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Darkranger85
Acolyte
11 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 05:18:55
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Hello all,
I am writing my own fan fiction and I made up a weapon which is going to be the focus of part of the book and would like some input on it as far as whether or not it seems overpowered or whatnot.
Note: I know nothing about D&D game rules and this weapon is meant for book use, not game use.
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Weapon Names:
Spellbane (Common)
Type:
Short blade, single handed.
Abilities:
Silence (Area of Effect 30 feet)
Blacklight (Area of Effect 30 feet)
Enfeeblement (On strike)
Note: Blacklight is basically darkness but the user can see through it.
Downside:
Do to it’s large amount of powerful enchants, this sword saps a lot of energy from the user. This requires the wielder to finish the fight quickly.
Description:
Spellbane is a magical and sentient sword that was crafted for one purpose. And that purpose is to kill magic users of any type.
Being a sentient sword, Spellbane knows when it is engaging a magic user and automatically activates it’s effects. Silence prevents any spell that requires speech from being cast within a 30 foot radius while the blacklight spell obscures the wielders actions.
If the user skilled enough to get a hit on the magic user but fails to kill him, the magic user is then effected by enfeeblement which will hinder their ability to used spells that require hand gestures.
The sword is made of the purest adamantine with a diamond edge. The grip of the sword is wrapped in black and red leather with a deep black crosspiece and pommel. The length of the blade is inscribed with runes that glow an intense orange color.
Personality:
Many sentient weapons tend to impart a bloodlust into their users, caring little for their safety in the process. Spellbane is an exception to this rule, sometimes even caring for it’s user.
However, it does have an intense hatred for magic users. While it does impart this thought into it’s user it isn’t malicious like the bloodlust of other weapons, it is simply because of the fact that it was created to destroy magic users.
Because not all magic users are bad this can be a bad thing, especially if you have friends that are magic users. Therefore a scabbard was eventually crafted that blocks Spellbanes abilities and communication while the sword is not drawn.
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4273 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 05:30:14
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| As long as the target of the Enfeeblement is allowed a saving throw of some kind...then I don't see that this weapon is too powerful. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Darkranger85
Acolyte
11 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 05:34:42
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Do you think that it is underpowered?
This blade is intended to be an extremely powerful weapon that would strike fear into the heart of a magic user. |
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Skeptic
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1273 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 05:53:32
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Sorry to be blunt but..
Abilities are too "kewl" and the downside is rather bland. It really has a high-schoolish feel. |
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Darkranger85
Acolyte
11 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 06:05:11
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Ok I can understand your saying that the sword has very flashy abilities and a rather stereotypical downside but I'm not sure what you mean by "high schoolish"
And on the flip side, perhaps you have an example of what it's missing? |
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Skeptic
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1273 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 06:40:47
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quote:
Originally posted by Darkranger85
And on the flip side, perhaps you have an example of what it's missing?
Trying to come up with the next story worth sword is difficult, there is already so many of them.
The feel it gives is that it is a "kewl" sword that will make a "kewl" character even more "kewl".
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4273 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 07:11:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Darkranger85
Do you think that it is underpowered?
This blade is intended to be an extremely powerful weapon that would strike fear into the heart of a magic user.
No, giving a saving throw is not underpowered.
You can make it a hard save...but there should always be a chance against such things. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Saxmilian
Learned Scribe
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 15:29:40
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Your working on a story, so "underpowered" is a term that need not apply unless you write it that way. I say work on the story of the weapon and its wielder and roll with it. Everyone either loves or Hates Drizzt and his sword is a Flame-bane scimitar (wheee) but Salvatore writes it awesome when hes fighting demons, saving a dwarf's bacon and slashing down thousands of orcs!
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Brace Cormaeril
Learned Scribe
294 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 15:46:01
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| If it's only for story purposes, have fun. From a game rule perspective, that enfeeblement effect is extremely powerful. Three hits will cripple most people. Put that blade in the hands of a warrior doing 3 attacks/round, and you could cripple a *dragon* in a few rounds... |
The Silver Fire's Blade: A Novella in Nine Parts, Available Soon, in the Adventuring Forum!
