Is there any way Phantoms can actually use weapons. Now before anyone just posts the text quoting they cant use weapons, I get that the rules state they cant. They can however gain feats, and could then become proficient in a weapon. Then with them being able to use magic items, could an Incorporeal phantom use a ghost touched weapon?
So for the sake of argument lets assume a wave of "no". Could they wield force sword, the spell, if the caster made one for them. technically not a weapon, as its a spell. It can wear magical trinkets, rings, necklaces, etc. What about a Ring of Force Shield. it can be argued that the "shield" is a wall of force, but the text states to treat it as a heavy shield, and Phantoms cant use armor as per the errata.
So in short, if feats are burned, from the Phantoms available feats, can they become proficient, and wield weapons, and armor?
The problem is that it's not made clear why a phantom can't use a weapon, so it's difficult to figure out how to work around that limitation. They're allowed to use other magic items, so it's not an issue with corporeality.
It's simply "they can't".
As such, it becomes up to the GM to decide what - if anything - can work around that. Are thrown tanglefoot bags weapons? It seems obvious they are, but they're actually just alchemical items. Meanwhile if it were possible for them to cast spells, perhaps through use of a ring of spell storing, you'd have to wonder what happens if they cast scorching ray. Rays are weapon-like spells, for instance valid for Weapon Focus (ray). So is a phantom forbidden to do so? Unclear.
Personally I'd rule that since Paizo went out of their way to say "no weapons", that's the rule until a "phantoms can use weapons" ability is released specifying exactly that. Things that are merely like weapons aren't weapons in my mind, so I'd allow them. But that's me. And I'd listen to any compelling arguments my players could make - as usual.
If you're playing PFS, it's probably best to not try to hard to bypass the limitation as you'll just stress out the GMs. If you're playing homebrew, ask your GM. If you're the GM, well, I've given you my thoughts. Good luck forming your own.
appreciate the feedback, So much about the occult books seems unclear unfortunately...
