Ask A RPGSupersuccubus's page

What we really need to follow this one up is a celebrity battle-to-the-death - previous Paizo contest top 32+ ers design a small city, to be celebrity judged by Elminster (if Mr. Greenwood is not keeping him too busy elsewhere) and rated by Elminster on the basis of convenience of tobacco shops and pipe-merchants and entertainment venues.
And then the public could possibly have a popularity contest, and if Paizo wanted to do some publicity thing they could release a compilation of the cities and claim that all proceeds were being contributed to fight Urgathoa (who admittedly does need occasionally putting in her place, given her lack of fashion sense), instead of going towards fitting Vic and Lisa's secret dungeon lair out with replacement luxury chain items.

Disclaimer:
Ask A RPGSupersuccubus contributes the much needed absolutely essential viewpoint of an Abyssal citizeness of highly refined tastes. This viewpoint may not be quite in line with that shared by delicious hunky bright and shiny paladins in armour, those who bother their heads about morals and ethics not relating to a good afternoon tea in civilised company, owners of stray alligator homes, etc, etc.

Disclaimer:
This post represents the point of view of a CE inclined, Very Advanced succubus, which of course (again) says all that you should need to know about Just How Seriously It must be Taken.
Anyway, coming back to this entry, I suspect that the map suffers, at least from those who only give it a casual glance, from being so 'plain', and frankly legible. Perhaps it's too legible. It can be 'looked' at, casually, without needing to be 'examined'. It can be 'taken in' without necessarily being thought over. It conveys an illusion of simplicity, such that the casual passerby does not stop to examine it for underlying complexity.
All that said, a slightly reduced scale would have permitted the inclusion of cross-sections, which (though potentially risky as to whether or not the contest rules permitted them) could have been used to clarify important information, such as depth of pits/pools, ceiling heights, and the precise location, in the vertical dimension, of doors.
And it can't be helped, but if the entry had been drawn on a piece of devil-hide, (or tea-stained paper, if devil-hide was not locally available) that would have improved the appeal to the eye tremendously without impairing legibility in the least.
Further Disclaimer
This post, as stated before, represents the viewpoint of a CE inclined Very Advanced succubus. Said Very Advanced succubus, just because she's a succubus, is by no means incapable of being nice to cute, furry, harmless creatures. Its just that for some reason they keep trying to escape because of the whole 'soul-sucking fiend!' business - which is just typical of dwarven door-to-door evangelists (of the church of Torag).

Mountain Stance Armor

Aura moderate transmutation and conjuration; CL 6th
Slot armor; Price 29,250 gp; Weight 40 lbs.
Description
This +2 balanced (Ultimate Equipment) adamantine mountain pattern armor (Ultimate Equipment) sheds pebbles and dirt while worn, and assists in holding the front line of battle. Its wearer gains a +4 bonus to his CMD to resist bull rush, drag, pull, and reposition combat maneuvers so long as he stands on natural or worked stone or earth. This bonus also applies to his CMD when calculating the acrobatics check needed to move through his square or to pass through a threatened area without provoking an attack of opportunity.
At the beginning of his turn, if the armor’s wearer is occupying the same square he was occupying since the beginning of his last turn, then his DR from this armor doubles to 4/-, and all squares adjacent to him count as difficult terrain for his enemies. These effects cease as soon as the wearer moves intentionally or is moved forcibly from that square.
Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, cat’s grace, stone call (Advanced Player’s Guide); Cost 19,900 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
It's a suit of armour, or at least what constitutes a 'mountain pattern' suit of armour. It probably has some decorative value when mounted on a stand. (Worn, of course, it is exceptionally undecorative, given that in such contact with a person it constantly sheds soil and pebbles (however temporary their existence may be) all over the place.)
Decorative score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Since this item seems to be geared entirely towards brutal slugging-it-out contests, it seems unlikely that it will find any obvious non-decorative use around the home.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
To be brutally honest, not very much. If it were the operation going the other way, 'Operation Overlord', then the leader of the Nasties might get the idea of trying to fit-out some of his beach-defenders with armour like this, but I can't see the tea-drinkers equipping even a token-force of defenders with something so impractical to the usual conditions of warfare of that setting.
As a footnote, I'm not quite sure how 'entries will be assessed by Ask A RPGSupersuccubus, partially on the basis of impact that items and equipment might have in Operation Sealion' got left out of the contest guidelines this year. However, clearly, somehow it did and this is a fine example of an item to which I am going to give a very low mark, because the item was clearly not designed with Operation Sealion in mind...
'Sealion' score? 0 out of 7.

Total: 1 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Aura Moderate Transmutation; CL 11th

Slot Armour; Price 22,350 gp; Weight 30 lbs.

Description
At first glance, this +2 Breastplate appears to be made from pale blue crystal. On closer examination, this proves to be constantly flowing ocean water, powerfully enchanted to retain its shape. The Flowing Fortress' armour check penalty does not apply to Swim checks, and upon speaking a command word, the armour flows on or off the wearer, so it can be donned or removed in a single move action from up to 10' away.

While wearing the Flowing Fortress, two other commands, usable a total of three times per day in any combination, can be used to transform the wearer's body into water:

Melt: As a move action, the wearer melts into a puddle. In this form, the wearer moves 10' faster when flowing downhill, gains a swim speed of 60', can flow through even the tiniest cracks, and gets a +8 circumstance bonus on Stealth checks. The wearer can see and hear normally but can't speak, attack or cast spells. This form can be maintained for up to 10 minutes at a time.

Gush: As a standard action, the wearer turns into water, shoots up to 40 feet at a very high speed in any direction including straight up, then resumes normal form. This could, for example, be used to cross a small chasm or quickly get on board an adjacent ship. Any creatures or movable objects in your path are affected as though you had cast Hydraulic Torrent (APG) at a caster level equal to your character level.

Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armour, Control Water, either Elemental Body (any) or Fluid Form (APG); Cost 11,175 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
Hmmm. Prime-material plane ocean water isn't actually blue. Not unless it's severely polluted. Sometimes it looks blue, because the local lighting conditions or weather create that effect, but still...
Now some outer-planar ocean water, I grant you is blue - in its natural (or unnatural, or supernatural, or however-you-want-to-classify it) state.
All of which is preamble to addressing the appearance of this item. Blue crystal is decorative, especially when not being actually worn; when being worn, being translucent, obviously it tends to reveal what is (or sometimes more accurately, what is not) being worn underneath it.
Now, an item which, on closer inspection, resembles some sort of fluid... I think I'm going to say that to the casual viewer, said viewer is going to assume that it's alchemical fluid of some description, rather than ocean water of any particular origin. And whether the viewer thinks that it's alchemical fluid - or ocean water - conceivably affects how the viewer perceives and overall evaluates the attractiveness of the item.
I think that this item probably merits a middle-of-the-range mark, regarding how decorative it is.
Decorative score? 4 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
No. This item has no obvious non-decorative use around a home. The point of armour is generally to either look nice on a stand, or to be worn, but none of the non-decorative benefits which might be derived from wearing this armour seem to me to be of especial use around a succubus' home.
(As an aside, there's a glabrezu that I know who owns what he likes to call 'an artistic studio' that (amongst other things) produces what he styles *working mortals' calendars*; I'm quite certain that said glabrezu would be highly eager to get his claws on at least a couple of suits of this armour, so that he can cram his models for the month of Lamashtan for next year's calendar into them. This, however, has nothing to do with any use of this armour around a perfectly socially respectable succubus' home.)
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
At best I could see it being used by the Nasties in the initial assault phase of a beach-landing - if they actually managed to get that far. I'm sure it would appeal to their leader greatly, the idea of his troops turning themselves into bolts of living water, and blasting across a beach. I'm also sure it wouldn't prove to be nearly as devastating a piece of equipment as he imagined it to be.
'Sealion' score? 1 out of 7.

Total: 5 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Windstrider Mail

Aura faint evocation and transmutation; CL 5th
Slot armor; Price 6,100 gp; Weight 10 lb.
Description
Sleek gray stripes line the sides of this +1 mithral shirt. When worn, the wearer’s clothing and hair dance about as though caught in a faint breeze.

Three times per day, the wearer can transform into a surge of living wind, moving up to 60 feet in a straight line as a standard action. This line need not be horizontal; the effect can be used to traverse hazards or reach elevated platforms. All creatures in the line between the wearer’s starting point and destination are blasted by the squall. The wearer attempts an overrun combat maneuver against every creature in the area, with a +10 circumstance bonus to CMB. Failed overrun attempts do not stop the wearer’s move, and the wearer’s maneuvers and movement do not provoke any attacks of opportunity. Flying creatures in the area must make a DC 15 Fly check or fall 20 feet, taking appropriate damage and falling prone if they reach a solid surface.

Creatures more than one size category larger than the wearer are not affected by the windstrider mail's effect, but they do not inhibit the wearer’s move. If the wearer’s path is blocked by an object, such as a door, he makes a Strength check to move or burst through the object with a +5 circumstance bonus.
Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, gaseous form, gust of wind; Cost 4,100 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
Well, mithral shirts are usually fairly attractive-looking, but someone seems to have painted stripes of a rather dull tone on this one, which somewhat detracts from the item's appearance.
Decorative score? 2 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
No. And visiting nieces make this an item hazardous to even have anywhere around a home where they might get their hands on one.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? -1 out of 7. (Yes, that's right, that's a negative mark. My nieces are already quite capable enough, thank you, of leaving a trail of destruction whenever they come to visit.)

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
The item description seems to me a little unclear on what susceptibilities to damage a wearer possesses whilst 'transformed'. Given the item's 'budget cost' and the fact that air elementals (something at least close to embodiments of 'living wind') are by no means invulnerable to damage (especially not the ones which are of only modest size and power), it seems to me highly probable that it is still very much possible to damage a wearer who is 'transformed'.
I'm also unclear on for how long after the 60 foot 'rush' move that the initial transformation process permits the wearer to make, the wearer remains in a 'living wind' state.
Without this data, I'm not going to make any over-dramatic assumptions about the item's battlefield performance levels, and my evaluation is that the item might merely be vaguely useful during the beach-landings phase of Operation Sealion (if the operation makes it that far).
'Sealion' score? 2 out of 7.

Total: 3 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Rod of Exorcism

Aura moderate abjuration; CL 9th
Slot none; Price 21,700 gp; Weight 5 lbs.
Description
This rod of dark metal is carved with images of ghostly faces, their mouths agape in silent screams. The etchings glow a faint green and the rod grows warm when its bearer is within 30 feet of an individual possessed by a malignant entity (such as the victim of a ghost’s malevolence ability) or enters the room of a haunt. A rod of exorcism can be used to drive out possessing ghosts and other lingering spirits.

The bearer of a rod of exorcism gains a +2 sacred bonus on saving throws to resist the effects of a haunt. Three times per day, by tracing a circle in the air with the rod as a standard action, its bearer releases a burst of positive energy that deals 5d6 points of damage to haunts only.

In addition, the wielder of a rod of exorcism can touch it to a possessed victim to drive out the possessing spirit. If the possessed target is acting hostile in any way, this requires a successful melee touch attack by the wielder. The possessing creature is ejected from its host body, and must succeed at a DC 14 Will save or be dazed for 1 round. Once used in this fashion, the rod becomes ice-cold and loses all of its powers for 24 hours.
Construction
Requirements Craft Rod, detect undead, protection from evil, creator must be able to channel positive energy; Cost 10,850 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
I'm unclear what 'dark metal' the rod is supposed to be fashioned from, and for etched faces to be 'ghostly' seems a bit of a contradiction to me, but the fact that there's an etched design there in the first place - and that it glows green - is moderately decorative.
Decorative score? 3 out of 7. (Might have been higher if adequate data on the 'dark metal' had been provided.)

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Not unless a succubus' domicile is a house which is haunted. Now granted there are some succubi who reside in such locations, but it seems to me that - outside of such situations - the obvious non-Decorative use possibilities of this item are strictly limited.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
This item has no obvious use in proceedings, nor ability to have any credibly foreseeable impact, during 'Operation Sealion'. Ghosts and other forms of 'hauntings' simply aren't going to be a feature of the battlefields involved.
'Sealion' score? 0 out of 7.

