[A lot of the stats, for those of you who don't possess the out-of-print Psionic Artifacts of Athas, are specifically 2e: they don't carry over so well into 3e. Even so, I'll include them below and try to stay as far away from copyright infringement as possible.]
Quick History: The Scorcher was made by Rajaat at the same time as the Scourge and the Silencer. He gave the Scorcher to Myron (troll scorcher, go fig) who lost it when Hamanu took over. It ended up at the bottom of the Silt Sea, was swallowed by a silt horror, who was killed by the people at the village of Cromlin when it attacked. A dude there took the Scorcher and, of course, went on a rampage until (it was rumored) he was killed by a Nightmare Beast. The sword (gasp!) is currently "lost," but will apparently make an appearance in Dregoth Ascending.
Game Stats: The Scorcher is a +3 Long Sword that handles like a Short Sword (in 2e, this meant that it was faster on the strike) when used by someone with a 17+ strength. When used, it surrounds itself with black flames which cause an additional 1d4 points of damage when it hits. The Scorcher make the wielder immune to fire damage (like a ring of fire resistance). The user is also immune to mind-affecting spells and opponents have a harder time using their psionics against the wielder (in 2e, this was a -5 to their MTHAC0).
This is the kicker: it ignores any magical armor protections an opponent might have.
Other powers of the sword are based totally on what alignment the wielder is. If they are Lawful, then it functions as a vorpal sword. If they're Neutral, then it functions as a Sword of Wounding. If they're Chaotic, it functions as a Sword of Sharpness. It inflicts double-damage on Huge or Gigantic critters.
The Scorcher will stay loyal to the person who wields it as long as they have a clear sense of purpose. When they lose that purpose, they'll somehow lose the Scorcher, which will then call to someone else nearby who has a Purpose.
Some suggested powers (at 20th level, of course): Blur, Protection from good/evil, Wall of Flame, Cure Serious Wounds, Slay Living (on target that is hit), and True Seeing. The more powerful ones can only be used once a day.
Then there's some random powers from Healing, Fire (duh), Combat, and Detection. It should also have some psionic powers, as well. It's alignment is Neutral.
The Curse is that the possessor remains absolutely focussed on their "goal" and will not deviate from it for any reason. There's also a random curse which is different for each wielder (probably need to make a Scorcher-specific table for this one).
And I'm not going to say what the suggested means of distruction are. So there. :P
How does this grab you? (last pic on the right)
OMG! That's freaking brilliant!
Jon I think we have our winner.
.Does it have to look like the original from AoA or do we have complete Freedom?
Does it have to look like the original from AoA or do we have complete Freedom?
You mean PAoA? ;)
I would say complete freedom. We did that on the one Penn and I worked on, though that was more Penn than myself.
Sticking to what the 2e one is just way too wimpy and trying to do a direct translation is neigh impossible.
Give me a few hours 'till I put the kids to bed and I'll post the Scorcher I've done.
I'd like to wait for Methvezem to post arguments as to the choices of abilities, since he's my sidekick!
Nha, just joking Meth! I'm but one head of the two-headed beast we make! (plus my pricings and CLs suck
)Ok, I'm thinking: Heck, why not?
Please, post away your own conversion!
Jon needs all the best toys!The Scorcher
[Insert History here]
The Scorcher is a massive longsword constructed of the same red alloy as the Silencer, and is much harder than enchanted steel. The sword’s blade is perfectly smooth, and the hilt contains a red glowing rune identical to that of the Silencer. The hilt is constructed of enchanted obsidian, wrapped in the hide of a fire drake. The pommel is a tooth from said fire drake, and its point is razor sharp. The balance of the sword and the perfection of the blade have perhaps no equals outside of the Scorcher’s two sister swords: the Scourge and the Silencer.
The Scorcher has a +10 enhancement bonus and functions as a Large rajaatsblood longsword with the dread resolve, fiery blast, keen, and speed special abilities. The wielder is under a constant true seeing effect, can come under the effect of blur at will, is immune to cold, fire, and mind-affecting powers and spells, and can make any number of cleave attacks and attacks of opportunity per round (as if he or she had the Great Cleave and Improved Combat Reflexes feats). The weapon is so light in the hands of its wielder that it can be used one or two-handed by Medium characters albeit its Large size, without a penalty.
Weither using its flaming burst ability, a fire-based spell-like ability, or casting a spell with the fire descriptor with the weapon in hand, the sword always produces a cold, ebony fire that inflicts cold instead of fire damage.
The sword ignores armor and natural armor bonuses, and damage reduction, originating from enchanted and empowered items as well as from powers and spells.
The wielder of the Scorcher can also make powerful charge attacks. When the sword’s fiery blast ability is invoked and the sword is used in a charge, it deals double damage (as if he or she were a mounted character with the Spirited Charge feat).
Upon usage of its fire shield spell-like ability, the Scorcher can greatly increase its wielder’s battle savy and speed of movement. It can grant its wielder the benefits of the Tenser’s transformation spell, with two exceptions: the wielder can still cast spells it could normally cast as free actions, such as quickened spells, and he can still activate magic items by spell trigger, spell completion, or command word; the same is true of psionic powers and items. Also, the wielder acts as if hasted, and when so accelerated can deflect any number of ranged attacks using the sword (as if he or she had the Armed Deflection and Infinite Deflection feats). The effect is dismissible as a free action and lasts for up to 20 consecutive rounds.
Every applicable spell cast by the wielder of the Scorcher, if so desired, can be made to be affected by the Energy Substitution (fire) feat.
The wielder of the Scorcher can use the following spell-like abilities: 1/three days—dedication; 1/day—enlarged and widened incendiary cloud (DC 22); 3/day—maximized false life, extended fire shield, extended greater blink†, enlarged rangeblade, widened wall of fire. Caster level 20th.
[Insert here the specifics of the Red Rune found on both the Scorcher and the Silencer]
[Optional: If deemed necessary, the sword can be given an actual influence on its wielder, using certain rules benchmarked in recent Forgotten Realms books. Also, the sword is said to be able to call on someone to wield it if it is ever lost. Maybe the Scorcher is the mystery behind Siren’s Song?]
[Optional: If deemed necessary, the sword can be given an artifact-level ability that renders the Champions of Rajaat powerless against it, as per Rajaat’s will and design. Hamanu would instead be immune to the Scorcher]
[Campaign Use here, as a separate sub-entry, contrarily to the DMG artifacts that do not have that section; also merge the Suggested Means of Destruction to this section because those have been abolished in 3E]
† This spell can be found in Complete Arcane.
Epic Weapon Special Ability
Dread Resolve: This enchantment is seen mostly on weapons that were used by the servants of Raajat during the Preserver Jihad and Cleansing Wars, when it helped them get rid of their particular targets.
A dread resolve weapon excels at attacking one type of creature chosen by its wielder. Against its designated foe, its effective enhancement bonus is +6 better than its normal enhancement bonus. Furthermore, it deals +6d6 points of bonus damage against the foe, and if it scores a successful critical hit against the foe, that creature must make a Fortitude save (DC 30) or be destroyed instantly (this even affects creatures immune to critical hits or death magic). The manner in which the foe is destroyed is unique to each weapon and linked to that weapon’s main attack form. For example, a flaming sword would consume its foe in flames. If the weapon has no main attack form, the foe is instead turned to dust.
The type of creature that is the designated foe of the weapon is decided by the wielder upon first taking possession of the weapon. The weapon may only have one designated foe at a time. Once the wielder decides which type of foe is the target of the dread resolve weapon, he cannot change this foe until all are slain or seven days have passed. This foe can be anything, as general as every elves to as specific as Dregoth the Dread King of Guistenal.
Overwhelming conjuration; CL 24th; Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Craft Epic Magic Arms and Armor, summon monster IX; Price +9 bonus.
Epic Special Materials
Rajaatsblood: In the past, Rajaat created several weapons using a special material of his own making. By spilling his blood on red-hot vorpal steel—the metal turning a red color—Rajaat made such weapons harder than enchanted steel. Only Rajaat can make such a material.
Rajaatsblood has all the properties of vorpal steel plus the following. A weapon made of rajaatsblood is immune to sundering attempts from any weapon made of a material other than dwarven steel, rajaatsblood, or vorpal steel. If a character wielding a weapon made from such a material attempts a sundering of the rajaatsblood weapon, the latter confers a +15 bonus to the defender’s opposed attack roll.
Vorpal Steel: Vorpal steel, also known as “Pristine Steel”, is the result of exposing a lump of unworked iron to the crimson glow of the Crystal of Steeples chamber at the top of the Pristine Tower. A day-long, year-round exposure is necessary to change the properties of the iron. Before Rajaat’s emprisonment, only himself and his servants could create vorpal steel, but in this Age a powerful character able to fend off the tower’s Shadow Giants can conceivably achieve the feat.
