[Spheres of Power] Spirit Wielder Fighter Archetype Intelligent Item Questions

[THUNDER_Jeffro]

I'm experimenting with Spheres of Power and wanted to build a Spirit Wielder, which is a fighter archetype that replaces every fighter class feature except for bonus feats in exchange for an intelligent item that can eventually cast as a half caster.

The archetype can be found here:
Spirit Wielder

So for this discussion, I'm the GM, so I'm trying to solicit other opinions about how to run with the archetype. As written, you get an intelligent item and it shares your Alignment. The item can cast spells with a limited selection. It gets increased hardness.

There is no mention about if the item should get any special item powers or a special purpose. It says you can select a casting tradition, which leads me to believe you can select Sphere-specific drawbacks. Since the weapon doesn't have HD, it can't gain Feats... but can the fighter gain Feats to modify it's casting? It would be nice to be able to take Extra Magical Talent or other Feats that require you're a caster, but the fighter technically isn't a caster.

So, is there anyone who has been able to play in a game with this archetype? Are there any GMs who have thoughts on this archetype?

[GM Rednal]

The archetype is fairly limited in what the item can do, yeah. Nothing is mentioned about giving it a special purpose or any powers outside from those the archetype gives, so by default, it doesn't - although you're the GM, and you can always say it gets something like that anyway. ^^ Being honest, something like having a purpose prooooobably isn't going to mess up your campaign, and indeed, might make it more fun. XD

Since it's the weapon with the casting feature, Fighters can't gain any feats that require the casting class feature... unless they take the Basic Magical Training feat, anyway.

The point is, I wouldn't try to give the Fighter a bunch of options beyond what the Archetype specifically provides. Spheres of Power actually has options for Fighter-types who want more casting, so it's better to use those when you can. (Incidentally, if they DID take Basic Magical Training, or better, Advanced Magical Training, I'd probably allow them to take feats and have them apply to the weapon. XD)

[THUNDER_Jeffro]

Yeah, I just feel reading the archetype that it's a fun idea, but they leave a lot unsaid. A few more questions that came to mind after reading your post and looking at the rules more is they don't discuss the items Ego, senses, or how it communicates. I could go with the default and just leave it at 30 ft regular senses and empathy, it just seems weird that it's not mentioned at all.

Also, do you think since the item is a caster and gains the Enhancement Sphere at level 3, that it would get the two bonus Talents all casters get when they gain the casting feature? That's also left unstated.

[GM Rednal]

Interestingly, the archetype never actually says it gets the casting class feature. XD I would say it does NOT get bonus talents for that reason. Rather than being a caster, it's an item that can cast spells, if that makes sense... and an additional two powers would actually be a very significant upgrade to the power it's meant to offer.

I think that these awakened weapons are meant to be Intelligent-Lite, as it were. It's less of a true personality, and more of a... guiding spirit that can aid its user as the situation demands. That's the feeling I get from it, anyway.

[THUNDER_Jeffro]

GM Rednal wrote:

Interestingly, the archetype never actually says it gets the casting class feature. XD I would say it does NOT get bonus talents for that reason. Rather than being a caster, it's an item that can cast spells, if that makes sense... and an additional two powers would actually be a very significant upgrade to the power it's meant to offer.

I think that these awakened weapons are meant to be Intelligent-Lite, as it were. It's less of a true personality, and more of a... guiding spirit that can aid its user as the situation demands. That's the feeling I get from it, anyway.

Yeah, when you put it that way that makes a fair bit of sense. Cool, thanks for the input.