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 16:20:16
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| The only quibble i would have with it is its construction....Purest Adamantine with a diamond edge.....not only very, very cost prohibitive....the main issue would be , it's too flashy. Anyone seeing a adamantine hilt sticking out of you sheath would be very interested and once it was drawn, it would certain attract more attention thatn you character might want. How about plain old steel with an enchantment to hold sharpness? Or even something plainer and dull looking, so as not to be attention drawing until it is wielded ...that way you may get in the first strike while an opponet snarkily comments on the poor shape of your weapon! |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Edited by - The Red Walker on 11 Aug 2010 16:21:39 |
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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4503 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 19:03:50
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The question is, what are you using it's purpose for? If it's for just a story then make it however you want. I think it seems like a nice weapon, though a bit powerful. So if your story revolves around a some-what inexperienced warrior/rogue/hero that (in game wise) might not be more than level 5, then you might want to re-think him having such a powerful blade.
Since the weapon is sentient, you could allow the character/story-hero to "unlock" the weapon's abilities as he gains power and as he develops a better relationship with the sword.
If you want the sword to be reflexed in game terms, then adding special magical effects (darklight, silence) I'd give them a usage per day with additional usages coming from his "essence" or hit-points or temporary Constitution damage. Further more, the Enervating weapon property already exists and enervates an opponent on a Critical Hit. I could, If you'd like, to make up the character using 3.5 ruleset (or even 4E). |
Diffan's NPG Generator: FR NPC Generator
E6 Options: Epic 6 Campaign |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 19:46:50
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There is an Adamantite alloy that is black, IIRC - that would be good. Also, have a black-diamond edge - that material has some 'evil folklore' attributed to it, and the 'blacklight' effect would make more sense (regular diamonds would be better for radiant energies).
The enfeeblement ability isn't over-powered if the energy-draining effect is equally powerful - YES, you can kill a dragon, but if you are just lying their like a weak kitten afterward you are going to be in a pretty bad situation. I would link the two - whatever effects the target affects the wielder when the battle is over.
Just my 2 cents - I don't really do 'high power' games, so I'm certainly far from the best person to give advice on this subject.
Edit: Just reading the comments above, and I had a thought: Why not have one effect that covers both the darkness and silence, instead of two? Something like 'Shadow shroud' which surrounds the user with eerie mists, which cloak both noise and visibility (and perhaps other senses/divination magic). The necrotic nature of shadow magic would also help explain why it drains the user.
Over-draining could even cause a Shade-like 'curse' to affect the user, turning the skin a grayish hue. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 11 Aug 2010 19:52:09 |
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Darkranger85
Acolyte
11 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 20:02:09
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Hey all,
Thank you very much for all your comments and advice! It is very helpful!
@ Brace Cormaeril: My basic idea story wise is that when they get struck it would essentially make them sluggish and make it hard to do intricate hand motions and what not.
I know that game rules and story rules are often very different, but I thought it would be good to get some insight from some people that know about these things. :-)
@ Diffan: The sword is not going to be like Drizzt's Icingdeath or Twinkle in the way that they are his signature weapons. This weapon, in my story, is supposed to be a legendary weapon that will be very hard to get a hold of. The main character needs this weapon for a specific purpose and I don't think I intend on allowing him to keep the weapon for too long due to the fact that it is so powerful. Unless I find a way to balance it.
As for the last part of your reply, I'm not sure what you mean.
@ The Red Walker: I see what you are saying. This wasn't included in my description but the sword is supposed to be flashy. I want it to be easily identifiable as a remarkable and powerful weapon.
Cost isn't really an issue because it is intended to be a weapon that will initially be in the possession of someone very very powerful.
If it was a weapon I intended on making her primary weapon then I would be inclined to agree with your thought.
Now, some additional questions I have.
I know I haven't completed the swords history and such but how does it sound so far?
If you were a magic user and you looked at your opponents hip and saw this weapon on his hip would your first thought be "Oh Sh#%!" or would it be more like "Ok, I have to be smart with this battle."
Is the downside not enough? Would it be better if the weapons downside was much more dire, like for instance if you use it's powers too long you could die because it's literally using your life for it's power?
The other thing I thought of was to use Darkness rather then Blacklight. That would make it so that the user has to go in based on where the enemy was and strike fast. Or would that just be pointless?
And finally, how difficult would the creation of this sword be? Is it something that would have taken multiple wizards and rare expensive items? This is for storyline purposes, I want my description of it's creation to be fairly accurate.
Thanks again guys!! |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3256 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 20:18:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Darkranger85
<snip>
@ Brace Cormaeril: My basic idea story wise is that when they get struck it would essentially make them sluggish and make it hard to do intricate hand motions and what not.