Only weapons can be fashioned from vorpal steel. Vorpal steel weapons have the ghost touch special ability, although the property is not magical. They give the wielder a +1 bonus on the comfirmation roll for a critical hit and have their threat range increased by 1. For instance, if it is used to forge a longsword (which has a normal threat range of 19-20), the vorpal steel longsword scores a threat on a 18-20. Whenever another effect expands the threat range of the weapon (such as the keen weapon special ability, the keen edge spell, or the Improved Critical feat), the threat range increase from the vorpal steel material is added afterward. For example, if the above vorpal steel longsword were to be made into a keen weapon, it would score a threat on a 16-20.
Only weapons that can be made of metal can be fashioned from vorpal steel. Weapons made of vorpal steel have one-half more hit points than normal. Vorpal steel has 50 hit points per inch of thickness and hardness 30.
Basics of the Three Swords
Zeroth Law
: Since these items were enchanted by Rajaat, the most über being of all, not all powers in each item’s 3E entry is written as is found in the various core rules. Meaning: Instead of having 20 weapon special abilities―half of which do not exist and would need creating―each entry lists the text of some feat or weapon special ability.I have found this embelishes, and sometimes clarifies, the swords’ purposes.
For example, when I write “The blade ignores the hardness or damage reduction of any object it strikes and can deal critical hits to objects and constructs as if they were living creatures. ”, this is the text taken from the Mace of Ruin epic specific weapon, from the SRD. Whenever a feat, ability, or spell fits so well the design you desire it needs to be added to the sword’s write-up (but is not part of the SRD or one of the core books), then the text is extracted and recopied into the weapon’s powers, with different wording, or its source is indicated in the weapon’s text in the hope the Overcouncil will allow it.
All powers are at CL 20th by default, even when its not mentionned. So if a power has a duration of 20 rounds, don’t search further for the reason.
1. They are all major artifacts, in the epic range.
2. They are all Large in size, since fluff text and some things in the rules section of each 2E entry points to it.
3. The Silencer and Scorcher are made of a material superior in quality to the material of the Scourge. This in no way reflects a design thought in which the Scourge is presented as inferior. The material known as Rajaatsblood is a way to explain the red color of the alloy, and to tie-in that explanation with Rajaat’s involvement.
4. Mostly, all swords have 4 weapon special abilities clearly marked as such, two of which are epic. The wielder is always under 1 constant effect (such as true seeing), is immune to mind-affecting powers and spells, and usually to one or two other descriptors.
5. The wielder of each sword gains a singular combat power: the Scorcher grants any number of cleave attacks and attacks of opportunity per round (as if the wielder had 2 feats, one being epic); the Silencer allows a number of sweeping attacks against each opponent within reach (as if the wielder had a specific epic feat); etc.
6. Since all weapons are Large, they have a unique bit of text for each that says, basically, that the weapon can be used as if it were Medium in size.
7. I like tying in some of a sword’s powers with its other powers, insuring one can be achieved only if the other is activated. It helps making a weapon with a long list of abilities appear less of a software bundle.
8. Each sword, in its own unique way, ignores “this” or “that” part of a foe’s AC. Instead of just saying “all attacks with the Silencer are touch attacks”, I prefer the more dramatic listing of the elements that the sword’s magic ignores.
9. Each sword has a number of combat powers, most of the time text extracts from various feats, spells, and specific armors, that greatly serve to boost the wielder’s combat capabilities relating to a sword’s specific thematic range: the Scorcher enhances personal combat; the Silencer enhances an army’s capabilities or the wielder’s in a mass-battle context; etc.
10. Each sword also has one über combat power: the Scorcher has Tenser’s transformation + haste, during which it can deflect any number of ranged weapons; the Silencer has its blast of force; etc.
11. Each sword offers a power that is the equivalent of one metamagic feat that can be applied at no cost, freely and at will.
12. A short number of spell-like abilities, one of which is always dedication.
Specifics on the Scorcher
Power level: With 3E comes epic rules, so lets update the three most powerful weapons ever crafted under the dark sun. A +3 enhancement bonus is way too low and can’t even bypass DR x/epic, which is the basic DR of all of Rajaat’s Champions. (Certain sources indicate Rajaat may have intended for his swords to be evetually used to cleanse the Champions themselves.)
Weapon special abilities: The Scorcher is fast and sexy (keen, speed), and its fire burns the hotest (epic fiery blast). To best represent the sword’s single-mindedness on a single purpose at a time, it has the epic dread resolve ability. Since you gain great power through it by specifying an enemy you wish to have an advantage against, you are at a disadvantage when facing another type of enemy. The sword’s last owner, the ex-gladiator Vorr, was defeated because he chose humanoids has his dread resolve enemy, letting him be slaugthered by a nightmare beast.
Alignment-related abilities: This I find pointless and full of the bubbly randomness of 2E, similar in a way to those endless random encounter charts.
Spell-like abilities: Slay living has been removed since once per week is way too measly for such an artifact. Besides, if the sword was designed for Champions, then such an ability is superfluous when compared to what a Champion can put out. Cure serious wounds is a divine spell, and if possible, needs to be replaced with an arcane spell, since Rajaat is a wizard (even if he may have used divine spellcasters), so I replaced it with false life. Protection from good/evil is important thematically for campaign settings that have a strong good/evil axis, which DS doesn’t have. Instead it has several axis, one of which is corruption/preservation. Greater blink and rangeblade as abilities are so cool they had to be implemented. Instead of updating slay living to a daily use, killing one individual at the most, we have a metamagicked incendiary cloud, there so the sword wielder can make a very effective attack (at 20th level) against a multitude. Dedication, even if a relatively low level spell, is there to represent the dedication to a task that the sword can give to its wielder.
The Curse: The actual random curse is silly. Why would Rajaat bestow this on his Champions?
How can you do it?
Regardless... I liked it.
...But you are not a jedi yet (insert rhythmic, mechanical breathing here. Ominous music rises...then fades - I'm tired, okay?!!)
The Scorcher (Major Artifact)
+8 Keen Champion dread fiery blast long sword.
Champion Dread: The Scorcher excels at attacking Champions of Rajaat. Against a Champion, its effective enhancement bonus is +4 better than its normal enhancement bonus (+12 total). Further, it deals +4d6 points of bonus damage against Champions, and if it scores a successful critical hit against one, they must make a Fortitude save (DC 30) or be instantly slain.
Fiery Blast: On command, the Scorcher will become sheathed in fire (though this deals no damage to the wielder). On any hit, this fire engulfs the creature struck, dealing +3d6 points of bonus fire damage. On a successful critical hit it instead deals +6d6 points of fire damage.
Flame Burst: Once per day, the Scorcher can create an explosion of fire that deals 25d6, Reflex save for half DC 28, points of fire damage to every creature or object within a 40' radius of the blade. The explosion creates almost no pressure. Since this power extends outward from the Scorcher, the weilder is not affected by the damage.
Aura of Resistance: When held, the Scorcher grants the weilder Power Resistance 40 against spells, spell like effects, and psionics . Each ally within 10 feet of the weilder also benefits from this Power Resistance.
This ability functions while the weilder is conscious, but not if he is unconscious or dead.
More later...
I'm a bit befuddled as to the why behind the Champion Dread ability. You're implying the weapon is meant for killing Champs, and not ridding the place of preservers and cleansing the trolls? (Champ killing has its place in Rajaat's three swords I believe, but I also believe it ought to be a bit less apparent, like making the weapon epic to overcome DR x/epic)
Also, it easily kills Champs but doesn't confer a similar advantage against a human commoner 1...
Aura of Resistance: I weighted for a long time the need to add PR and SR to the swords but gave up on the idea. They were meant for the three most powerful defiler warlords during the Preserver Jihad, and then made the weapons of Champions during the Cleansing Wars. The probability of such people to have a high natural SR and/or PR is very high.
No fire resistance is granted (it should grant fire resistance 30 or even complete immunity IMO).
the "Dread" ability should be against giants or monstrous humanoids (I forget which one trolls are) and not Champions. The sword was not specifically made to kill the Champions, but to aid the Champions in fulfilling their duties. Since it was given to Myron, arguably it should help him kill Trolls.
The ability ignore magical armour protection of the original is a tricky one... once per day the weapon can become a brilliant energy weapon? This grants a similar style power, but doesn't turn the weapon into a light sabre full time.
Also making the weapon either(or both) of wounding/vorpal is also arguably appropriate.
No immunity to mind effects is granted. However a permanent mindblank will do the trick nicely.
Epic power resistance seems an appropriate way of converting the 2nd ed general protection from psionics power. PR 40 seems high, but then Rajaat made it so why not.
