Creating Non-Magical Equipment for Classes [Archive] - Wizards Community

Creating Non-Magical Equipment for Classes [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Liox
03-08-05, 02:51 PM I think when it comes to equipment creation, sad to say that WOTC has not put in a lot of thought into it.

- Firstly, there are no non-magical specific weapons/ equipment for classes.
For an example.

Why not create Harp Bows that can play music as well as function as a range weapon. Or perhaps a Pipe Blow-Dart Gun? Perhaps even a elven Harp Bow that can do slashing damage/ and bludgeoning when used to hit someone over the head.

Other classes would also benefit from this as well. Rather than creating weapons that are the specific domain of fighers. I believe that there can be many Cleric equipment that could be used as a weapon.

Wizards can have the benefit of a sceptre which can do blast damage ( magically enhanced)as well as using it as a melee weapon.

I wont know about Rangers, but I am certain that some tools that thieves would carry should allow them some level of fighting enhancements. Finger knives used to cut purses could help cause some level of wounding.

I am very certain that for ninja characters, equipment that is multi-purpose would serve to enhance its character.Swords that enable the characters to pick locks ...or daggers that do that. Specialize gliders that are part of some exotic ninja set.

Even a paladin would benefit from a Sword Shield. I believe that multi functional Equipment is needed to make a character complete rather than rely solely on magic to solve these needs. With this, it makes the Craft skill more useful- and characters do not have to spend massive amounts of XP to just create the items that they need.
tarkin
03-08-05, 03:34 PM I like the Sword Shield Idea.

I think I am going to right one up.
Jack Greylock
03-08-05, 03:41 PM whille I agree that wizards has been lax in this area. As a DM I always let my PC's design any item they want, magical or non, then they ussually have to find some one with the right skill set and materials (which could be themselves in some cases) and pay the person an amount I come up with (when it comes to non-magical items I just look at what similiar items would cost and then add around 20% for making something unusual) and wait an apporpriate time for it to be created.

If you are the DM for your campign you should create all the itmes you mentioned and then give them or offer them for sale to your players.

If you aren't the DM, than ask the DM if you could commision or creat the item you want.
HomebrewedMonster
03-08-05, 04:19 PM Iron Flute, simple light one-handed weapon.

Damage: 1d3 (small), 1d4 (medium)
type: bludgeon
critical: x2
Weight: 2 lbs.
Gold: 8 gp
A mastercrafted iron flute gives a +1 enhancement bonus to attack, but not perform checks. You must pay an additional 100 gold to gain the benefits for the instrument to be treated as mastercrafted to gain the +2 compentance bonus to perform.

Play a tune, THWACK!

Scrollcase Staff, simple two-handed weapon.

Damage: 1d4/1d4 (small), 1d6/1d6 (medium)
type: bludgeon
critical: x2
Weight: 5 lbs.
Gold: 15 gp.
Anyone proficient with a quarterstaff may wield the scrollcase staff. The scroll casse staff is a 6 foot long hollow metal pole. The top foot of the pole may be screwed off (move action) to access the same space as a scroll case. The scroll case may store up to 8 scrolls.

I'm trying to design partical weapons, the harp bow is a little ridicilious, as is the sword shield (already exists as the dwarven buckler). The harp-bow would have to be a magical item that can shift between forms. A bow must have a pull, where a harp with pull means its notes would vary.
Liox
03-09-05, 01:16 PM As for the Harp Bow - I think it is possible to construct a pullable string while other strings are fixed

Here are some other ideas for interesting weapons and equipment.

-Short Spears and Pole Arms that can transform into
climbing tools, a whole list of equipment.

- Semi-hollowed Quarterstaffs that can be used to carry scrolls.

- Weighted Quails that can be thrown as an exotic weapon.

- Ink that could be distilled into poison.

- Gauntlets with multiple uses such as rappeling, climbing, etc

- For Paladins - Horse Bardings that could be used to hold equipment.

Overall, my personal view is the it is with the small weapons or large weapons that possess the most possibility for variety.

Arrows on the other hand are already well established as both weapons, a means of signal etc. I think it is the assortment of small weapons and the larger 2 handed weapons that Wizards should really focus upon.
RPM33
03-09-05, 01:37 PM I seem to remember some intresting mulitpurpose weapons in Dragonlance a while back. Of course, they may have the creation of Weis, rather than D+D.

