Transmuting weapon [MIC]

[jontherev]

I think the text specifies that the weapon doesn't start overcoming damage reduction until the start of your next turn after you successfully hit someone. I like the imagery of a morphing weapon, it is called a "Transmuting" weapon after all.

Right...I don't think I ever said differently. You hit it in the 1st round, and then you are golden, unless it somehow acquires a different kind of DR during combat, in which case you need to start the process over again. Morphing should've been a synergy prerequisite for Transmuting, imo.

 

[DarkJester]

Ah, it appears I am unable to read this morning.

That could certainly balance it if you feel it's to strong for only +2.

 

[saucercrab]

I guess I figured enough folks would have this book. Suffice it to say, that I think the wording is sufficient to not even allow argument over. "If the target has multiple types of damage reduction, the weapon overcomes all of them."

It first appeared in the Miniatures Handbook (for any on the thread that own that but not the MIC).

My beef is that I just think it's too powerful for a simple +2 enhancement.

Quite possibly. Sure striking (alignment) is +1, & metalline (materials) is +2. Transmuting is both of these & more, with a one-round delay.

 

[jontherev]

It first appeared in the Miniatures Handbook (for any on the thread that own that but not the MIC).

Quite possibly. Sure striking (alignment) is +1, & metalline (materials) is +2. Transmuting is both of these & more, with a one-round delay.

Good point! Are you sure about metalline being +2 (book at home)? Also, it's worth noting that transmuting doesn't allow you to actually change your weapon into a special material...it simply ignores any DR of one particular foe. If you happen to forget this, and use an AoO against a different foe who happens to have a different DR...oops...you just messed up and now have to wait a round to overcome this new creature's DR (and no longer overcome the old creature's DR). SO...it's *quite* as good as actually having the metalline and sure striking enhancements separately.

So, it definitely has limitations...but it's power level can be quite enormous at times. I think I'll stick to my previous house ruling that Morphing is a synergy prerequisite (making it a total bonus of +3), and it works just like the transmuting ability says...except you also simultaneously morph your weapon into an appropriate weapon to overcome the necessary DR type. Example: you hit a lichfiend with DR 15/adamantine, bludgeoning & good with a greatsword; next round, at the start of your turn, the greatsword morphs into a heavy mace that ignores the adamantine & good DR. For some reason, I don't have a problem with a weapon ignoring the alignment or special material DR's, but the weapon type (slashing or whatever) bothers me. YMMV. I might also rule that epic DR is immune to this ability.

 

[saucercrab]

Good point! Are you sure about metalline being +2 (book at home)?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure. :goes & gets the book: Okay, yeah, 100% sure.

So, it definitely has limitations...but it's power level can be quite enormous at times. I think I'll stick to my previous house ruling that Morphing is a synergy prerequisite (making it a total bonus of +3), and it works just like the transmuting ability says...except you also simultaneously morph your weapon into an appropriate weapon to overcome the necessary DR type. Example: you hit a lichfiend with DR 15/adamantine, bludgeoning & good with a greatsword; next round, at the start of your turn, the greatsword morphs into a heavy mace that ignores the adamantine & good DR. For some reason, I don't have a problem with a weapon ignoring the alignment or special material DR's, but the weapon type (slashing or whatever) bothers me. YMMV. I might also rule that epic DR is immune to this ability.

One advantage morphing & metalline have over transmuting is that they would be effective against regeneration (not sure how many creatures have regen vs. bludgeoning, etc., though).