Ghost Touch Bow = GT Ammo?

[Henry]

I tok a multi-year break from here and people are still arguing about this?

Would you prefer a "Rangers got the shaft" thread? Just be glad it's not about buckets of snails...

 

[James McMurray]

Rangers did get the shaft. They need the bucket of snails trick to stay viable. That's why I house ruled that only Rangers can get Great Cleave, and they can choose a bucket of snails as their animal companion (although technically I force them to provide the bucket).

 

[Hypersmurf]

This notion would seem to imply that potions, scrolls, wands, staves, etc. that are not listed on the random generation tables could not be made. It would also seem to prevent new weapon types from being made magical. If those tables were to represent restrictions in just some of the cases, it should be noted.

The sections on creating potions and wands etc, unlike the section on creating weapons, make no reference to the tables.

-Hyp.

 

[mvincent]

The sections on creating potions and wands etc, unlike the section on creating weapons, make no reference to the tables.

Yeah, I was noticing that. The rules have:
"A magic weapon must have at least a +1 enhancement bonus to have any of the abilities listed on Table: Melee Weapon Special Abilities or Table: Ranged Weapon Special Abilities."
(and similar text in the armor creation section)

While this text is not in the scroll, wand etc. sections, I don't believe this actually denotes the type of restriction you mention. Do you? If so, howso? Also, do the other points I mentioned have bearing to you? Indeed, it seems like the descriptions themselves denote the appropriate limitations.

 

[Hypersmurf]

While this text is not in the scroll, wand etc. sections, I don't believe this actually denotes the type of restriction you mention. Do you? If so, howso?

I do, because otherwise Spell Storing Arrows are legal

-Hyp.

 

[mvincent]

I do, because otherwise Spell Storing Arrows are legal

I agree that they should not be allowed, but for different reasons. I'm just trying to verify a strict interpretation of RAW (which is something you often profess).

Strictly by RAW, are you saying you believe that returning daggers (and keen throwing axes) cannot be made?

 

[Hypersmurf]

I agree that they should not be allowed, but for different reasons. I'm just trying to verify a strict interpretation of RAW (which is something you often profess).

Strictly by RAW, are you saying you believe that returning daggers (and keen throwing axes) cannot be made?

A returning dagger - possible.

"Weapons come in two basic categories: melee and ranged. Some of the weapons listed as melee weapons can also be used as ranged weapons."

A keen throwing axe - likewise possible. It's a melee weapon in the PHB (which can also be used as a ranged weapon). On the other hand, I might not allow the improved threat range if the axe is thrown, since in that case it's not being used as a melee weapon...

My question - can you put the Reflecting, Blinding, or Arrow Deflection abilities on a suit of armor? Related question - can you put the Spell Resistance (13, 15, 17, or 19) ability on a shield?

-Hyp.

 

[mvincent]

A keen throwing axe - likewise possible. It's a melee weapon in the PHB (which can also be used as a ranged weapon).

Fair points. But then: an arrow is a ranged weapon which can also be used as a melee weapon (as noted in it's description):
"An arrow used as a melee weapon is treated as a light improvised weapon"

My question - can you put the Reflecting, Blinding, or Arrow Deflection abilities on a suit of armor? Related question - can you put the Spell Resistance (13, 15, 17, or 19) ability on a shield?

Those abilities designate "shield" or "armor" in their descriptions (which would override the tables anyway).

As mentioned: it seems like the item descriptions (rather than the random generation tables) stipulate the restrictions. Examples:
Ki focus specifically says "Only melee weapons can have the ki focus ability."
Seeking says "Only ranged weapons can have the seeking ability."
Returning says "This special ability can only be placed on a weapon that can be thrown."
etc.

Wouldn't these be exceptions that prove the rule? WotC could have cleared this up by stating somewhere that the tables represent restrictions. My point is that they didn't.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Fair points. But then: an arrow is a ranged weapon which can also be used as a melee weapon (as noted in it's description):
"An arrow used as a melee weapon is treated as a light improvised weapon"

And if someone wanted to craft an arrow that functioned as a magic melee weapon for 2300gp, I'd probably let them. But not 50 at a time.

Those abilities designate "shield" or "armor" in their descriptions (which would override the tables anyway).

So what happens if a random roll on the Shield table comes up with one of the Spell Resistance abilities?

-Hyp.

 

[mvincent]

So what happens if a random roll on the Shield table comes up with one of the Spell Resistance abilities?

Excellent point. That seems similar to Defending saying "A defending weapon allows the wielder to transfer some or all of the sword’s enhancement bonus" (even though it can be used on other items)

I think I see your point then: you believe the descriptions may contain errors (or lack information), but that the tables more reliably show the writer's intent?