"As for the Harp Bow - I think it is possible to construct a pullable string while other strings are fixed"

Nope. You will need a bowstring placed off-center of the remaining strings in order to get a free draw. This would look out of place to a trained eye, but probably would go unnoticed by most. Also, unless this is a floor harp, the bow will have to be very small, limiting range and damage potential. In fact, it would probably work best if thought of as a "dart bow", firing mini bolts at relatively close range, in the same vein as a hand xbow. With the surprise factor, and a litlle alchemical creativity you could have a very nasty and very fun weapon there.

Keeping with the bard theme-I remember an anime in which the protagonist hid a sword within the neck of a rather long lute. Always thought that was cool.
Liox
03-10-05, 05:35 AM It is so good that there are so many who show their interest in creating non-magical weapons that functions also as equipment.

Being a military enthusiast, I realize that the bayonets were used for a variety of uses. Digging up land mines as and example. Also the origins of many oriental weapons were those that were equipment that more common folk possessed.

I would imagine that Rangers would have the best needs for these, since they travel huge distances and are away from city life for prolong periods of time, other than characters that have immense strength, weight is always a limiting factor for most characters.

I wonder the realism of it all, when after thousands of years. Adventurers have not decided to create weapon items that have multiple uses? I am of course not advocating fighting with a Swiss Army Knife.

Thanks for the ideas like how to make the Harp Bow practical, the Iron Flute and other new ingenious ideas. Hopefully, this sends out a signal for the WOTC to be more creative.
HomebrewedMonster
03-10-05, 05:56 AM As for the Harp Bow - I think it is possible to construct a pullable string while other strings are fixed

- Semi-hollowed Quarterstaffs that can be used to carry scrolls.

Well I'm glad you read my arguement on the harp bow, but completely missed that I already created an item you suggested.
Carn Vandoril
03-10-05, 06:18 AM I like your ideas!! not all of them, but he!
I don't agree with your opinion about the WotC in this matter. Making your own items is fun and should always be negotiable with your DM. Don't let the WotC take that away from you! :cool:
By the way, that 'iron flute' does it make a different sound, after hitting an enemy bending it a little?? :P

One of the things I "stole" was the 'sword in a stick' from the movie 'blindfurie' (with Rutgher Hauer).
Liox
03-14-05, 10:14 AM With Regards to more equipment

1. Sword Spear. Weapon is a Sword that converts into a spear with the aid of a Bow Staff.

Item Crit. 18-20 ( Same as Falcion ), Can be converted to a Short Sword.
Or used For Bludgeoning when used as a Quarter Staff.
In oriental campaigns. It could be called a convertable Naginata.

2. Boot Knives. Rangers and Rogues will love this one.
A reinforce Knife that adds to kicking damage.
+2 would be great. If used by a monk, may use a Punching Dagger instead and used in combination with a Stunning fist.

3, Stunning Bo - A Bardic Warrior's Weapon. Essentially a QuarterStaff or a long staff with a tight strung up wire. Bardic Music Can be Performed by Resonating the weapon. Instrument has a high chance of stunning the opponent when Bardic Music is used, It combined with a sneak attack, may allow the Bard to use its Bardic music as Stunning Fist.

4. Cymbals of Death - This Weapon requires an Ambixeterity Feat. The Bard may use this as if a Shout with the exception that depending on how enemies within 30 Feet fail their Will Saves, they would Panick, Fear, Confuse etc. If they Fail their Fortitude Saves, they would be suffer Death, Nauseation, Deafness. As such, the Cymbals of Death are considered an Exotic Weapon.

The Serrated Edge Allows Slashing Damage of 1D8-1. While using the Cymbals of Death, the wielder may not use any other weapon or use skills that require dextrous hand use. The user however may cast spells with Somatic Components.
Liox
03-14-05, 10:16 AM The Great Thing about Hardness is that the weapon wont dent unless it goes beyond the Hardness aspect. Iron is pretty hardy, and Mitral and Adamantite are close to impossible to dent.
Keenath
03-14-05, 11:27 AM Honestly, I think if you start making things like this, you're pushing the bounds of logic.

