Lightsabers in D&D


3.5/d20/OGL

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I never saw the D20 Star Wars game, but has anyone incorporated the lightsaber rules into their D&D games?
If so, how did you handle the mechanics & what were they?

Scarab Sages

Actually, they do have (or at least did) a "kind of, sort of" lightsaber in D&D. It was called the Wand of Force. It could produce a wall of focre, an also put out a 2 or 3 foot long blade of force. I know it was in older additions, and think it made it into 3.0/3.5 but I can't remember where I saw it. Maybe it was the Arms and Equipment book.

The Exchange

Two possible suggestions:

1. a Bright Energy katana (or maybe two handed sword)
2. a permanent Flameblade spell (or an item like that) maybe with the damage ramped slightly (or a higher caster level)

These seem the simplest to introduce and cost. 1. suffers in that it won't affect undead (and constructs?) and as such maybe doesn't seem as good a "fit" with the movie version. 2. needs to be costed using the rules in the back of the Magic Items chapter in the DMG, and as such could be controversial to price (dunno - don't have my books so can't say).


What are the characteristics of a lightsabre?

1. Ignores material hardness, hence ignoring Armor, Shields (but not magical bonuses to AC from these).

2. Ability to sever limbs and heads.

3. Does lots of damage

Well, simply put, it's a mix of Vorpal and Brilliant Energy weapons qualities (both with a +5 weapon modifier) on a Greatsword (take monkey grip feat to use it in one hand) for a nasty level 40 weapon.

But we want to have it at low level right? YES!!

So, what do I suggest? A sort of Weapon of Legacy that starts giving you these benefit slowly through the levels (for example more damage, ignores more and more DR/Hardness and Armor), so you feel like having a proper sword from the beginning but also a balanced one :))


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Or you cold try and create something new that captured the spirit of what you are going for:

A Saber of Light:

Confers lethal damage only on evil beings
Confers subdual damage on nuetral beings
Can only defend versus attacks of good creatures

Bastard Sword stats
+1 to attack and damage rolls per 5 levels of wielder
When using the full attack action gains the benefits of the bright energy special weapon property
When used to fight defensively confers an addtional +1 per 5 levels to armor class
When using the full defense action confers a +2 per 5 levels of wielder to AC plus a spell resistance equal to 10 plus the wielders BAB

Not a light saber but a near magical equivalent without being a total rip off - adjust ingredients to taste

Liberty's Edge

I like the notion of a keen flaming vorpal brilliant energy weapon longsword. I also like making it a legendary weapon:

Low-level (3-5): Keen
Mid-level (8-10): Flaming
High-level (12-15): Brilliant Energy
High-level (17-20): Vorpal

Maybe for a downside, it would require (a) exotic weapon proficiency given its peculiar "metal" ... sort of like mercury weapons ... and (b) weapon finesse (or suffer -2 attack penalties). This might seem more reasonable than the typical hp, save, or other loss associated with WotC's legendary weapons.

Alternatively, here's something I made some time ago:

Hilt Magick: Longsword +3 (Very Rare)

General Description: To the naked untrained eye, this appears to be a hilt to a sword, but lacks a blade.

Specifically: “Hilt Magick” is not so much a kind of weapon as it is a class of weapon. In the day of the ancient Netherese, a select few mages gained the ability to confine elemental powers within the bodies of various imbibed hilts. On command, the element is released from within the hilt in a concentrated beam. The beam takes the form of a blade and exhibits along its edges the traits of the element held within. Although some damage is directly attributable to the element contained within, which can be negated by protections from those elements, the damage and qualities of attack are based more so on the manner of blade being forged.

For instance, a Hilt of Flame +3 Longsword would possess all attributes of a +3 Longsword (1d8+3) while called into formation, plus an additional 1d6 fire damage and Flame Strike spell. Below are the specific additional attributes for each manner of hilt.

