Weapon plus

[Crothian]

But why a +5 sword with cool abilities and -3 to all attacks, instead of a +2 sword with cool abilities?

Bullgrit

Becasue +5 is more then just about attacking. And -3 to all attacks applies to more then just this sword. So, it is not the same thing.

 

[Bullgrit]

Becasue +5 is more then just about attacking. And -3 to all attacks applies to more then just this sword. So, it is not the same thing.

Sounds like an old-school practice of having like "+1 to hit, +3 damage" magic weapons. But still doesn't make sense to me. This is a concept out of Weapons of Legacy?

Bullgrit

 

[Einan]

It has a lot of cool other abilities

Yeah, it can totally beat up all the other fighters who mock you for being the lame-o with the magic sword who can't hit the broad side of a bullette!

Einan

 

[MerricB]

Sounds like an old-school practice of having like "+1 to hit, +3 damage" magic weapons. But still doesn't make sense to me. This is a concept out of Weapons of Legacy?

It is; it may seem odd, but it provides an easy mechanic for what can be a wide range of item abilities.

Consider:

Legacy Holy Avenger: +5 holy cold iron longsword, area greater dispel magic at will, heal self 1/day, break enchantment 1/day. SR 5+paladin level.
Penalties: -2 attacks, -3 saves, 16 hp loss.
Ritual Cost: 55,000 gp

Flamecaster's Bolt: +4 seeking flaming light crossbow, faerie fire at will, bless 1/day, fireball 1/day, +6 Dex, endure heat, DR 10/magic against ranged weapons, plus another ability.
Penalties: -2 attacks, -3 saves, 16 hp loss.
Ritual Cost: 55,000 gp

Caput Mortuum: +5 unholy vicious wounding scythe
Penalties: -1 attacks, 12 hp loss, one 8th level spell slot loss
Ritual Cost: 52,000 gp

There are several standard penalty tables, and they also allow you to create your own levelled items from a menu of options.

Cheers!

 

[MerricB]

Yeah, it can totally beat up all the other fighters who mock you for being the lame-o with the magic sword who can't hit the broad side of a bullette!

LOL!

But is that true? At 20th level, how noticiable is a -3 penalty to hit? Are you using a +5 sword anyway, or a +2 with cool abilities?

Cheers!

 

[Einan]

I actually think the legacy weapon idea seems pretty cool. I like the idea of sacrificing something to gain huge powers from your sword. Of course, I like the idea of swords who consume their wielder in order to gain power. Addiction can be made of steel and magic, after all.

Einan

 

[Bullgrit]

Consider:

<shudder> Ew. I don't think I would use those. I'd rather not have some cool extra powers than get penalties to some basic/core needs.

But I think I hijacked the thread. Sorry.

Bullgrit

 

[diaglo]

<shudder> Ew. I don't think I would use those. I'd rather not have some cool extra powers than get penalties to some basic/core needs.

But I think I hijacked the thread. Sorry.

Bullgrit

no, you didn't hijack the thread. you brought exactly the questions and concerns MerricB was asking to the forefront.

 

[Kuld]

Well consider all of the heroes of old. Most of their weapons were revered as well. I remember reading old Norse legends and one man had a powerful sword that turned into a snake when drawn (possibly pattern welded IRL). The only hindrance was that you could not draw the weapon in direct sun light. Talk about a drawback! I think -3 to attacks and the loss of 16hp sounds a wee but easier to handle.

I truly love the idea of legendary weapons. I think I’ll put that book on my wish list for Santa.

 

[diaglo]

I truly love the idea of legendary weapons. I think I’ll put that book on my wish list for Santa.

save your money and use your own imagination.