So my version would look something like:
+8 Keen Wounding Monstrous Humanoid(Or Giant?) Dread Fiery Blast Longsword
granting the following:
Weilder has immunity to fire whilst holding the sword
Weilder is under the effects of a permanent mindblank (caster level... 40) whilst holding the sword
Weilder has PR 40 whilst holding the sword
Once per day the sword can become a brilliant energy weapon for 1 round, the black flames intensifying until the red obsidian underneath seems to melt away under the heat. This allows the weilder to ignore the opponents armour, natural armour and shield bonuses to his AC.
Man that weapon would be swanky if only it were a greatsword... oh well, there is always the Scourge I guess.
regards,
the cute and fluffy DM
I'm a bit befuddled as to the why behind the Champion Dread ability. You're implying the weapon is meant for killing Champs, and not ridding the place of preservers and cleansing the trolls? (Champ killing has its place in Rajaat's three swords I believe, but I also believe it ought to be a bit less apparent, like making the weapon epic to overcome DR x/epic)....
Two reason behind this. First was that Hamanu was so horrified at the ease in which the Scorcher cut down Dregoth he tossed it into the silt sea. If the weapon just delivered normal damage or just by bypassed DR I can't see it having that effect on him. Big H could have more than likely just bypassed that with the enchancment bounus of the weapon and brute Str alone.
Second. The weapon with the Fiery Blast ability was no doubt enough to take out the toughest of trolls. Plus why list a bane or dread ability against a race that has long been eradicated (not counting the Last Troll) from the face of Athas?
Also, it easily kills Champs but doesn't confer a similar advantage against a human commoner 1
Again, its already a +8 keen Fiery Blast weapon. I'd hardly view that lightly.
Aura of Resistance: I weighted for a long time the need to add PR and SR to the swords but gave up on the idea. They were meant for the three most powerful defiler warlords during the Preserver Jihad, and then made the weapons of Champions during the Cleansing Wars. The probability of such people to have a high natural SR and/or PR is very high.
Lets face it, the PC's are going to square off with Big D in DA at some point. They will need all the help they can get. The 2E Scorcher granted some odd abilities especially to beings that more than likely could already produce similar effects thru psionics or spells.
No fire resistance is granted (it should grant fire resistance 30 or even complete immunity IMO).
My write up states that the wielder is immune or not effected by its own fire abilities (i.e. Fiery Blast and Flame Burst). I figured that was enough.
Two reason behind this. First was that Hamanu was so horrified at the ease in which the Scorcher cut down Dregoth he tossed it into the silt sea. If the weapon just delivered normal damage or just by bypassed DR I can't see it having that effect on him. Big H could have more than likely just bypassed that with the enchancment bounus of the weapon and brute Str alone.
Conceded. My write-up has an open-ended entry that allows for some leeway: if the Overcouncil ever wishes to make the sword have an overiding influence over its wielder, then it can be added later, the same with the Chmapions being powerless against the three swords.
Instead of your Champion Dread ability I'd instead give a power based on what the Scourge can do, i.e. Hamanu is immune to it and the other Champs are powerless facing it.
Litterally, Champs* facing the three swords lose all DR, SR, PR, protective spells and powers, and enhancement bonuses to AC coming from items, spells, and powers. (In the novel the Scourge cuts as if through butter when put against the Champs.)
* Hamanu is immune to the Scourge and powerless against the Silencer. He's probably immune to the Scorcher as well.
Second. The weapon with the Fiery Blast ability was no doubt enough to take out the toughest of trolls. Plus why list a bane or dread ability against a race that has long been eradicated (not counting the Last Troll) from the face of Athas?
For the sake of realism, for once. If its made to kill trolls then it should have a special ability related to them and probably worthless now.
For example, the Hunger is an artifact Methvezem designed and it can detect the position and number of orcs and orc-blooded creatures within a 1-mile radius around its possessor. Its a cool ability, albeit worthless now a days. A legend lore or other divination spell can reveal it was made to sense the presence of ravenous beasts from afar.
But on the subject, discussions me and Nyt had came to the conclusion the three swords should not be given specific powers related to cleansing a race. Arguments: 1) They were made during the Preserver Jihad and given to people fighting preservers, not any specific race. The Scorcher is the only sword that has abilities related to trolls, and that only because trolls are vulnerable to fire and the Scorcher is full of fire powers. 2) The Champs themselves have natural bane abilities (Genocidal Destruction, Genocidial Focus, and Genocidal Rage) that Xlorep will probably implement in the final version for the Champion of Rajaat template.
Again, its already a +8 keen Fiery Blast weapon. I'd hardly view that lightly.
I see what you mean, but try and see it this way too: a commoner 1 wielding a +1 dagger can be killed by any 10th-level character, but the commoner can kill a god since the sword is a god bane weapon. The difference between the power level of the two enchantments is staggering. If you want something that inflicts damage or instantly kill a small cabal of creatures, you have to make that ability also useful against others, in some capacity. The Dread Resolve ability Methvezem made is perfect for it: You want to kill Champs? Make them your dedicated enemy, but you'll lose that power against anyone else. Want to switch to killing mercenaries? Make humanoids your dedicated enemy, but beware a passing Champ, he might vanquish you.
The 2E Scorcher granted some odd abilities especially to beings that more than likely could already produce similar effects thru psionics or spells.
Can't agree more. Its why in fact it needs some serious redesign. Those 2E builds were made to be wielded by PCs, while the 3E builds should be geared towards being useful to a Champ (and thus very very cool for the PC who gets his hands on one ;) )
[...] the black flames intensifying until the red obsidian underneath seems to melt away under the heat.
Ooooo, poetic. Nice imagery
* Hamanu is immune to the Scourge and powerless against the Silencer. He's probably immune to the Scorcher as well.
Again, according to PAoA he is anyways.
Suddenly makes me want to see a Cleansing War book - lots of epic level characters going at it hammer and tongs.
Not going to put my 2 cents worth in. But this is a really interesting thread. I like both Sysane's version and Pennarin's version.
Suddenly makes me want to see a Cleansing War book - lots of epic level characters going at it hammer and tongs.
You'll be happy to know then that me and Methvezem have designed 4 epic weapons and 1 epic item, and that they belonged to as many new defiler warlords that lived during the Preserver Jihad. I'll put the write-ups for the warlords online when the Faces of Athas project gets underway. I'm pretty sure that if FoA has a Cleansing Wars section it won't be empty, what with it being the #3 time that gamers like to play in, #2 being Green Age. (Maybe its the reverse...)
Uhh? What do I hear?
Yes...I think its time for a POLL!
Can't agree more. Its why in fact it needs some serious redesign. Those 2E builds were made to be wielded by PCs, while the 3E builds should be geared towards being useful to a Champ (and thus very very cool for the PC who gets his hands on one ;) )
I could change the mechanic of the Power Resistance in that it grants a bonus to a being with Power Resistance (+35?) and a flat 35 to beings who don't already have PR. That way it would make more sense in that it would benefit the Champion wielding it.
Thoughts?
My write up states that the wielder is immune or not effected by its own fire abilities (i.e. Fiery Blast and Flame Burst). I figured that was enough.
I figure that if you are designing a epic weapon with fire as the main theme it should offer both offensive and defensive powers. Immunity to the sword's limited effects doesn't cut it IMO, I want something more substantial.
I could change the mechanic of the Power Resistance in that it grants a bonus to a being with Power Resistance (+35?) and a flat 35 to beings who don't already have PR. That way it would make more sense in that it would benefit the Champion wielding it.
Thoughts?
That is way powerful. Maybe too powerful for an epic level character to deal with. I much prefer the straight PR 40, but think even this is powerful.
I could change the mechanic of the Power Resistance in that it grants a bonus to a being with Power Resistance (+35?) and a flat 35 to beings who don't already have PR. That way it would make more sense in that it would benefit the Champion wielding it.
Thoughts?
I think that's a bit much by "official" standards, by my standards however I am fine with it. :D
Probably more like a flat +20 would probably be good enough, or just PR 40 that doesn't stack like cute n fluffy mentioned.
I figure that if you are designing a epic weapon with fire as the main theme it should offer both offensive and defensive powers. Immunity to the sword's limited effects doesn't cut it IMO, I want something more substantial.
I could see it justified if the sword was to be used against creatures that were heavily using fire, but I doubt you'd see many trolls resorting to that tactic on a regular basis.
I think that's a bit much by "official" standards, by my standards however I am fine with it. :D
Probably more like a flat +20 would probably be good enough, or just PR 40 that doesn't stack like cute n fluffy mentioned.
What if it were a +20 for creatures that already have a PR of 40 or more and for creatures that don't, or have less that 40 PR even with the +20, it would grant them a flat PR 40?
What if it were a +20 for creatures that already have a PR of 40 or more and for creatures that don't it would grant them a flat PR 40?