<snip>
Instead of Enfeeblement, how about Slow? |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Darkranger85
Acolyte
11 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 20:29:29
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@ Markustay: I like your idea! But my question would be would that change make the sword have to be "evil"?
@ Ashe Ravenheart: That would probably work. I actually to be honest don't 100% know what enfeeblement does.
I admit I was going partially based on what it sounded like. |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3256 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 21:29:37
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quote:
Originally posted by Darkranger85
@ Markustay: I like your idea! But my question would be would that change make the sword have to be "evil"?
@ Ashe Ravenheart: That would probably work. I actually to be honest don't 100% know what enfeeblement does.
I admit I was going partially based on what it sounded like.
Ray of Enfeeblement |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 21:35:48
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No - it is the inherent nature of shadow (which has now become the same as the negative-energy plane in 4e) to cause decay and death, which are not evil in-and-unto themselves, but are rather elements of the natural order of the universe - for things to be constantly moving from birth through life to death and decay and then rebirth, ad infinitum.
Just as radiant/life energy is not inherently good - this was recently discussed in Ed's thread - too much 'life' can kill (cancer is an example of 'life run amok').
ERGO, Magic & technology, life & death, Radiant & Shadow energy, etc.. are not good or evil by nature - it is all about INTENT. It is how it is used that defines weather it is good or evil. Just as Nuclear energy can be a great boon to mankind, or used to devastating effect, it is all in how you apply that knowledge.
The sword would simply be affecting the user according to its nature - it is sustaining balance.
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"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Nicolai Withander
Master of Realmslore
Denmark
1093 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 22:08:03
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I have to say that if you build you story right, the rest wont matter. A very quic example:
As you enter the dark damp crypt the very air smells old. In the far end of the room a sarcophagus stands. As you approach you see that it is beautifully ornamented, with gold and silver markings. A closer look reveals a partly visible inscription in elven tongue. It says: Here rests Tariel, son of Lathander.
As you pry the lid open you are suddenly struck by the feeling of great sorrow, as if you just lost someone dear to you. Inside you find a skeleton robed in the finest garments ever seen. Red with golden thread, and on the chest a sword lays. The blade shines as bright as any silver. Strange markings run the length of the blade and the hilt is of a dark golden metal. As you touch the blade the marking begin to glow with an eerie red glow… so on and so forth.
What im trying to say is, that if you build the story around this artifact, it does not matter if its “just” master-work.
My char. Got a staff for his birthday once, with a discripion: For my good friend Melcar. Love Tristan. And even thou this was only a masterwork staff, made from darkwood I loved it. It was just a cool gift, and thats whats important!
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Darkranger85
Acolyte
11 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 23:32:48
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| @ Nicolai Withander: I apologize, but I don't quite follow what you mean. |
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Nicolai Withander
Master of Realmslore
Denmark
1093 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 23:36:03
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| Simply... dont worry about what the weapon can, its powers and such, but worry about the story behind it! Give it Awesomness and not just powers! |
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Darkranger85
Acolyte
11 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2010 : 23:55:56
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Yeah, awesomeness is important but in my story it also has to have great power.
But I certainly intend on giving it a nice detailed cool background. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 12 Aug 2010 : 00:11:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Nicolai Withander
Simply... dont worry about what the weapon can, its powers and such, but worry about the story behind it! Give it Awesomness and not just powers!
Agreed.
Better the character defining the sword than the other way around.
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Every beginning has an end. |
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Balduran Lavidah
Seeker
France
83 Posts |
Posted - 13 Aug 2010 : 12:27:36
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Pourquoi ne pas ajouter un aspect évolutif à l'épée ? Ce n'est pas un phénomène rare de nos jours. Et il y a diverses manières de faire :
_ Graver une rune
_ Reforger la lame (même si elle est en diamant)
_ Enfermer une âme
... etc
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Why not add an evolutionary aspect to the sword? This is not a rare phenomenon nowadays. And there are various ways to do:
_ Burn rune
_ Reforge blade ( even if it is diamond )
_ Enclose a soul
... etc. |
"Le savoir s'apprend. La curiosité forme le savoir." |
Edited by - Balduran Lavidah on 13 Aug 2010 12:28:14 |
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Brace Cormaeril
Learned Scribe
294 Posts |
Posted - 13 Aug 2010 : 14:43:05
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
No - it is the inherent nature of shadow (which has now become the same as the negative-energy plane in 4e) to cause decay and death, which are not evil in-and-unto themselves, but are rather elements of the natural order of the universe - for things to be constantly moving from birth through life to death and decay and then rebirth, ad infinitum.