Statistics:
+3 Longsword (general): Damage: 1d8+3/19-20 x2
Base: 20,315 GPs
Weight: 1 lb
Type: Slashing

1. Hilt of Flame: Add 1d6 Fire/Heat Damage to each strike. Can evoke one “Flame Strike” as 5th level caster (5d6) per day.
Cost: 70,315 GPs
Create: Caster Level (9), Create Wondrous Item, Flame Strike, 10 Ranks in Craft Weaponsmithing. Cost: 35,150 Gps, 2800 Xps and 70 days.

2. Hilt of Lightning: Add 1d6 Lightning Damage to each strike. Can evoke one “Lightning Bolt” as 3rd level caster (3d6) per day.
Cost: 40,315 Gps
Create: Caster Level (9), Create Wondrous Item, Lightning Bolt, 10 Ranks in Craft Weaponsmithing. Cost: 20,150 Gps, 1600 Xps and 40 days.

3. Hilt of Ice: Add 1d6 Ice/Cold Damage to each strike. Can evoke one spell of “Ice Storm” (5d6) per day.
Cost: 70,315 Gps
Create: Caster Level (9), Create Wondrous Item, Ice Storm, 10 Ranks in Craft Weaponsmithing. Cost: 35,150 Gps, 2800 Xps and 70 days.

4. Hilt of Smoke: Add 1d4 Heat Damage to each strike. Can evoke one spell per day of “Fog Cloud” (limits visibility to 5' w/ 3' radius and 20' height birthed from caster’s location.
Cost: 30,315 Gps
Create: Caster Level (9), Create Wondrous Item, Fog Clous, 10 Ranks in Craft Weaponsmithing. Cost: 15,150 Gps, 1200 Xps and 30 days.

Note: A calling takes a free action to be invoked, but the drwaing of the hilt is a standard move action. The calling lasts until dispersed, then the elements disperse into clouds of steam, sparks, mist or smoke as the balde disipates. Commands to call, diffuse and disperse are engraved into each hilt.

Note: As these blades are forged with elemental energy using counter spells and elements against the blade can cause premature dispersal. Chance for dispersal depends on the severity of the opposing element, e.g., Hilt of Flame will extinguish within 1d4 rounds when fully submerged in water. Therefore, as a general rule, if the opposing element is fully encompassing (or targeting) the blade, acknowledge a 1d4 round dispersal rate. (For the purposes of the Hilt of Smoke, counter elements are wind spells focused on the sword / wielder.)


The only drawback is the stupid sound effects the players will make every time their character uses that weapon.


farewell2kings wrote:
The only drawback is the stupid sound effects the players will make every time their character uses that weapon.

WWWwoooom, WWwaaaooomm. tsiiiiiiiiiich!!!


Adventure Path Charter Subscriber

I wish I could pull the d20 Star Wars book out, but if I recall, there really isn't anything unbalanced about using a lightsabre straight out of the d20 Star Wars book. Granted, it has been a long time since I read it. I believe most of the "special abilities" that came with the lightsabre was granted by the Jedi classes. These would be things like the deflect missile feat. To be honest with you, I personally can see where a Jedi Knight can be basically adapted straight across into a D&D game, with very little tweaking. They tried, when they made the d20 system, to keep the game balanced straight across. There are a few differences, but basically anything in one system works in another. Dang, I wish I had picked up that Star Wars book now.


I'm sure there's a proficiency of some sort, but otherwise, it should actually be "balanced," provided there's the understanding its a weapon from a galaxy far, far away ... or at least Blackmoor.

On the other hand, nothing's better than a blaster at your side, kid.


I just equipped an Advanced Elite Kalyrut Inevitable with an Integrated +4 Force Sword. This replaces the standard +2 Longsword. The only thing I care that the Force affect accomplishes is the ability to strike into the etheral plane (the Greater Blink spell is extra aggravating!)


Valenare wrote:
I wish I could pull the d20 Star Wars book out, but if I recall, there really isn't anything unbalanced about using a lightsabre straight out of the d20 Star Wars book. Granted, it has been a long time since I read it. I believe most of the "special abilities" that came with the lightsabre was granted by the Jedi classes. These would be things like the deflect missile feat. To be honest with you, I personally can see where a Jedi Knight can be basically adapted straight across into a D&D game, with very little tweaking. They tried, when they made the d20 system, to keep the game balanced straight across. There are a few differences, but basically anything in one system works in another. Dang, I wish I had picked up that Star Wars book now.