In the real world, the best tools are the ones that are purpose-built. It's just the nature of engineering -- tools are made the way they are because they work best with that shape. A knife with lock-picks is always going to be inferior at opening locks to a set of tools that was made for the job.

Sure, I suppose you CAN do it if you want to. It may be useful to have some disguised tools or whatnot, but I'd only allow them to count as improvised tools (if applicable), or at most just the 'standard tools' that don't give any bonus on the skill check.
HomebrewedMonster
03-14-05, 11:52 AM Stunning Bo - A Bardic Warrior's Weapon. Essentially a QuarterStaff or a long staff with a tight strung up wire. Bardic Music Can be Performed by Resonating the weapon. Instrument has a high chance of stunning the opponent when Bardic Music is used, It combined with a sneak attack, may allow the Bard to use its Bardic music as Stunning Fist.

4. Cymbals of Death - This Weapon requires an Ambixeterity Feat. The Bard may use this as if a Shout with the exception that depending on how enemies within 30 Feet fail their Will Saves, they would Panick, Fear, Confuse etc. If they Fail their Fortitude Saves, they would be suffer Death, Nauseation, Deafness. As such, the Cymbals of Death are considered an Exotic Weapon.

Dude these are both magic items. Why does the staff allow stunning fist? Just because it has a sting in it that can make noise? Also the weapon is completely unbalanced. Mainly because a rogue will get more stunning fist uses than a monk with this staff (especailly if they are two-weapon rogues).

Why do these the cymbals grant the shout feat? Is it treated as the shout feat, why are they fearful and confused? Where is the fortitude save coming from? Since when can cymbals, non-magical, kill you from hearing them slap together?

You have to be realistic with these items.
Liox
03-15-05, 07:47 AM I fully agree with some of the points that have been pointed out. Frankly, I would never consider using a Kiai Shout Feat. Perhaps if it was done in such a way where by to enhance the Kiai Shout effects, that would be cooler. I have never been so much as shocked by someone shouting, but when someone comes up close and bangs cymbals in the class room. I am certain that it can catch quite a number of people by surprise. Seriously, Kiai Shout is quite stupid, 3 times a day and only a limited type of effect.

The idea for this thread is really to give characters variety and character in a low magic world.

I had considered creating weapons like the

Big Black Blade of Sneaking. A darken sword with eyelets to allow characters to sneak up to their opponents. The sword gives a +2 to hiding in Darkness, and +2 to DC for a listen check to spot when moving in Darkness because of the stabilty when held that way and moving. There are of course penalties when using it untrained.
Liox
03-15-05, 07:49 AM I do agree with the idea, that it should be used as an improvised tool, rather than an actual. Perhaps a penalty can be placed on it.
HomebrewedMonster
03-15-05, 02:38 PM I fully agree with some of the points that have been pointed out. Frankly, I would never consider using a Kiai Shout Feat. Perhaps if it was done in such a way where by to enhance the Kiai Shout effects, that would be cooler. I have never been so much as shocked by someone shouting, but when someone comes up close and bangs cymbals in the class room. I am certain that it can catch quite a number of people by surprise. Seriously, Kiai Shout is quite stupid, 3 times a day and only a limited type of effect.

Kia Shout is a great feat, giving all your opponents a -2 to attacks and saves not only helps you take less damage, but helps the wizard cast spells more effectively and (as a monk) makes your stunning fist more powerful.

Yelling can shock someone, I've seen it down. If a group of guys surround you and you yell at the top of your lungs, they are going to think twice about coming at you. Cymbals can shock someone when your right behind them, but 30-foot radius? I do not think so.

Big Black Blade of Sneaking. A darken sword with eyelets to allow characters to sneak up to their opponents. The sword gives a +2 to hiding in Darkness, and +2 to DC for a listen check to spot when moving in Darkness because of the stabilty when held that way and moving. There are of course penalties when using it untrained.

Again magic item, how does a weapon give you a +2 to hide? Why a +2 to listen? I do not understand, unless its a giant sharpened listening cone. Still the hiding would not fit.

If you want to make new items that's find, but you cannot just throw out bonuses without explaining why. How does the sword give you a hide bonus, what kind of hide bonus is it, and why does it have eyelets? Why does it give a listening bonus, what kind of bonus is it, and how does a sword give a bonus to listen? What kind of blade is it, shortsword, longsword, scimitar? How much does it cost, type of damage, the dice damage, and wieght?