That's convuluted though, and plus I've never seen it done the way, it's always a flate rate or a bonus that stacks with all other bonuses.
That's convuluted though, and plus I've never seen it done the way, it's always a flate rate or a bonus that stacks with all other bonuses.
So what if it just added a flat 20 or 25 PR regardless if you already had PR or not?
So what if it just added a flat 20 or 25 PR regardless if you already had PR or not?
I personally would either give it a rate of 40 or give a bonus of 20, nothing more or less IMO.
This is an epic artifact afterall, should at least be close to being equal to the other epic item that gives 40 SR/PR.
I personally would either give it a rate of 40 or give a bonus of 20, nothing more or less IMO.
Yeah I sort of agree
I doubt that when the sword was first created Myron had a PR (if any at all) that high at the begining. So, I think a PR 40 is justified.
I doubt that when the sword was first created Myron had a PR (if any at all) that high at the begining. So, I think a PR 40 is justified.
Agreed.
Shoot me an email if you will, wanted to chat with you about something.
I had been wishing for years to get the opportunity to change the lame 2E build for any of the three swords, and when I was offered this opportunity I jumped all over it.
I'm sure there are others that also felt the same desire I did, please speak out. The best Scorcher will be one we all discuss together.
Aura of Resistance: When held, the Scorcher grants the weilder Energy and Power Resistance of 40 against fire, spells, spell like effects, and psionics . Each ally within 10 feet of the weilder also benefit from this Power Resistance.
This ability functions while the weilder is conscious, but not if he is unconscious or dead.
I really like that the Aura benefits allies and feel it would be a good addtion to the sword's powers.
Thoughts?
This ability functions only if the wielder is conscious, and not if he is unconscious or dead.
Its a bit clarified. Now your allies have a chance not to die when you use your Fiery Blast ability. Still, a bit difficult to survive 25d6 points of damage.
On another subject: What do we do with the red rune found both on the Scorcher and Silencer? Is it fluff or does it has a function...
Aura of Resistance: When held, the Scorcher grants the wielder Energy Resistance (fire) 40, and Power and Spell Resistance 40. Each ally within 10 feet of the wielder also benefit from the Energy Resistance.
This ability functions only if the wielder is conscious, and not if he is unconscious or dead..
Thats good but your allies are suppose to benefit from the PR/SR as well. I guess a simple change of " Each ally within 10 feet of the wielder also receive these benefits." Or something like that.
Its a bit clarified. Now your allies have a chance not to die when you use your Fiery Blast ability. Still, a bit difficult to survive 25d6 points of damage
.
Well, its an Epic weapon. Hopefully the wielder and his allies are as well. DC 28 wouldn't be that hard to make.
Well, its an Epic weapon. Hopefully the wielder and his allies are as well. DC 28 wouldn't be that hard to make.
Strange. I never saw it that way. To me the great epic characters of old (the Champions during the war, the preserver leaders, the druids) were alone in a pool of ordinay people: 1,000 3rd to 5th level warriors and fighters fighting with a 40+ level Champion as their leader.
Like Hamanu seems to be the only epic character within his kingdom. When he appears to lead his army he has to watch out if he uses area-effect spells or powers because his army captains and templars and soldiers will die en masse.
Strange. I never saw it that way. To me the great epic characters of old (the Champions during the war, the preserver leaders, the druids) were alone in a pool of ordinay people: 1,000 3rd to 5th level warriors and fighters fighting with a 40+ level Champion as their leader.
Like Hamanu seems to be the only epic character within his kingdom. When he appears to lead his army he has to watch out if he uses area-effect spells or powers because his army captains and templars and soldiers will die en masse.
I see it that was as well, but I'm sure the Champions didn't surround themselves with ordinary scrubs. I would imagine that they had an elite entourage close by most of the time.
Aura of Resistance: When held, the Scorcher grants the wielder Energy Resistance (fire) 40, and Power and Spell Resistance 40. Each ally within 10 feet of the wielder also benefit from the Energy Resistance.
This ability functions only if the wielder is conscious, and not if he is unconscious or dead.
Its a bit clarified. Now your allies have a chance not to die when you use your Fiery Blast ability. Still, a bit difficult to survive 25d6 points of damage.
On another subject: What do we do with the red rune found both on the Scorcher and Silencer? Is it fluff or does it has a function...
I prefer other people having energy res rather than PR 40.
IMO the red rune is fluff, you could say that when the flameburst effect happens the rune disappears, returning 24 hours later. Or it glows whenever someone tries to use psionics on the weilder, or something. I don't think it needs any power itself, but for those who know the weapon well, it could be indicative of certain conditions.
Anyone got any ideas on converting the original power of bypassing magical armour other than my once per day making the weapon brilliant energy?
Anyone got any ideas on converting the original power of bypassing magical armour other than my once per day making the weapon brilliant energy?
I don't necessarily feel that power needs to be brought over to the Scorcher's 3.5 conversion. Thats just IMO though.
Anyone got any ideas on converting the original power of bypassing magical armour other than my once per day making the weapon brilliant energy?
I don't necessarily feel that power needs to be brought over to the Scorcher's 3.5 conversion. Thats just IMO though.
I strongly feel it should be ported. The Scorcher, Silencer, and Heartwood Spear all have an ability that in some way reduces the AC of an opponent. The Scorcher's magic eliminates all supernatural enhancements, the Silencer's sharpness ignores all non-supernatural forms of armor, and the Spear ignores all natural and supernatural armor bonuses and enhancements related to armor and shields, but not from other supernatural items.
There is a theme there indicative of great power.
Something along the lines of ignoring all non epic enhancement armor bonuses or something like that might be called for.
I think we're getting ahead of ourselves if not a little carried away. If you were to compare the Scorcher as we have it right now to say the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords or the Sword of Kas its insanely powerful.
I think we're get ahead of ourselves if not a little carried away. If you were to compare the Scorcher as we have it right now to say the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords or the Sword of Kas its insanely powerful.
That's because most artifacts that I have seen so far for 3e suck IMO.
They are nothing more than over glorified magic items, when they should be much, much more powerful IMO.
At least more powerful than epic items anyways, sheesh.
Agreed.
Something along the lines of ignoring all non epic enhancement armor bonuses or something like that might be called for.
If this blade is capable of killing dragons, it would behoove it to ignore epic armor bonuses as well.
Additionally, we want to add that it ignores armor bonuses?
That doesn't seem a bit unbalanced or broken to anyone?
If this blade is capable of killing dragons, it would behoove it to ignore epic armor bonuses as well.
Making it ignore all armor works too, I was just giving an example and trying not to go too crazy, but you are right.
Well right now we have a +8 Keen Champion Dread Fiery Blast long sword that can burst fire in a 40' radius for 25d6 damage and grants PR/SP & ER(FIRE) 40 each which benefits the wielder and allies within 10' of the weapon.
Additionally, we want to add that it ignores armor bonuses?
That doesn't seem a bit unbalanced or broken to anyone?
It's an artifact, who cares?
DM has total control of when it is put into play, who gets it, and for how long. I think we can go a little wild here and there and be ok without the balance police hunting us down, heh.
I would also to like to see the suggested means of destruction worked in as well, only if it's an optional thing and gives the DM free reign.
It's an artifact, who cares?
DM has total control of when it is put into play, who gets it, and for how long. I think we can go a little wild here and there and be ok without the balance police hunting us down, heh.
I guess. I think the powers could be toned down a bit IMO though.
I think we need to ask ourselves "how will this weapon effect the flow of the DA adventure?".
I guess. I think the powers could be toned down a bit IMO though.
I think we need to ask ourselves "how will this weapon effect the flow of the DA adventure?".
That's a good question actually.
This is suppose to help the PCs have a better chance of standing up to Dregoth later on if I remember correctly (don't want to give too much a way), and I seriously doubt that the PCs will be able to destroy him, but it should be good enough to at least help in doing what they need to do.
I think right now we have that covered.
Though I'm curious, what spawned the ally abilities? I don't remember that as part of the makeup. So nixing that might be fine if we throw in a ignore armor ability and then maybe throw in its weakness somehow.
What about adding in the artifact possession thing in somehow, or whatever weakness it had. Can't remember right now and don't have books.
I would also to like to see the suggested means of destruction worked in as well, only if it's an optional thing and gives the DM free reign.
In 2e it suggests that striking the Scorcher against the Silencer would shatter both blades. It also suggests that if a water drake were to consume the blade it would be destoryed as well.
Though I'm curious, what spawned the ally abilities? I don't remember that as part of the makeup. So nixing that might be fine if we throw in a ignore armor ability and then maybe throw in its weakness somehow.
My thought behind that was that the PCs that aren't wielding the blade were as good as tembo meat. I figured that would help PCs who weren't in possession of the blade to survive the fight with Big D as well.
