Too much of a wuss to just say NO!

[Kastil]

Okay, I have this person in the game I run who comes up with custom items all the time. The last character he played created lots of new arsenal out of the plants etc in the area. Not a problem on my end on this considering he had the required skills and they were a decent level (around 6-8 at the time).

We've started a new campaign now because a lot of death was going around and some of the players couldn't get into their new characters. Fine with me as I thought the whole campaign needed a fresh start and the characters with the plot hooks were the ones perishing. So I send out the character creation rules, eventually make a semi-decent web page (http://members.aol.com/willowandwind), and we're set to go. A few of the players can't start right away but no big as it's heavy RP in the beginning with a slight chance of hack n slash in the future.

Enter again the player who likes creating things. Trying to be a little more strict on who has what to keep a balanced party, especially since they're starting at 1st, I add a rule to my Code of Conduct (see website). A request comes in for the following:

A heavy wooden shield with a blade (short sword sized which I believe is about 2' long) that extends out with some sort of mechanism. Where the blade goes when it's not extended has yet to be explained fully to me. I suggest something that already exists, the spiked shield. Nope, he's not going for it. I'm the one who doesn't understand, he says. Riiiiiiight.......

He's saying this item should cost around 40gp said and done. I'm beginning to think it would be more and might need the extra cost of a masterwork item. If he wants to make it, he needs the skill to do it and must roll for it. I really am fighting hard not to throw water on the flame of creativity here, honest!

I can't find anything concrete in the PHB or DMG on this kind of item creation. Everything I see is on magic. I'm curious to know what you other DMs think, besides me 'growing a pair' and out right saying NO!

::seriously contemplates a BBG with Sunder::

 

[BiggusGeekus]

Let him pay for it with a feat.

Monte Cook's Arcana Unearthed pretty much does this. There are all sorts of wacky things in there, but you gotta havea feat to use them.

Tell the player you want him to take "Exotic Proficiency: Shields"

What exactly does this shield do that a spiked shield doesn't anyway? If its just a few more hp damage for bashing attacks, I wouldnt' stress over it.

 

[Wicht]

I would just rule that a shield with a built in spring blade is a masterwork item and charge him 350 gold pieces for it. Using it in combat however effectively takes an exotic weapons feat.

 

[mmu1]

You really need to take into account what he wants to be able to do with this thing. (and letting us know would help )

If he just wants a stupid-looking item that can be used as either a short sword or a large shield, let him pay his 40 gold - I can't see how it can possibly matter. (unless the lack of verisimilitude is bugging you)

On the other hand, if he's angling for something along the lines of increased shield bash damage, using the blade to make surprise sneak attacks, being able to use the blade and still get the AC from the shield, or any other fun stuff that's usually the hallmark of "creative" players you need to tell him to pay a feat (or feats) for it (provided it's not something completely ridiculous that should be axed outright) or stuff it. That's not really being creative, it's just munchkin.

 

[BigFreekinGoblinoid]

The Arms & Equipment guide has a "stiletto" shield with blades that pop out from the sides and center - It STILL acts as a spiked shield when blades are extended though. 30 gp

If he wants to use said shield as a weapon that does damage like a short sword, I agree with the feat solution ( exotic weapon prof - sword shield ) - otherwise apply penalties for use.

 

[Squire James]

Basically, it's a spiked shield with a retractible spike (it's okay to call the spike a "blade" if you wish). There are real-world problems to such a weapon existing (like where the spike comes from and such), but in a world where spiked armor can be used offensively this doesn't seem to be much of a stretch.

Let him have it for 40 gp, and explain that it works exactly like a large wooden shield when the spike - ahem, blade - is retracted, and exactly like a spiked shield when it's extended. If you think some precision Crafting is needed for the item, I think a DC 18 Craft (trapmaking) check can cover the spring mechanism for the shield.

If he wants to make the whole thing himself, he'll need 3 Craft skills: armorer, weaponsmithing, and trapmaking. If he wants it THAT bad, let him have it!

 

[Steverooo]

I suspect that what the player wants is a Large Shield, with the ability to use a Short Sword while still getting the Shield's AC bonus... If so, there's already a Feat (Shield Expert, IIRC) which does this. Not to mention the much-maligned Animated Shields.

In any case, I don't see a Large Shield with a Shortsword blade that lies flat against the shield, but is spring-loaded to stand upright when a release is triggered as terribly unreasonable... The blade could swing left, right, up, down, or any combination, and lock into place.

Anyway, the first step is design. The PC could use Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) to design it, or go to a good-sized city and hire an Engineer to design it for him (for the appropriate fee, of course).

Next comes building it. Craft (Armoursmithing) and Craft (Weaponsmithing) would both be needed. I don't see either roll as being terribly high, as there's little difference in the sword blade or shield...

Then, make the design roll for the Engineering of the spring and locking mechanism. If it succeeds, then the design is workable, and the mechanism causes the finished shieldblade to lock into position as intended. If it fails, however, the mechanism's design was flawed, and it is back to the design stage (although the shield and blade can probably be reused).

Once the weapon has been designed and built (which can all have been done by someone else - for the right price), the PC must then learn how to use it. Enter either Shield Expert or Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Shieldblade.

Once all of these hurdles have been passed, the PC has what he wants!

Player of Eredave, armed with Manriki-gusari and Claws; proficient with one at second level, and the other at sixth... but, hey, there's always the -4 Non-proficiency penalty!

 

[Kastil]

What exactly does this shield do that a spiked shield doesn't anyway? If its just a few more hp damage for bashing attacks, I wouldnt' stress over it.

It actually does less damage per his workup. He has it at 1D4 dmg whereas the spiked shield would do 1D6 (against medium creature). I'm beginning to think this guy can't make a 'normal' character.

 

[Kastil]

Thanks everyone. I think that has it about wrapped up. The only feat he took was Improved Shield Bash but what he wants is more than a shield.

As for the purpose of said weapon, I think he just wants one of his 'cool' toys to play with.