Played a one-off PvP game, 10th level, where one of the guys used a Sith Jedi, no modifications. It was pretty balanced, especially since they have no spell resistance or other "magical" abilities. Getting force chocked the first round sucked, but then I tunred invisble and flew above the fray, happily dropping fireballs on the scrum below. Ahh, good times :)


Thanks for the replies, everyone! Lots of interesting ideas here.
Some questions:
Would anyone allow Power Attack to be used with one (provide reasons please).
Would anyone allow Strength bonus to damage, or Dexterity bonus instead (because it’s more about hitting the body than piercing armor), or neither (provide reasons please)?
What was the typical damage done by a Jedi at the various levels (and similar, for Sith if they deal more damage)?

Liberty's Edge

ericthecleric wrote:

Thanks for the replies, everyone! Lots of interesting ideas here.

Some questions:
Would anyone allow Power Attack to be used with one (provide reasons please).

It's been awhile but I think the stat block for Ep. II Anakin had him with Power Attack as one of his feats. I think most jedi don't take it though because they're not that aggresive.

ericthecleric wrote:
Would anyone allow Strength bonus to damage, or Dexterity bonus instead (because it’s more about hitting the body than piercing armor), or neither (provide reasons please)?

A lightsabers attack & damage bonuses were Str based but you could apply weapon finesse for your attack rolls.

ericthecleric wrote:
What was the typical damage done by a Jedi at the various levels (and similar, for Sith if they deal more damage)?

The base lightsaber damage was 1d8, threatens a crit on 19-20 but no crit multiplier because of the difference in the SW d20 rules for health. The more physical Jedi class (Jedi Guardian)added another d8 to damage for every 5 levels I believe. Until you got into prestige classes, Sith used the same base classes as regular Jedi. I don't think any of them got a better damage progession then 1d8 per 5 lvls though. Lightsabers for the most part ignored hardness. They also required Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Lightsaber, to use. Jedi classes got this as a bonus feat at 2nd level.


In the Star Wars Revised Core Rulebook the base damage for the light saber is 2d8. I think this and the ability to cut anything is what upsets the balance of the game. Otherwise, I would say the Jedi Consular and the Jedi Guardin could be dropped into almost any 3.X setting with just a few tweaks to requirements and back story. I'm not sure what the bonus feats would be however...

Fizz

Liberty's Edge

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farewell2kings wrote:
The only drawback is the stupid sound effects the players will make every time their character uses that weapon.

That's funny. I saw an interview with the guy who played Anakin in Ep. III. He said that while he and Obi-Wan were shooting their epic duel, both were doing light saber sound effects, and George Lucas told them, "you don't have to do the sound effects; I have a great department for that." And neither one actually knew they were doing it.

Liberty's Edge

I frankly just couldn't see adding light sabers to D&D, but...to each his own.

Scarab Sages

Heathansson wrote:
I frankly just couldn't see adding light sabers to D&D, but...to each his own.

Maybe not lightsabers, but how about AT-ATs?

(PLEASE don't think I am serious.)


I have a feeling as soon as I added them to my game; I would have 6 players all wielding magical glowing swords that could cut threw anything and deflect arrows, no matter what there class.

Fizz


When AT-ATs fight Dragons, everyone wins :)

Scarab Sages

Ender_rpm wrote:
When AT-ATs fight Dragons, everyone wins :)

Hey, you got your sci-fi in my fantasy!

You got your fantasy in my sci-fi!

When two great tastes ...

Liberty's Edge

Moff Rimmer wrote:
Heathansson wrote:
I frankly just couldn't see adding light sabers to D&D, but...to each his own.

Maybe not lightsabers, but how about AT-ATs?

(PLEASE don't think I am serious.)

Actually...they'd make great golems.


Heathansson wrote:
Actually...they'd make great golems.

Or magical vehicles, a la the Apparatus of Kwalish.

