Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Bowmore 03-30-07, 07:38 PM	So. We all know soulknives have glowy blades of mental energy. Most depictions show them as green, or in the illumine soul's case, yellow / gold. Do you allow your players to just pick the colour of the mind blade? Do you have them randomly roll the colour on a table? Do you base the colour off their alignment (omg his mind blade is red, that means he's evil)? Just a fluff topic for those of us who still enjoy fluff.
Tempest Stormwind 03-30-07, 07:39 PM	See here. (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ebds/20050110a) They can look like ANYTHING. I've run a soulknife who condensed an ICICLE out of a gem mounted in his wrist as his mindblade. He often had it sparkle with internal arcs of lightning, which raced faster and faster to a solid glow if he charged it with a psychic strike. Instead of throwing it, he launched it like a crossbow bolt. I've also heard of soulknives with mind blades shaped like rubber chickens.
rice830 03-30-07, 08:31 PM	~Along the subject of mindblades here, has anyone else housruled it that you can change your mindblades damage type to either slashing, piercing, or bludgening? and from 19-20 to x3 if deemed fit? Like a midblade that does 1d6 piercing damage x3 critical and resembles a spear of sorts. I believe that this is balanced and gives everyone a more specialized character.
YamiSouru 03-30-07, 08:42 PM	I'm going to second tempest here. Mindblades can look liike anything and everything. For example you could make your mindblade look like a blade formed of blood, which i think would be perfect for a soulknife good at intimidateing folks, heck it could even bubble when charges for a psychic strike.:D But yes. they can look like anything you want them to look like.
runestar 03-30-07, 08:55 PM	So long as their stats remain unchanged, I see nothing wrong with letting them freely designate how their mindblade looks like. Ultimately, it will not impact combat 1 bit. They want it to look like a cape and attack like Zero from the KoF series? Be my guest. Long talons? Go right ahead. Your imagination's the limit:)
Bacris 03-30-07, 09:33 PM	If I ever play a soulknife, I'm going to make his mind blade look like a tea cup. "I'm going to kill you with my tea cup."
Tempest Stormwind 03-30-07, 10:09 PM	If I ever play a soulknife, I'm going to make his mind blade look like a tea cup. "I'm going to kill you with my tea cup." "Some of you men have never made espresso under fire! Well, I assure you that this is about to change! Step one, cup in hand! Step 2, pointy end goes into other man! Step 3, make espresso! any questions?"
Rhonin the Big 03-30-07, 10:24 PM	If I ever play a soulknife, I'm going to make his mind blade look like a tea cup. "I'm going to kill you with my tea cup." Personally that doesn't seem like my cup of tea.
RorixBladewing 03-30-07, 11:11 PM	So, are we gonna play 'Who's the better killer'?
Red12 03-31-07, 12:08 AM	Only if it means getting off of crematoria. Seriously tho, it's one of those instances where you fit the flavor to the mechanics- and the mechanics are pretty vague. Let the ole imagination run!
TheDarkLord 03-31-07, 12:52 AM	I wonder how long it's gonna take before someone wants to know about an _________ mind bland. What do you mean you cant see it :D. I'm AFB so I don't know if it can be done or not according to RAW
NthDegree256 03-31-07, 04:41 AM	I take it TheDarkLord is suggesting an invisible mind blade. I would rule against that, personally, because having an invisible weapon is quite different and has distinct advantages over a visible, looks-like-anything weapon. So a mind blade that resembles a shard of ice? Great. A mind blade that takes up your entire square and resembles a brick wall? Sounds like you're going for concealment, and that's not so great. For what it's worth, the article Tempest linked to about having a mind blade resemble anything and everything is an Eberron article, and is (I think) based on the idea that kalashtar mind blades draw their psionic powers from the Plane of Dreams - hence, the mind blade is really just a physical manifestation of a dream. So in a different campaign setting, where psionics has a different power source, I still picture most soulknives as having blades of energy. Of course, that's just my take on it, and it might be biased due to my newfound love of all things Eberron. :D rice830, that's an interesting idea. The regular mind blade stats are 1d6 piercing, 19-20 crit - mechanically identical to a short sword. I think that something similar to another light martial or simple melee weapon wouldn't be unbalanced; so a mindblade that did 1d6 slashing with a x3 crit, like a handaxe, would fit the bill. 1d6 bludgeoning, x2 crit matches a light mace, and 1d4 piercing, x3 crit matches a punching dagger (although that might be a tad underpowered.) What do other people think?
