Last visit was: It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 2:36 pm


All times are UTC - 5 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 5 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Does the Magi Ebon Blade do extra damage?
PostPosted: Tue Dec 11, 2018 1:51 am 

Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:12 pm
Posts: 3
In the Shattered Lands book the Ebon blade spell does 1d8 damage. The Magi archetype says that the Magi can create a heavy two handed blade. But these properties do not convey any kind of improvement on the blade. So, what's the point? Does it just allow me to create a greatsword that does 1d8 damage?


Top
Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Does the Magi Ebon Blade do extra damage?
PostPosted: Tue Dec 11, 2018 4:43 am 
User avatar

Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2013 1:06 am
Posts: 2109
Location: Portland OR
Hi DevM,

If you have feats or class abilities that interact with heavy weapons, then there would be an advantage to creating an ebon blade with those features (for example to access a fighting school that uses a heavy blade). I'ts arguably that you could create a glaive which would have reach...or perhaps another bladed weapon with other qualities. But as written, as I understand it, there is no other damage benefit from choosing one form over another. (OTOH your ebon sword as short sword (or dagger) still does 1d8 so its an advantage there.)

For most casters I don't think there will be a big advantage to creating ebon greatswords.

As an aside I would note that the Magi archetype is not all that subtle. Your black weapons and armor are a Big neon sign to Ymandrakes in the area that you are an arcane caster. Doubly so when your kit appear out of nowhere. Elorii (and val'Sungha) in Entaris & the League of Princes may not care - Ymandragore's influence there is limited. But it's a different story in the First City and "the Known World."

FYI

_________________
Eric Gorman

AKA Ambassador Tukufu, man of letters, tomb raider and Master Sword Sage
. . . and Sir Szymon val'Holryn, Order of the Phoenix
Formerly Sir Jaeger val'Holryn. Weilder of the Holy Avenger: Thonanos. Gave his soul to help free King Noen


Top
Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Does the Magi Ebon Blade do extra damage?
PostPosted: Wed Dec 12, 2018 12:30 am 

Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:12 pm
Posts: 3
Thank you for your input Eric. I am reading through the book just trying to understand all the class potentials before I build a character. I am well aware of the stigma on Arcane casters in the Shattered Lands. I am still trying to wrap your mind around it. I understand the role-playing opportunities the Arcane ban can provide. But, it makes meander why even have Arcane classes if they are going to be so hard to play?
Anyway, thank you again for your take on Ebon Blade.


Top
Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Does the Magi Ebon Blade do extra damage?
PostPosted: Wed Dec 12, 2018 7:04 pm 
User avatar

Joined: Wed Nov 06, 2013 7:06 am
Posts: 991
DevM wrote:
But, it makes meander why even have Arcane classes if they are going to be so hard to play?


Raw, unadulterated power. Arcane casters can be the nastiest thing around (at least until Strain and the Wasting Disease or Harvesting catches up). :twisted:

Arcane casters can create their own Advanced spells (something Divine casters can't) and have access to some of the most devastating combat spells available. :mrgreen:

_________________
LARG; Astra Tonsoria Ursula val¤Dellanov, Martial Former Tribune, Centurion Sword Sage II, T3.4
LA:5E; Magdelene of Ostermann, Dark-kin Courtesan Rog3(Bard)/HC2 (future twilight warrior)
LRC:OP; Seraphina "Flowerchild" Amakiir, Skill Hero


Top
Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Does the Magi Ebon Blade do extra damage?
PostPosted: Thu Dec 13, 2018 9:18 am 
User avatar

Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2013 1:06 am
Posts: 2109
Location: Portland OR
LOL were talking the 5E version. Not ARP. Though really the answer is still the same...

....Raw unadulterated power. And not just raw spell power. Arcane casters are not part a temple/church hierarchy that imposes values (and scrutiny from superiors). They arguably have the widest range of combat powers and are free to mix and match as they personally see fit. No one else has that freedom. Even Psion have to snowed to their Val families.

But Arcane casters have their own problems. They have to dodge Ymandragore. In the wilds or in a dungeon? Usually no big deal. In a city? Can be a serious problem.

_________________
Eric Gorman

AKA Ambassador Tukufu, man of letters, tomb raider and Master Sword Sage
. . . and Sir Szymon val'Holryn, Order of the Phoenix
Formerly Sir Jaeger val'Holryn. Weilder of the Holy Avenger: Thonanos. Gave his soul to help free King Noen


Top
Offline Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 5 posts ]  Moderators: james.zwiers, PCI Eric

All times are UTC - 5 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
Theme created StylerBB.net & kodeki