Total: 4 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Ring of the Investigator

Aura strong divination; CL 11th
Slot ring; Price 20,000 gp; Weight —

Description
This ring is a thin leather band with a blown glass orb that contains an eye-shaped onyx gem. The ring allows a wearer with inspiration pool to store up to 4 points from his inspiration pool in the ring as a swift action. These points remain in the ring until used. A wearer can spend inspiration pool points stored in the ring as if they were his own, or can keep them stored to benefit from them in each of the following ways.

As long as there is at least one inspiration point stored in the ring, the wearer gains a +2 competence bonus to Perception and Sense Motive checks.

As long as there are at least three inspiration points stored in the ring, whenever the wearer approaches within 30 feet of one of the following targets (or the target approaches within 30 feet of the wearer), he receives a check to notice them as a free action, regardless of whether he is interacting with (or looking for) the target or not.

• Perception on disguised creatures
  
• Perception on invisible creatures
  
• Perception on secret doors
  
• Perception on non-magical traps (a character with trapfinding can also roll to notice magical traps)
  
• Will save on noticing illusion (glamer) effects for what they truly are

Construction Requirements
Forge Ring, Detect Secret Doors, See Invisibility, Cost 10,000 gp.

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
It's a ring or at least it's something vaguely resembling a ring. What it actually appears to be is a leather finger-strap with a hollow glass marble attached which has a piece of onyx rattling around inside.
I'll assume that it actually looks so bizarre that it has some nominal decorative value.
Decorative score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Some of the effects of the ring seem to be useful for social situations. They'd be even more useful, if the ring weren't so bizarre looking that anyone reasonably familiar with magical paraphernalia would like identify it at a casual glance and know to be on guard.
Whilst I note that apparently only a person with very particular skill-sets and training can 'power up' such a ring, I also note that there is nothing to stop a person who has just done exactly that from then removing said item and handing it on to someone else without in any way adversely affecting that ring's ability to heighten a wearer's perception.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 2 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
This ring seems unlikely to be much use on the battlefields of 'Operation Sealion'. I have doubts over whether any capacity would exist in that fantasy world to 'power up' such rings - and even if there was such talent available, I can't see such rings being realistically useful, except maybe by marginally improving the chances of anyone outfitted with one to spot enemies waiting in ambush.
'Sealion' score? 1 out of 7.

Total: 4 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Ophidian Coil

Aura faint transmutation, moderate necromancy; CL 5th
Slot ring; Price 10,000 gp; Weight --

Description
This small wooden ring resembles a serpent with tiny gemstone eyes coiling around the wearer's finger. The wearer's skin manifests a faint, diamond-shaped pattern of scales, and the pupils of the wearer's eyes become vertical, as a snake's. The wearer grows a pair of fangs, gaining a bite attack as a primary natural attack. This attack deals 1d4 points of piercing damage for a Medium wearer or 1d3 points of damage for a Small wearer.

Three times per day as a free action, the wearer of the ring may cause her fangs to drip with venom, making her bite attack poisonous for 1 round. This poison has a DC of 10 + the wearer's Con modifier, but otherwise acts as black adder venom. If the wearer rolls a natural one on an attack with her poisonous bite, she is exposed to the poison.

Once per day as a standard action, the wearer may command her tongue to lengthen and become forked for one minute, during which she gains the scent special ability. While this ability is active, the wearer has a 20% chance of failure when casting any spell with a verbal component, as the tongue makes it difficult to speak.

The ring makes its wearer more sensitive to cold. She takes a -2 penalty to saves versus cold spells, weather, and effects. Additionally, if the wearer is successfully affected by a spell with the cold descriptor, she is slowed for 1 round.

Construction
Requirements Forge Ring, beast shape I, magic fang, poison; Cost 5,000 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
This item seems highly unlikely to be decorative; it's described as being a ring, fashioned from some wood so unremarkable that the person presenting this item doesn't bother to name it, and with only a couple of 'gemstones' mentioned, so small in all likelihood as to be practically invisible to the casual glance. And given that said gemstones are considered sufficiently beneath consideration to be not worth naming, I wouldn't be surprised if they turned out to be something like common garnets.
Decorative score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
It might be useful once in a blue moon as part of an outfit for a servant or retainer at a 'fancy dress party'.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
This item's abilities seem likely to be completely irrelevant on the battlefields of 'Operation Sealion'; the only conceivable impact it would have would be the money and resources wasted on development or purchase of the item in any quantity, but even the leader of the Nasties would be unlikely to mistake this ring for a Sealion-winning 'wonder weapon'.
'Sealion' score? 0 out of 7.

Total: 1 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

My assessment, in terms of the figure cited for the 'Sealion score', in my previous post on this thread, was of course based on the assumption that it was possible to find people on that world capable of getting full use out of such a staff. That may or may not be entirely plausible.

In my previous post, the rating that I gave the staff for the 'Sealion score', was of course based on the assumption that somebody could be found in that world capable of fully utilising such a staff.

Staff of the Trusted Physician

Aura moderate varied; CL 9th
Slot none; Price 57,600 gp; Weight 5 lbs.

Description
This roughly carved hickory staff is decorated with leather braids bearing soapstone figurines of small children. A Staff of the Trusted Physician can cast the following spells:

• Cure moderate wounds (1 charge)
• Remove paralysis (1 charge)
• Remove sickness (1 charge)
• Remove blindness/deafness (2 charges)
• Remove disease (2 charges)
• Remove curse (3 charges)

As long as a Staff of the Trusted Physician has at least one charge, its wielder can choose to ignore spell resistance when casting spells that specify spell resistance as yes (harmless). This ability functions regardless of whether the spell originates from the staff or the wielder of the staff. Using the staff to bypass spell resistance in this fashion does not consume charges, but it does require the target of the spell to be willing. If the wielder attempts to use this ability to bypass the spell resistance of a hostile creature, the staff is immediately drained of all charges and cannot be charged for three days.

Construction
Requirements Craft Staff, cure moderate wounds, remove blindness/deafness, remove curse, remove disease, remove paralysis, remove sickness, spell resistance; Cost 28,800 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
The staff being roughly carved hickory with soapstone figures on leather braids makes it decorative. That said soapstone figures are of children (no doubt of revoltingly-mannered, if mannered at all, prime material children, as opposed to adorable alu-fiends and high-spirited young succubi) makes it somewhat less so.
Decorative score? 2 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
I have to concede that there are occasions when one's domestic staff (especially if they are currently in an environment somewhat different from that to which they are native) do 'go down' with some malady or other which adversely impacts their health. And at times like that this would actually be a useful item to have around for what I take to be it's originally intended purpose. Especially given the prices that some priests and priestesses try to charge these days for magical healing.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 2 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
Assuming that there's anyone to hand capable of utilising it, such an item would make a very brief contribution to the treatment of casualties, before running out of charges. We're talking drop-in-the-ocean time here, with war on this scale.
'Sealion' score? 1 out of 7.

Total: 5 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Staff of the Prime Mover

Aura moderate evocation; CL 10th
Slot none; Price 34,500 gp; Weight 2 lbs.

Description
This slender silver cane feels more unwieldy than its low weight might suggest, as if a hidden force impeded any attempts to change its state of motion. It functions as a +1 anchoring mithral quarterstaff and allows use of the following spells:

• Kinetic reverberation (1 charge, Ultimate Combat)
  
• Force hook charge (2 charges, Ultimate Magic)
  
• Force punch (2 charges, Ultimate Magic)

As long as the staff's anchoring ability is in effect, these spells work differently when cast by the wielder, as follows:
A wielder affected by kinetic reverberation not only damages his attacker's weapon, but also pushes his opponent away from himself. After being hit, as an immediate action, the wielder may attempt a bull rush combat maneuver against his attacker, using his opponent's attack bonus as his combat maneuver bonus. This combat maneuver does not provoke attacks of opportunity and the wielder does not move with his opponent.
A wielder that uses force hook charge pulls the target towards himself, instead of being dragged towards the target. If the target is a firmly fixed object or a creature holding onto a massive object, a successful Strength check is required. For this purpose, the pulling force has an effective Strength score of 30 and can pull a weight of up to 1,600 lbs. This movement does not provoke attacks of opportunity.
If the wielder uses force punch against an opponent affected by the staff's anchoring ability, the opponent is not pushed away, but the spell is treated as if it were maximized.
Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Craft Staff, force hook charge, force punch, kinetic reverberation, levitate; Cost 18,250 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
It's a 'slender silver cane'. It has decorative value, but minimal decorative value.
Decorative score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
The fact that it has only the physical dimensions and apparent reach of a cane, but an apparent effective reach of a quarterstaff leads me to conclude that there is some sort of projective force effect usually surrounding the item. I considered carefully whether this might have any obvious useful function around the home, but concluded that it does not. Thus the sole obvious non-Decorative use this item has is for retrieving visiting nieces' necklaces (or other carelessly managed personal effects) from down drains.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
I see some scope, albeit highly limited, for possible use of this item during the 'beach' phase of 'Operation Sealion'. That is, if the Nasties get as far as the beaches.
'Sealion' score? 2 out of 7.

Total: 4 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Staff of the Thieving Magpie

Aura strong transmutation; CL 13th
Slot none; Price 82,000 gp; Weight 5 lbs.
Description
This black staff generally has a feather motif carved throughout, with greedy black eyes peaking through and is topped with a silver bird’s talon. Created by a nefarious wizard to steal the arcane secrets of his peers, it allows the following spell:
Pilfering Hand (1 Charge)
In addition, the wielder can use the staff to cast any spell on their class list they have successfully identified being cast by another spell caster with a Spellcraft check in the last minute. It can cast a 1st-3rd level spell using 2 charges, a 4th-5th level spell using 3 charges, and a 6th-7th level spell using 4 charges.
If the wielder has cast an observed spell through the staff and has the ability to learn additional spells by making a Spellcraft check, they may attempt to learn the spell or teach it to their familiar. This must be done on the same day the spell was cast through the staff.
Construction
Requirements Craft Staff, Pilfering Hand, Mnemonic Enhancer, Creator must have 5 ranks in the Sleight of Hand skill; Cost 41,000 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
Since the item has apparently befuddled the mind of the person presenting it on this thread, as to his ability to describe it, this is difficult to assess. I'm going to err on the side of caution and say that the item is probably moderately decorative.
Decorative score? 2 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
The item has no obvious non-Decorative use around the home. It would be pointless to employ any of its powers on one's servants or retainers, and it would be rude to employ any on one's invited guests; and it would be exceptionally unwise to use it on any door-to-door salesdemons or errant adventurers, as it might give them odd ideas and encourage any survivors to try and 'call back'.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
This item really is not designed to be of any real use in the majestic sweep of the battlefields of 'Operation Sealion'. There's not exactly much call for slightly wobbly efforts to steal items at relatively short range, nor opportunity to duplicate spells, in the full-throated midst of war in that fantastic world.
'Sealion' score? 0 out of 7.

Total: 2 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Staff of the Vanara King

Aura moderate transmutation; CL 9th
Slot none; Price 82,660 gp; Weight 4 lbs.
Description
Vudran legend tells of a Vanera monk who used a staff that could drastically change size. This gold-trimmed black +1 impact ki focus quarterstaff recreates some of the properties of that artifact. As a standard action, the wielder can cause it to grow to a length of 12 feet and gain the reach weapon property. Alternately, it can be shrunk to the size of a pin.
If your size changes from an enlarge person spell or similar effect, the weapon does not get any larger. The maximum reach is always 10 feet, and only creatures of size Large or smaller can effectively wield the staff of the vanara king.
If you have the Quarterstaff Master feat, the staff can be resized as a move action, and you continue to threaten adjacent squares while the weapon is enlarged.
Construction
Requirements Craft Arms and Armor, enlarge person, lead blades, shrink item, creator must be a monk; Cost 41,330 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
The gold trim makes the item marginally decorative. Other than that it's just a rather long piece of wood.
Decorative score? 2 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Well, it has possibilities for use as an impromptu rolling pin in the kitchen...
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
Well it might be used as an impromptu probe for minefields during a 'beach' phase of any proceedings, but it's only made of wood and not likely to survive very many 'contacts'. Any impact it might have would be minimal.
'Sealion' score? 1 out of 7.