In 2e it suggests that striking the Scorcher against the Silencer would shatter both blades.
I mentioned to Penn when we were working on it before that it would be cool to have both blades immune to Sunder unless of course the attempt was from the other weapon. So the Silencer could only be sundered by the Scorcher, and vice versa.
It also suggests that if a water drake were to consume the blade it would be destory as well.
Definately something to add to the suggestions, doesn't neccessarily have to work, just a suggested way of destroying it.
In 2e it suggests that striking the Scorcher against the Silencer would shatter both blades. It also suggests that if a water drake were to consume the blade it would be destoryed as well.
Ok.
Hmmmm...
I mentioned to Penn when we were working on it before that it would be cool to have both blades immune to Sunder unless of course the attempt was from the other weapon. So the Silencer could only be sundered by the Scorcher, and vice versa.
I think we might have changed that too and allowed them to be sundered by anything, but if they were sundered by the opposite weapon it got a +20 to its attempt to sunder, or something like that.
I think we're getting ahead of ourselves if not a little carried away. If you were to compare the Scorcher as we have it right now to say the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords or the Sword of Kas its insanely powerful.
MHUAHAHAHAHAH MHUAHAHAHAHAH MHUAUAHAHAHAH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's because most artifacts that I have seen so far for 3e suck IMO.
They are nothing more than over glorified magic items, when they should be much, much more powerful IMO.
At least more powerful than epic items anyways, sheesh.
Yes, they suck big time. Epic items are more powerful than the DMG's or FR's artifacts. The Sword of Kas shouldn't by all be a major artifact.
I like my Scorcher sharp and deadly, thank you.
Look, if you take unique epic weapons with some flourish, like FR's Elfblades, you discover that they have no artifact-level power. The only reason they are artifacts is because they are unique. The Sword of Kas is the same: its an epic weapon, and because its unique its made into an artifact.
It's an artifact, who cares?
Amen!
I mentioned to Penn when we were working on it before that it would be cool to have both blades immune to Sunder unless of course the attempt was from the other weapon. So the Silencer could only be sundered by the Scorcher, and vice versa.
And there could be the origin of the red runes: they protect the swords from all sundering attempts except when confronted with each other. Then they only have the Rajaatsblood material to deal with. So 2 weak characters wielding both swords and trying to sunder both against each other would probably be incapable of it, although Champions or epic characters would succeed.
Been a couple of days since I posted it...any comments on my build?
The whole sunder issue is starting to get a little pedantic is my first opinion. However, given that one of the means of success involves sundering it, I can see why it is necessary to provide some detail.
I can't provide any useful comments however since my memory of 3.5 sundering is limited to that it is different to 3.0 sundering. When i get a chance to read up I will post.
My thought behind that was that the PCs that aren't wielding the blade were as good as tembo meat. I figured that would help PCs who weren't in possession of the blade to survive the fight with Big D as well
I really like this justification and support the idea that the PCs as a whole should be the heroes of the story, not one single PC (which is perfectly appropriate in a movie or book but not really in most RPGs).
I think we need to ask ourselves "how will this weapon effect the flow of the DA adventure?".
Since we don't have any more details on the adventure (except in the synopsis at the beginning of part 1) this is very hard to answer. All we can really do is try to create a version of the Scorcher which most feel best represents a weapon forged by the First Sorcerer.
However, the weapon is way outside the power bracket of even mid teen level PCs, so one should expect some pretty broken antics on behalf of even semi intelligent PCs.
One example would be the PCs deciding that Dregoth is kinda okay, but that that Nibenay guy has been a big jerk to us recently, we should off him whilst we have a chance.
In short, the sword (as it currently stands) makes a group of PCs pretty awesome in a fight. Their egos are likely to swell abominably, but hey being 15th level usually does that anyway.
Hamanu (and the other sorcerer monarchs) must have been on drugs to simply throw it into the silt sea rather than simply cast mordenkainen's disjunction a bunch of times until it stopped being an artifact. But hey when you are personally immune to it, arguably it resurfacing again must be part of your long term plan (and that IS something I can attribute to a Sorcerer Monarch).
What would be better than killing Dregoth, though, would be to imprison him in the Black, or something similar.
Maybe just break of the Scorcher in his face, like Rikus did to Borys. It's debatable whether Borys was pulled into the Black or slain outright by this, and it's a DM's prerogative to make that decision. :D
Where the H@$% is GreyOrm when ya need him? He hasn't been on in a while!
Since we don't have any more details on the adventure (except in the synopsis at the beginning of part 1) this is very hard to answer. All we can really do is try to create a version of the Scorcher which most feel best represents a weapon forged by the First Sorcerer.
Most people at Athas.org have access to the original 2e layout of the adventure (I may or may not have it as well
). I think they have a better understanding as to how the Scorcher might effect the adventure.If we make the blade to sick, encounters that may have originally meant to be challenging might be overcome with ease due to our rendition of the Scorcher being to powerful.
Just something we should be aware of IMO.
Been a couple of days since I posted it...any comments on my build?
We've thrown out so many ideas on its abilities. I don't even know where we're at with the "offical" build right now.
Any encounter is challenging in the hands of the right GM. :D
True, but an adventure that actually introduces this element should factor and adjust for this in on its own.
If we make the blade to sick, encounters that may have originally meant to be challenging might be overcome with ease due to our rendition of the Scorcher being to powerful.
Well... that is what happens when you put an artifact made for combat into the hands of a bunch of PCs.
IMO I don't think it is right to dumb down the Scorcher merely to fit it into DA. I would rather a simpler intelligent +3 keen flaming burst longsword was put into the adventure instead.
If the Scorcher as it stands is too powerful for DA, then either don't put it in DA or else make the challenges in the adventure predominantly independent of the Scorcher ie moral dilemmas and puzzles.
btw, after some thought I am against the 40 ft burst 25d6 flame attack. That will either never be used (since most parties rarely stay all within 10ft) or always used (to finish hard fights too quickly). I think this power detracts away from the Scorcher being a big flaming sword of butt kicking. Granting elemental strike (fire only) is still disgusting but far less likely to end the fight before the end of round one.
Well... that is what happens when you put an artifact made for combat into the hands of a bunch of PCs.
IMO I don't think it is right to dumb down the Scorcher merely to fit it into DA. I would rather a simpler intelligent +3 keen flaming burst longsword was put into the adventure instead.
If the Scorcher as it stands is too powerful for DA, then either don't put it in DA or else make the challenges in the adventure predominantly independent of the Scorcher ie moral dilemmas and puzzles.
If the module introduces this factor into the adventure it should be at the same time held accountable. Be that by it keeping in the lines of the suggested level of play for the adventure (i.e. keeping the Scorcher at acceptable power levels) or increased encounter challenge ratings to justify or take into account that the PCs have a powerful artifact at their disposal.
btw, after some thought I am against the 40 ft burst 25d6 flame attack. That will either never be used (since most parties rarely stay all within 10ft) or always used (to finish hard fights too quickly). I think this power detracts away from the Scorcher being a big flaming sword of butt kicking. Granting elemental strike (fire only) is still disgusting but far less likely to end the fight before the end of round one.
I agree that it should be lowered to 20d6. In defense of the ability, 12-16th level characters should have the means to survive if they use poor tatics and are actually caught in the weapon's blast. A wizard doesn't hurl a fireball in the middle of melee combat unless he feels his comrades could survive, right? Its called good judgement.
I like the ability. Adds flavor to an item called "The Scorcher" IMO. I'll go where the majority decides though.
- +8 Keen Champion Dread Fiery Blast Longsword
- Flame Burst: 40' radus fire burst centered on the weapon for 20d6 DC 28 Reflex save for half, which the wielder is immune
- PR/SP and ER:Fire 40 which effects the wielder and allies within 10' of the blade.
- Ignores armor bonus to AC.
Did I miss anything?
Looks like we have our build for the Scorcher then!
:P
The Scorcher was said to emanate a cold, ebon fire. I'm thinking negative energy damage.
The energy damage could be reworded that its both parts fire and negative energy, but I think the fire damage is already enough.
The energy damage could be reworded that its both parts fire and negative energy, but I think the fire damage is already enough.
Making it both is not that big a deal, it just means you need to be protected from fire and neg energy to avoid the additional damage. I don't have any problems with the adjustment.
Making it both is not that big a deal, it just means you need to be protected from fire and neg energy to avoid the additional damage. I don't have any problems with the adjustment.
If it works like other mixed energy types that would mean that ER: Fire 40 would only be half as effective. It would also mean undead wouldn't be effected as much either. That seems like a down grade to me.
True, but an adventure that actually introduces this element should factor and adjust for this in on its own.
Hence why the encounters should probably be adjusted appropriately.
