Friday, April 22, 2016

S is for Scythe of Swift Slaying

[over the course of the month of April, I committed to posting a topic for each letter of the alphabet, sequentially, for every day of the week except Sunday. While I was sorely tired of the challenge after only 15 days, I am trying to "stick to it." Our topic this month? Magical weapons for a B/X campaign. All such weapons are +1 to attack and damage rolls unless, unless specifically noted otherwise. Each of these weapons should be considered unique items]

S is for Scythe of Slaying [aka the Scythe of Smug Smiting]

A scythe is a weaponized version of an ancient farming implement. In combat it handles like a battle axe with respect to encumbrance and damage (and, as it is a two-handed weapon, it always strikes last in melee except when facing zombies). The weapon, however, is cheap to purchase, costing the same as a spear. A scythe is fairly long and unwieldy, and may only be used by fighters, elves, and thieves.

This scythe of swift slaying may have been forged by The Reaper himself. On any attack roll of 19 or 20 (before adjustments for strength and enchantment), the defender must make a save versus death ray or die. This power only functions against humanoid monsters of nine hit dice or fewer (though including humans and demihumans of any level). It has no effect on undead, constructs, or plants, nor will it effect creatures from other planes (djinni, demons, etc.).

Unlike a non-magical scythe, the scythe of swift slaying moves quickly and easily in the hands of its wielder, and does not suffer the normal two-handed weapon penalty of striking last in the round. What's more, if its wielder kills an opponent (whether through its slaying enchantment or normal damage) she may make an immediate additional melee attack against any opponent within 10'. If this additional attack downs its opponent, the wielder may make an additional attack against a third opponent, though no more than three opponents can be so targeted in a single round (or four if acting under the effects of a haste spell or potion of speed).

Victims of the scythe of slaying may be raised as normal.

Something scary looking, like this.

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