Liberty's Edge

I was actually thinking about some holocron-type action in D&D.

Cheesy? Uncheesy? Hit me with it.


Heathansson wrote:
Moff Rimmer wrote:
Heathansson wrote:
I frankly just couldn't see adding light sabers to D&D, but...to each his own.

Maybe not lightsabers, but how about AT-ATs?

(PLEASE don't think I am serious.)

Actually...they'd make great golems.

Or Juggernauts

Liberty's Edge

Ender_rpm wrote:
When AT-ATs fight Dragons, everyone wins :)

Hmmm, I think a Dragon might be a poor choice for use against an AT-AT, but a TOW, Javelin, or Hellfire might do the job pretty well. (I think there might be an argument for using a Maverick or Harpoon, but they're a little tricky to deliver to the right place on the battlefield without air superiority.)

Liberty's Edge

How bout tricorders? Phasers?
A Batleth?

Scarab Sages

Heathansson wrote:

How bout tricorders? Phasers?

A Batleth?

Tricorders are the ultimate "Batman's utility belt". "We don't know anything -- let's look at the tricorder."

Phasers remind me of the Robe of Useless items with the Laser Pistol that has 100% accuracy with a range of miles that kills anything it hits -- "batteries not included".

A Batleth is simple enough and close enough to the two-bladed sword that I don't have an issue with it.

Making the AT-AT an Iron Colossus (Epic Level Handbook) might be a little fun -- don't know how the lasers fit in though.

One other thing of note is the article in Dragon 327 that gives D&D stats for number of "real-world" items. Inlcuding (basically) a GPS tracker, Fed Ex, a Camera, and a Palm Pilot.


Retrievers already fill the AT-AT roll in D&D fairly well: they are massive metallic creations that shoot what amounts to lasers out of their faces.

Star destroyers, on the other hand....

Liberty's Edge

Moff Rimmer wrote:
Ender_rpm wrote:
When AT-ATs fight Dragons, everyone wins :)

Hey, you got your sci-fi in my fantasy!

You got your fantasy in my sci-fi!

When two great tastes ...

Off topic, but since we're talking sci-fi...

I have to ask, Moff Rimmer, does your name contain a Star Wars AND a Red Dwarf reference?

Scarab Sages

Mothman wrote:

Off topic, but since we're talking sci-fi...

I have to ask, Moff Rimmer, does your name contain a Star Wars AND a Red Dwarf reference?

Smeg! -- someone else figured it out...


Fizzban wrote:

In the Star Wars Revised Core Rulebook the base damage for the light saber is 2d8. I think this and the ability to cut anything is what upsets the balance of the game. Otherwise, I would say the Jedi Consular and the Jedi Guardin could be dropped into almost any 3.X setting with just a few tweaks to requirements and back story. I'm not sure what the bonus feats would be however...

Fizz

Well an Adamantite weapon can pretty much cut anything in the standard D&D game. Ignores hardness of 10 or less.

My ever annoying players wander around with one on the off chance that they get bored of following the corridors of the dungeon and want to start making their own. I feel like I'm back in 1st ed. where the players used Eagle Claw to punch their way through walls to avoid having to follow the corridors.

Liberty's Edge

Moff Rimmer wrote:
Mothman wrote:

Off topic, but since we're talking sci-fi...

I have to ask, Moff Rimmer, does your name contain a Star Wars AND a Red Dwarf reference?

Smeg! -- someone else figured it out...

Sorry to foil you - just call me Listy...

But Moff, thats a long way from Technician 3rd class. Guess those learning drugs and revision timetables finally paid off...

Liberty's Edge

Moff Rimmer wrote:
Mothman wrote:

Off topic, but since we're talking sci-fi...

I have to ask, Moff Rimmer, does your name contain a Star Wars AND a Red Dwarf reference?

Smeg! -- someone else figured it out...

Oh no, I'm Dwayne Dibley!

Liberty's Edge

Heathansson wrote:
Moff Rimmer wrote:
Mothman wrote:

Off topic, but since we're talking sci-fi...