carnivore 03-31-07, 04:46 PM	another fun Mind blade apearance: "A Herring!!!" :D
Whisper_Swiftblade 03-31-07, 05:23 PM	as all have noted, they can look like anything that does not change the mechanics, or give an unfair advantage. I personaly have thought about whether the mindblade himself chooses the shape or if it is created as a reflection of their personality?
aotrscommander 03-31-07, 07:58 PM	Can my mindblade, without any of the mechanical effects, look like I'm holding (by the feet) Pun-Pun duel wielding +987 flaming, icy, shocking, thundering burst, vorpal uranium/neutronium/unobtainium Awakened DeathStar CoDzilla-chucks, then? (Yes, it so was worth googling my own ludicrous quote for this innane post.)
Tempest Stormwind 03-31-07, 08:37 PM	Can my mindblade, without any of the mechanical effects, look like I'm holding (by the feet) Pun-Pun duel wielding +987 flaming, icy, shocking, thundering burst, vorpal uranium/neutronium/unobtainium Awakened DeathStar CoDzilla-chucks, then? (Yes, it so was worth googling my own ludicrous quote for this innane post.) As a soulknife, especially an XPH soulknife, would you really want to present that much of an apparent threat? When your best tactical option when the universe itself attacks you would be... run away? :P (Note: In one of my current games, we have an NPC soulknife we work with occasionally who shapes his mind blade into a javelin right before throwing it -- purely descriptive. In that vein, the best possible form for it to take upon throwing would probably be something like this (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/sergey25/Artwork2/ImageC.jpg). I am not responsible for the carnage, though.)
cog_n_taz 03-31-07, 09:03 PM	Pink. Always bright, neon pink.
Rhonin the Big 03-31-07, 09:22 PM	I played two soulknives when I enjoyed the class. The first was a war veteran and believed he was a weapon so his blade was gunmetal black. The second had a purple mindblade so he could be the baddest mofo around!
AntiDjinn 03-31-07, 09:56 PM	I favor the soul knife's mind blade acting as a mood ring; its color and appearance reflects his emotional state as he manifests it. I suppose this could give someone a bonus on Sense Motive against him (if they also make a Knowledge (Psionics) check to see if they know which color corresponds with a particular mood) but if a soul knife has just manifest his blade and shoved it in your ribs, his intent is already pretty clear.
Bowmore 04-01-07, 12:40 PM	Good lord, this thread made me lol heartily. And thanks for the feedback, everyone -- the "look like anything" part of the mindblade is going to provide many laughs for my campaign group.
aotrscommander 04-01-07, 12:45 PM	As a soulknife, especially an XPH soulknife, would you really want to present that much of an apparent threat? When your best tactical option when the universe itself attacks you would be... run away? :P But no the other hand, damn, it'd be a great way to go..! (Besides, who said anything about the XPH Soulknife? I do have UT you, know. I'm mad, not stupid! (Note: In one of my current games, we have an NPC soulknife we work with occasionally who shapes his mind blade into a javelin right before throwing it -- purely descriptive. In that vein, the best possible form for it to take upon throwing would probably be something like this (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/sergey25/Artwork2/ImageC.jpg). I am not responsible for the carnage, though.) Pure, unadultered AWESOME!!!! I'm asking the boys in R&D to build a chainsaw warhead for the standard issue Aotrs SK-3A Snake Launcher RIGHT NOW!!
AntiDjinn 04-01-07, 01:02 PM	As far as the soul knife appearing unarmed until he manifests his blade; it can only take you so far. In the game world a monk can do more damage with his bare hand than a longsword. That same monk might walk up and tap you on the shoulder and a minute latter you fall over and die. A person in normal everyday garb might touch you and suck the lifeforce right out of you. Seriously, no one with survival skills will buy your "looks harmless" crap just because you are unarmed (but probably wearing armor and carrying a shield). Certainly no PC shoud be duped, and most NPCs also know the guy without weapons is often the one who shoots lighting or can kill with a glance.
