Domigorgon
2009-08-07, 08:15 PM
Okay, I've been searching the net for some details on karach weapons, but have so far found none too comprehensive or satisfying. This is Planescape-related, but you need not be familiar with the setting; I need help with balancing things out, and will explain all you might need to know.
So I've tried to define it on my own (but picked a few random details too elsewhere):
Karach Blade
Karach is a metallic substance found only on the Everchanging Plane of Limbo. Composed of pure chaos-matter, it is constantly shifting and is very unstable to work with. The githzerai, however, have found ways to forge karach into powerful weapons. To wield a karach blade is considered a highest honour, and only but a few non-githzerai were ever granted it. It is a signature weapon of the Zerth, those indoctrinated into the teachings of Zerthimon.
A karach blade is only as powerful as its wielder's mind and his ability to control chaos-stuff. The higher the wielder's Wisdom, the stronger karach becomes. Only those of Wisdom over 16 may wield the blade; otherwise it is as sharp as butter. A chaos blade is always considered chaotic (Anarchic) and of masterwork design for purposes of crafting, but has no innate attack bonus. Karach is so unstable that it cannot be further enchanted.
A karach weapon may be sundered (hardness 20+WIS modifier, hp 10+WIS modifier), but is just as easily repaired with a WIS DC 20. This must be done within one minute (an attempt is a full-round action), or the chaos matter dissipates.
As the wielder grows in Wisdom and understanding of the Multiverse, so increases his control over karach. The weapon becomes sharper and he more attuned to its possibilities. One thing is requisite: the blade is only as strong as its wielder, and whenever he has doubts as to his place in the Multiverse or his mission, his blade wavers.
CHARACTER LEVEL: EFFECTS
------------------------
Levels 01-05: the blade is considered anarchic
Levels 06-10: the blade is considered +1 anarchic
Levels 11-15: the blade is considered +1 anarchic keen
Levels 15-20: the blade is considered +2 anarchic keen wounding
Levels 21-25: the blade is considered +3 anarchic keen wounding
Levels 26-30: the blade is considered +3 anarchic keen wounding vorpal
Levels 31-35: the blade is considered +4 anarchic keen wounding vorpal
Levels 36-40: the blade is considered +5 anarchic keen wounding vorpal
Okay, so I get that this may be too powerful, but I'm thinking of offsetting it with XP expenditure: say you must spend 50% your XP each of the threshhold levels (i.e. you've achieved level 6, but must earn 50% more XP than normally to reach level 7).
Does it still make it too powerful?
I'm welcome to all and any suggestions as to the weapon's progression, either based on level or wisdom score/modifier.
So I've tried to define it on my own (but picked a few random details too elsewhere):
Karach Blade
Karach is a metallic substance found only on the Everchanging Plane of Limbo. Composed of pure chaos-matter, it is constantly shifting and is very unstable to work with. The githzerai, however, have found ways to forge karach into powerful weapons. To wield a karach blade is considered a highest honour, and only but a few non-githzerai were ever granted it. It is a signature weapon of the Zerth, those indoctrinated into the teachings of Zerthimon.
A karach blade is only as powerful as its wielder's mind and his ability to control chaos-stuff. The higher the wielder's Wisdom, the stronger karach becomes. Only those of Wisdom over 16 may wield the blade; otherwise it is as sharp as butter. A chaos blade is always considered chaotic (Anarchic) and of masterwork design for purposes of crafting, but has no innate attack bonus. Karach is so unstable that it cannot be further enchanted.
A karach weapon may be sundered (hardness 20+WIS modifier, hp 10+WIS modifier), but is just as easily repaired with a WIS DC 20. This must be done within one minute (an attempt is a full-round action), or the chaos matter dissipates.
As the wielder grows in Wisdom and understanding of the Multiverse, so increases his control over karach. The weapon becomes sharper and he more attuned to its possibilities. One thing is requisite: the blade is only as strong as its wielder, and whenever he has doubts as to his place in the Multiverse or his mission, his blade wavers.
CHARACTER LEVEL: EFFECTS
------------------------
Levels 01-05: the blade is considered anarchic
Levels 06-10: the blade is considered +1 anarchic
Levels 11-15: the blade is considered +1 anarchic keen
Levels 15-20: the blade is considered +2 anarchic keen wounding
Levels 21-25: the blade is considered +3 anarchic keen wounding
Levels 26-30: the blade is considered +3 anarchic keen wounding vorpal
Levels 31-35: the blade is considered +4 anarchic keen wounding vorpal
Levels 36-40: the blade is considered +5 anarchic keen wounding vorpal
Okay, so I get that this may be too powerful, but I'm thinking of offsetting it with XP expenditure: say you must spend 50% your XP each of the threshhold levels (i.e. you've achieved level 6, but must earn 50% more XP than normally to reach level 7).
Does it still make it too powerful?
I'm welcome to all and any suggestions as to the weapon's progression, either based on level or wisdom score/modifier.