Total: 4 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Pyroclastic Spike

Aura moderate transmutation; CL 7th
Slot none; Price 28,000 gp; Weight 5 lbs.

Description
This 3-foot long magically-reinforced obsidian rod is capped with a globe of volcanic glass at one end, and a gleaming spike at the other. Veins of molten earth glow faintly beneath the rod’s surface, flowing from a swirling fiery mass at the orb’s core.

Three times per day on command, the wielder may activate the rod to receive temporary resistance to fire as if under the effects of resist energy, gaining 20 points of fire resistance for 1 hour.

Once per day, the spiked end can be driven into sand, mud, or loose earth as a move action, into dense soil or loose gravel as a standard action, or into stone or metal as a full-round action. Once anchored, a path 5 feet wide and 30 feet long erupts with rivulets of lava in the direction of the wielder’s choosing, originating in a square adjacent to the anchored pyroclastic spike. Creatures standing in the path take 2d6 fire damage as the ground spews forth super-heated sulfuric gases and begins to liquefy. 1 round after anchoring the rod, the affected area dissolves into a molten river 5 feet deep. The river of lava damages any barriers it encounters until it is able to flow freely forward to the full range of effect. The lava persists until the pyroclastic spike is removed from the ground, at which point the affected area immediately cools. Any creature in the lava is allowed a Reflex save (DC 16) to escape before the area is hardened to obsidian.

Construction
Requirements Craft Rod, firefall, resist energy; Cost 14,000 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
Obsidian is generally rather boring to look at. 'It's black' is about all that you can usually say about it. Some effort has apparently been made to make this obsidian item look interesting though, by heating it up to a temperature no doubt highly uncomfortable to most mortals trying to hold said item. (Although as an aside, as far as a succubus is personally concerned heat cannot, of course, usually exist in 'excess'; well not unless valuable objects not so resilient to high temperatures are nearby.)
Decorative score? 4 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Despite the therapeutic beauty treatment potential offered by the item (instant lava bath!), sadly that function is not one which can be used around most homes. (Well not unless a home is literally built around having somewhere private where the item can be used, and where cooled-down lava can be feasibly removed from afterwards.)
And, for the sake of politeness in current company, let's assume that any other functions of the item are of minimal obvious domestic use to a succubus.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
If 'Operation Sealion' reaches a beach phase, this item offers considerable scope for causing havoc and controlling the battlefield locally. Mind you, said Operation has to get to a beach-landing phase first.
'Sealion' score? 4 out of 7.

Total: 9 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Psychopomp's Crosier

Aura moderate varies; CL 8th
Slot none; Price 27,000 gp; Weight 5 lbs.

Description
The head of this white ash staff spirals into a stylized shepherd's crook, a large onyx gemstone nestled at its center. A powerful menace to unquiet spirits, the staff allows its bearer to cast the following spells:

Ghostbane dirge (1 Charge; Advanced Player's Guide)
Spiritual weapon (2 Charges)
Mass ghostbane dirge (3 Charges; Advanced Player's Guide)
Speak with haunt (3 Charges; Advanced Class Guide)

In addition, the bearer may always act in the surprise round triggered by the manifestation of a haunt as if she had succeeded on her notice check. Should she act before the haunt in the round it manifests, she may attempt to neutralize the haunt by expending one charge from the staff and succeeding on a caster level check equal to 10 + the haunt's CR.

Incorporeal undead lose the ability to enter or pass through solid objects when under effect of ghostbane dirge (or mass ghostbane dirge) cast by the bearer, whether from the staff or from her daily allotment of spells. This does not affect the ability of incorporeal undeads' attacks to ignore natural armor, armor, and shields.

Construction
Requirements Craft Staff, Ectoplasmic Spell (Advanced Player's Guide), ghostbane dirge, mass ghostbane dirge, speak with haunt, spiritual weapon; Cost 13,500 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
I'm in two minds over whether the large onyx is unnecessarily ostentatious. Otherwise this item seems to be rather plain - although, it's not beyond all plausibility that an item be both plain and decorative, if the 'plain' is done well.
Decorative score? 4 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Not unless one lives in a house which is haunted. Now granted there are some succubi who go in for that sort of thing, so perhaps the award of a small mark for this section is reasonable.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
My initial reaction was that the item was likely to be completely irrelevant to the proceedings of any 'Operation Sealion', then I read the description again and I noted the spiritual weapon feature that it offers. To that extent, it seems to me that it has some scope for use in the beach proceedings of any 'Operation Sealion', although it might be more useful to defenders with the advantage of 'cover' in the form of fortified positions to direct any 'weapon' from behind.
'Sealion' score? 2 out of 7.

Total: 7 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Disclaimer:
Posts posted by Ask A RPGSupersuccubus represent the views of a CE inclined Very Advanced succubus. As a reminder regarding the Tanar'ri point of view, 'objectivity' is objecting very strongly to things to which one... well... 'objects', 'fair' is something which all succubi are, obviously, by definition (ask any proper magic mirror 'who is the 'fairest' of them all, regarding any situation not involving deities (or the like) but including a succubus, and the succubus will undoubtedly be duly indicated); and 'mercy' is a bad spelling of a way to properly say 'thank-you' in a foreign language. Within this context, it should of course be Absolutely Obvious Just How Seriously posts by Ask A RPGSupersuccubus Must Be Taken.

Shield of Stormwall

Aura Faint Conjuration, Evocation CL 5
Slot Shield Price 10,250 gp; Weight 5 lbs.
Description
This +2 darkwood heavy wooden shield is lacquered with patterns of white and gold whirlstorms; it imposes no armor check penalty and is remarkably lighter than normal shields of that size. Its special properties are revealed whenever its owner fights defensively or uses total defense combat action. When the owner makes a full-round attack while fighting defensively, the shield immediately conjures a wind wall (as per spell) 50 feet long and 25 feet high, with at least one of the wall squares adjacent to the shield’s owner. When the owner chooses the total defense option, the shield conjures a storm wall strewn with lightning bolts, that has all properties of the wind wall described above and also hits any creature passing through it or starting its turn in the effect area for 3d6 electricity damage (Reflex save DC 15 negates). The wall of either type persists as long as the owner continues to fight defensively or keeps total defense, but no more than the total of 5 rounds per day.
Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, wind wall, call lightning; Cost 5,125 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
It's a wooden shield. Some effort has been put into making it look decorative with a generous application of lacquer, but it would look better still if the decoration had been carried out with lacquer and with gold leaf. Still, given the budget that the creator was apparently working to, it's not surprising that gold leaf was not used.
Decorative score? 4 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
No. This is an item that either goes on the wall as a decorative feature, or otherwise sits around in some store-cupboard not serving any obviously useful purpose.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
None. Shields have become a bit outmoded in the fantasy world in which 'Operation Sealion' takes place, not least because when it comes to close range combat a lot of the weapons that they use ideally require two hands. And off the battlefield, this item isn't really going to serve much purpose.
'Sealion' score? 0 out of 7.

Total: 4 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Fool's Scepter

Aura strong divination and enchantment; CL 12th
Slot none; Price 50,000 gp; Weight 3 lbs.
Description
This wooden marotte is topped with a jester's head whose comical face by default takes on the likeness of the wielder. A fool's scepter grants its wielder the following powers.

Jesting: As a free action the wielder can speak through the jester's head and imitate voices and sounds with a volume of up that of a dragon's roar. They can also cause the jester's face to transform into the comic likeness of any creature they can visualize. Using the fool's scepter in this manner grants a +5 circumstance bonus to perform (comedy) checks.

Mockery: Once per day, as a standard action, the wielder can cause the jester head to take on the likeness of an individual creature within 60 feet and then harangue that creature with magically honed mockery. If the creature possesses an intelligence of 3 or higher, they are dazed with humiliation for 1d6 rounds and shaken for 10 minutes. This is a mind-affecting fear effect that is negated by a DC 18 Will save.

Fool's Wisdom: Once per week the wielder may as a standard action query the jester's head for information regarding an individual creature. The head transforms into the likeness of that creature and recites a number of jocular stories that provide information as though the wielder had completed casting the spell legend lore. If the subject of the wielder’s query is present and within 60 feet, the head also provides information regarding the subject's thoughts, desires, personality, and motivations, but in this circumstance the head always answers in a voice that is loud enough to be audible to the subject of the query.

Construction
Requirements Craft Rod, hideous laughter, legend lore, ventriloquism; Cost 25,000 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
It's a clotpole's stick, with little indication that it looks anything more than the usual rather gaudy, vulgar-looking, 'standard' of such items.
Decorative score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
It has possibilities for use as a 'subtle' hint at dinner parties when dealing with guests who rather tiresomely insist on repeatedly overstepping the boundaries of polite conversation - and who ignore rather more refined social cues regarding their behaviour.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 2 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
There's really not going to be much in the way of up-and-close personal encounters that afford the scope for the use of this item during proceedings; at best it might serve as an 'interrogator's aid', behind the front-lines, where it could come into play getting information about important captured prisoners.
'Sealion' score? 2 out of 7.

Total: 5 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Swarm-strike Caster

Aura moderate conjuration; CL 12th
Slot none; Price 39,335 gp; Weight 10 lbs.

Description
This +2 seeking light crossbow, made of polished bronze and black oak, seems to hum and vibrate almost imperceptibly when held. Bolts fired from it shred apart in flight into compact swarms of miniscule black, buzzing darts that seek out their prey. Attacks made with this weapon do full damage to swarms of tiny creatures, half damage to swarms of smaller creatures, and ignore dodge bonuses to AC equal to or less than the weapon’s enhancement bonus. In all other ways, these attacks are still treated as a single projectile for purposes of feats, spells, and special abilities possessed by the attacker or defender. Magical bolts fired from this weapon are destroyed if the attack misses but still convey their full effects on a hit.

As a standard action three times per day, this weapon can be used to make a single ranged attack against one visible target within the weapon’s first range increment. The bolt launched by this attack expands into a dart storm that shears through all of the target's space, ignoring its Dexterity and dodge bonuses to AC. If the target is under the effect of mirror image or a similar spell or spell-like ability, a successful such attack can either bypass the effect entirely or automatically dispel it at the cost of inflicting no damage or other harm to the target.

Construction Requirements
Craft Magic Arms and Armor, summon swarm, true seeing, true strike; Cost 19,835 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
Weapons aren't generally that decorative, unless and until one hits the point where melee weapons start being made out of shining mithral and studded with jewels - but, for a crossbow, polished bronze and black oak is fairly easy on the eye.
Decorative score? 4 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Yes. The item is very useful for getting rid of unwanted wasp nests. A highly situational use for the item, but very useful when such an annoyance should turn up under the gables or in an out-building or the garden.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 2 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
None really. The fantasy world in which 'Operation Sealion' takes place has moved somewhat beyond the point where crossbows with swarm-related abilities - such as this one's - are applicable in any but the most marginal of corner-cases.
'Sealion' score? 0 out of 7.

Total: 6 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Rimewinder

Aura moderate evocation; CL 10th
Slot none; Price 18,302 gp; Weight 1 lb.
Description
Crafted from spiraling icicles tapered to a needle point, this +1 frost dagger has wispy swirls of frigid air surrounding it. When held, fragments of ice creep down the wielder's arm and grant him command over the relentless fury of winter. After a successful melee attack with the blade, the target must succeed at a DC 15 Fortitude save or be afflicted with a creeping chill, immediately affecting it as severe cold. This effect lasts for 10 minutes. Each successive strike during this period resets the duration and immediately forces a new saving throw with an increased DC of 1. The DC increases for each hit, even if the target succeeds on its saving throw.
In areas of precipitation, the rimewinder's wielder may channel its power into the storm as a full-round action that provokes attacks of opportunity. Rain turns to sleet, sleet turns to snow, and snow turns to heavy snow. These effects persist for 10 minutes and affect a 60 ft. radius centered on the wielder. Creatures within this storm, regardless of its severity, suffer a –2 penalty to their saves against the rimewinder's chilling attacks. Subsequent uses do not increase the severity of the storm, but reset the duration. The wielder of the rimewinder can see through any weather effects created by the weapon without penalty.
Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, control weather, ice storm, unshakable chill; Cost 9,151 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
The item is apparently made from ice (which is fancy but a bit impractical, although the impractical likely doesn't impact the item's look which is, after all, what's under consideration here) and some sort of effort has been made to make it look decorative with the 'spiraling icicles' motif.
Decorative score? 2 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Besides its possible use as a decorative feature, unless I misunderstand something this item can be used for:
1) stabbing objects.
2) making the weather locally more murky.
Neither of said abilities is of much obvious use indoors around the home. (Well not unless one is of a vigorous disposition and has had a very bad day.)
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
Well, weather permitting, it could be useful during the beach phase of proceedings (if things get that far) to make it more difficult for everyone else to see what's going on, whilst the bearer can still see perfectly clearly. That might help with local efforts to either advance or to check an advance.
'Sealion' score? 3 out of 7.

