| #1DisposableheroSep 14, 2008 20:54:52 | We are playing an epic campaign in my group, and this is the first time we have played a high level anything.
In our first really big battle against a named and formidable enemy, I received the staff of the magi from the loot. How powerful is this in comparison to other gear we will likely encounter? Another player literally gasped when I got it.
Also, does it work like a quarterstaff? If so, what enchant ment level is it? |
| #2BloodsoulSep 14, 2008 21:46:05 | Staff of the Magi
A long wooden staff, shod in iron and inscribed with sigils and runes of all types, this potent artifact contains many spell powers and other functions. Some of its powers use charges, while others don’t. The following powers do not use charges:
- Detect magic
- Enlarge person (Fortitude DC 15 negates)
- Hold portal
- Light
- Mage armor
- Mage hand
The following powers drain 1 charge per usage:
- Dispel magic
- Fireball (10d6 damage, Reflex DC 17 half)
- Ice storm
- Invisibility
- Knock
- Lightning bolt (10d6 damage, Reflex DC 17 half)
- Passwall
- Pyrotechnics (Will or Fortitude DC 16 negates)
- Wall of fire
- Web
These powers drain 2 charges per usage:
- Summon monster IX
- Plane shift (Will DC 21 negates)
- Telekinesis (400 lb. maximum weight; Will DC 19 negates)
A staff of the magi gives the wielder spell resistance 23. If this is willingly lowered, however, the staff can also be used to absorb arcane spell energy directed at its wielder, as a rod of absorption does. Unlike the rod, this staff converts spell levels into charges rather than retaining them as spell energy usable by a spellcaster. If the staff absorbs enough spell levels to exceed its limit of 50 charges, it explodes as if a retributive strike had been performed (see below). The wielder has no idea how many spell levels are cast at her, for the staff does not communicate this knowledge as a rod of absorption does. (Thus, absorbing spells can be risky.)
Retributive Strike
A staff of the magi can be broken for a retributive strike. Such an act must be purposeful and declared by the wielder. All charges in the staff are released in a 30-foot spread. All within 10 feet of the broken staff take hit points of damage equal to 8 times the number of charges in the staff, those between 11 feet and 20 feet away take points equal to 6 times the number of charges, and those 21 feet to 30 feet distant take 4 times the number of charges. A DC 17 Reflex save reduces damage by half.
The character breaking the staff has a 50% chance (01-50 on d%) of traveling to another plane of existence, but if she does not (51-100), the explosive release of spell energy destroys her. Only specific items, including the staff of the magi and the staff of power are capable of a retributive strike.
Strong (all schools); CL 20th;Weight 5 lb.
So, it doesn't seem like it can be used as a weapon like the Staff of Power can be (nor does it have that sweet sweet luck bonus I so dearly loved). Since it's an artifact, dispel magic, greater dispel magic, and antimagic fields have no effect on it, and anyone using Mordenkainen's disjunction on it had best be wary. Never had the pleasure of using this in a campaign, but looks like fun.
Now the Staff of Boccob... THAT sounds like it'd be a blast to use. :D |