Is it possible to add multiple iterations of the bane property to a weapon or multiple iterations of the defiant property to armor (each subsequent application being for a different creature type and at a higher cost than the previous, of course)?
Elven_Blades, I happened to be checking something for another player when I came upon this:
Weapons cannot possess the same special ability more than once.
I would take that to mean bane could not be added to a weapon more than once.
I did not notice a similar restriction for armor.
My assumption would then be the exact opposite of what you suggest. One could add defiant devils and defiant demons to the same piece of armor, but not bane devils and bane demons to the same weapon.
Except you cannot do multiple 'Bane' enhancements. The weapon ability isn't multiple versions of 'Bane' it is a single ability that states you then choose a particular type of enemy.
The table doesn't have 'Bane (X)', multiple versions of 'Bane', or a notation indicating it can be taken multiple times. It has 'Bane.' Also the description states (and I quote) 'A bane weapon excels against certain foes.' And then goes on to give options for the enemy type.
Do you have a FAQ or post with something indicating it is possible?
I'm fairly confident that the understanding I have taken of the rule would be supported by the designers, in that it doesn't hurt game balance. In fact, a +1 Bane sword for x & y (18,000gp)is more expensive then two swords, one for +1 Bane X (8,000gp) and one for +1 Bane y (8,000gp).
Umm... you are aware that, from +2 Bane upwards, the one double-bane sword will be cheaper than the two single-bane swords?
So, please refrain from picking sweet spot examples as proof for the designers' intentions.
I generally play and GM lower level games. I start by looking at the starting point for weapons, not for epic weapons.
I went through an entire thread debating about bane weapons and the majority looked like they agreed with the way I would rule it in my games.
Multiple types of Bane can be placed on the same weapon, but 'Bane' would generally be a type in itself, and not stackable with itself if a creature were of the combined types.
As far as I can tell, there is no actual Paizo definite ruling.
When bane is a singular enhancement that once chosen allows you to have a better bonus to hit and additional damage towards a enemy type chosen AND the magic weapon creation rules state you cannot add an enhancement to a weapon more than once.... Why would they need to further 'rule' it isn't possible???
If anything they would need to FAQ it is possible if that was the intent as the RAW says 'no' to that at this time.
So... what about adding multiple defiant qualities to armor? I saw no restriction similar to that for weapons placed on armor creation.
I can see the sense in not adding multiple banes to the same weapon, but instead having multiple weapons with different banes; it's very easy to switch weapons in combat. However, I could see the sense of having multiple iterations of defiant on the same armor; changing armor in combat is nigh impossible.
The FAQ on Bane weapons actually specifically cites multiple Banes on a weapon as an example.
You can certainly make a Bane (evil outsiders) Bane (Lawful outsiders) weapon. However, a weapon can only be Bane against a specific foe once, so instead of +4/+4 +4d6, you still only have +2/+2 +2d6, even though they are Bane against differenct aspects.
Each bane is considered a seperate enhancement, so you can indeed have more then one per weapon. You just can't have more then one effective at a time.
==Aelryinth
@Aelryinth : It is not in the official FAQ, that is for sure (at least not the one for Core Rule book or Ultimate Equipment).
So... what about adding multiple defiant qualities to armor? I saw no restriction similar to that for weapons placed on armor creation.
I can see the sense in not adding multiple banes to the same weapon, but instead having multiple weapons with different banes; it's very easy to switch weapons in combat. However, I could see the sense of having multiple iterations of defiant on the same armor; changing armor in combat is nigh impossible.
RAW it would be allowed as the armor creation rules lack the wording the weapon rules have.
The FAQ on Bane weapons actually specifically cites multiple Banes on a weapon as an example.
You can certainly make a Bane (evil outsiders) Bane (Lawful outsiders) weapon. However, a weapon can only be Bane against a specific foe once, so instead of +4/+4 +4d6, you still only have +2/+2 +2d6, even though they are Bane against differenct aspects.
Each bane is considered a seperate enhancement, so you can indeed have more then one per weapon. You just can't have more then one effective at a time.
==Aelryinth
Just did a quick look through of the ultimate books and the CRB from the FAQ page, didn't see one for bane besides the paladin ability/+5 limit on enhancement clarification. Got a link so I can read it?
argh. it's been referenced multiple times, but my search-fu suckeths. The key item was "A weapon can only be Bane against a creatures once." Which meant you could have multiple Banes, but the banes would not stack.
And I so wanted my +4 Lawful Outsider Bane Evil Outsider Bane Anarchic Holy Sword of +8/+8 +8d6 devil slaughtering!
==Aelryinth
argh. it's been referenced multiple times, but my search-fu suckeths. The key item was "A weapon can only be Bane against a creatures once." Which meant you could have multiple Banes, but the banes would not stack.
And I so wanted my +4 Lawful Outsider Bane Evil Outsider Bane Anarchic Holy Sword of +8/+8 +8d6 devil slaughtering!
==Aelryinth
Unfortunately 'referenced' isn't the same as actually being officially implemented in FAQ/errata. Many of the designers have opinions on how things should work and sometimes those opinions conflict. Part of the reason it has been made clear that opinions given aren't hard rules until FAQ'd etc.
Yes. Until I've seen an official FAQ to the contrary, I am now of the opinion that RAW does not allow multiple bane properties on the same weapon, but does allow multiple defiant properties on the same armor.