dagman 04-01-07, 06:55 PM	fear stikes the onlookers as the freindly duel among souldknive turns violent as the green mindblade slowly turns red after suffing a cheap shot
Sir Elton 04-01-07, 07:14 PM	So. We all know soulknives have glowy blades of mental energy. Most depictions show them as green, or in the illumine soul's case, yellow / gold. Do you allow your players to just pick the colour of the mind blade? Do you have them randomly roll the colour on a table? Do you base the colour off their alignment (omg his mind blade is red, that means he's evil)? Just a fluff topic for those of us who still enjoy fluff. I let PCs choose a color and/or texture according to their characters' mood at the time. Red can stand for anger, for instance. I'm still working on a feat that will grant the mindblade the qualities of an adamantine weapon.
calronmoonflower 04-01-07, 07:26 PM	I'm still working on a feat that will grant the mindblade the qualities of an adamantine weapon. Try this. SYTHETIC MIND BLADE [Psionic] Your mind blade can mimic the properties of special material. Prerequisite: Mind Blade Enhancement +1 Benefit: Choose a special material. Though still made of mental energy your mind blade mimics the hardness, hit points, and special properties of the chosen material. You may change the material your mind blade mimics when you change your mind blade’s enhancements.
Yue Ryong 04-01-07, 07:39 PM	One of my players is playing a Battle Mind (which is the d20 Modern Equivalent, although notably better as it gains Psychic Warrior-type Powers as well), and he's a Read or Die fan (good anime, I recommend it to anyone who likes over-the-top action with serious character development), so I let him be a Paper Master and form his blade out of paper.
AntiDjinn 04-01-07, 07:49 PM	Adamantine Mind Blade Gauntlets are on page 68 of MIC. Wearing them adds Adamantine to the list of enhancement options available to a 6th level soul knife (it is a +1 option). The gauntlets require no separate activation, simply wearing them makes this option available to anyone who has the right class features. Your blade counts as adamantium both for purposes of overcoming DR and ignoring 20 points of item hardness. Also in MIC, on page 121: Ring of Adamantine Touch: Your melee attacks (natural as well as weapon) are considered adamantine, but only for purposes of overcoming DR. The ring costs a lot more than the gauntlets and is not good for sundering or breaking objects, but it applies on top of any enhancement options you select instead of counting as one of them.
NthDegree256 04-02-07, 11:24 AM	One of my players is playing a Battle Mind (which is the d20 Modern Equivalent, although notably better as it gains Psychic Warrior-type Powers as well), and he's a Read or Die fan (good anime, I recommend it to anyone who likes over-the-top action with serious character development), so I let him be a Paper Master and form his blade out of paper. I've ALWAYS wanted to do that. I've spent a crazy amount of time looking over the SRD at psionic powers, visualizing what the paper equivalent of them would be... in D&D, of course, I'd make the character an illumian. :D
InkBlot 04-02-07, 03:36 PM	Ah, R.O.D, good stuff. I once stated up the sisters for use as recurring rivals in a short-lived gestalt game I ran. IIRC (don't have the stats on-hand) Michelle was wilder//soulknife/soulbow, Maggie was a shaper/constructor//soulknife, and Anita was a lurk//soulknife. They called themselves the Crystal Sisters, and their mindblades manifested as long slivers of clear shimmering crystal. Sadly, the game fell apart before I got to use them.
sorcel00 04-03-07, 12:06 AM	I've wondered for years and asked without answer: can a mind blade generate light? Consider the following, all RAW: "Fully 30% of magic weapons shed light equivalent to a light spell..." "A mind blade is considered a magic weapon" (at least "for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction"). A mind blade "is identical in all ways (except visually) to a short sword..." Given this language, one could argue that a mind blade ought to be able to generate light like any other magic weapon. What, after all, is more visual than light? I realize, of course, that the real question is whether generating light is within the spirit of the rules. But if you think about it, the ability to generate light like a torch is not much of an advantage. That's especially true when the light that is produced can't be shut off, potentially interfering with the soulknife's stealth skills -- at least until 5th level when he gets Free Draw. If you think that the mind blade shouldn't generate light like any other magic weapon, would it change your mind if the light produced was only equivalent to a candle (5') instead of a torch (20')? Interested to hear thoughts. -S
Kaiosama214 04-03-07, 01:48 AM	I'm in agreement with most of you...My soulknifes tend to be very Tenchi-inspired, but that's not at all the way it has to be. I also agree that a character out to be able to shape their mind blade into any weapon they are proficient with. it seems utterly retarded to spend two feats to wield an orc-doubleaxe mindblade with proficiency. When you consider what is the norm (1d6, 1d8, or 1d10, 19-20 x2), extending that out to cover spears, whips, maces, hammers, and even bigger swords isn't that far out. Does it encourage a single-level dip into Psychic warrior fo Martil weapon prof.? Sure, but then again, dipping into psyWar is always a good idea for sk's. Does it makes sense? absolutly. if the Mind blade is a creation of thought and creativity, a warrior with an extensive knowledge of weaponry ougt to be able to make more than the standard three forms.