Total: 5 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Disclaimer:
This post represents the point of view of a CE inclined, Very Advanced succubus, which of course says all that you should need to know about Just How Seriously It must be Taken. Since the previous post on this thread disappeared, two of the adventurers involved have unfortunately had the poor taste of signing up with a cult of Lamashtu, which seems to indicate that at least some sort of long-lasting psychological damage was incurred. An adventuring party of four sccubi has now since been dispatched to rescue them.
My previous post on this thread appears to have disappeared.
Whilst my scribe pursues enquiries regarding that, I will comment that from what I have seen thus far this may well be the only map of what I shall style a 'Ruin or Lair' environment submitted in this round which hints that wandering adventurers may well have to do anything other than kill things and repeatedly pilfer (or 'liberate', if you prefer) any valuables not firmly nailed down with vorpal nails and additionally secured with super-sovereign glue. Despite the many criticisms levelled at this map, some serious, some outright comedic, this is the only map of a 'Ruin or Lair' which suggests to me that adventurers entering the environment will be called upon to do anything remotely resembling putting their brains into gear to attempt to complete their looting operations in the area.
Maybe that's not fashionable at present, but as the demilich Acerak demonstrated with his 'Tomb of Horrors', there have certainly been plenty of times when such environments have been both highly fashionable and very popular.
Further Disclaimer:
In the interests of maintaining some sort of image of 'above the fray' objectivity (of course the Tanar'ri definition of 'objectivity' may not be the one that you are familiar with), Ask A RPGSupersuccubus does not recommend that you vote for this entry. She does not recommend that you vote for any entries, and the presence of an Ask A RPGSupersuccubus post should not be taken as an endorsement of a post or of a contestant.

Depth Charger

Aura strong transmutation, moderate conjuration; CL 11th
Slot none; Price 58,500 gp; Weight 3 lbs.
Description
The barrel and mechanical components of this blunderbuss are made of mithral and an intricate skeletal fish is carved into the wooden stock. Depth Charger is a +2 bane (aquatic), reliable blunderbuss.

When Depth Charger is grasped underwater it enables its wielder to breathe normally as per the spell water breathing. The wielder can continue to breathe underwater for a total of 12 hours as long as they hold Depth Charger. These hours do not have to be consecutive but must be used in full hour increments. After providing the wielder with 12 hours of water breathing Depth Charger must be removed from the water and placed in a completely dry location for 12 consecutive hours before this effect may be used again.

Additionally all ammunition used by Depth Charger while underwater is considered to have the dry load magical enhancement in addition to any other magical enhancement it previously contained. Any wet ammunition loaded into Depth Charger is instantly dried and surrounded by an air pocket for 3 minutes. If the ammunition is not used within 3 minutes of loading the air bubble disperses and unused ammunition is effected by water normally.

Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Gunsmithing, control water, mending, summon monster I, water breathing, Cost 32,000 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
With a mithral barrel and a carved wooden stock, this item is clearly intended to be decorative - and to a considerable extent it achieves that target.
Decorative score? 4 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
No. The item is designed to 'work underwater', and with regard to what 'beneficial' effects of a non-Decorative nature it has, these are geared towards such an environment. Since most succubi tend not to live underwater (the environment is bad for most funishings, and inconvenient for most social callers) any obvious non-Decorative usefulness of this item is in somewhat short supply.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
It's possible that it may be of use/interest to troops deploying out of underwater vehicles. Granted that their part in proceedings may well be relatively minor though...
'Sealion' score? 2 out of 7.

Total: 6 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Interrogator’s Ally

Aura faint divination/evocation; CL 7th
Slot none; Price 15,392 gp; Weight 1 lb.

Description
The thick blade of this +1 ominous silversheen dagger resembles something more like a cleaver. The immaculate blade is attached to its blood-stained, oaken handle by a corroding brass rivet. When wielded against a helpless or pinned opponent, its enhancement bonus is +4 better than normal for the purposes of the ominous special ability.

In addition, once per day, the wielder of the Interrogator’s Ally can use the spell discern lies on a helpless or pinned opponent by touching the blade to their throat (DC 17 Will negates). This effect lasts as long as the wielder keeps the blade pressed to the opponent’s throat. The effect ends immediately if the blade is removed or the subject escapes. If the subject lies while under the effects of the spell, the blade appears to tarnish.

Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, discern lies, doom; Cost 8072 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
This item seems reasonably decorative, yes. A higher quality metal being used for the blade (rather than what is presumably 'just' silversheened steel) would have been nicer, but some effort has been made to present a reasonably decorative item.
Decorative score? 4 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Since succubi obviously have certain natural advantages already at their disposal when it comes to 'interrogation', this item is considerably less useful around a succubus' home when it comes to any non-decorative purpose.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
Well most interrogations of prisoners are going to take place either well before or in the wake of any Operation Sealion, and the one use per day limit on the special ability makes it in any case of rather limited value for impromptu 'in the field' questioning of any enemies captured during actual operations. That's not to say thought that there probably wouldn't be some of these issued, if they were available.
'Sealion' score? 1 out of 7.

Total: 6 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Fist of Havoc

Aura strong evocation; CL 12th
Slot none; Price 75,840 gp; Weight 15 lbs.

Description
The fist shaped head of this +2 adamantine earthbreaker glows a faint orange and gives off sparks when struck against objects, sounding a deep boom with each blow. The fist of havoc can score critical hits on objects when attempting to sunder or damage them with a critical of 19-20/x3. The critical for sundering cannot be modified by any abilities or feats, such as Improved Critical or the keen weapon ability.

When used successfully against a structure, such as a door or wall, the earthbreaker strikes with such force that a large area around the glowing fist visibly cracks and buckles in. This causes the attack to be an automatic critical threat on the object. Destroyed doors turn to splinters with the door frame severely bent out and ruined. Destroyed walls, floors, and ceilings are opened up with a hole ten feet in diameter centered on the attack. Ceilings and floors that collapse rain rubble onto any creatures below, causing 3d6 points of damage. A successful DC 18 Reflex save halves the damage.

Once per day as a swift action after an object is destroyed, the earthbreaker can cause the object to explode in a deadly spray of jagged wood and hot iron. All creatures within twenty feet of the object, excluding the earthbreaker’s wielder, take damage equal to 1d6 plus the hardness of the destroyed object, and must make a DC 18 Fortitude save. If they fail the save they are shaken for 1d4 rounds.

Construction
Requirements Craft Arms and Armor, break, shatter, sundering shards ; Cost 37,920 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
The item is an unwieldy hammer. Some vague effort has been made to make it decorative, by casting the business-end in the shape of a 'fist', but that is detracted from by the fact that the weapon glows a gaudy shade of orange.
Decorative score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Apparently the item possesses the capability to transmogrify any object into a mixture of 'wood and hot iron', irrespective of what the material was beforehand, but only once a day and only whilst destroying said object. This seems hardly useful around the home. Neither do the generally destructive powers it exhibits when used 'on' buildings.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
'Operation Sealion' is a majestic vista of desperate naval battles, and dogged aerial combats. In neither circumstance is a 'wrecking hammer' likely to prove useful. And once (and only *if*) proceedings arrive on a beach, there's the small matter of a beach to cross before any structures come in range for potential wrecking.
I suspect that the item is likely to have no practical impact during any 'Operation Sealion', although the leader of the Nasties might like the look of it sufficiently to make the hugely impractical mistake of equipping a few of his soldiers with these.
'Sealion' score? 1 out of 7.

Total: 2 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Ice Fang

Aura Moderate Evocation; CL 9th
Slot none; Price 45,510 gp; Weight 2 lbs.
Description
This +2 frost short sword has a blade made of sparkling blue ice. Anyone wielding an ice fang is protected from cold weather as if they were affected by endure elements. As a swift action the wielder may cause the blade to either grow to the size of a longsword or melt away to the size of a dagger. The blade may also be returned to a short sword as a swift action or will automatically return to its original size if left unattended for more than 1 round. An ice fang always functions exactly like a dagger, short sword or longsword depending on the current size of its blade.

Once per day, on a critical hit, the wielder may choose to have the blade of an ice fang shatter and send razor sharp shards of ice flying in a 15 foot cone, which must include the target of the original attack. Roll the damage for the critical hit normally and apply to the original target. All other creatures in the cone take cold and piercing damage equal to the amount of the critical hit. A reflex save DC 16 reduces the damage by half. After using this ability the wielder must spend a swift action to reform the blade of the ice fang, at any size, before it can be used to attack.
Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, endure elements, ice storm, shrink item; Cost 22,910 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
'Sparkling blue ice' qualifies as mildly decorative.
Decorative score? 2 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
It doesn't. Well not except for possibly the event of a younger person present employing one to make rather crude jokes during conversation at a dinner party, once an evening gets to that stage and a hostess is busy making mental notes who not to invite back for the next couple of decades if said female handles intoxication like this - but that's sufficiently embarrassing that I'm categorising it as a 'non-Obvious' use.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
Well it's a sword, which isn't much use during naval battles or aerial combats of a 'Sealion' variety, and to be frank, if the fighting gets to the beaches, the soldiers fighting in the imaginary world of an 'Operation Sealion' probably already have much more effective options open for hand-to-hand combat or near-area 'blasts' shooting out from their person.
'Sealion' score? 1 out of 7.

Total: 3 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Earthcracker

Aura moderate transmutation; CL 11th
Slot none; Price 20,340 gp; Weight 14 lbs.
Description
Molded and crafted from raw iron ore, this +1 thundering earthbreaker bears the coolness of loose soil while grasped.

Three times per day as a standard action, the wielder may slam earthcracker at the ground of an adjacent square, causing earth and stone to rise and fall from a violent wave that travels in a 30-foot line from the impact square. All of the affected squares become natural difficult terrain. The wielder may make a free trip attempt at a single creature within the affected squares and cannot be tripped back if the attempt fails. If the trip roll is a natural 20, the creature is also subjected to the thundering effect from earthcracker as the ground below it explodes in a cacophonous explosion that showers the area with earthen debris.

Construction
Requirements Craft Magical Arms and Armor, blindness/deafness, move earth; Cost 10,340 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
It's a big unwieldy hammer, and since the person presenting the item seems to be too embarrassed to call out anything as special about what it actually looks like, I'm going to go with 'no'.
Decorative score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
It's a big unwieldly hammer which causes small localised 'earthquakes', so no.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
None. 'Operation Sealion' involves naval battles, aerial combats, and long, very slow, advances across beaches (if things get that far) none of which (at least in my opinion) are likely to see much 'earth and stone' for this item to 'work with'. And to be frank, I don't think it looks flashy enough that the leader of the Nasties would equip his troops with it, nor has the versatility of use that the leaders of the tea-drinkers might require before distributing any to their troops. (And in which latter case what are they going to use it for anyway? To demolish their own defensive bunkers?)
'Sealion' score? 0 out of 7.

Total: 0 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Magrim’s Mountain Crusher

Aura Moderate Evocation; CL 6th
Slot none; Price 22,140 gp; Weight 28 lbs.

