So I'm gonna be cruel tonight, and hand over a cursed item to my players: the buffoon's sword from the APG.
My question is the following: the description for the buffoon's sword says that the blade seems and behaves in all ways as a sword of subtlety until actually used in combat.
Does this mean the buffoon's sword has the same qualities as the sword of subtlety, all the time, never, or only for its first attack? My guess would be never, but I just wanna make sure.
(The sword of subtlety is a +1 short sword, with +4 to attack rolls and damage on sneak attacks, whil the buffoon's sword gives a -10 penalty on Stealth checks and forces the wielder to succeed at a DC 15 will save if he wants to tell a lie or engage in any form of subterfuge.)
what I remember is that when used in test duels with other friendly parties will perform just as a sword of subtlty, but when actually in a dangerous situation the curse kicks in. So depending on how mistrusting your party is and how much testing they do, both before and also maybe after the first problem comes up and the rogue tries to explain what happened, will be your call as the DM.
I would have it function as a sword of subtlety any time it doesn't matter, then anytime something is on the line have it kick in. Your the DM, you can be as ruthless or evil as you like =).
Asta
PSY