Ubermog 04-03-07, 07:41 AM	it seems utterly retarded to spend two feats to wield an orc-doubleaxe mindblade with proficiency. If you have the mind blade weapon change feats, you're considered proficient with the weapon you materialize your blade as. So with the double-axe, you're proficient with it, even though it would normally be an exotic weapon.
InkBlot 04-03-07, 05:06 PM	I'm not quite sure exactly what you were trying to say. The Dwarven Urgrosh Mind Blade feat includes the following text: "You are proficient with your dwarven urgrosh mind blade -- you are treated as if you possess the feat Exotic Weapon Proficiency (dwarven urgrosh mind blade)." The feat does not require anything that the soulknife class doesn't already give you. Any 5th level soulknife can take the feat. I realize, of course, that the real question is whether generating light is within the spirit of the rules. But if you think about it, the ability to generate light like a torch is not much of an advantage. That's especially true when the light that is produced can't be shut off, potentially interfering with the soulknife's stealth skills -- at least until 5th level when he gets Free Draw. If you think that the mind blade shouldn't generate light like any other magic weapon, would it change your mind if the light produced was only equivalent to a candle (5') instead of a torch (20')? Interested to hear thoughts. -S I think it is within the spirit of the rules. Also, I think it's within the spirit of the flavor. Most soulknives in official art, especialy Kalashtar soulknives, are depicted with glowing mindblades. Any other character can easily get their hands on a glowing magic weapon. Even at 1st level light spells, lanterns, sunrods, and darkvision are pretty common. I always ask soulknife players to define the appearance of their mindblades at 1st level. When they get shape mind blade, or if they take a mindblade shape feat, then I let them choose new appearances for their new mindblade shapes. This includes wether or not their mindblade glows like a torch. Any auxilary glowing (such as with the mood of the soulknife, or when they charge up a psychic strike) is limited to candle light.
ninja_bob 04-08-07, 06:06 PM	It says in one of the main books that any weapon can look like it’s player wants it too. “one wizards quarter staff may just by a straight stick of polished wood were as another’s may be a hobbled old crooked walking stick” having said that DON’T LET YOUR PLAYERS DESIGN WEAPONS!!!! madness ensues I made the mistake off letting my players have “looks like you want at will” mind blades We had a Monte python marathon the day before. Even the just but fair nights of ni! Would have be satisfied with the sacrifice offered… OF SHRUBBERIES!! (Plural) I mean how do you hurt anyone with a shrubbery? Honestly? But swingeing two around next to the guy with gopher-chucks--- madness ensues I house ruled that they always glow though no matter what shape they are… glowing gophers *shudders* and you are proficient with your mind blade no matter what form it takes... i let my players take any weapon they want - for one feat per form... mostly they have gretaswords or just stick with bastard sords... but i'd say cosmetic changes are free... and also it has to be roughly the same size. (no toothpick greatswords).
TheDarkLord 04-08-07, 08:58 PM	What in God's name are you trying to say?
ArcanaKnight 04-09-07, 03:22 AM	I think his players broke him. :crazy:
Ishindri 04-09-07, 10:44 AM	I do like the idea of a soulknife being able to control what his mind blade looks like, if he takes the time to consciously change it. (And though I can understand that they don't have to look like glowy blades of energy, a mind blade based off the Protoss' Psi Blades would be quite cool.) If I ever play a soulknife, I'm going to make his mind blade look like a tea cup. "I'm going to kill you with my tea cup.""Some of you men have never made espresso under fire! Well, I assure you that this is about to change! Step one, cup in hand! Step 2, pointy end goes into other man! Step 3, make espresso! any questions?" That is definitely sigged.
