Upgrading a Sunblade

[moritheil]

I want to upgrade a sunblade. Should I treat a sunblade as a +4 weapon, or +2?

In normal combat, the glowing golden blade of the weapon is equal to a +2 bastard sword. Against evil creatures, its enhancement bonus is +4. Against Negative Energy Plane creatures or undead creatures, the sword deals double damage (and ×3 on a critical hit instead of the usual ×2).

 

[Kat']

I'd say a +3 weapon. Definitely better than a +2 weapon, thought not quite as powerful as a +4 weapon.

 

[Herzog]

The DMG states that the Sunblade has a price of 50335 gp.

That's 335 for a masterwork basterdsword, and 50000 gp for the enchantments.

That puts the Sunblade at the +5 equivalent weapon.

So, for the purpose of enhancement costs you should treat the weapon as a +5 weapon.

To figure out how much bonus can be addes (before epic) I think you should treat it as a +2 weapon (meaning you can add an additional +3 to the weapon).

Note that the DMG also lists some additional powers of the Sunblade, like the ability to treat it as a shortsword and the power to cast sunlight once per day.

Herzog

 

[frankthedm]

So, for the purpose of enhancement costs you should treat the weapon as a +5 weapon.

Agreed. anythings that doubles damage should not come cheaply, even if it is limited in application. A Holy Undead Bane +2 weapon might effect more foes, but +4d6 can easily be outshone by even slightly optimized builds.

 

[moritheil]

That's a pretty compelling argument, Herzog.

Thanks, everyone!