Magus´ Black Blade vs Rust Monster.

[lex_dm]

We had this situation happen recently, please let us know your thoughts.

Our Magus came head to head with a Rust Monster, thanks to a failed knowledge check we failed to realize this was a rust monster at all.

The first strike from the Rust Monster broke the black blade (which in retrospect is impossible considering its unbreakable)now, the second one destroyed it.

Considering it didnt break in the first strike would it:

A) Be destroyed in the second touch (its not Indestructible).

B) Be ignored by the rust monster since it failed to ¨rust¨.

C) Black Blade alerted immediately of its danger.

D) Not be affected at all.

Thanks for the input.

[Mathwei ap Niall]

A.

The black blade is immune to the specific effects of the broken condition but it is not immune to being destroyed. And since the Rust monster's rust ability specifically says that the second hit destroys the item and doesn't require it to have the broken condition for this to work the item is destroyed.
Your DM was correct.

Here's the FAQ entry written for this type of scenario.

FAQ wrote:

Magus, Black Blade: Can a black blade be sundered?

Yes.
The weapon's immunity the broken condition if it has at least 1 point in its arcane pool only prevents the specific effects of the broken condition. A black blade can still take damage--or even be destroyed--if it has at least 1 point in its arcane pool, it just won't take the additional penalties from the broken condition.

The name of a class feature (in this case, "unbreakable") is flavor text, not rules text.

[Owly]

If only Elric of Melnibone were so lucky as to meet a simple rust monster.

[Artanthos]

The black blade would certainly be alerted to the danger after the first strike. While it does not gain the broken condition, it would certainly be aware of the damage it took.

Remember: the magus can repair the blade even if destroyed.

Quote:

If destroyed, the black blade can be reforged 1 week later through a special ritual that costs 200 gp per magus level. The ritual takes 24 hours to complete.

[lex_dm]

Correct sir, unfortunately it is inconvinient when this happens in the middle of a time-sensitve path.. oh well it will just have to be that time when the bladebound kensai magus had to do without his weapon :(

[Lincoln Hills]

Interesting. Last party I was in with a magus, he had a similar incident happen (though he didn't have an 'indestructible' blade.) Apparently magi have a secret weakness that comes up more often than you'd think.

Someday I'll run an eldritch knight in a party with a magus, and I'll be smug the whole time. ;)

[David Neilson]

Well this is all based on the assumption the blackblade is metal.

[lex_dm]

It is a weakness for which we will make sure we are prepared next time (as most clases have)

I did see someone question weater it was metal or not, we did not find a statement that said otherwise.

[Lincoln Hills]

Check the power description. No phrases like 'force effect' or 'magical effect'? Well, if its hardness and hit points are equal to that of metals, that's not proof - but it is evidence that will help the GM make a fair call.

[LazarX]

David Neilson wrote:

Well this is all based on the assumption the blackblade is metal.

Since it's not defined otherwise, it is.

[lex_dm]

Yes, unless otherwise noted.. cant even start that arguement.