Hence why the encounters should probably be adjusted appropriately.
Exactly, and that should be done by the adventure itself not only by the efforts of the DM.
The Scorcher was said to emanate a cold, ebon fire. I'm thinking negative energy damage.
Hmmmm. I forgot about that.
Maybe half cold/half fire? That way it still affects undead.
Exactly, and that should be done by the adventure itself not only by the efforts of the DM.
Agreed.
Scorcher ability update (as I understand it anyhow):
- +8 Keen Champion Dread Fiery Blast Longsword
- Flame Burst: 40' radus fire burst centered on the weapon for 20d6 DC 28 Reflex save for half, which the wielder is immune
- PR/SP and ER:Fire 40 which effects the wielder and allies within 10' of the blade.
- Ignores armor bonus to AC.
Did I miss anything?
Works for me so far. Still would like to see the other things we discussed factored in somehow.
Hmmmm. I forgot about that.
Maybe half cold/half fire? That way it still affects undead.
But if that happens, undead would take only half of the damage form the blast power. Thats not going to be that effective against Dregoth.
Works for me so far. Still would like to see the other things we discussed factored in somehow.
Which things?
But if that happens, undead would take only half of the damage form the blast power. Thats not going to be that effective against Dregoth.
They have resistance to cold that I'm not aware? Don't remember seeing that in the SRD.
Which things?
The suggested means of destruction etc.
Basically only sundered by the silencer, etc.
Too busy and can't remember right now, it's in the previous posts though.
They have resistance to cold that I'm not aware? Don't remember seeing that in the SRD.
If we're talking cold damage, then you are correct, the SRD doesn't have cold immunity. If we're talking negative energy, it would actualy heal them.
Half cold/fire would work, just seems a little odd. That would mean that trolls could have regenerated half the damage from the blast.
The suggested means of destruction etc.
Basically only sundered by the silencer
Ah, I thought that was implied
Half cold/fire would work, just seems a little odd. That would mean that trolls could have regenerated half the damage from the blast.
That's if the Trolls of the Green Age are the same as Trolls from the generic MM.
We have never gone into detail about deciding what they were about, maybe both types hurt them, dunno.
I would prefer they be different than the generic MM anyways.
That's if the Trolls of the Green Age are the same as Trolls from the generic MM.
We have never gone into detail about deciding what they were about, maybe both types hurt them, dunno.
I would prefer they be different than the generic MM anyways.
Good point, but if the Last Troll from the Troll Grave Chasm was any indication of how they were, they more than likely are/were like the ones from the MM.
Good point, but if the Last Troll from the Troll Grave Chasm was any indication of how they were, they more than likely are/were like the ones from the MM.
Yeah, but that was a lame attempt IMO.
And who says that it wasn't mutated. I mean it was made from parts of several other trolls, had two or three heads, etc., I would suspect that whatever was left of the original biology of the Green Age Trolls probabaly got mutated into something else via the lifeshaping techniques it used (just speculating on the last part, but it fits, not sure how else it could have formed itself from several other trolls if lifeshaping wasn't involved in some way).
Yeah, but that was a lame attempt IMO.
And who says that it wasn't mutated. I mean it was made from parts of several other trolls, had two or three heads, etc., I would suspect that whatever was left of the original biology of the Green Age Trolls probabaly got mutated into something else via the lifeshaping techniques it used
True. However, I feel that making the Scorcher both cold/fire might not be to feasible. A mechanic that would allow the blade to switch either to cold or hot flame on command may work better if people insist on the "chillfire" aspect of the weapon IMO.
just speculating on the last part, but it fits, not sure how else it could have formed itself from several other trolls if lifeshaping wasn't involved in some way
I was always under the impression that it had something to do with Rajaat's sunken pyramid in the center of the Chasm.
True. However, I feel that making the Scorcher both cold/fire might not be to feasible. A mechanic that would allow the blade to switch either to cold or hot flame on command may work better if people insist on the "chillfire" aspect of the weapon IMO.
Or just make it a flavor thing, the flames are cold but still do fire damage. That's the way Penn and I were going to do it anyways I think.
I was just trying to find a way to fit the description and still effect undead, keeping it to just a flavor thing works for me though.
I was always under the impression that it had something to do with Rajaat's sunken pyramid in the center of the Chasm.
I forgot there was another one of Rajaat's pyramids in that adventure. But Rajaat messed with lifeshaping as well, so it could still be lifeshape mechanics that helped the troll out, or something similar to what happened to the swamp at the base of the jagged cliffs.
Or just make it a flavor thing, the flames are cold but still do fire damage. That's the way Penn and I were going to do it anyways I think.
I totally agree with that. I felt it was more of a flavor thing than a game mechanic anyhow.
I forgot there was another one of Rajaat's pyramids in that adventure. But Rajaat messed with lifeshaping as well, so it could still be lifeshape mechanics that helped the troll out, or something similar to what happened to the swamp at the base of the jagged cliffs.
Agreed.
Or just make it a flavor thing, the flames are cold but still do fire damage. That's the way Penn and I were going to do it anyways I think.
Weither using its flaming burst ability, a fire-based spell-like ability, or casting a spell with the fire descriptor with the weapon in hand, the sword always produces a cold, ebony fire that inflicts cold instead of fire damage.
So basically its fire, it burns stuff, consumes wood, but is cold instead of hot.
So basically its fire, it burns stuff, consumes wood, but is cold instead of hot.
Then I guess we need to make the Green Age trolls not regenerate from cold damage, if they even have regeneration at all.
Then I guess we need to make the Green Age trolls not regenerate from cold damage, if they even have regeneration at all.
Or there's really no reason to go there at all. Its "fire" that effects trolls. So even even if its burning cold its still basically fire, right?
Or there's really no reason to go there at all. Its "fire" that effects trolls. So even even if its burning cold its still basically fire, right?
Not if it does cold damage it isn't.
Or there's really no reason to go there at all. Its "fire" that effects trolls. So even even if its burning cold its still basically fire, right?
Ok, re-read the troll description.
Technically you are right, but that's just weird to me.
Ah well, not worth wasting anymore of our time and effort on.
Not if it does cold damage it isn't.
It states that the flames of the Scorcher burn cold rather than hot. In the troll write up it states that fire and acid are what stops them from regenerating. It doesn't state that its heat that stops it. So even though the fire burns cold its still fire for all practical purposes.
Ok, re-read the troll description.
Technically you are right, but that's just weird to me.
Welcome to fantasy role-playing ;)
You could make the flames Rimefire with the Piercing Cold effect. Both are from frostburn. Basically, it would do half cold, half fire damage and the cold is SO cold that it ignores cold resistance completely.
But that's not OGL material so we would have to rename it and change the mechanic a little.
I guess it's just a matter of personal preference. The reason I'm going for Piercing Cold or something like it is so that it not only retains the falvor of the original(as I interpret it) but also so it will be universally effective, especially against elementals.
Yes, but the sword was tailored to take down trolls and, eventually, Champions.
Right on. Thus, the un-resistable elemental damage. SKs would probably try cold-immunity or fire-immunity as a defense, this helps circumvent that
Or they could just run like hell. :P I'm sure they would be more concerned with the Dread ability of the weapon vs. the Fiery Blast.
It's me! Come on, Ricky Martin! Come on! [ music starts ]. Oh my! In my hands there is the Scorcher! It's hot hot hot! Watch! [ cuts himself] Yow! Hot hot hot! So the answer is: Hot hot hot! or cold. Hot hot hot! or cold. Come on! Hot hot hot!
You wasted a perfectly good quote and several bytes of data on Ricky Martin!! and no blood was involved!
On another note: maybe Jon and the others already have this decided, or not, but the powers of the sword are tightly linked to its purpose...so what's its purpose?
Its forged during the Preserver Jihad, but we know Rajaat thinks ahead.
1. Its made to snuff preservers. Special ability involved?
2. Did Rajaat know to which future Champion he would give it to? If so, then the flames are indeed related to cleansing trolls (that is if athas.org ever says trolls had fire vulnerability of some sort...). If not? Then the flames are unrelated.
3. Maybe one or more of the three swords are made to eventually cleanse the Champions one day (the Silencer is made to cleanse Hamanu, that we know at least, and all other Champions are powerless against the Scourge...). Special ability involved?
My vote:
1. Might be required, but most preservers are gonna fold like carton against the Scorcher anyway, so this may be overkill. I have the weapon special ability already on my hard drive if necessary.
2. No race-related abilities, on any of the swords, although the personnal desires and hates of each Champion wielder might have colored the swords' purpose. Remember the Scourge's curse about dwarves? Its not an actual ability, but when the curse is in effect its like Borys was at the wheel again.
