Supernatural Weapons

[gfunk]

A few monsters in the 3.5 MM have weapons listed as (Su) powers including the Balor's vorpal sword and the Trumpet Archon's trumpet/greatsword.

What exactly is the significance of this? Other monsters who use magical weapons in their stat blocks do not have this quality.

I know there is probably no definitive answer, but your opinions would be appreciated.

 

[AuraSeer]

The archon's use of his trumpet/sword is a supernatural ability. It's not a power of the trumpet alone, because when not in his possession, the item is a useless and nonmagical chunk of metal.

I think the Balor's supernatural ability is that his sword always looks like a flame or a lightning bolt, instead of a sword. This is more vague than the archon case, though.

 

[Dakkareth]

As AuraSeer said it means, that it's no power of the item. It's a power of the creature, ie a trumpet archon could decided 'this is going to be my trumpet' and then his magical nature would suffuse it and give it its abilities.

And all that only so people don't gate Balors to get their weapons

 

[youspoonybard]

As AuraSeer said it means, that it's no power of the item. It's a power of the creature, ie a trumpet archon could decided 'this is going to be my trumpet' and then his magical nature would suffuse it and give it its abilities.

And all that only so people don't gate Balors to get their weapons

True, they Shapeshift instead.

No xp cost!