You seem to have good ideas, but you need to go into more detail about them. Your ideas are unfinished. I cannot reason with the bonuses unless I am given a reason to believe it.
Liox
03-16-05, 03:11 PM The Sword gives Hide bonuses only when used in the dark, because the darken sword stops reflection and being Dark enables the wielder when using it at night to hide more efficiently. The Eyelets are there to allow the wielder to see when he moves at night.

As for the Move Silent bonus. In order to wield in such a way, where the wielder would hide a significant part of their body, would also add to balance. This in turn, helps the character when they move silently. I am considering to add a Penalty in the movement rate, when using such abilities.
Insane Pixie
03-16-05, 04:31 PM Regarding the Sword Shield...there is one.

From "Complete Warrior"

Gnome Tortoise Blade

Light Melee, 10 gp, Dmg (M) 1d6, 19-20/x2, 3 lb, Piercing

This contraption is designed to be used by a gnome in his or her off hand. It is particularly useful in cramped tunnels or warrens where swinging a weapon is difficult or impossible. It looks like a turtle shell strapped to the wielder's wrist, with a daggerlike blade jutting out where the wielder's fingers should be. A tortoise blade grants a +1 shield bonus to Armor Class. As with any shield, when you attack with a tortoise blade, you do not get the shield bonus to your AC. A tortoise blade also provides a -1 armor check penalty and a 5% arcane spell failure chance. Like a spiked shield, a tortoise blade can be enhanced as a weapon, as a shield, or both, but such enhancements must be paid for and applied separately.
Insane Pixie
03-16-05, 04:33 PM The Sword gives Hide bonuses only when used in the dark, because the darken sword stops reflection and being Dark enables the wielder when using it at night to hide more efficiently.

If it's dark out, you can't see anyway, unless you have low-light or darkvision, in which case you could see the black blade anyway.
Liox
03-21-05, 01:38 PM I have been thinking about the dynamics.

Perhaps the sword could do the following by giving the wielder Full concealment. Either that or it forces all those in front of it to look at it who use low light vision to be unable to see through the concealment the wielder is creating.

