Using a Dancing Blade with a high damage character?

[elcman]

I'm running into a conundrum with this ability and I'd like to know how people are using this?

I have this phenomenal weapon that has the ability to be a dancing blade. I'm a barbarian, which, I know, seems counter to the character's magic suspicious nature, but... we've worked around that in, uh, ways.

So, I'm finding that Dancing Blade is a bit weak in a few ways:

• Standard Action to release.
  
• Only bonuses are what it is inherently capable of.
  
• Occupies the same space as the character.
  
• Four Rounds.
  

Considering, in a fully raged state, I do 2d6+17 damage with Power Attack, letting go of the blade as a standard action gives me a 2d6+2, missing +15 damage for that round.

Damage Calculation:

((4 Str + 2 enraged + 4 power attack) * 1.5 two handed + 2 blade bonus)

I can't release and direct the blade forward on its own to attack and follow in with a secondary blade. Yes, there's a lot of metagaming here, but stepping up to a baddie means I am opening myself to a series of Full Round attacks.

Releasing the blade early and the charging on my turn means I get 3 rounds instead of 4, plus, if already engaged. But again, it means my first attack on something close is much diminished. I need to be pure striker, which makes something a question like this matter.

So... with all that being said, does anyone have suggestions on the best approach for use of a dancing blade since... it's a long ways off from what it was in the 3.0-3.5 books?

Any thoughts would be appreciated. :D

[Chess Pwn]

you don't. because it's to hit bonus is just your BAB with no bonuses so it'll miss most of the time too.

[LazarX]

You suck it up.. close into your opponent, lose your blade to dance and start chopping with spare blade.

And Chess is a bit off. it's your BAB plus the enhancement value of he blade.

[elcman]

Thanks for the thoughts, LazarX.

So, quick question about enhancement bonus?

This is a living blade that "unlocks" with use, with the counter being that it can drag me into battle against my will. I could burn off the points to keep it under control, but as soon as it reached an unlock, it would take on those characteristics.

7 points - Defiant (Ego +1) (Enhancement +1)
12 points - Called (Ego +1) (Enhancement +1)
20 points - Phase Locking (Ego +1) (Enhancement +2)
25 Dancing - Dancing (Ego +4) (Enhancement +4)

So, if fully unlocked, does that mean this blade should be a ... my god, a +8 blade? Or do the pluses show up in other ways?

[Imbicatus]

I hate intelligent weapons. I'd sunder the damn thing and get a nice weapon that doesn't have a mind of its own.

[elcman]

Would you do that if she looked like this?

http://elcman.blogspot.com/

[LazarX]

elcman wrote:

Thanks for the thoughts, LazarX.

So, quick question about enhancement bonus?

This is a living blade that "unlocks" with use, with the counter being that it can drag me into battle against my will. I could burn off the points to keep it under control, but as soon as it reached an unlock, it would take on those characteristics.

7 points - Defiant (Ego +1) (Enhancement +1)
12 points - Called (Ego +1) (Enhancement +1)
20 points - Phase Locking (Ego +1) (Enhancement +2)
25 Dancing - Dancing (Ego +4) (Enhancement +4)

So, if fully unlocked, does that mean this blade should be a ... my god, a +8 blade? Or do the pluses show up in other ways?

I have absolutely no idea what mechanics you are talking about.

[elcman]

LazarX wrote:

I have absolutely no idea what mechanics you are talking about.

I think I need to look into weapon creation stats. I have a feeling this thing is way overpowered.

Anyway... thanks!