Is a +4 Weapon Doable? (PFS)

[K-kun the Insane]

As the title says, I'm wondering if it's possible to make a +4 or equivilent weapon within the level limit of PFS? To be more specific, my character is a (CORE) follower of Pharasma and is interested in in putting both Bane (Undead) and Holy on her scythe. Thats +1 and +2 on top of needing to be +1 to begin with. Final scythe would be a +1 Holy Undead Bane Scythe equivalent to a +4 weapon, and cost 32,318gp. Can I afford this within 12 levels?

Secondly, the reason I put this in Advice, is it worth it? It would be awesome and fit her character, but that's a lot of money. Having never reached that level with any of my characters yet (highest is 7th), I don't know the kind of money available to high level PCs. Also, there's armor, healing items, and myriad other magic items to consider as well (as long as they're CORE). Is 32,318gp too much to spend on a single weapon?

[Charon's Little Helper]

Bane generally isn't worth it; it's too specific. Especially in PFS. (It might be worth it in a campaign where your group is fighting an undead army etc.) PFS is too varied.

The only time Bane is really worth it is for a high level archer. They put normal enchantment on their bow - and then they use exactly the bane type that they need against whatever foe they happen to be fighting.

[claudekennilol]

Your highest is about the same as mine. That said, you'd need 45 fame to be able to purchase the final +1 on it. +3 is 18k and you'd only need 36 fame. Assuming you only play scenarios, and no modules, and assuming you 1.5 pp per scenario, you'd have to play 30 scenarios before you could purchase it (level 11). That's what campaign management expects, a more realistic number is 1.8 or so--which you would get in 25 scenarios (level 9.1).

Like you, I've never actually gotten that high, but so far I've had more gold than I've been able to spend on any one item, and I know from the high level chronicle sheets I've seen that you'll definitely be able to afford the +3 weapon, and probably the +4 if that's what you put your money towards.

There are lots of other things worth buying, though, so keep in mind not to gimp yourself just so you can afford your weapon.

[plaidwandering]

part of it is going to depend on how you do on prestige. it looks like you will need 45 prestige to open the full item

however, you don't need to the do the full item at once, you can do it in steps as you qualify(and get the gold)

you may even have the gold before you have enough fame

it's going to limit your other items to a slight extent, you probably won't have a +6 stat item until right at retirement

you can magic vestment to save on armor cost

you'll still want to plug some gold into a cloak of resistance for sure

[Avianfoo]

The answer is: Yes you can. As previously stated from around level 9 onwards.

Also a PFS character's career does not need to end at 12th level. Ask your local Venture Officer about retirement arcs (for when you do get to 12th level).

[Sniggevert]

My Aldori Swordlord had his +5 sword for pretty much all of 11th...so a +4 is definitely doable. I'm hoping to make it a +6 equivalent by end of Eyes of Ten...

[K-kun the Insane]

plaidwandering wrote:

part of it is going to depend on how you do on prestige. it looks like you will need 45 prestige to open the full item

however, you don't need to the do the full item at once, you can do it in steps as you qualify(and get the gold)

you may even have the gold before you have enough fame

it's going to limit your other items to a slight extent, you probably won't have a +6 stat item until right at retirement

you can magic vestment to save on armor cost

you'll still want to plug some gold into a cloak of resistance for sure

+6 stat item?! Xane only has a Belt of Mighty Constitution +2! Granted, he's died twice and had sell it to afford the second raise, but he was able to buy it back the following scenario. (Human Sorcerer 4, Fighter 1, Dragon Disciple 2 with 12 CON thanks to the belt)

Anyway, for the little Raging Reaper, she'll be a Half-Elf Barbarian/Cleric/Shadowdancer (probably 4/3/5). AC is important since I spread her stats around for both class preparation and roleplay purposes (14/13/16/10/14/12 as a 1st level Barbarian). I need to stay Light for SD's Evasion ability, but Rage drops AC -2...Her current (calm) AC is 16 (+4 armor, +1 DEX, +1 Dodge feat).

Cloak of Resistance boosts all saves, not just one? Good, since REF looks to be my lowest followed by WILL, though that's boosted in rage.

I'm not a fan of builds, but I do like advice.

If I were to use Returning Daggers as my ranged weapon, how many should I have to keep them viable?

[Drogos]

I was able to afford a +4 adamantine weapon and get Determined on my armor right before my final scenario that brought me to 12 along with a number of expenses for other magic items (stat belt, rings, slippers, etc.) and consumables. I even paid for my restorations that got me my Risen title. And I had module and GM credit (no day job on those) several times in his career. You just have to plan your purchases a little more carefully in order to get the big ticket items. Playing in or upper out of tier would also help ensure you can get it sooner.

I would say that +1 and Holy would be worth it, since without it you'd have to cast or apply Align Weapon to deal with alignment DR. Undead Bane would trigger fairly regularly and be thematic, but it wouldn't have as much an effect as Evil Outsider Bane since the vast majority of those are silver or cold iron DR while very few undead have that requirement, unless you're focusing on hunting Vampires.

[plaidwandering]

yes, +6 stat items are 36k, not much more than the weapon you are asking about

that's why I am saying you probably won't have both