Description
The head of this earth breaker is decorated with images of mountains, and boulders which glow with a strange green light, and seem to crack apart whenever the hammer is swung. It weighs twice as much as a normal earth breaker, and for good reason. As a standard action, up to three times per day, the wielder of this +2 earth breaker may smash the hammer’s head on the ground causing the earth beneath her to buck wildly. The wielder may either make a trip combat maneuver against all creatures in a 20-foot radius, adding the hammer’s enhancement bonus to each roll, or cause the entire area to break apart and count as difficult terrain. The wielder must be standing on or under the ground, or on a stone surface no further above ground than 10 feet to use the hammer’s ability.

Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Greater Thunderstomp Cost 11,070 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
Well, some artistry seems to have been put into the decoration of the 'business end' of this oversized hammer, although it's not specified exactly what material said 'business end' is fashioned from.
Decorative score? 3 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
It's a large unwieldy hammer which causes localised 'miniature earthquakes', so no. Its sole useful purpose around a home is as a decorative item on a wall or sideboard.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
Not much. Except as a big, unwieldy, hammer, it seems to me to depend on having 'solid ground' underfoot for its function, which is going to be in short supply in naval battles, aerial combats, or in advances across beaches - and if used on the Nasties side, this item is unlikely in my opinion to see them get far enough ashore that they might get some use out of it on/in bunkers. Oh, I dare say that the leader of the Nasties would love to see some of these distributed amongst his troops in the rather over-optimistic hope that they did have some positive effect - it has 'impractical wonder weapon' written all over it, as far as the world of an 'Operaton Sealion' is concerned - but it would be unlikely to actually achieve any net gain for the Nasties.
'Sealion' score? 0 out of 7.

Total: 3 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Venom’s Kiss

Aura faint necromancy; CL 7th
Slot none; Price 24,710 gp; Weight 2 lbs.

Description
When held up to the light, this +1 short sword glistens like amber. Once per day as a standard action, the wielder may run the sword’s edge along a poison victim’s skin, drawing blood and inflicting 1 point of damage. The sword extracts poison from the subject and absorbs it, granting the benefits of the neutralize poison spell.

If the wielder uses this effect against a poisonous creature as part of a successful attack, in addition to suffering standard weapon damage, the target must make a DC 16 Fortitude save or lose the ability to inflict poison with one of its natural attacks until the end of its next turn.

Once Venom’s Kiss has absorbed poison, it exudes that same toxin along its blade. The next successful attack with the sword delivers the poison’s effects against the target, accompanied by a serpentine hiss.

Alternatively, the sword wielder may run the blade’s poisoned edge along his skin, drawing blood and inflicting 1 point of damage. Doing so grants him immunity to that toxin for the next 24 hours. During this time, the wielder’s eyes turn a deep yellow color.

The poison on the blade dissipates with the first successful use, or after 24 hours, whichever occurs first.
Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, neutralize poison, poison; Cost 12,510 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
Very little visual description is given of the item other than that 'it glistens like amber' - and that itself is highly situation-dependent in that it only does so when 'held up' in 'light'. At other times it's apparently just a regular magical short sword. Thus this item doesn't rate as very decorative.
Decorative score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Succubi. Are. Immune. To. Poison.
Therefore the question becomes one of whether this item would be a cost-effective 'emergency treatment' to be kept around the home for use on somehow poisoned domestic staff? And to be frank the answer to that is no.
(Any other uses the item might have, in the capacity of an applicator of poison, are either so corner-case or outright disreputable as to be easily disregarded as 'non-obvious'.)
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
'Poison' really isn't a thing on the battlefield of 'Sealion', except maybe in some corner-cases involving deployment of gas-clouds on beaches; and to be frank anyone running into one of those, unprepared, may well be better off dead, anyway. Still, conceivably *if* (and that's a pretty big *if*, as it assumes that the Nasties were *really* organised, and had somehow overcome the fact that the clever tea-drinkers were double-crossing them with their own spy network) the Nasties got wind of exactly *which* poisons might be deployed on any beaches, they might distribute a number of these swords, to 'immunize' key personnel in advance.
'Sealion' score? 1 out of 7.

Total: 3 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Tunnel Fighter's Ring

Aura strong conjuration;CL 12th
Slot ring; Price 70,000 gp; Weight —

Description
This ring is crafted of two intertwining gold strands, forming a pattern so intricate that it is difficult to discern either strand’s path. By means of twining an extradimensional space and normal space, this ring allows the wearer to maneuver easily in otherwise tight quarters.

At will, the wearer can occupy the same square as another allied creature, with no penalty to either. Any attack on either creature in that square affects both creatures, and is resolved individually. These creatures do not cover or conceal one another. Only one Tunnel Fighter’s Ring wearer may occupy a square at a time, additional wearers are unable to enter the square.

The wearer also gains a +10 circumstance bonus to acrobatics checks made to avoid attacks of opportunity when moving through an opponent's square or threatened area.

A Dimensional Anchor spell cast on the wearer negates the benefits of the ring for the duration of the spell.

Construction
Requirements Forge Ring, Plane Shift; Cost 35,000 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
Well it's gold and it's intricately patterned, so let's consider that moderately decorative.
Decorative score? 3 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
None that it's polite to post in this environment.
(And not, let me absolutely clarify, that I'd personally use one that way myself, but I know certain succubi to whom personal dignity is less of a concern who almost certainly would.)
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 5 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
On the epic sweeping grandeur of the stage that sees an 'Operation Sealion' taking place, fighting in quarters as close as this ring is apparently designed to see use in is highly unlikely to occur, as the Nasties will be pulled up well-short of any bunker-clearing operations. If this had been about the hypothetical purely imaginary operation going the other way, 'Operation Overlord', it might be expected to see more use, but as it is, it would be unlikely to have much impact.
'Sealion' score? 1 out of 7.

Total: 9 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Rod of the Iron Rose

Aura Strong transmutation; CL 13th
Slot None; Price 50,000 gp; Weight 10 lbs.

Description
This black rod is capped by an iron rose. It acts as a +1 fey bane cold iron light mace and grants a +2 insight bonus to perception checks against fey creatures. Its other powers are as follows:

• Iron Gardens: As a standard action, the wielder can cause iron objects to grow plantlike protrusions: branches, leaves, spikes, and flowers. Thorns and spikes created this way deal 1d4 points of damage when touched. Objects cannot be rendered nonfunctional with this power, nor can their size or general shape be changed. The changes last 24 hours.
  
• Transmute Plants to Iron: Once per day as a full round action, the wielder can permanently turn all living plants within a 40 ft radius to iron. The transmuted plants are subject to rust, perforation, and other natural phenomena that would affect iron. Iron created by this ability is not suitable for use in the creation of other objects and cannot be sold. The effect can be reversed by transmute metal to wood. Plant creatures must make a DC 20 Fortitude or turn into mindless, inert iron statues.
  
• Iron Entanglement: Once per day as a standard action, the wielder can cause iron objects to entangle creatures in a 40 ft radius, similar to the entangle spell. Creatures that fail a DC 15 Reflex save are entangled; success means they can move as normal, but must make another save at the end of the wielder’s turn. Creatures that enter the area must save or become entangled. The effect lasts for 1 minute.

Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Craft Rod; wall of iron, transmute metal to wood, entangle; Cost 25,000 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
With regard to this question, I feel it useful to clarify that I am addressing the matter of what the item itself looks like, and this looks like a rather nondescript rod, albeit one with a metal flower stuck on one end. Therefore, in this section, it gets a low mark.
Decorative score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Moving beyond the issue of what appeal, if any, the item itself has to the eye, it seems to me that it might have considerable use for decorating a domicile for, say, a party. Only for some very specific social events, of course, and to be frank I'd give this item a higher mark if it were indicated that the item had the power to 'reverse' its own plant transmutation effect, which would greatly facilitate 'clearing up' after any party where this item had been used to help decorate.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 4 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
The tea-drinkers could find all sorts of uses for several of these rods, I suspect, if any 'Sealion' actually made it as far as a beach phase.
'Sealion' score? 4 out of 7.

Total: 9 out of 21.

Footnote:
I feel it necessary to add one further comment on this item: The notion that '...Iron created by this ability... cannot be sold...', if I might paraphrase, is frankly ridiculous. Such products might be of little actual 'scrap metal value' to any buyer, due to the magic employed to achieve their state, but the fact that something is of less value to a buyer than the buyer actually perceives has never been a bar to silver-tongued traders (some of whom are of sufficiently low character that they may honestly be described as 'con-artists') from shifting merchandise. And an enterprising florist might use this item to give a degree of 'permanence' to some of their works - which might then be perfectly honestly sold on the basis of artistic value.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

The Hero’s Breath

Aura faint evocation; CL 3rd
Slot shield; Price 11,970 gp; Weight 15 lbs.

Description
This +1 heavy steel shield is adorned with a humanoid face that appears to be shouting a battle cry. When a command word is spoken, the shield’s mouth breathes inward with tremendous force, instantly absorbing an area of air or vapor in a 20-foot radius. This act removes inhaled poisons and the effects of vapor-based spells such as fog cloud, stinking cloud, and acid fog. It does not, however, absorb liquids or solids. Air elementals, individuals transformed by a gaseous form spell, and other gaseous creatures with a movement rate can resist this pull and are not affected.

Once inhaled, the vapor is stored in an extradimensional space until released. When the command word is spoken again, the mouth opens and projects the stored vapor toward any target point with 60 feet. If normal air is stored in the shield, this projection duplicates the effects of a gust of wind spell. Otherwise, the effect of the absorbed vapor is released with the target point serving as the effect’s point of origin. The full effect of the stored poison or spell is duplicated in full for one round, after which the vapors dissipate.

The shield can only hold one vapor type at a time and must expel its contents before absorbing anything else.

Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, gust of wind; Cost 6,070 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
It's a steel shield, so not very decorative in and of itself, although it has possibilities as a wall decoration. The face improves its decorative utility slightly, although without details (such as whether said face is embossed, for example) I consider it unreasonable to raise the score for decorative value much on account of that embellishment. And of course the decorative value is hampered further on account of the face being humanoid - there are times where 'subtle' is not effective, and in this case something much more obviously 'monstrous' (a dragon, for example) or fanciful (a stylised 'wind' blowing) would make it considerably more attractive a feature.
Decorative score? 2 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
None that don't require convoluted exercise of the imagination - which to be frank I'd prefer to reserve for other things right now.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
Ah. Now this item gets truly interesting if any 'Sealion' gets to a beach phase of proceedings, since at that point one or both sides might be very interested in the use of gases (poisonous or otherwise) or the containment thereof. This item could see quite a bit of use during any beach-fighting.
'Sealion' score? 4 out of 7.

Total: 6 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Fellbough Hookhammer

Aura faint transmutation; CL 5th
Slot none; Price 16,620 gp; Weight 3 lbs.
Description
The first of these small-sized +1/+1 gnome hooked hammers was crafted after a lightning storm felled a monumental ash tree, its scorched haft a reminder that even the tallest can be made low. Whenever the wielder makes a trip attempt with the fellbough hookhammer, treat the wielder’s size bonus to CMB as if she were one size larger. A creature tripped by the fellbough hookhammer cannot make attacks of opportunity as long as it remains prone.
Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, enlarge person, litany of sloth; Cost 8,310 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
Since minimum information is presented on what run-of-the-mill versions of this item look like, the only assessment that it's possible to make regarding the decorative potential of this item is that it's small (thus convenient for filling some otherwise quite 'awkward' spaces) and a vaguely interesting or 'different' shape.
Decorative score? 2 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
No. Not unless one's domicile happens to be, for example, at the bottom of a mine-shaft, in which case it might be useful for making living quarter expansions; but in the vast majority of residences, any non-decorative opportunities for use of this item about the home are - let's face it - going to be non-existent.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
Well none. Not unless it's assumed that the presence of such an item indicates the existence in said imaginary world of a hithertofore undiscovered race of gnomes - but that seems highly improbable.
'Sealion' score? 0 out of 7.

Total: 2 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Harlequin’s Hurlbat

Aura Moderate Illusion and Transmutation; CL 7th
Slot None; Price 45,000; Weight 2 lb.

Description
A well balanced steel hurlbat bound in colorful ribbons that catch the eye, it creates a distinctive whistle as it spins through the air.