3. Not any specific anti-Chmapion ability, although a general "all Champions are powerless before it might be great". Too uber? Rikus had the sword and couldn't kill the Champions anyway, so that's not a sure-kill power...
brazilian-ponce-man was a clue
Think of it as a puzzle. Where did i get ALMOST that exact quote from
brazilian-ponce-man was a clue
If I to guess, I'd say Buster Point Dexter.
1. Its made to snuff preservers. Special ability involved?
As you said. Most preservers are going to be cruched by the Scorcher's power without a special ability geared towards them. Plus the weapon already has SR:40.
2. Did Rajaat know to which future Champion he would give it to? If so, then the flames are indeed related to cleansing trolls (that is if athas.org ever says trolls had fire vulnerability of some sort...). If not? Then the flames are unrelated.
I'd say this was a fluke. Otherwise the blade would have had a bane/dread ability vs trolls or something similar.
3. Maybe one or more of the three swords are made to eventually cleanse the Champions one day (the Silencer is made to cleanse Hamanu, that we know at least, and all other Champions are powerless against the Scourge...). Special ability involved?
Could be that each sword had a different defense/offense when used against a Champion. The Scourge's was that Champion's were powerless against it. The Scorcher has it's dread ability. The Silencer's is to slay any Champion's beyond the original 15.
A neat twist to this would be that there was an unknown "4th blade" that was to be used by Rajaat (or someone else) to take down all the Champions once the War was complete. Could even be that the 3 blade were to be combined to make some sort of "super blade" vs the Champions. Something to think about.
Could even be that the 3 blade were to be combined to make some sort of "super blade" vs the Champions. Something to think about.
I hear Moe at the NRA meeting
"And that's how you turn 5 guns into one gun."
Maybe he wanted to make a trident by tying the swords to a T...
A trident would be easier to use in the next Blue Age since swords don't swing well underwater.
:D
I hear Moe at the NRA meeting
"And that's how you turn 5 guns into one gun."
Maybe he wanted to make a trident by tying the swords to a T...
A trident would be easier to use in the next Blue Age since swords don't swing well underwater.
:D
Good thinking. Charlton Heston would be proud. :P
1. Its made to snuff preservers. Special ability involved?
Nah, stomps way too much on the Silencer IMO.
The Silencer should have an ability that totally cripples preservers.
Which we end up giving it if I'm not mistaken.
Something earlier in this post made me think of the negative energy thing again, but in a different light. What better way to slash down preservers AND trolls than to give them negative levels? You can't regenerate hit points when the hit dice aren't there, and negative levels really give spellcasters a good skrewwin. And this brings up a question. If you as a living being are subjected to too much positive energy (twice your HP) you explode. What about if an undead is subjected to twice his HP or HD in negative energy. Does HE explode? If so, then all bases are covered. A little Neg HP damage, a little Neg HD damage, and everybody ends up DEAD!
Ugh, let it go already. :P
No, NO, and NO!!!
:D
What happened to the "contest" concept of this anyhow?
I win!
I'd give it to you just on the basis of that your the only one not suggesting that the sword be equal a low grade nuke. That alone makes you deserving :D
I'd give it to you just on the basis of that your the only one not suggesting that the sword be equal a low grade nuke. That alone makes you deserving :D
But it should be a low grade nuke dammit.
Come on, give in, succomb to the darkside.
Mwuahaahahahaha!
Or something...
I provoqued a dropping jaw when I first posted my conversion! The dark side is powerful...
Field of Dreams-type of voice:
"Write it, and they will vote for it..."
Creatures subjected to the sword’s fiery blast ability must make a DC 15 Reflex save or see their clothes and equipment catch fire. (For details, see Catching on Fire, page 303 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide.)
Subjects include:
1. Must we stay true to the sword's purpose or must we bend it so it matches more the needs of an adventure, such as it confering abilities not only helpful to the sword wielder but to any nearby allies as well? (Since adventures are usually played by groups.)
2. Does the sword needs to confer a high SR and/or PR? Answering that will kinda seal the fate of the other two swords Rajaat made...
The Scorcher should not have a high PR/SR. The sword should stay somewhat true to the original concept. It is a conversion, not reinvention. Effects should be personalized, not apply to a group.
Then the entire group is as good as dead. Dregoth will butcher them if the Scorcher is a direct ability by ability conversion that mirrors it's 2e stats.
Too bad for them.
Sure to be a great adventure. Kill the party at the end due to ill equiping them. Brilliant!
Now you guys feel my pain.
;)
D20 all the way!
The Scorcher:
The Scorcher functions as a +3 longsword of frost: the blade radiates a cold, ebony fire when drawn for combat, and contact with the flame causes an additional 1d6 points of cold damage to any struck by the weapon. The possessor of the Scorcher is immune to all mind-affecting spells and powers. While the Scorcher is held in the possessor’s hand, they gain Fire resistance 30. However, what truly makes the artifact deadly is that it ignores armor bonuses when attacking, making all melee attacks touch attacks instead. Certain special powers of the Scorcher depend solely on the alignment of the possessor. If the owner of the sword has a lawful alignment (good, neutral, or evil), then the blade functions as a vorpal weapon. If the wielder of the Scorcher is neutral in alignment (good, evil, or true neutral), then the blade functions as a sword of wounding. If the possessor of the blade is chaotic (good, neutral, or evil), then the blade gains the keen modifier. The Scorcher also acts as a bane weapon vs all creatures of size Huge or greater.
The Scorcher bestows the possessor with the following powers as a 20th level caster: blur while the artifact is in hand, slay living upon opponent struck (1/week), true sight (1/day), wall of fire (1/day), cure serious wounds upon wielder (3/day), and a constant protection from good and evil.
The wielder of the Scorcher remains focused on an individual purpose, regardless of its implications to friends or family. Nothing matters but the endeavor at hand. In addition, the user’s Charisma is reduced by 1d4 points while in possession of the artifact.
I'm going a different route, but I figured I would post it here since the boards hate my site, and the thing has gotten alot of views on it.
It just needs to be upgraded to 3.5.
Sure to be a great adventure. Kill the party at the end due to ill equiping them. Brilliant!
Well, in the adventure's defense, if you go in full blaze of glory and try to kill Dregoth, then yeah, your toast, that will happen no matter how strong you go in.
If you go in and do exactly what the adventure was designed for you to do, as and long as the DM isn't in a bad mood, you should survive and maybe lose a party member at most.
The idea of the adventure is to stop Dregoth from what he plans to accomplish, not take him on a one on one fight, you'll get slaughtered by trying the latter every time.
If the other 2 artifacts are converted straight from their 2e stats (I know what the items are and their 2e powers). The party is still going to be toast. All three will need a major 3e up grade IMO.
I don't disagree that they need a major upgrade, I think artifacts in 3e are pretty damn weak, so weak in fact that I would rather just get something on the epic scale.
However, I've read the adventure several times, the complete version, and while there is a possibility there that they will be toast if they don't do what the adventure intends, they should be able to make it out ok if they do play it smart and just stop him from what he is trying to accomplish.
You're going to have to have some major epic levels on you in order to take the big D on one on one (a party being one in this case).
+6 Champion Dread Keen Fiery Blast Long Sword
-Immunity to mind-affecting effects
-Energy Resistance (fire) 40
-Displacement while the Scorcher is wielded
-Ignores armor bonuses to AC
-Energy Bolt (Fire) 15d6+15 DC 28 Reflex save for half
The fiery blast and the dread ability could be dropped to fire brust and champion bane but that seems weak IMO.
Er, also...
A character can’t craft a magic item that casts an epic spell, regardless of whether the item is activated with spell completion, a spell trigger, a command word, or simple use. Only major artifacts, which are beyond the means of even epic characters to create, can possibly contain magic of this power.
Craft Artifact [Salient Divine Ability]
Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Craft Rod, Craft Staff, Craft Wand, Craft Wondrous Item, Forge Ring, Scribe Scroll.
Benefit: The deity can craft magic arms and armor, staffs, wands, wondrous items, rings, and scrolls that exceed the normal limits for such items.
Since Rajaat, albeit powerful, probably doesn't have an equivalent-power ability as this one, can't create a artifacts that make use of epic spells. Its not bad since you can do a lot of stuff without using them.
and may be able to use that feat.
...fine with me
Any chance of getting a sneak preview of the version thats going to appear in DA II?
Game Stats:
The Scorcher is a +3 Long Sword
Needs to be Epic: +6
...that handles like a Short Sword (in 2e, this meant that it was faster on the strike) when used by someone with a 17+ strength.
I don't remember that being a property of Short Swords... Not really a key ability though.
May be wielded as if it were a Short Sword (with respect to proficiency and feats). Leave the Str requirment off so that a rogue can use it if desired.
When used, it surrounds itself with black flames which cause an additional 1d4 points of damage when it hits.
