Didn't realise they were from Diablo II, but I worry about introducing the greater Truedeath Gem. Being able to critical or sneak attack undead seems wrong somehow!
Are they that strapped for ideas? Last think we need is diablo style magic items. Plus the ability to hand these things around with only a MOVE action needed to switch them is just wrong.
I was kinda looking forward to this book, because magic items have fallen so far behind feats, base classes, skill uses and spell lists in the last couple of years. Now I think I will let it pass.
Are they that strapped for ideas? Last think we need is diablo style magic items. Plus the ability to hand these things around with only a MOVE action needed to switch them is just wrong.
One action to throw (or pass) the gem, one action to catch it, one action to install it...That's a turn gone right there...imagine if you missed catching it...or if you wanted to keep the gem you were replacing? Another move action to stow an item...unless you wanted to drop that pretty little gem on the ground...
I heartily welcome this time-wasting idea.
I'm waffling on the bit about requiring vanilla bonuses for the higher gems, but I can see the attraction. But then, in my 3.0 game, all you need is +3 for almost everything in the Monster Manual to be vulnerable to you, so I guess it's okay.