Rhonin the Big 04-09-07, 05:21 PM	Hey Master Stormwind, isn't that a quote from a Robin William's standup in response to a swiss army knife having a corkscrew?
Tempest Stormwind 04-09-07, 05:32 PM	Hey Master Stormwind, isn't that a quote from a Robin William's standup in response to a swiss army knife having a corkscrew?Inspired by it, yes, but hardly the entire sequence.
ninja_bob 04-12-07, 01:04 AM	Sorry I hadn’t had a lot of sleep and hes I had had a very broken day. Basically my players took advantage of the fact that I said “yes it could look like anything” One wanted his to look like a SHRUBBERY! Not just a shrubbery but a SHRUBBERY! And another had his look like gopher-chucks. The worst was nun-chucks (he wanted it to look like he was throwing nuns when ever he threw a mind blade) Sorry about before cut and pasted twice fixed it all up (I hope) Another long day going to sleep now.
RealSorceror 04-12-07, 01:35 PM	I've wondered for years and asked without answer: can a mind blade generate light? If you think that the mind blade shouldn't generate light like any other magic weapon, would it change your mind if the light produced was only equivalent to a candle (5') instead of a torch (20')? Interested to hear thoughts. -S I'm currently playing a Soulknife/Atavist, and yes, the DM has ruled that it sheds light as a candle. Because I'm not particularly creative, my mindlblase looks like a lightsaber (but without the swishy noises).
Ubermog 04-15-07, 10:04 PM	If you have the mind blade weapon change feats, you're considered proficient with the weapon you materialize your blade as. So with the double-axe, you're proficient with it, even though it would normally be an exotic weapon. Sorry if i confused people with this. Based on what I've read of the mind blade changing feats, including the dwarven urgrosh mind blade, and the double sword mind blade feats, as well as the Soulbow in CP, the mind blade is always a mind blade, no matter what shape it has. So after sitting and thinking about it for 13 days, I came to the conclusion that it should probably be fine to change a mind blade into another weapon you're proficient with. That said, in the end it's always up to the DM to decide.
SarnorSerra 04-16-07, 12:07 AM	~Along the subject of mindblades here, has anyone else housruled it that you can change your mindblades damage type to either slashing, piercing, or bludgening? and from 19-20 to x3 if deemed fit? Like a midblade that does 1d6 piercing damage x3 critical and resembles a spear of sorts. I believe that this is balanced and gives everyone a more specialized character. I once made an amulet set (they combined as you found more) with the following stats Amulet of Mind blades (Prereqs: shape mindblade class feature) This amulet gives you access to three new versions of the mind blade Examples Great weapons (Greatclub, greatsword, greataxe) Assassins weapons (Dagger, Kukri, sap) as well as others, when more than one was found you could were them all at once as the extoplasm that they were made from fuses together
TheAnthroDM 04-16-07, 01:30 AM	A Mindblade like all other aspects of the character, looks like the character describes it as looking as long as the DM approves, including color. A Mindblade sheding the light of a candle isn't a far off concept. And I'd image a Bastard Sword mindblade charged with psychic strike could give off light similiar to a torch, but nothings written on the subject. I let my players choose their mindblade shapes as follows(they're always restricted to melee weapons): Default: Choose one (Simple or Martial)light weapon. Once Shape Mindblade Class Feature is gained. Greater: Choose one (Simple or Martial)One-Handed weapon. Superior: Choose one (Simple of Martial)Two-Handed weapon. Aswell as the feat Perfected Mindblade, which lets them gain one mindblade shape of their choice. My last player had the following Half-Orc Soulknife. Default Mindblade: Handaxe Greater: Battle Axe Superior: Greataxe Perfected Mindblade Feat: Orc Double Axe The relative power increases only slightly because most players would choose a Greatsword as their Superior mindblade instead of a Bastard sword.
saidin0111 04-16-07, 03:38 AM	personally, I'd go with a spiked chain if I could take a feat that let me pick up any weapon as a mindblade, definitely the most useful weapon in the PHB
RazielRavenloft 04-16-07, 02:03 PM	reminds me of Star Wars KOTOR, Knights of the old Republic, does the mind blade change its form? If the soul knife is in bad mood or in good?