Flaming or Flaming Burst. Possibly make it a Flame Blade (as per the Druid spell), but with its own damage of course.
The Scorcher make the wielder immune to fire damage (like a ring of fire resistance).
Easy. Grants Immunity to Fire.
The user is also immune to mind-affecting spells
Immunity to mind-affecting abilities. (why stop at spells?)
Or increase it a little and say permanent Mind Blank.
and opponents have a harder time using their psionics against the wielder (in 2e, this was a -5 to their MTHAC0).
PR? Save bonus? Grants Psionic Hole feat?This is the kicker: it ignores any magical armor protections an opponent might have.
I like the Flame Blade or Brilliant Energy course. Basically expand it out so that it's really dangerous. These abilities are also more powerful the more powerful your enemy is, so it won't destroy non-Dragon encounters.Other powers of the sword are based totally on what alignment the wielder is. If they are Lawful, then it functions as a vorpal sword. If they're Neutral, then it functions as a Sword of Wounding. If they're Chaotic, it functions as a Sword of Sharpness.
Lawful: Vorpal
Neutral: Wounding
Chaotic: Sharpness used to be mini-vorpal that got limbs. Keen? Sword of Life Stealing? Increased Critical Damage?It inflicts double-damage on Huge or Gigantic critters.
Inflicts damage as if it were a weapon of equal size to the target. Between making it a touch attack and ramping damage with the size of the opponent it becomes a great equalizer. Good for allowing small guys to fry big guys, but not so unbalancing when it's small guys vs small guys.
So, did we ever get a workable conversion from this?
Any chance of getting a sneak preview of the version thats going to appear in DA II?
I am pretty sure this little guy knows about the scorcher. He seems to be wielding it on this picture.
He might want to put that away before he pokes someone's eye out or gets arrested.
I knew I should have just started a new thread. Curse me and my necromantic ways!!!
Whoops, didn't even check the start date. Guess I'm a little late then.
But last minute always counts until it gets to press...
Guess I'll just have to wing it then.
Wing it?
Definition:
wing it: To perform an act, such as to give a speech, without the usual preparation. To improvise or ad-lib.
I'm running DA, and the party is currently on the quest for the Scorcher.
Can't give away that kind of spoiler here. Sorry.
Hmmmm...to bad. How about a spoiler posted at athas.org's actual web page?
Sneak previews like that always get people's mouths watering. Seems to work for Sovereign Press with up coming Dragon Lance products.
Thoughts?
Morphic Bane: The Scorcher is a weapon that is driven by purpose. When first held, it instantly knows the desires and primary goals of the wielder. When used in pursuit of a primary goal the blade is treated as a bane weapon vs beings that are directly tied to the wielder's goal. The primary goal must take at least a month to complete, otherwise the Scorcher's bane ability will not function.
It was suggested that I post the morphic bane ability I purposed for the Scorcher here. This is what I've come up with as a mechanic. Its sort of "gray" in its workings, but no more so than the dwarven focus ability.
Thoughts?
Morphic Bane: The Scorcher is a weapon that is driven by purpose. When first held, it instantly knows the desires and primary goals of the wielder. When used in pursuit of a primary goal the blade is treated as a bane weapon vs beings that are directly tied to the wielder's goal. The primary goal must take at least a month to complete, otherwise the Scorcher's bane ability will not function.
Good thing I posted this like requested
:PMorphic Bane: The Scorcher is a weapon that is driven by purpose. When first held, it instantly knows the desires and primary goals of the wielder. When used in pursuit of a primary goal the blade is treated as a bane weapon vs beings that are directly tied to the wielder's goal. The primary goal must take at least a month to complete, otherwise the Scorcher's bane ability will not function.
Sorry Sysane- I have been kinda swamped and have been meaning to write some comments.
For the purpose- like you said, it is kind of vague. Do you remember the psionioc enchantment that allowed a person to enchant many weapons- and could state that the effected a specific group, race, or even person IIRC.
I think that this statement of purpose should be something like that- like "I will kill all trolls" or "I will kill the Dragon of Tyr" for the weapon ability to kick in.
And as you have it, this could not be changed on a daily basis. A month is a good enough time frame.
As for the added benefits of the bane property, I think that it should be something greater then the DMG bane enchantment, like the ELH dread enchantment- so you could call this power Morphic Dread- at least for the Scorcher. This is slightly more powerful in its versitality so I would give it a +8 or +9 enchantment cost.
For a non-epic morphic bane, I think the cost should be something like +3 at the most.
Anyway...those are some of my thoughts. I said this somewhere before, but I had a weapon that functioned almost exactly like the morphic bane enchantment, it was called Slayer of Races, a +4 keen great axe with the ability to be bane vs. anycreature, but I required that the wielder kill so many of a specific race before it got the bane property. It would be changed to be bane vs. another race or creature, but you had to go out and kill several of those creatures too and that would over-write the previous bane vs.
Dread Resolve: This enchantment is seen mostly on weapons that were used by the servants of Raajat during the Preserver Jihad and Cleansing Wars, when it helped them get rid of their particular targets.
A dread resolve weapon excels at attacking one type of creature chosen by its wielder. Against its designated foe, its effective enhancement bonus is +6 better than its normal enhancement bonus. Furthermore, it deals +6d6 points of bonus damage against the foe, and if it scores a successful critical hit against the foe, that creature must make a Fortitude save (DC 30) or be destroyed instantly (this even affects creatures immune to critical hits or death magic). The manner in which the foe is destroyed is unique to each weapon and linked to that weapon’s main attack form. For example, a flaming sword would consume its foe in flames. If the weapon has no main attack form, the foe is instead turned to dust.
The type of creature that is the designated foe of the weapon is decided by the wielder upon first taking possession of the weapon. The weapon may only have one designated foe at a time. Once the wielder decides which type of foe is the target of the dread resolve weapon, he cannot change this foe until all are slain or seven days have passed. This foe can be anything, as general as every elves to as specific as Dregoth the Dread King of Guistenal.
Overwhelming conjuration; CL 24th; Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Craft Epic Magic Arms and Armor, summon monster IX; Price +9 bonus.
Here's is the power of the Scorcher that deals with the goal of the wielder. I created it for Pennarin's version of the mighty sword. It is based off the dread epic weapon ability mixed with the DMG's oathbow. I quote it here as another take on the power being discussed.
I think that this statement of purpose should be something like that- like "I will kill all trolls" or "I will kill the Dragon of Tyr" for the weapon ability to kick in.
Agreed, but I think the DM has a better grasp on what the character's driving goals are and should be decided by him/her.
And as you have it, this could not be changed on a daily basis. A month is a good enough time frame.
Exactly
As for the added benefits of the bane property, I think that it should be something greater then the DMG bane enchantment, like the ELH dread enchantment- so you could call this power Morphic Dread- at least for the Scorcher. This is slightly more powerful in its versitality so I would give it a +8 or +9 enchantment cost.
For a non-epic morphic bane, I think the cost should be something like +3 at the most.
I was trying to keep to the "non-epicness" of the conversion found in DA. I do agree that upping the enchancement bonus to +3 wouldn't be to game breaking though.
For example, a fighter wields a +2 morphic bane longsword. Upon arriving back at his mone village, he discovers that it has been destroyed by a band of roving gith. Taking up his sword he swears to hunt down the gith and kill them all, making his sword a +2, bane vs. gith longsword. He sets out and within 30 days has only killed 8 gith. The sword now only functions as a +1 longsword until he kills two more gith.
Doing it this way might allow the cost for the morphic bane ability to go from +3 to +2.
What do you think Sysane!
How about this for a twist to get the game mechanics down on the morphic ability. The wielder, upon taking up this weapon may state a creature that the weapon will function as bane vs. If the wielder does not kill at least 10 creatures of that type within a months time, the weapon will only function as a weapon with its base enchantment -1 (min +1) until the allotment of creatures required is killed.
For example, a fighter wields a +2 morphic bane longsword. Upon arriving back at his mone village, he discovers that it has been destroyed by a band of roving gith. Taking up his sword he swears to hunt down the gith and kill them all, making his sword a +2, bane vs. gith longsword. He sets out and within 30 days has only killed 8 gith. The sword now only functions as a +1 longsword until he kills two more gith.
Doing it this way might allow the cost for the morphic bane ability to go from +3 to +2.
What do you think Sysane!
Its not bad, but I don't think it fits the Scorcher's profile. In 2e it was portrayed as a weapon of purpose, not one of bloodlust and murder. That just IMO though.
Its not bad, but I don't think it fits the Scorcher's profile. In 2e it was portrayed as a weapon of purpose, not one of bloodlust and murder. That just IMO though.
It was just a random thought that floated up to the surface that I thought would be an interesting twiste- not really anything specifically for the Scorcher, because I totally agree with you about the Scorcher being a weapon of purpose.