A bit of backstory, I have a player who is a fighter (aldori swordlord archetype) and just hit 8th level and took her first level in aldori swordlord. Earlier in the campaign (5th level or so) they found a crypt with an ancient undead in it who, as part of his dying wish, wanted to find a new owner for his intelligent sword. His one condition was that she never use another weapon except this weapon.
(It is intelligent and have a number of powers that its slowly revealing to her as the campaign progresses.)
The advice part comes here, the BBEG of the current module they're working for has DR15/Magic DR15/Bludgeoning. The character can do 1d8+6 damage (max 14) so she cannot possibly hurt this guy. I need a creative way to help her not be useless in a VERY tough fight, but she cannot break her oath (River kingdoms setting "oathbreakers die" is written into the law).
You could make the sword bypass a certain amount of DR/Bludgeoning and DR/Piercing (or DR in general). This seems to be the simplest way to do it without changing the enemy. Then if others in the party have slashing or piercing, they can see that the intelligent sword is awesome.
I've considered the transformative property, she'll still be hampered (as many of her class abilities won't function) but not be useless. This to me is a bit of a last ditch though because it doesn't fit the swords lore that well. She certainly doesn't want her wielder to die but I'm still looking.
I've considered the transformative property, she'll still be hampered (as many of her class abilities won't function) but not be useless. This to me is a bit of a last ditch though because it doesn't fit the swords lore that well. She certainly doesn't want her wielder to die but I'm still looking.
Keep the sword in it's scabbard and hit the creature for bludgeoning damage? Perhaps magical scabbard that allows for this, at a penalty to hit? Just tossing ideas out.
Have the sword advise the PC to seek out access to the Versatile Weapon spell.
You sir are a godsend, that is perfect.