RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16
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I recently acquired a boon called "Smine's Best" from a certain scenario, and I would like to clarify whether it is legal to apply to a hafted weapon (in my particular case, a battleaxe). The reason I'm not sure is that the boon states that it applies to a weapon "made primarily out of metal".
Personally, I think that the boon should be able to be applied to hafted weapons. My reasoning is that the bonuses granted (to performance combat and Intimidate checks) don't seem to have anything particular to do with the weapon's materials, so it seems to me that the reason the "primarily metal" restriction is there is because Smine is a blacksmith. (It would be weird for him to craft something like a bow.) However, we know that he makes hafted weapons, because in the mission briefing he is shown making a spear-head.
Also, my understanding is that things like battleaxes can be made of special materials like cold iron for purposes of bypassing damage reduction, so I think there is precedent for hafted weapons being treated as "primarily made out of metal".
I could see an argument that the extra hit points granted by the boon are reflective of the quality of the metal, but I think one could also make a solid argument for the extra hit points coming from overall build quality, which would still apply even if the haft of the weapon were made of wood.
Story-wise, I absolutely think the boon should be applicable. Mechanics-wise, I was not able to find a clear ruling either way. If a player asked for this at one of my tables, I'd probably allow it, but I wanted to find out if there is a consensus in the community.
Thanks for your input!
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I am no blacksmith and haven't held a real battle ax, but if you are looking at density, I would be willing to bet it is primarily metal.
If you are looking more at the spear...probably not. Is there some reason to put a logical restriction why this boon can't be placed on it? I don't think so. Is there some reason Smine can't put some metal plating on the shaft? Again I don't think so.
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You can buy cold iron lances and the like, despite the fact only the pointy bit is made of metal, so I think there is no reason you couldn't use the Smine's Best boon on a polearm.
If you think there will be a rules argument, you could invest 300gp and buy an Undine Weaponshaft, which definitely can be made of special materials.
Undine Weaponshaft: Undines incorporate a unique design when crafting shafted weapons such as quarterstaves, spears, and tridents. Instead of a solid shaft, the weapon is built around a pipe of wood or metal, with the butt end sealed and the front end left open. As a full-round action, an undine can make a single melee attack with the weapon and use her hydraulic push spell-like ability against the target of that melee attack. The weapon otherwise functions like a standard weapon of its type, and can be made of special materials (such as mithral or adamantine) and masterwork quality.
(See Undines in the ARG)
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I recently acquired a boon called "Smine's Best" from a certain scenario, and I would like to clarify whether it is legal to apply to a hafted weapon (in my particular case, a battleaxe). The reason I'm not sure is that the boon states that it applies to a weapon "made primarily out of metal".
** spoiler omitted **
Personally, I think that the boon should be able to be applied to hafted weapons. My reasoning is that the bonuses granted (to performance combat and Intimidate checks) don't seem to have anything particular to do with the weapon's materials, so it seems to me that the reason the "primarily metal" restriction is there is because Smine is a blacksmith. (It would be weird for him to craft something like a bow.) However, we know that he makes hafted weapons, because in the mission briefing he is shown making a spear-head.
Also, my understanding is that things like battleaxes can be made of special materials like cold iron for purposes of bypassing damage reduction, so I think there is precedent for hafted weapons being treated as "primarily made out of metal".
I could see an argument that the extra hit points granted by the boon are reflective of the quality of the metal, but I think one could also make a solid argument for the extra hit points coming from overall build quality, which would...
When they say "primarily made out of metal", they mean you cannot apply it to a wooden stake, or club, or quarterstaff. The Battle Ax should be fine.
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I'm still trying to figure if I can apply it on my magus' blackblade scimitar.
Interesting point. I read the Black Blade archetype and nowhere does it mention what a Black Blade is made of, or its hardness and hit points.
However, I think any weapon which has no special material listed defaults to whatever is normal for the weapon.
This is steel in the case of a scimitar, so I don't see why you shouldn't apply this boon to your Black Blade.
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I'm still trying to figure if I can apply it on my magus' blackblade scimitar.Interesting point. I read the Black Blade archetype and nowhere does it mention what a Black Blade is made of, or its hardness and hit points.
However, I think any weapon which has no special material listed defaults to whatever is normal for the weapon.
This is steel in the case of a scimitar, so I don't see why you shouldn't apply this boon to your Black Blade.
+1
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I'm still trying to figure if I can apply it on my magus' blackblade scimitar.
Magus, Black Blade: Can I use Craft Magic Arms and Armor to increase my blade's enhancement bonus?
No, nor can you use that feat to add other properties (such as flaming) to the black blade. You can use your arcane pool to temporarily add abilities to your black blade.—Pathfinder Design Team, 07/19/13
Now I'm sure someone is going to try to parse this as "but the boon doesn't specifically say it uses Craft Magic Arms and Armor to give me this bonus." Before making that argument, please really think if that's what this FAQ intends.
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I'm still trying to figure if I can apply it on my magus' blackblade scimitar.Interesting point. I read the Black Blade archetype and nowhere does it mention what a Black Blade is made of, or its hardness and hit points.
However, I think any weapon which has no special material listed defaults to whatever is normal for the weapon.
This is steel in the case of a scimitar, so I don't see why you shouldn't apply this boon to your Black Blade.
Except that Black Blades are typically ancient (often sentient) blades, with their own agendas, etc. They are not something that you can craft, change, or otherwise alter. They are Black Blades (and everything that entails, as described under the archetype).
At least that is my take on things.
