Ok, for anyone who have read the books, I'm looking to re-create Kozah's Needle, a staff wielded by Dahlia, an Elf companion of Drizzt in the Neverwinter Saga. As described in the book, it's quite badass and I wouldn't mind stating it up. I'll put the description in a spoiler for those that haven't read the book yet and might take umbrage at having it described before they get to it. ;)
Ok, now, if you don't want to know anything about the weapon until you read the book, this is your fair warning. Stop reading and scoot! Although it really doesn't give anything away, as it's merely a cool weapon and doesn't really have any plot significance. But, I hate when people spoil things for me unintentionally, so I try to be considerate.
Now, how to go about creating such a beast? :D
an item with different combat forms plus spell-like abilities ...... sounds like you'd want to use the Rod of Lordly Might as your basis.
- swap out the weapon forms from the existing martials to monk weapons (even swap out the flaming for shocking to match the theme)
- theres nothing that says what action it is to push the buttons on the Rod, but free is probably too good. maybe remove one of the random powers you wont use and replace it with the ability to change as a swift action a number of times a day?
- play around with the spell effects until you get a set that match the Needle more. Grants lightning resistance instead of casts hold person or something like that.
You should be able to get pretty close within the framework of how the Rod works.