| Korwynne |
For a cursed longsword, the description points out the user must weild the sword over other chosen weapons. If a zombie is ordered to pick up a cursed weapon, would they too be compelled to use it? Undead traits say zombies are immune to certain mid-affecting magic, including compulsions. I can't really tell what magic a cursed item uses. Other than curse effects associated with removing or dropping certain cursed items, would zombies be immune to specific negative affects of cursed items? For purposes of discussion, how would a zombie handle a -2 longsword? Need to use it over other weapons, per the description? Still able to specifically not weild any weapon and rely on their own body slam attack, while keeping it in inventory?
I guess my gut reaction would be, unless instructed to weild a weapon, the zombie would just keep it sheathed. If instructed by an undead command to weild, the sword would wind up the weapon they happen to be using. Is that a fair interpretation?
| Claxon |
Cursed swords aren't meant to be used by zombies.
There aren't really any guidelines for how to handle this.
If you're a player and trying to get a zombie enemy to pick it up I would (as a GM) just say that the sword has no effect on them. If you're a GM, why would bother giving the zombie a cursed sword?
| Claxon |
Well, remember that they get a save to avoid the affect of variant channels.
Variant channeling has the same area of effect, save DCs, uses per day, and other rules relating to channeling energy. Feats and abilities that modify or present alternative uses for channeled energy (such as Command Undead and Turn Undead) work normally with these variant channeling abilities.
Just keep in mind, if you do this your players will hate you. No one likes being forced to use a shitty weapon because they failed one saving throw and succeeded on a combat maneuver. Cursed weapons can last a long time unless your PCs have remove curse.
Also, if the zombies are wielding the weapons this wont work. The steal combat maneuver is used to steal an item off of the character, disarm is used to disarm a creature of a weapon it is currently wielding. Also, characters would get to decide what item they get to steal off the enemy. They could attempt to steal anything on the zombie, not just a weapon on their belt.
Also, do keep in mind that unless your PCs have Improved Steal they will provoke an Attack of Opportunity from the zombies, and any damage they take applies as a negative modifier on their combat maneuver check.
You can attempt to take an item from a foe as a standard action. This maneuver can be used in melee to take any item that is neither held nor hidden in a bag or pack. You must have at least one hand free (holding nothing) to attempt this maneuver. You must select the item to be taken before the check is made. Items that are simply tucked into a belt or loosely attached (such as brooches or necklaces) are the easiest to take. Items fastened to a foe (such as cloaks, sheathed weapons, or pouches) are more difficult to take, and give the opponent a +5 bonus (or greater) to his CMD. Items that are closely worn (such as armor, backpacks, boots, clothing, or rings) cannot be taken with this maneuver. Items held in the hands (such as wielded weapons or wands) also cannot be taken with the steal maneuver—you must use the disarm combat maneuver instead. The GM is the final arbiter of what items can be taken. If you do not have the Improved Steal feat or a similar ability, attempting to steal an object provokes an attack of opportunity from the target of your maneuver.
Also, your GM shouldn't let you intentionally make cursed items if you are a player.
| Korwynne |
Got it. Yeah, this is for a neutral/chaotic party so potentially an ally situation. The goal was to have the zombie NOT weilding the weapon, and instead have it sheated and an item available for steal attempts. Along with a number of mundane items (a bell, a jug, some chalk...). I just wanted to make sure cursed items that compel users to wear/use them would not apply in the case of undead. Otherwise, then I'd still have it on the zombie but only a available for disarm attempts. Thanks for the thoroughness of reply!
| Claxon |
There really isn't a guideline as to whether cursed items apply to mindless undead.
As a GM, I would certainly say that it applies to sentient undead, despite being normally immune to mind affecting effects the item is "cursed". For mindless undead, I would have a hard time saying it should apply to them. Or that they would even be capable of using it. Honestly, I think someone else would have to put it on their belt, but in doing so would be subject to the curse.
I'm glad the information I have provided has been useful to you.
| Korwynne |
Undead are immune to compulsions, which is the noun version of compel. I would go along with an argument that you couldn't wrangle the sword from Zombo, master of dance, if it's a 'sticky' cursed item, but per above I'd think he'd still not have the sense to "use" it. His slam attack would remain unaffected?... I mean unless its a Ramero Land of the Dead blue collar mechanic zombie who learns to use simple weapons.
I guess it's a gm call, both in crafting the weapon as sticky vs compulsion only, and in identifying if zombies would forego slams for an improvised weapon attack...