I have to ask, Moff Rimmer, does your name contain a Star Wars AND a Red Dwarf reference?

Smeg! -- someone else figured it out...
Oh no, I'm Dwayne Dibley!

must ..... resist .... spouting random red dwarf quotes ....

phew!

Scarab Sages

Mothman wrote:
must ..... resist .... spouting random red dwarf quotes ....

"So, what is it?"

Liberty's Edge

I can't believe I'm really Dwayne Dibley.

Liberty's Edge

Moff Rimmer wrote:
Mothman wrote:
must ..... resist .... spouting random red dwarf quotes ....
"So, what is it?"

Ah, thats the problem with trying to look knowledgable, then someone goes and throws something at you you DONT know, and you just look reallllly stupid ;-)

So unless the answer is "A garbage pod" or "human remains", I dont know that one.

I mean, I never said I was a god. I was misquoted...

Liberty's Edge

This is mine, this is mine, this is mine. Mine, yep, this is mine allready. This is mine. Oh, and this is mine.
All this is mine. Except that bit. I don't want that.

Liberty's Edge

Heathansson wrote:
This is mine, this is mine, this is mine. Mine, yep, this is mine allready. This is mine. Oh, and this is mine.

and I was trying to resist...

But I CAN play the guitar, I'm a diva man! I can make that lump of wood sing like a Yukon bear trapper on his annual visit to the brothel

Liberty's Edge

" So let me get this straight. You want to fly on a magic carpet to see the King of the Potato People and plead with him for your freedom, and you're telling me you're completely sane? "
(I just scored a random quote site)

Liberty's Edge

Heathansson wrote:

" So let me get this straight. You want to fly on a magic carpet to see the King of the Potato People and plead with him for your freedom, and you're telling me you're completely sane? "

(I just scored a random quote site)

A random red dwarf quote site? Aint the internet grand?

Sir, are you absolutely sure you want to go to red alert? It will mean changing the light bulb


Jeremy Mac Donald wrote:
Well an Adamantite weapon can pretty much cut anything in the standard D&D game. Ignores hardness of 10 or less.

I think it's 20, not 10. Of course, that just makes the problem worse for you. =/

Liberty's Edge

"'Cat do this!' 'Cat do that!' What am I? A dog?"

"There's a bodybag out there with that scudball's name on it, and I'm doing up the zip. Anyone who gets in my way gets a napalm enema. "

Liberty's Edge

I been thinkin more on this whole lightsaber thing.

"Fsssshzzzzvvvv....vwow....vwow....vwow....ksh!...vwow...ksh!... ksh!"

Yeh. It's cool as all getout.


Saern wrote:
Jeremy Mac Donald wrote:
Well an Adamantite weapon can pretty much cut anything in the standard D&D game. Ignores hardness of 10 or less.
I think it's 20, not 10. Of course, that just makes the problem worse for you. =/

Indeed. First game I ever played in, we found a book made out of adamantine, and my character (a bard, no less) insisted on lugging the thing around. Came in useful on more than one occasion, too. Knocked the hinges off of chests, caved in the skull of a half-golem wolf... all sorts of things. Yes, we did try mining with the thing once or twice, as well. Mostly we just threatened the DM with it when it seemed that we'd hit a dead end.


Heathansson wrote:


A Batleth?

Seconded!

Best. Weapon. Ever.

tugh qoH 'ej nachDaj chevlu'ta'

(A fool and his head are soon parted)


"Ginyard! Kapow! Die Trojan pigdog scum!" "Nice to see they stuck to the original dialogue!"

Scarab Sages

Mothman wrote:
Moff Rimmer wrote:
Mothman wrote:
must ..... resist .... spouting random red dwarf quotes ....
"So, what is it?"
So unless the answer is "A garbage pod" or "human remains", I dont know that one.

"I've never seen one before, no one has, but I believe it is a White Hole."

Scarab Sages

"I know I haven't always been an easy guy to get on with. And I know that, given the choice, I probably wouldn't have chosen you as friends. But, I just want to say that over the years, I have come to regard you as people... I met."

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