.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Liox 03-08-05, 02:51 PM	I think when it comes to equipment creation, sad to say that WOTC has not put in a lot of thought into it. - Firstly, there are no non-magical specific weapons/ equipment for classes. For an example. Why not create Harp Bows that can play music as well as function as a range weapon. Or perhaps a Pipe Blow-Dart Gun? Perhaps even a elven Harp Bow that can do slashing damage/ and bludgeoning when used to hit someone over the head. Other classes would also benefit from this as well. Rather than creating weapons that are the specific domain of fighers. I believe that there can be many Cleric equipment that could be used as a weapon. Wizards can have the benefit of a sceptre which can do blast damage ( magically enhanced)as well as using it as a melee weapon. I wont know about Rangers, but I am certain that some tools that thieves would carry should allow them some level of fighting enhancements. Finger knives used to cut purses could help cause some level of wounding. I am very certain that for ninja characters, equipment that is multi-purpose would serve to enhance its character.Swords that enable the characters to pick locks ...or daggers that do that. Specialize gliders that are part of some exotic ninja set. Even a paladin would benefit from a Sword Shield. I believe that multi functional Equipment is needed to make a character complete rather than rely solely on magic to solve these needs. With this, it makes the Craft skill more useful- and characters do not have to spend massive amounts of XP to just create the items that they need.
tarkin 03-08-05, 03:34 PM	I like the Sword Shield Idea. I think I am going to right one up.
Jack Greylock 03-08-05, 03:41 PM	whille I agree that wizards has been lax in this area. As a DM I always let my PC's design any item they want, magical or non, then they ussually have to find some one with the right skill set and materials (which could be themselves in some cases) and pay the person an amount I come up with (when it comes to non-magical items I just look at what similiar items would cost and then add around 20% for making something unusual) and wait an apporpriate time for it to be created. If you are the DM for your campign you should create all the itmes you mentioned and then give them or offer them for sale to your players. If you aren't the DM, than ask the DM if you could commision or creat the item you want.
HomebrewedMonster 03-08-05, 04:19 PM	Iron Flute, simple light one-handed weapon. Damage: 1d3 (small), 1d4 (medium) type: bludgeon critical: x2 Weight: 2 lbs. Gold: 8 gp A mastercrafted iron flute gives a +1 enhancement bonus to attack, but not perform checks. You must pay an additional 100 gold to gain the benefits for the instrument to be treated as mastercrafted to gain the +2 compentance bonus to perform. Play a tune, THWACK! Scrollcase Staff, simple two-handed weapon. Damage: 1d4/1d4 (small), 1d6/1d6 (medium) type: bludgeon critical: x2 Weight: 5 lbs. Gold: 15 gp. Anyone proficient with a quarterstaff may wield the scrollcase staff. The scroll casse staff is a 6 foot long hollow metal pole. The top foot of the pole may be screwed off (move action) to access the same space as a scroll case. The scroll case may store up to 8 scrolls. I'm trying to design partical weapons, the harp bow is a little ridicilious, as is the sword shield (already exists as the dwarven buckler). The harp-bow would have to be a magical item that can shift between forms. A bow must have a pull, where a harp with pull means its notes would vary.
Liox 03-09-05, 01:16 PM	As for the Harp Bow - I think it is possible to construct a pullable string while other strings are fixed Here are some other ideas for interesting weapons and equipment. -Short Spears and Pole Arms that can transform into climbing tools, a whole list of equipment. - Semi-hollowed Quarterstaffs that can be used to carry scrolls. - Weighted Quails that can be thrown as an exotic weapon. - Ink that could be distilled into poison. - Gauntlets with multiple uses such as rappeling, climbing, etc - For Paladins - Horse Bardings that could be used to hold equipment. Overall, my personal view is the it is with the small weapons or large weapons that possess the most possibility for variety. Arrows on the other hand are already well established as both weapons, a means of signal etc. I think it is the assortment of small weapons and the larger 2 handed weapons that Wizards should really focus upon.
RPM33 03-09-05, 01:37 PM	I seem to remember some intresting mulitpurpose weapons in Dragonlance a while back. Of course, they may have the creation of Weis, rather than D+D. "As for the Harp Bow - I think it is possible to construct a pullable string while other strings are fixed" Nope. You will need a bowstring placed off-center of the remaining strings in order to get a free draw. This would look out of place to a trained eye, but probably would go unnoticed by most. Also, unless this is a floor harp, the bow will have to be very small, limiting range and damage potential. In fact, it would probably work best if thought of as a "dart bow", firing mini bolts at relatively close range, in the same vein as a hand xbow. With the surprise factor, and a litlle alchemical creativity you could have a very nasty and very fun weapon there. Keeping with the bard theme-I remember an anime in which the protagonist hid a sword within the neck of a rather long lute. Always thought that was cool.