This +1 returning hurlbat feels most at home in the hands of a performer. The wielder can attempt a DC 15 Perform (juggle) check as a standard action and can maintain it as a move action on subsequent rounds. Activation conjures three +1 hurlbats each with a range of 30 feet and affects the wielder with a mirror image spell creating 1d4+2 illusory doubles.

The wielder can throw a conjured hurlbat as a standard action. A struck opponent takes damage normally and must make a DC 15 Will Save or be dazed for one round as the bright ribbons disorientate them. When all three conjured hurlbats are thrown or the performance ends the mirror image doubles and conjured hurlbats disappear.

This effect may be activated 3 times per day.

A bard wielding this weapon gains the martial weapon proficiency: hurlbat; and increases the save DC for any bardic performance using this weapon by +2.

Construction Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, abundant ammunition, daze, mirror image, telekinesis; Cost 22,500 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
It's a lump of steel. The person presenting the item seems more interested in describing how it can be used to attempt to crudely brutalize targets with, rather than indicating it to be in anyway attractive to look at. The best which might be said about it is that there is a vague mention of 'colorful ribbons', although the presence of colour in and of itself is no indication of a successful decorative feature. There are, after all, some truly garish colour combinations that certain self-proclaimed 'artists' (whose artistic abilities it would be doing most dretches a disservice to make a comparison to) slap onto pieces of 'work' in the erroneous belief that that will somehow render said works more enticing (whilst instead of course producing a rather nauseating effect).
Anyway, any mark awarded for decorative value of this item must - in the absence of specific data - be kept to a minimum.
Decorative score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Well, some rather gauche dinner parties sometimes feature 'entertainment' where a good deal of ichor, blood, or other fluids normally present within a body are splattered liberally all over the place (including sometimes over guests). 'Entertainers' who self-mutilate themselves attempting to juggle an item such as this would have a certain rather crude appeal at such functions. Such things aren't to my own tastes, however, and I hesitate over giving this item a negative score in this category, in consequence, only because I know Tanar'ri who actually do appreciate 'that sort of thing'.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
Well the tea-drinkers would of course recognise at once how utterly useless the item is in such an operation, and would thus launch a deception operation to convince the leader of the 'Nasties' to commit vast time and resources to the manufacture and outfitting of his troops with these 'wonder-weapons'. By the time that the 'Nasty' leader had finished placing orders and buying up the available ribbon supplies, there'd be a lot less material and money left to go around for useful things like aerial war-machines. Or armoured boats. Or ammunition for 'real' [by the imaginary world's standards] ranged-weapons.
'Sealion' score? 6 out of 7.

Total: 7 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Breach Barrier

Aura faint abjuration; CL 3rd
Slot Shield; Price 2,170 gp; Weight 15 lbs.
Description
This +1 Heavy Steel Shield is often stylized by its dwarven crafters to look like an door or archway. On command once per day, the wielder may press this shield against a portal, securing it as per the effects of the hold portal spell. For the next 1 minute duration, the shield will remain adhered to the portal, after which the shield comes free. Before the end of the duration, the wielder may separate the shield from the portal, automatically ending the effect. Or use 1 move action to remove the shield from their arm, thus leaving the shield attached to the portal for the remainder of the duration.
Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Hold Portal; Cost 1,170 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
It might have some vague decorative value in homes which go for a 'coats of arms on walls' motif in some rooms.
Decorative score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Not really. Even in the event, say, of an unexpected home-invasion by uninvited and unwanted 'guests', the magical effect doesn't last long enough for it to be useful in turning a storeroom into a temporary emergency dungeon facility.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
Well since there aren't a lot of doorways the blocking of which are important in epic-scale naval conflicts or in aerial battles (or on beaches, either, for that matter, unless one considers fortified positions - but most of those latter in an imagined 'Sealion' scenario are likely already fairly heavy-duty anyway) the 'magic power' of the shield isn't going to have much utility. And to be frank not many on the invader side of any such business are going to be enthusiastic about hauling a fifteen pound lump of metal up a beach, on top of all their other gear, after a choppy sea-crossing, whilst being shot-at and bombarded, or not if said lump of metal doesn't have any especial powers focused on specifically deflecting lots and lots of missile weapons and 'explosive surprise' packages.
'Sealion' score? 1 out of 7.

Total: 2 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Spectre Blight

Aura moderate evocation; CL 9th
Slot no; Price 42,512 gp; Weight 4 lbs.
Description
The head of this +2 ghost touch mithral heavy mace sits atop its haft as the flame of a lit torch.

A wielder of this +2 ghost touch heavy mace that possesses the channel energy class ability may channel positive energy into it as a swift action, causing the mace to shine with a soft white light. The mace then does an additional +2d6 damage to undead creatures on all attacks for one round. By spending an additional daily use of channeled energy, on impact a brilliant light radiates from the glowing mace dealing 1d6 points of positive energy damage to all undead in a 30 foot radius. All incorporeal undead in the area become semi-corporeal for 1d4 rounds. While affected, these creatures take damage from magical weapons as if they had the ghost touch ability and non-magical weapons as if they were magical.
Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, searing light, plane shift, channel energy 2d6; Cost 21,512 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
At first glance the description of what the item looks like is a bit contrary and (presumably) intended to confuse. At one moment, the mace is apparently 'mithral'; at another moment it's not. And the head seems to be either carved to resemble flames, made of flames, or some sort of weird, shifting metal globule stuff, constantly mutating like flames (or possibly all three at once).
Obviously the item is actually made out of some sort of constantly-mutating chaos matter. And (generally speaking) chaos matter is highly decorative. Just so long as it doesn't dribble into contact with anything valuable but easily damaged, that is.
Decorative score? 6 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Well, as an impromptu light-source, perhaps, but otherwise no. So not many marks on this section.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
None really, on actual proceedings. It's the sort of thing that might be held aloft at the front of a group of troops at the victory parade afterwards, as part of some kind of regimental regalia.
'Sealion' score? 1 out of 7. (Technically it shouldn't get a mark here, but I feel disposed to be generous on account of the whole made-from-chaos-matter business.)

Total: 8 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Keyhole Stiletto

Aura moderate transmutation; CL 11th
Slot none; Price 23,282 gp; Weight 1 lb.
Description
This +1 adamantine ghost touch dagger is often used as a sort of punch to destroy the working of a lock or other mechanical device (and bestows a +2 to Disable Device checks when used for that purpose), but its true usefulness becomes evident when its wielder is confronted by force magic. The wielder of a keyhole stiletto can ignore armor bonuses granted by a force effect (like mage armor or bracers of armor), and once a day, upon use of its command word, the blade can be used to cut a single small hole in a force effect such as a wall of force or resilient sphere. The hole can be any shape, but the blade cannot cut a line longer than 3 feet.
Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, disintegrate and plane shift; Cost 13,142 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
It's a dagger, and - in the absence of any poetic waxing lyrical on the part of the person presenting this item for our assessment - I'm going to take it as read that it's a dagger that looks pretty uninspiringly unextraordinary.
Decorative score? 1 out of 7. (It wouldn't have got even that if there hadn't been a passing mention of adamantine.)

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Granted, it might be of some use in the capacity of a culinary tool in the kitchen, during the preparation of meals.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 3 out of 7. (Score upgraded by 1 point upon consideration of the toughness of some joints of uncooked meat, plus possible 'deboning' uses.)

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
None noticeable. This item seems likely to be completely irrelevant on the majestic sweeping battlefields - in the sea, and in the air and (if it gets that far) on the land - of the imagined 'Operation Sealion'. Or at least no impact noticeable that cheaper, much more likely available, locally manufactured equipment could have used for any purpose for which this item might be employed.
'Sealion' score? 0 out of 7.

Total: 4 out of 21. (Score formerly '3', but raised due to increase in the non-Decorative Domestic Use score.)

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Hmm. The originator of this thread appears to be a military man, according to his profile at the time of this post. Not exactly a knight in shining armour, but I feel sufficiently inclined at this time to make an allowance for effort in pursuit of a thoroughly worthwhile career and to carry out a quick review of this particular item...

Crook of Unseen Forces

Aura strong evocation and conjuration; CL 12th
Slot none; Price 42,000 gp; Weight 5 lbs.

Description
This iron staff, silvered and inlaid with diamonds, curves at one end like a shepherd’s crook. It functions as a +1/+1 quarterstaff and grants an additional +2 bonus on drag and reposition combat maneuvers. However, its true power is to summon and command invisible forces, allowing the use of the following spells:

unseen servant (1 charge)
spiritual weapon (1 charge)
spiritual ally (2 charges)
summon monster VI (3 charges, invisible stalker only)

The spiritual weapon or weapon wielded by a spiritual ally takes the shape of the crook of unseen forces itself and gains the crook's enhancement bonus to attack and damage. Moreover, any spiritual weapon or spiritual ally created by the crook is invisible as if by greater invisibility, gaining the usual benefits when attacking creatures unable to see it. The invisible stalker summoned by the crook is an unliving construct rather than a true outsider.

In addition, by spending 1 charge as a standard action, the crook’s wielder can create an invisible force in a 30 foot line. The wielder can make a drag, reposition, or trip combat maneuver against any one creature in this line. Each additional creature affected costs 1 additional charge. This special combat maneuver check does not provoke attacks of opportunity and uses the wielder’s caster level plus Wisdom modifier in place of his Combat Maneuver Bonus. The wielder can choose to use the staff’s caster level instead of his own.

Construction
Requirements Craft Staff, Craft Magic Arms and Armor, greater invisibility, spiritual ally, spiritual weapon, summon monster VI, telekinesis, unseen servant; Cost 21,000 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
Diamonds are apparently a girl's 'best friend'. Now, I may well be somewhat more advanced in sophistication, wisdom, and much general experience than the delightfully naive couple-of-decades old slips of females of the prime material plane, but that's not to say that I can't appreciate something tastefully sparkly and expensive.
It's a pity though that the metalwork's iron (however silvered), and not mithral.
Decorative score? 5 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
The unseen servant effect has some minor functionality, but to be frank in a lot of cases it's actually preferable to have a semi-competent minion or retainer around to carry out housework and to do domestic chores which aren't important enough to merit one's personal attention - rather than to use magical gadgets. Minions and retainers are of course able to appropriately bask in the splendour of one's presence (when required to do so), whereas mindless spells generally make for unappreciative audiences. And regrettably the other functions of the item appear to be brawling-related - which aren't exactly commonly useful things to have available around the home, or not if one is an even remotely competent hostess.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
To be honest, not much unless any action gets to the landing beaches, and by that point it's most likely a case of mopping-up operations; in any case this being a 'staff' style item, with a strictly limited number of 'charges', one's not likely to last very long in terms of significant impact on a landing beach. Even assigning one such staff, per band of warriors, isn't likely to be that useful. (And with the whole encrusted-with-precious-stones thing, quartermasters would have tremendous difficulty keeping track of stocks of these, I strongly suspect; even 'familiarization' exercises with the equipment would be in some danger of seeing inventory go missing...)
'Sealion' score? 2 out of 7.

Total: 8 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

And, since my scribe made the mistake of commenting on this item, you may as well have one of my reviews, too...

Harvestweal

Aura moderate transmutation; CL 10th
Slot none; Price 36,630 gp; Weight 2 lbs.
Description
This +1 keen sickle’s blade is always clean to the point of gleaming: no soil, blood, or other material ever stains it. The shining blade bypasses the hardness of any wood or vegetable matter, even that which is alchemically treated, a special material, or magical in nature. The wielder can use harvestweal as a standard action to automatically break free from the entangled condition, provided the condition is caused by plants, such as via the entangle spell or an assassin vine’s entangle special attack. If the effect causing the entanglement covers an area, this action does not dismiss the effect, but the wielder cannot be re-entangled unless she enters another square covered by the entangling effect. If the wielder is not entangled herself, she may free an adjacent, entangled ally under the same conditions.
While the wielder stands in a garden, barn, pasture, or farm fields, harvestweal cannot be sundered, nor can the wielder be disarmed of it.
Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, diminish plants, keen edge, creator must have at least 1 rank in Knowledge (nature) or Profession (farmer); Cost 18,315 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
There is very little in the description beyond the mention of a 'gleaming blade' to give indication of anything particularly decorative about this item.
Decorative score? 1 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
The obvious use for this item around a home is for garden maintenance - especially with regard to use on properties where some of the vegetation has issues with 'being pruned'. Not that it necessarily improves the survival chances of individual temporary garden-maintenance staff (long-term staff are always best kept well away from such tasks) - it just means that with a bit of luck, one will go through a reduced number in the annual cutting-back-the-assassin-vines exercise.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 3 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
None whatsoever. Vegetation isn't really an issue to contested naval operations or subsequent amphibious landings. Well, not unless one is in waters choked with seaweed, but that's hardly the case in this hypothetical situation.
(I will not comment, beyond to note that it would have likely depended on the leader of the Nasties' sanity at that moment, on whether such items (if available at that time) would have seen issue to Nasty troops for use in the earlier 'Sickle-Cut' operation.)
'Sealion' score? 0 out of 7.

