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I could have sworn I've seen a spell or item that conjures a swarm of butterflies to distract an opponent for a short time; that it was butterflies made me think it was associated with Desna, but for the life of me I can find reference to this anywhere.
Whether it was a Pathfinder or not, I'm certain in was 3.X D&D, but beyond that I couldn't say if it was official or something homebrewed. Anyone know what I'm talking about, or am I starting to confuse daydreams with reality?
(And apologies if this isn't a good place to post this thread, but I couldn't find a better fit.)
I could have sworn I've seen a spell or item that conjures a swarm of butterflies to distract an opponent for a short time; that it was butterflies made me think it was associated with Desna, but for the life of me I can find reference to this anywhere.
Whether it was a Pathfinder or not, I'm certain in was 3.X D&D, but beyond that I couldn't say if it was official or something homebrewed. Anyone know what I'm talking about, or am I starting to confuse daydreams with reality?
(And apologies if this isn't a good place to post this thread, but I couldn't find a better fit.)
In the old days (early 80's), this was one of the (common) effects on a Wand of Wonder. I don;t know if the later editions have this.
Yes, the Rod of Wonder still does that:
"47–49 A stream of 600 large butterflies pours forth and flutters around for 2 rounds, blinding everyone within 25 ft. (Reflex DC 14 negates)."
Don't have my book on me, but I think the first adventure in the Rise of the Runelords path had a desna based prestigue class in it. Was looking at it a couple days ago, and I don't recall any butterfly swarm spell/ability, but I easily could have missed it.
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If you want to fold such a thing into Golarion, you could just flavor up a Wand of Glitterdust, saying that the Wizard who made it was a devotee of Desna and that instead of 'glittering dust' it creates a swarm of magical butterflies made of starlight that do the exact same thing. The arcanist using it might be able to make a Spellcraft check after each use (at a high DC) to attempt to figure out how to flavor it, and then make the butterfly effect with his own Glitterdust spells.
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If you want to fold such a thing into Golarion...
I went another route; I'm giving this weapon to a cleric of Desna.
Aura moderate conjuration; CL 5th
Slot --; Price 7,900 gp; Weight 10 lbs.
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Description
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The head of this +1 mithral heavy mace is a stylized monarch butterfly. Once per day the wielder can summon forth a swarm of butterflies to distract his opponents. In this regard, the monarch mace functions identically to a rod of wonder: A stream of 600 large butterflies pours forth and flutters around for 2 rounds, blinding everyone within 25 ft. (Reflex DC 14 negates).
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Construction
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Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, summon nature's ally III; Cost 3,950 gp
I like it, very well done.
There goes that idea for the next RPG Superstar.
I'm just picturing a LARGE butterfly swarm. Wingspan 15' with a 7' body. Can small characters ride them?
I went another route; I'm giving this weapon to a cleric of Desna.The way it's worded, the butterfly swarm doesn't appear to have any range, and manifests on the user. Is that the intent?
That's certainly the intent for the Rod of Wonder!
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I went another route; I'm giving this weapon to a cleric of Desna.
** spoiler omitted **
i like your weapon! Think i would go with summoning a swarm of butterflies and rule the distraction ability effects everyone in an occupied square...might be bit less effective than the rod of wonder flavor though.
I like the weapon but hate the DC. It is ok for extremely low levels but anything past 5 and no one will be affected. I don't like the idea that a rogue on a successful reflex save "evades" 600 butterflies and can now see perfectly.
Instead of using blind use the Obscuring mist spell effect. in a 20' radius it obscures all sight including dark vision beyond 5 feet. It gives a 20% miss chance at 5' and total concealment beyond 5' 50% miss chance.
I like the weapon but hate the DC. It is ok for extremely low levels but anything past 5 and no one will be affected. I don't like the idea that a rogue on a successful reflex save "evades" 600 butterflies and can now see perfectly.
Instead of using blind use the Obscuring mist spell effect. in a 20' radius it obscures all sight including dark vision beyond 5 feet. It gives a 20% miss chance at 5' and total concealment beyond 5' 50% miss chance.
That's the ticket!
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The way it's worded, the butterfly swarm doesn't appear to have any range, and manifests on the user. Is that the intent?
Hogarth has the right of it, I'm just cribbing the ability from the rod. I don't mind so much that the user is included.
I like the weapon but hate the DC.
You are right, of course, but I'm more inclined to just remove the DC than overhaul the mechanics. Still, it's worth considering.
i like your weapon! Think i would go with summoning a swarm of butterflies and rule the distraction ability effects everyone in an occupied square...might be bit less effective than the rod of wonder flavor though.
Prior to rediscovering the rod as the source of the ability I wanted to copy, I considered this very thing. And you're right, it was the rod's evocative "600 large butterflies pours forth" that sold me.
I guess overhauling the mechanics wouldn't be so bad, if I keep that line. Thanks, everyone, for the comments.
And to any moderator who may be reading, I think it's safe to say you can plop this in the homebrew section.
I like to throw in alternative descriptions for spells for special occasions. The spell effect gives you what you need the only change is butterflies instead of mist.