Liox 03-10-05, 05:35 AM	It is so good that there are so many who show their interest in creating non-magical weapons that functions also as equipment. Being a military enthusiast, I realize that the bayonets were used for a variety of uses. Digging up land mines as and example. Also the origins of many oriental weapons were those that were equipment that more common folk possessed. I would imagine that Rangers would have the best needs for these, since they travel huge distances and are away from city life for prolong periods of time, other than characters that have immense strength, weight is always a limiting factor for most characters. I wonder the realism of it all, when after thousands of years. Adventurers have not decided to create weapon items that have multiple uses? I am of course not advocating fighting with a Swiss Army Knife. Thanks for the ideas like how to make the Harp Bow practical, the Iron Flute and other new ingenious ideas. Hopefully, this sends out a signal for the WOTC to be more creative.
HomebrewedMonster 03-10-05, 05:56 AM	As for the Harp Bow - I think it is possible to construct a pullable string while other strings are fixed - Semi-hollowed Quarterstaffs that can be used to carry scrolls. Well I'm glad you read my arguement on the harp bow, but completely missed that I already created an item you suggested.
Carn Vandoril 03-10-05, 06:18 AM	I like your ideas!! not all of them, but he! I don't agree with your opinion about the WotC in this matter. Making your own items is fun and should always be negotiable with your DM. Don't let the WotC take that away from you! :cool: By the way, that 'iron flute' does it make a different sound, after hitting an enemy bending it a little?? :P One of the things I "stole" was the 'sword in a stick' from the movie 'blindfurie' (with Rutgher Hauer).
Liox 03-14-05, 10:14 AM	With Regards to more equipment 1. Sword Spear. Weapon is a Sword that converts into a spear with the aid of a Bow Staff. Item Crit. 18-20 ( Same as Falcion ), Can be converted to a Short Sword. Or used For Bludgeoning when used as a Quarter Staff. In oriental campaigns. It could be called a convertable Naginata. 2. Boot Knives. Rangers and Rogues will love this one. A reinforce Knife that adds to kicking damage. +2 would be great. If used by a monk, may use a Punching Dagger instead and used in combination with a Stunning fist. 3, Stunning Bo - A Bardic Warrior's Weapon. Essentially a QuarterStaff or a long staff with a tight strung up wire. Bardic Music Can be Performed by Resonating the weapon. Instrument has a high chance of stunning the opponent when Bardic Music is used, It combined with a sneak attack, may allow the Bard to use its Bardic music as Stunning Fist. 4. Cymbals of Death - This Weapon requires an Ambixeterity Feat. The Bard may use this as if a Shout with the exception that depending on how enemies within 30 Feet fail their Will Saves, they would Panick, Fear, Confuse etc. If they Fail their Fortitude Saves, they would be suffer Death, Nauseation, Deafness. As such, the Cymbals of Death are considered an Exotic Weapon. The Serrated Edge Allows Slashing Damage of 1D8-1. While using the Cymbals of Death, the wielder may not use any other weapon or use skills that require dextrous hand use. The user however may cast spells with Somatic Components.
Liox 03-14-05, 10:16 AM	The Great Thing about Hardness is that the weapon wont dent unless it goes beyond the Hardness aspect. Iron is pretty hardy, and Mitral and Adamantite are close to impossible to dent.
Keenath 03-14-05, 11:27 AM	Honestly, I think if you start making things like this, you're pushing the bounds of logic. In the real world, the best tools are the ones that are purpose-built. It's just the nature of engineering -- tools are made the way they are because they work best with that shape. A knife with lock-picks is always going to be inferior at opening locks to a set of tools that was made for the job. Sure, I suppose you CAN do it if you want to. It may be useful to have some disguised tools or whatnot, but I'd only allow them to count as improvised tools (if applicable), or at most just the 'standard tools' that don't give any bonus on the skill check.
HomebrewedMonster 03-14-05, 11:52 AM	Stunning Bo - A Bardic Warrior's Weapon. Essentially a QuarterStaff or a long staff with a tight strung up wire. Bardic Music Can be Performed by Resonating the weapon. Instrument has a high chance of stunning the opponent when Bardic Music is used, It combined with a sneak attack, may allow the Bard to use its Bardic music as Stunning Fist. 4. Cymbals of Death - This Weapon requires an Ambixeterity Feat. The Bard may use this as if a Shout with the exception that depending on how enemies within 30 Feet fail their Will Saves, they would Panick, Fear, Confuse etc. If they Fail their Fortitude Saves, they would be suffer Death, Nauseation, Deafness. As such, the Cymbals of Death are considered an Exotic Weapon. Dude these are both magic items. Why does the staff allow stunning fist? Just because it has a sting in it that can make noise? Also the weapon is completely unbalanced. Mainly because a rogue will get more stunning fist uses than a monk with this staff (especailly if they are two-weapon rogues). Why do these the cymbals grant the shout feat? Is it treated as the shout feat, why are they fearful and confused? Where is the fortitude save coming from? Since when can cymbals, non-magical, kill you from hearing them slap together? You have to be realistic with these items.