Total: 4 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Fate-binder

Aura moderate divination and transmutation; CL 10th
Slot none; Price 27,001 gp; Weight 1 lb.
Description
This slender +1 mithral returning javelin has Sylvan script etched upon its surface and its haft ends in an eye-shaped loop. A short length of gold thread hangs coiled from the loop with one end fading out of existence.

Three times per day, the fate-binder can be used to momentarily bind together the fates of those it pierces. As it is thrown, the javelin becomes ethereal and draws an intangible, golden thread out of thin air. The wielder makes a single ranged touch attack and compares the result against every creature in a 30-foot line. The magical thread links together creatures hit with the attack until the end of the wielder’s next turn, after which the thread vanishes. This attack leaves the creatures otherwise unharmed. When two or more of the linked creatures are subjected to a spell or effect that involves a saving throw—these creatures must use the lowest die result among them for that saving throw before adding modifiers. The fate-binder retakes its physical form when it returns to its wielder.
Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, augury, telekinesis; Cost 14,001 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
Well, it's mithral with gold thread, so it should look reasonably presentable on display anywhere.
Decorative score? 3 out of 7. (Would be 4, but 'sylvan' simply isn't an 'in' thing, this season.)

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
No. This item has absolutely no obvious non-decorative use around the home. Its sole obvious purpose is to sit there in glass-fronted cabinet or on a display bracket on the wall, to serve as a curio or talking point for polite casual conversation.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
Well it might be useful, if the fighting ever arrived on any beaches, but with the enormous naval and aerial battles to be got through first (which this item just isn't likely to have the range of effect to play much part in), the chances of any beach action taking place which might see it deployed are minimal.
'Sealion' score? 1 out of 7. (Just in case.)

Total: 4 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Was *this post* really a good idea? Oh well, too late for you now. Speak of the Very Advanced succubus and she might appear...

Hide of the Vibrant Frog

Aura moderate necromancy and transmutation; CL 7th
Slot armor; Price 18,000 gp; Weight 25 lbs.

Description
Cut from the colorful flesh of an enormous frog, this +1 hide armor squishes thickly and tightly around the body as it is donned. Light sheens brightly off the slippery skin, revealing vivid patterns in almost any imaginable hue.

A virulent toxin oozes from the surface of the hide. Any creature that touches the wearer must succeed at a DC 16 Fortitude save or take 1d3 Wisdom damage every round for 4 rounds. A poisoned creature may attempt the save again at the beginning of each of its turns, and is cured after one successful save. Unarmed strikes and natural weapon attacks made by or against the wearer count as touching if they connect. The wearer is immune to his own armor’s poison, and may suppress or enable this ability as a standard action.

The wearer also grows a frog-like tongue which he may lash at nearby targets up to 5 times per day. The tongue acts as a whip, except that it is a natural weapon with which the wearer is proficient. The tongue’s reach equals the normal reach of the wearer times three. On a hit, the attack deals no damage, but grabs the target. The wearer does not gain the grappled condition, and he may make a free combat maneuver check to pull the target adjacent to him if it is a creature his size or smaller. While his tongue is grappling a target, the wearer cannot speak or cast spells with verbal components. The tongue recedes back into the wearer’s mouth if the attack misses or if the grapple ends.

Construction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, beast shape II, poison; Cost 9,000 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
It's armour made from frogskin. A gleaming suit of full plate armour (preferably as worn by a 'knight in shining armour' paladin) is decorative (and of course highly functional). This... this is just tawdry. Depending on current trends it might be considered to be 'fashionable', but decorative it is almost certainly not.
Decorative score? 0 out of 7.

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Yes: playing mind-games with hezrous. (Especially useful, when strapped onto a retainer, for dealing with the ones who are door-to-door salesdemons.)
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 4 out of 7.

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
Well, flippant remarks about 'Nasty' 'frogmen' aside, not very much. If the item was actually indicated to bestow some sort of 'amphibious' capability, it might be another matter altogether, but it doesn't, so that's that.
'Sealion' score? 1 out of 7. (Purely on the basis that it permits the passing of that 'frogmen' bon mot.)

Total: 5 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Soulshifter Staff

Aura strong necromancy; CL 13th
Slot none; Price 90,000 gp; Weight 5 lbs.
Description
This smooth, unadorned staff is carved of pristine ivory on one end and dark onyx on the other. It allows the use of the following spells:

• Vampiric touch (1 charge)
  
• Breath of life (2 charges)
  
• Slay living (2 charges)

Additionally, this staff’s power can be used to control the flow of life energy beyond the normal limits of the spells listed above. When using the soulshifter staff to cast vampiric touch, the wielder may spend 1 additional charge to divide the temporary hit points evenly among any number of allies within 30 feet. Whenever the wielder kills a creature with slay living, he may spend an immediate action to cast breath of life, targeting any creature within 30 feet. Conversely, if the wielder successfully revives a slain creature via breath of life, he may spend an immediate action to cast slay living against any target within 30 feet, using a ranged touch attack instead of a melee touch attack. Spells cast as immediate actions in this way consume 1 more charge than normal.

Construction
Requirements Craft Staff, Quicken Spell, breath of life, slay living, vampiric touch; Cost 45,000 gp

Disclaimer:

Is the Item Decorative?
This is of course a very important question. Ivory is good, but 'unadorned' is generally very bad (and that's 'bad' in a fashion, or rather lack-thereof, which is by no means complimentary). And then there's the whole going-for-contrast with onyx thing which is *so* very-last-decade at present. I'm afraid that grotesque carvings of pixies - and various shades of green - are the current 'in' thing for necromancy items. All of which sums up to the fact that I'm going to have to mark this item very low in this category.
Decorative score? 1 out of 7. (You might have scored 2 if you'd specified what type of ivory was used and it was a variety either currently highly fashionable or simply eternally classy.)

Does the Item have Any Obvious non-Decorative Use Around the Home?
Not around any of my homes. I don't hold *those* sort of parties.
non-Decorative Domestic Use score? 0 out of 7. (And a more insecure judge than myself would have deducted at least one mark for the presumed insult regarding social habits in one of one's own properties.)

Does the Item seem Likely to be Helpful in the Fantasy Setting of an Imaginary World where 'Operation Sealion' is taking Place?
So the (for simplicity's sake) Nasties are lining up with all their little boats to launch an invasion-attempt across a strait upon a nation of perfectly (socially) harmless tea-drinkers. And then there's this item.
So what impact is this item likely to have on proceedings?
Not much, really. We're talking huge armies, and massive fleet actions. Possibly even mighty battles in the air occurring at unimaginable speeds. This item isn't likely to be very helpful to anyone, in this context, except maybe to the mustachio'ed leader of the Nasties, as he rants and beats his subordinates mercilessly for failing to make any progress. Actually, on that count...
'Sealion' score? 6 out of 7. (I probably should have only given it five, as it's not really a genuinely pivotal item, but I was feeling generous.)

Total: 7 out of 21.

Further Disclaimer:
Sighting of a post by 'Ask A RPGSupersuccubus' is by no means a guarantee that any further posts will be forthcoming anywhere, in this contest. Voters should obviously vote for whomever (if anyone) they feel like voting for.

Wandering Judge (Ranger)

The wild lands of the River Kingdoms know no common law, only the Six River Freedoms.
Wandering judges are rangers that police the far stretching countryside of the various River Kingdoms. The six freedoms guide and ultimately empower their judgments and pursuits. Wandering judges track down thieves and slay slavers as they travel from one kingdom to another. Wandering judges uphold the law of the land or choose to travel further if that law does not agree with them. Their word is their bond and they are not afraid to speak their minds.

A few wandering judges serve in the Black Eagles of Lambreth, some are knights of Touvette and others protect fledgling Liberthane...

Disclaimer:

Would you want this person sitting next to you as a guest at a formal evening dress dinner party?
Umm, speaking as a succubus, that depends on what their stance on law actually is. If they're an up-tight 'I will enforce the law to the strict letter' type of person, then the evening is unlikely to end happily for at least one party involved. If they're more of a 'the law just happens to be a convenient justification for me to do approximately what I want' type of person, then they're likely to be more interesting and tolerable a dinner-party companion.

How effective a flower-picker does this person seem likely to be?
Quite effective - and what's more they're likely operating on a daily basis in an environment where flowers are (relatively) abundant.

Could you hire one person like this to do a better job than one other trained mercenary and/or to do the jobs of two (or more) other trained mercenaries?
On the basis of what's said here, I'm inclined to suspect not. Then again, I do happen to be an Abyssal lady (with connections) and it's conceivable that others lacking the fortune to be quite so well placed might find a 'wandering judge' handy for getting rid of annoying humans.

Other comments?
I'm slightly surprised that persons described as 'going after thieves and slavers', once one goes examining the nitty gritty of their operations as described here, don't apparently go specifically after thieves and slavers at all - but just happen to be geared up to be potentially prejudiced against humans generally. Whilst, as a succubus, I can certainly empathise with having some days where one wants to kill absolutely any human (absent 'protected' trades such as decent hairdressers, shoemakers, dressmakers and attractive paladins) there are certainly plenty of slavers of dwarven, elven, halfling, orc, and other non-human races around in need of a thorough killing (after taking any steps necessary to make sure that their souls aren't going to feed the armies of Hell, of course).
I'm a bit ambivalent about 'wandering judges' on the basis of what's presented here, and as a succubus, I'd go for giving them three out of five when it comes to rating desirability.

Further Disclaimer:
Ask A RPGSupersuccubus would like to clarify that mortal voters should probably rely on more than just her own (impeccable) assessments in making up their minds on how to vote. Whilst ‘A RPGSupersuccubus made me vote for it’ is flattering to said (very advanced) succubus, it’s a bit of a wriggle-out from free-will. Thank You.

Note: Oh, yes, and read the disclaimers if you didn’t already do so.

Further Note: Reviews this year are being very tightly rationed due to shortage of scribe time. Blatant favouritism (or whatever the reverse is) will thus be shown in selecting submissions for review.

...review of Verdant Crown of Oak and Iron...

Oi! That should have been one of my reviews.

Sash of the Salty Seas

Aura faint transmutation; CL 5th
Slot belt; Price 12,300 gp; Weight 1 lb.
Description
This stiff, sea green, silk sash is covered with interlocking circles of salt. The sash grants the wearer a +3 competence bonus on Swim checks.

Three times per day the wearer of the sash can remove the salt from 1 gallon of sea water, this turns the water fresh and creates a tiny mound of salt.

Two times per day, as a standard action, the wearer of the sash can soak one target within 100 feet with sea water. The water quickly evaporates and coats the target in a thick layer of salt. The target gains the grappled condition and must defeat the salty coating’s CMD of 20 to break free.

Once per day, as a full-round action, the wearer of the sash can transform the sea’s surface to a thick, salty crust. You can walk, but not run or charge while on the crust. Up to 25 squares can be created in this fashion. Each 10 ft. square must be connected to another. Each square has hardness 1 and 30 hp. Unconnected squares sink to the bottom of the sea. This effect lasts for 1 hour.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, create water, hold person, water walk; Cost 6,150 gp

Disclaimer: This post constitutes the viewpoint of a CE inclined succubus, and thus should be treated With All Due Seriousness. Great attention has been paid to the concepts Balance, Fairness, and Logic, or at least the Abyssal versions of these concepts (which is what matters, after all – who really gives a damn about the mortal versions)?

