any such reference to a limit on spells that effect a weapon? Keep in mind, I agree that the limit should exist (i.e. I houserule it, too), but I don't think it does per RAW. A double weapon is still just a "weapon" and that's all that spells like magic weapon and greater magic weapon refer to.

 

[Henrix]

Yes, it should, even if it is not explicit.

Shillelagh is an exception, as it clearly states that it enchants both ends of a staff.

 

[burnrate]

Should it? Do you think it's unbalancing? We don't see a great many double weapons in our game. Many more two-handers. I don't know how disrupting it would be. I'm in the process of constructing a spellsword (probably a mistake in itself) that would use a twin-blade sword and am thinking about buffs for this character. I'm trying to come to a conclusion on how these will work with a double weapon.

 

[Krafen]

My first thought was it would only affect one end of the weapon, as per the weapon enchantment rules. After reviewing the spell description, however, it looks like a double weapon would gain the enhancement bonus regardless of which end you attacked with.

Magic Weapon
Transmutation
Level: Clr 1, Pal 1, Sor/Wiz 1, War 1
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Weapon touched
Duration: 1 min./level
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless, object)
Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless, object)

Magic weapon gives a weapon a +1 enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls. (An enhancement bonus does not stack with a masterwork weapon’s +1 bonus on attack rolls.)

You can’t cast this spell on a natural weapon, such as an unarmed strike (instead, see magic fang). A monk’s unarmed strike is considered a weapon, and thus it can be enhanced by this spell.


Magic Weapon, Greater
Transmutation
Level: Clr 4, Pal 3, Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One weapon or fifty projectiles (all of which must be in contact with each other at the time of casting)
Duration: 1 hour/level
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless, object)
Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless, object)

This spell functions like magic weapon, except that it gives a weapon an enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls of +1 per four caster levels (maximum +5).

Alternatively, you can affect as many as fifty arrows, bolts, or bullets. The projectiles must be of the same kind, and they have to be together (in the same quiver or other container). Projectiles, but not thrown weapons, lose their transmutation when used. (Treat shuriken as projectiles, rather than as thrown weapons, for the purpose of this spell.)

Arcane Material Component: Powdered lime and carbon.

edit: spelling

 

[Henrix]

Should it?

I meant should, according to the rules, I did not mean to evaluate the balance or anything.