Scepters versus rods.......

[Tuzenbach]

I had always thought that these were two distinct things until I paged through the DM's guide 3rd edition and noticed the description of rods being "scepter-like" in nature. This led me to attempt to locate the description of the "Scepter of Might" as created by Gygax. It's not in the 3rd edition. As a matter of fact, there are NO magic items (AFAIK) with the name "scepter" in the title.

Further, what once served as Gygax's description of a rod is now the 3rd edition's description of a wand in that it's "as thick as your thumb". Formerly, Gygax let it be known that wands were about pencil-thin and very fragile. What, now wands are "beefy" drumsticks? What's the deal?

 

[Piratecat]

So, explain the 1e scepter-like Wand of Orcus.

 

[baradtgnome]

... now wands are "beefy" drumsticks? What's the deal?

Fast food and soda machines in school. And do not discount all those growth hormones in the milk. Next thing you know those so called 'wands' will be bulging out all over and wearing brassieres. It has to stop somewhere and it might as well be here and now I say.

 

[Vlos]

I usually classify Scepters as Rods with large or fancy head/piece/unit (Sort of like a mace). Where as a Rod usually is more like a large wand or small staff.

Just my thoughts.

 

[ruleslawyer]

I had always thought that these were two distinct things until I paged through the DM's guide 3rd edition and noticed the description of rods being "scepter-like" in nature. This led me to attempt to locate the description of the "Scepter of Might" as created by Gygax. It's not in the 3rd edition. As a matter of fact, there are NO magic items (AFAIK) with the name "scepter" in the title.

Look under regalia of might in the "Major Artifacts" section of the Book of Exalted Deeds. The scepter is one piece of the regalia.

Further, what once served as Gygax's description of a rod is now the 3rd edition's description of a wand in that it's "as thick as your thumb". Formerly, Gygax let it be known that wands were about pencil-thin and very fragile. What, now wands are "beefy" drumsticks? What's the deal?

Wouldn't YOU make a precious magic item slightly less "fragile"? I think that's probably the "deal."