Is the item pretty?
Ordinarily, the fact that this is an item of patterned green silk, would make it quite pretty. However, the infernal origins of its creator render it almost certainly hideously ugly.

Does this item break easily if thrown at an annoying minion?
Unfortunately, throwing it at a minion would involve handling it in the first place. And it's not necessarily the sort of thing that one would want even a charmed escort to handle, except with a flaming sword. Urgh.

Would this item make a suitably embarrassing ‘gift’ if given away to a [female] paladin of Iomedae?
She'd probably love it. 'Walking on water' (with the aid of an item invented in the hells, no less) is the sort of thing to show off that she'd positively adore doing. So it would probably fail in embarrassing her (except possibly in encouraging her to make a slightly unpaladinly 'show' of herself).

Other Comments?
No range is indicated on where a pile of salt created from sea water can be created. Presumably (being a baatezu item) said pile can thus be created thrown into the face of someone 666 miles away, causing them to be potentially blinded for several moments.
No size limit is indicated of a target which can be soaked in sea-water and effectively trapped. Being an overpowered baatezu item this no doubt means that something even the size of a Tarrasque (or Asmodeus' ego) can be seriously inconvenienced by this item if 'within range'.
No weight limit is indicated as being supportable by the buoyancy of any squares of salt created on the surface of a sea. Apparently an iron-golem can skip across them with as little problem as a pixie. This is unsurprising in a baatezu crafted item clearly designed to snare souls for Asmodeus. Edit: The 1000 lb mentioned as 'easily supported' (implying loads of considerably more can be held up) in a subsequent post does little to alter my initial impression that this is super-buoyant salt designed to entice folk to worship Asmodeus...
This item might rate five or six out of ten, had it not been crafted in the forges of Hell. As it is, it rates zero, instead.

Note:
See the Disclaimers, if you missed them. They really do mention Quite Important Stuff.

Quicksand Cloak

Aura faint transmutation; CL 5th
Slot shoulders; Price 30,000 gp; Weight 2 lbs.
Description
This long, mottled-brown cloak seems heavy and feels damp to the touch. The exterior of the cloak disguises an extradimensional space filled with water, dirt and debris, resembling natural quicksand. Each time a creature of the wearer’s size (or smaller) attempts to grapple the wearer, it must succeed at a DC 15 Reflex save or be engulfed by quicksand (Core Rulebook, 427). In lieu of the grapple attempt, and every round trapped in the cloak’s extradimensional space, the trapped creature must make a Swim check (DC 15 + 1 for each consecutive failed Swim check) to climb out of the cloak, landing prone in a square adjacent to the wearer. Crawling out of the cloak provokes an attack of opportunity from the wearer. A creature that fails a Swim check by 5 or more submerges and begins to drown.

A quicksand cloak left on the ground with no wearer behaves as a patch of quicksand filling two 5’ squares. Creatures trapped in the cloak can attempt to swim out of it whether the cloak is worn or not. Though the quicksand space may contain debris or decayed bits of drowned victims (without increasing its weight), a quicksand cloak of any size only has enough room to trap one creature at a time. If a creature dies and is not pulled out of the cloak, the body becomes a part of the cloak’s debris and remains until removed.

Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, create water, rope trick, shifting sand; Cost 15,000 gp

Disclaimer: This post constitutes the viewpoint of a CE inclined succubus, and thus should be treated With All Due Seriousness. Great attention has been paid to the concepts Balance, Fairness, and Logic, or at least the Abyssal versions of these concepts (which is what matters, after all – who really gives a damn about the mortal versions)?

Is the item pretty?
Mottled brown isn't generally considered pretty. In a few rather 'strange' societies, perhaps, or maybe once in a few thousand years otherwise (almost anything becomes fashionable if one waits long enough, and mottled brown cloaks aren't anywhere near close to some of the truly bizarre things which occasionally are 'all the rage').

Does this item break easily if thrown at an annoying minion?
No, but it's conceivable if the cloak lands awkwardly, and the minion is, say, a dretch, that one may never see said minion ever again...

Would this item make a suitably embarrassing ‘gift’ if given away to a [female] paladin of Iomedae?
On balance, yes. Especially the social undertones of a gift like this... ('Romantic embraces with you are like cuddling a sucking quicksand bog'.)

Other Comments?
I'm not clear on how exactly the mechanics of this item work. A cloak is usually worn on one's back and speaking as a succubus, if I am going to be - ahem - 'grappling' with anyone, it's likely to be from the front (involving kissing them full on the lips too). Perhaps there's some sort of additional dimension warping effect with this item, so that anyone trying to 'grapple' a wearer automatically ends up behind the wearer, so said grappler is confronted with the bulk of the cloak...
Oh well, a mildly amusing item. Four out of ten.

Note:
See the Disclaimers, if you missed them. They really do mention Quite Important Stuff.

Spectral Lampblack

Aura strong abjuration; CL 13th
Slot none; Price 4500 gp; Weight –
Description
This chalky black pigment provides the user with a variety of benefits against detection. When liberally applied to the skin as a full-round action, the spectral lampblack cuts the user off from the ethereal plane and renders them invisible to ethereal creatures and all forms of magical sensors for 10 minutes. While under the effects of the lampblack, the user does not set off magical effects (such as traps) that are designed to respond to the user's presence unless the activation is tied to a mechanical trigger (which the user may still activate normally). Additionally, the lampblack prevents the user from utilizing extradimensional travel (as dimensional anchor) due to the nature of the barrier between planes that the item creates. Complete immersion in water or other liquid removes the pigment and terminates the benefits of the item prematurely.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, sequester, dimensional anchor; Cost 2250 gp

Disclaimer: This post constitutes the viewpoint of a CE inclined succubus, and thus should be treated With All Due Seriousness. Great attention has been paid to the concepts Balance, Fairness, and Logic, or at least the Abyssal versions of these concepts (which is what matters, after all – who really gives a damn about the mortal versions)?

Is the item pretty?
Hmm. Technically, I suppose it could be considered a form of make-up, albeit one with a rather inconvenient side-effect in leaving a wearer unable to 'go ethereal'.

Does this item break easily if thrown at an annoying minion?
It's powder, so it isn't really 'breakable'. Conceivably in large enough quantities it might constitute some sort of choking hazard though.

Would this item make a suitably embarrassing ‘gift’ if given away to a [female] paladin of Iomedae?
Oh yes, on several levels. Either as make-up (black tends really not to be their 'colour'), or as implication that they sneak around furtively as less-than-honourable warriors...

Other Comments?
Six seconds is really rather a short time to even 'liberally' apply a powder to one's face, neck, hands (unless wearing gloves), ankles, and any other areas of exposed flesh if the item's supposed to provide some sort of literal camouflage. Presumably it's just a 'dab it on your face' substance in order to screen one from the sight of ethereal creatures.
And, a fairly generous five points out of ten for this item. At least someone tried to present a fashion accessory item.

Note:
See the Disclaimers, if you missed them. They really do mention Quite Important Stuff.

Boots, Hell-shod

Aura moderate transmutation; CL 7th
Slot feet; Price 36,000 gp; Weight 4 lbs.

Description
These heavy boots seem to be crafted of exotic leathers that share more in appearance with a fiend’s clawed appendage than conventional footwear. The boots possess a bitter odor of brimstone and sulfur that wafts from their scaled exterior and the faint clomping of hooves rings out when their cold-iron soles strike the ground.

While worn, the boots protect their wearer from effects that wound or deal damage to the feet such as caltrops, spike stones, and similar effects. In addition, the wearer is not hampered when moving through difficult terrain.

The boots retain a strong connection with their fiendish origins allowing the wearer to summon up a taste of the torturous landscapes of Hell. As a move action, the wearer can stomp one boot against the ground, causing smoldering spikes of obsidian to erupt from the floor (natural and/or man-made) where the wearer is standing and for 5 feet in each adjacent direction. This ability can be used for a total of 14 rounds each day. This duration need not be consecutive rounds. These spikes act similar to caltrops (base attack bonus +7) for anyone who shares or moves into a space with the spikes and cause that space to be treated as difficult terrain for purposes of moving through it. The spikes deal 1d6 damage on a successful hit and because of the residual hellfire that clings to their surface, removal of the movement penalty that arises from the wounds requires either a DC 20 Heal check or all damage caused by the spikes to be magically healed.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, feather step, obsidian flow, spike stones; Cost 18,000 gp

Disclaimer: This post constitutes the viewpoint of a CE inclined succubus, and thus should be treated With All Due Seriousness. Great attention has been paid to the concepts Balance, Fairness, and Logic, or at least the Abyssal versions of these concepts (which is what matters, after all – who really gives a damn about the mortal versions)?

Is the item pretty?
Whilst the odour is interesting, the cold iron soles are really rather unfortunate, and I'd have to say, on balance, that no, the item is unlikely to be pretty under almost any circumstance in an infinite universe. (There are bound to be the odd circumstantial exceptions though...)

Does this item break easily if thrown at an annoying minion?
It's unlikely to. It might brain him/her/it however.

Would this item make a suitably embarrassing ‘gift’ if given away to a [female] paladin of Iomedae?
Oh yes. It's a great big reminder of the deals her mistress is prepared to do with Asmodeus, and a massive slap in the face.

Other Comments?
And here we have an item from a baatezu apologist, and boots which put me in mind of another Baatezu apologist's item, last year's nightmare boots in terms of being footwear-with-hellish-connections. (Although by comparison those did have a sort of charm in terms of being designed to occasionally go up in smoke.)
Since there's absent any mention of any particular effect of these boots on attempts made to kick anyone with them, perhaps they're not actually cold iron after all...
Purely on the basis of the slap-in-the-face thing, this one gets two points.

Note:
See the Disclaimers, if you missed them. They really do mention Quite Important Stuff.

<ahem>
Dear Mr. Taig,
Congratulations on reaching the top 1 of this year's RPGSuperstar contest. Unfortunately, there is no Round 6 (or at least not one which Paizo has yet publicised) so your efforts to prolong your run in the contest have been in vain, and now you get the booby-prize of writing a 32 page module.
With Sean Reynolds sending you emails.
No pressure, honest. (Actually, that was sarcasm, let's just be quite clear...)
At this point, from the viewpoint of a CE aligned (very advanced) succubus, I'd have to say that I found your monster reformation alliance the most engaging entry, although some sort of indication of what nifty uniforms (or the like) that they wore (if any) would have strengthened it, from that same perspective. Ah well, given the almost complete absence of details about what snazzy robes or heraldic crests the organizations across Round 2 employed, maybe it's a mortal thing that such details are considered low priority. Or maybe that's the reason these were 'previously unknown' groups...
Anyway, wishing you well for the future.

Ask A RPGSupersuccubus.

Dear Miller Hero,
Congratulations on reaching the top four. At this point, you have won the true prize, of getting to write a Pathfinder Society module, perhaps to be played and cursed by players years from now at conventions, whilst a certain badger (or at least that's his avatar at the time of this post) gets to stress about writing a 32 page module.
From the viewpoint of a CE aligned (very advanced) succubus, I think I'm inclining towards this being the most interesting presentation you made in this year's contest. (The Night Monarch Vardo would have been engaging but for the unfortunate Desnan connections, as a result of which a sensible succubus wouldn't touch it with a barge-pole.) Admittedly their solution of 'hire marid merceneries to go and do the stuff for them so as not to ruin their hair' probably wasn't what you were envisioning as a solution to the 'problem' offered, but it involves minimal work for the succubi, and a halfway decent hairstyle is not something which one sacrifices to rescue some twit silly enough to have been snatched by the minions of a kraken. (And it's probably just as well they didn't get personally involved and chase things through to the end, given the fun Cynthia would have had with a captured sphere or the sulk she'd have been in if the kraken had possessed some undisclosed device which legitimately had the power to remotely 'snatch' it from a powerful wizardess with a newly acquired talisman...)
Anyway, best wishes for the future.

Ask A RPGSupersuccubus.