The True Vorpal Weapon

[Hrothgar Rannúlfr]

Right now, I and my group are working on getting as much AD&D feel out of 3.5 as possible. There's a lot in 3.5 that I don't want to sacrifice and there's some things I want to be able to use from AD&D. One of those things is the AD&D Vorpal Weapon.

Basically, I want to know how to build a 3.5 legal Vorpal Weapon that decapitates on a critical threat with no critical confirmation roll needed. I need cost and caster requirements for building such a weapon.

Long story short... One of my players had a fighter in AD&D with such a weapon and I'd like to be able to let that fighter make a return appearance (after about 15 real world years from the last time he was played) in our 3.5 game. I realize that the 3.5 round is 10 times shorter and that is why the confirmation roll is needed, but the player won't feel the same about it if he has to roll to confirm the decapitation.

Please, help. Artifact level prices are OK, I just want to know how to build it legally in 3.5.

 

[Mistwell]

Well, here is the 3rd edition version:

Vorpal: This potent and feared ability allows the weapon to sever the heads of those it strikes. Upon a roll of natural 20 (followed by a successful roll to confirm the critical hit), the weapon severs the opponent’s head (if it has one) from its body. Some creatures, such as many aberrations and all oozes, have no heads. Others, such as golems and undead creatures other than vampires, are not affected by the loss of their heads. Most other creatures, however, die when their heads are cut off. A vorpal weapon must be a slashing weapon. (If you roll this property randomly for an inappropriate weapon, reroll.)

Strong necromancy and transmutation; CL 18th; Craft Magical Arms and Armor, circle of death, keen edge; Price +5 bonus.

So you need a cost to remove the confirmation. Not sure how to figure that. I vaguely recall an ability out there that removes the crit confirmation, just not sure where.

 

[Nadaka]

Closest thing I can think of off the top of my head is the ranger 1 spell "Hunters Mercy" found in spell compendium. But its not exactly what you are looking for and would be hideous when combined with vorpal, if the DM is willing to break the stated rules and allow it.

The price is irrelevant if the PC's can't get their hands on one. IE, do not let them get their hands on it.

 

[Hypersmurf]

The Bless Weapon spell automatically confirms crits on evil creatures, but it doesn't work with an ability that improves criticals.

-Hyp.

 

[akbearfoot]

It's a very small step to settle on requiring the confirmation roll....It's one giant leap to TAKE AWAY the confirmation roll from the regular weapon.


4 attacks a round = a 25% autokill chance? That's WAY too strong. The confirmation roll is there for balance. It's to make it harder to decapitate on an iterative attack.

Your party prays you never get dominated and turn on them.


Think of it this way....would you normally allow a PC to get a weapon enchanted that works like this...'Every time you strike an opponent with this weapon, roll percentile dice. 1-25% and they die with no saveing throw allowed' Hrmm....sounds a little rediculous.


And there is already bless weapon.

 

[Deset Gled]

4 attacks a round = a 25% autokill chance? That's WAY too strong. The confirmation roll is there for balance. It's to make it harder to decapitate on an iterative attack.

I think it's actually about 18.55% (formula would be 1-(19/20)^4), but you are correct that it's way too strong. Especially when you consider the ways that exist to get extra attacks and expand the crit range.

I would recommend simply making the item an artifact. The fact that the item has no price and can't be sold or bought would help give it a more 2e feel since (IIRC) there were no magic Walmarts in 2e like there are in 3e.

 

[Elemmakil]

I think it's actually about 18.55% (formula would be 1-(19/20)^4), but you are correct that it's way too strong. Especially when you consider the ways that exist to get extra attacks and expand the crit range.

I would recommend simply making the item an artifact. The fact that the item has no price and can't be sold or bought would help give it a more 2e feel since (IIRC) there were no magic Walmarts in 2e like there are in 3e.

I agree with everything you said. I'd also make it an artifact, if the 3.5 incarnation of vorpal won't suffice. I'm not sure why you need to get rid of the critical confirmation to begin with. Flavorwise, that difference is downright trivial compared to the changes in the classes.

-Elemmakil

 

[Mistwell]

Isn't getting rid of the confirmation essentially almost the same as "+10 to confirm critical hits"? I mean, all you need to do is "hit" with a confirmation, and AC already doesn't scale well with attack bonus at the high levels that such a weapon would be viable.

So, shouldn't be that hard to calculate the added cost of +10 to confirm a critical.

 

[Hrothgar Rannúlfr]

Well, here is the 3rd edition version: ...

Thank you.

So you need a cost to remove the confirmation.

Exactly.

Not sure how to figure that. I vaguely recall an ability out there that removes the crit confirmation, just not sure where.

I thought there might be an ability, but I haven't focused too much on the magical side of 3.5. We've ran mostly warriors and a few low level spellcasters.

 

[Hrothgar Rannúlfr]

Closest thing I can think of off the top of my head is the ranger 1 spell "Hunters Mercy" found in spell compendium. But its not exactly what you are looking for and would be hideous when combined with vorpal, if the DM is willing to break the stated rules and allow it.

Thanks. I don't have Spell Compendium, yet. It's on my list to get, though. (Not planning to switch to 4e. Though, there doesn't seem to be a confirmation roll in 4e.)

The price is irrelevant if the PC's can't get their hands on one. IE, do not let them get their hands on it.

I agree. Such a weapon couldn't be bought. If someone could make it, what in the multiverse would possess them to sell it?

What I'm interested most in is what it would take to craft such a weapon in 3.5. A vorpal weapon with autocritical. Could even a wish or miracle do it?