Just as radiant/life energy is not inherently good - this was recently discussed in Ed's thread - too much 'life' can kill (cancer is an example of 'life run amok').
ERGO, Magic & technology, life & death, Radiant & Shadow energy, etc.. are not good or evil by nature - it is all about INTENT. It is how it is used that defines weather it is good or evil. Just as Nuclear energy can be a great boon to mankind, or used to devastating effect, it is all in how you apply that knowledge.
The sword would simply be affecting the user according to its nature - it is sustaining balance.
Would using an Entropic effect to obliterate Faerun to promulgate its rebirth be considered a nuetral act, hence sustaing balance? Is cancer, which is a breakdow of DNA byby outside forces or a breakdown of DNAs repair mechanismsrepair mehanism, a positive energy effect?
Is |
The Silver Fire's Blade: A Novella in Nine Parts, Available Soon, in the Adventuring Forum!
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 13 Aug 2010 : 23:06:47
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Both Cancer and the destruction of Faerun would be, in the greater scheme of things, be consider part of the 'natural order', and thus, be considered 'neutral', since in their own horrible ways they contribute to decay/destruction and therefor 'rebirth'.
A body rots and feeds millions of other organisms, which become food for yet others, and a Crystal Sphere gets destroyed, its energies going to form others, and in both cases 'the old' is set-aside so that new things may take their place.
For instance, I am really glad a meteor wiped out the dinosaurs (in theory), since I would otherwise probably look like something akin to a Sarrukh. The dinosaurs, I am sure, weren't too thrilled with the whole thing, but life goes on and nature prevails... always.
So what appears to have been a benevolent event to us (the rise of the mammals), would be considered an atrocity by the creatures replaced. There is no good or evil, only balance.
And yes, I understand this can very well be applied to the 'new Realms' - making room for new players and new ideas. I have NEVER had a problem with that aspect of it. I embrace entropy, believe it or not - I hope I have a front-row-seat to the end of the world someday. 
The problem lies in weather or not the 'new' is actually better then the 'old', but that is a matter of opinion and highly subjective. How good something is (in terms of quality, not morality) matters not a wit to the cycle - each thing in its turn is replaced by something else. Its ability to survive its own demise depends largely upon circumstance - weather it is the climate of a new ice age, or the social climate of consumers. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4273 Posts |
Posted - 13 Aug 2010 : 23:13:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Both Cancer and the destruction of Faerun would be, in the greater scheme of things, be consider part of the 'natural order', and thus, be considered 'neutral', since in their own horrible ways they contribute to decay/destruction and therefor 'rebirth'.
A body rots and feeds millions of other organisms, which become food for yet others, and a Crystal Sphere gets destroyed, its energies going to form others, and in both cases 'the old' is set-aside so that new things may take their place.
For instance, I am really glad a meteor wiped out the dinosaurs (in theory), since I would otherwise probably look like something akin to a Sarrukh. The dinosaurs, I am sure, weren't too thrilled with the whole thing, but life goes on and nature prevails... always.
So what appears to have been a benevolent event to us (the rise of the mammals), would be considered an atrocity by the creatures replaced. There is no good or evil, only balance.
And yes, I understand this can very well be applied to the 'new Realms' - making room for new players and new ideas. I have NEVER had a problem with that aspect of it. I embrace entropy, believe it or not - I hope I have a front-row-seat to the end of the world someday.
The problem lies in weather or not the 'new' is actually better then the 'old', but that is a matter of opinion and highly subjective. How good something is (in terms of quality, not morality) matters not a wit to the cycle - each thing in its turn is replaced by something else. Its ability to survive its own demise depends largely upon circumstance - weather it is the climate of a new ice age, or the social climate of consumers.
BLASPHEMY!
HERETIC!
Though totally true.
As for the sword here; well I was doing some thinking:
Maybe the God of Magic CREATED this artifact. Perhaps to keep magic from being glutted and thus lessened. Perhaps as a punishment for overweening arrogance...as can often be found in wizards.
Looking at the sword as a godly artifact I can see that the way you describe it would be perfectly fine...remember though, place in the world some sort of foil for the sword.
Artemis Entrerei (sp???) has a horribly powerful sword. Yours isn't too out of step with it. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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My weapon