Liox 03-15-05, 07:47 AM	I fully agree with some of the points that have been pointed out. Frankly, I would never consider using a Kiai Shout Feat. Perhaps if it was done in such a way where by to enhance the Kiai Shout effects, that would be cooler. I have never been so much as shocked by someone shouting, but when someone comes up close and bangs cymbals in the class room. I am certain that it can catch quite a number of people by surprise. Seriously, Kiai Shout is quite stupid, 3 times a day and only a limited type of effect. The idea for this thread is really to give characters variety and character in a low magic world. I had considered creating weapons like the Big Black Blade of Sneaking. A darken sword with eyelets to allow characters to sneak up to their opponents. The sword gives a +2 to hiding in Darkness, and +2 to DC for a listen check to spot when moving in Darkness because of the stabilty when held that way and moving. There are of course penalties when using it untrained.
Liox 03-15-05, 07:49 AM	I do agree with the idea, that it should be used as an improvised tool, rather than an actual. Perhaps a penalty can be placed on it.
HomebrewedMonster 03-15-05, 02:38 PM	I fully agree with some of the points that have been pointed out. Frankly, I would never consider using a Kiai Shout Feat. Perhaps if it was done in such a way where by to enhance the Kiai Shout effects, that would be cooler. I have never been so much as shocked by someone shouting, but when someone comes up close and bangs cymbals in the class room. I am certain that it can catch quite a number of people by surprise. Seriously, Kiai Shout is quite stupid, 3 times a day and only a limited type of effect. Kia Shout is a great feat, giving all your opponents a -2 to attacks and saves not only helps you take less damage, but helps the wizard cast spells more effectively and (as a monk) makes your stunning fist more powerful. Yelling can shock someone, I've seen it down. If a group of guys surround you and you yell at the top of your lungs, they are going to think twice about coming at you. Cymbals can shock someone when your right behind them, but 30-foot radius? I do not think so. Big Black Blade of Sneaking. A darken sword with eyelets to allow characters to sneak up to their opponents. The sword gives a +2 to hiding in Darkness, and +2 to DC for a listen check to spot when moving in Darkness because of the stabilty when held that way and moving. There are of course penalties when using it untrained. Again magic item, how does a weapon give you a +2 to hide? Why a +2 to listen? I do not understand, unless its a giant sharpened listening cone. Still the hiding would not fit. If you want to make new items that's find, but you cannot just throw out bonuses without explaining why. How does the sword give you a hide bonus, what kind of hide bonus is it, and why does it have eyelets? Why does it give a listening bonus, what kind of bonus is it, and how does a sword give a bonus to listen? What kind of blade is it, shortsword, longsword, scimitar? How much does it cost, type of damage, the dice damage, and wieght? You seem to have good ideas, but you need to go into more detail about them. Your ideas are unfinished. I cannot reason with the bonuses unless I am given a reason to believe it.
Liox 03-16-05, 03:11 PM	The Sword gives Hide bonuses only when used in the dark, because the darken sword stops reflection and being Dark enables the wielder when using it at night to hide more efficiently. The Eyelets are there to allow the wielder to see when he moves at night. As for the Move Silent bonus. In order to wield in such a way, where the wielder would hide a significant part of their body, would also add to balance. This in turn, helps the character when they move silently. I am considering to add a Penalty in the movement rate, when using such abilities.
Insane Pixie 03-16-05, 04:31 PM	Regarding the Sword Shield...there is one. From "Complete Warrior" Gnome Tortoise Blade Light Melee, 10 gp, Dmg (M) 1d6, 19-20/x2, 3 lb, Piercing This contraption is designed to be used by a gnome in his or her off hand. It is particularly useful in cramped tunnels or warrens where swinging a weapon is difficult or impossible. It looks like a turtle shell strapped to the wielder's wrist, with a daggerlike blade jutting out where the wielder's fingers should be. A tortoise blade grants a +1 shield bonus to Armor Class. As with any shield, when you attack with a tortoise blade, you do not get the shield bonus to your AC. A tortoise blade also provides a -1 armor check penalty and a 5% arcane spell failure chance. Like a spiked shield, a tortoise blade can be enhanced as a weapon, as a shield, or both, but such enhancements must be paid for and applied separately.
Insane Pixie 03-16-05, 04:33 PM	The Sword gives Hide bonuses only when used in the dark, because the darken sword stops reflection and being Dark enables the wielder when using it at night to hide more efficiently. If it's dark out, you can't see anyway, unless you have low-light or darkvision, in which case you could see the black blade anyway.
Liox 03-21-05, 01:38 PM	I have been thinking about the dynamics. Perhaps the sword could do the following by giving the wielder Full concealment. Either that or it forces all those in front of it to look at it who use low light vision to be unable to see through the concealment the wielder is creating. .