Crafting "the best weapon" without Craft Magic Arms and Armors

[Gray Warden]

Hi all,

for plot reasons, my blacksmith-themed 4th level Dwarven Forgemaster Cleric of Torag promised a Fey that, in one year time, he would have crafted him "the best" scythe he could manage to craft. It wouldn't be a problem for the Dwarf to keep his word, having a very high Craft[Weapon] score, Craft Magic Arms and Armors and lots of time, but unfortunately he died!

His daughter, a 4th level Wizard and a talented sculptress, will honour her dad's memory by fulfilling such promise herself. Unfortunately, she doesn't have the appropriate feat, as she only has Craft Wondrous Items. What is the best scythe she could make, realistically (i.e. she needs also equipment for herself), at 4th level (with a 4th level WBL)?

Since the Fey is extremely bonded to the forest where he lives, the idea is to use the Ironwood spell to craft a masterwork Greenwood scythe (finding a powerful Druid able to cast Ironwood and a suitable piece of Greenwood would be role played in game, maybe as a subquest, and part of the effort). Craft[Sculpture] would be used as part of the crafting to make the final scythe a true work of art. Unfortunately there is no way she can enhance directly the scythe, but she could craft some nature-themed minor, but permanent (non-consumable) Woundrous Items that could be integrated in the final design. Only slotless (or at most wrist/hand-slotted) items can be considered. Here are some ideas:

- rechargeable Feather Tokens [Tree] sprouting from the wood and growing back after use (1/day or 1/week). Unfortunately I did not fund any way to recharge Feather Tokens
- adding a Tiller's Pendant to the scythe to be able to cast Goodberry 1/day. 6400gp (half if crafted) starts to become quite costly though.
- Verdant Vine, but again quite costly.
- making any one permanent magical item added to the weapon intelligent and able to speak, so that the Fey would have a friend to talk to. I would still need to find a relatively cheap permanent magical item.

What do you think? Any suggestion is good! Thank you for your help.

[VRMH]

There also exist mundane "weapon modifications", so a Tactically Adapted, Razor-Sharp, Serrated Edged Scythe with Jagged Hooks is an option.

And don't forget to apply a whetstone too. Every little + helps.

[River of Sticks]

Just a note on Tiller's Pendant - the +4 competence bonuses are probably worth ~4k of that 6.4k cost. Goodberry is a first level spell; per the custom crafting rules, it would cost 1,800 * 1 (spell level) * 1 (Caster level) * 1/5 (1 charge per day) = 360 gp.

[Meirril]

My suggestion is that you make a Wonderous Item that generates a weapon like spell effect through combining several different spells. Because this is a wonderous item, its normal form is not a weapon, but something that reminds you of its use.

Lets make it a very small scythe toy carved from wood with a folding blade. I'm thinking it should be some sort of force effect weapon, it would be cool if you could either fight with it in hand, or make it float. Scythes cut things, so lets make it keen. Also...it should be magic, right? And this is a weak caster, so lets stick with mostly weak spells.

Instant Weapon (2nd level spell) makes a force weapon sized for the wielder. Sounds like a good base for the melee part of it. Lasts 1 min per caster level, minimum level is 3...and 3 minutes is longer than most fights. Lets make this basic function unlimited.

So 2000gp x 2 x 3 = 12,000gp. Ouch my budget! Lets press on.

Magic Weapon, 1st level spell CL 1, always on +1 to hit and damage. 2000 gp. Honestly, not bad. I'd have it affect both the Instant Weapon and the other activated ability because you pay through the nose for them.

Keen Edge to make it sharp! 2,000gp x 3 x 5 = 30,000gp...ouch. maybe leave this one off?

Spiritual Weapon: the really cool thing about this is you get a force Scythe in hand, and one floating around fighting for you. Also a force effect. Another 2nd level spell so 12,000gp if you can do it all of the time.

The entire thing will be x2 cost if it isn't give a slot. As a wood sculpture...no slot. But you can argue that its all related so you get some discounts for the cheaper enchantments.

So 24,000gp for the slotless Instant Weapon, Spiritual Weapon at x2 cost but 3/4 price is 18,000gp, Magic Weapon doubled and 1/2 price remains 2,000gp. Final price for our +1 force scythe that can produce a +1 Spiritual Scythe at will is 44,000gp.

This seems a bit over priced for what it actually does. As a GM I'd throw in a discount and knock the price down to 22,000gp, or 11,000gp to create. Still pricey but about comparable to how it actually performs.

[Cavall]

Fae are bound more by the letter of word than spirit in most folklore. Just roll crafts and say "it's the best I can do."

[Baba Ganoush]

If the "weapon" portion of the magic item is secondary to it's other magical function then Craft Wondrous items seems to be the feat that is used to create. I have a list I started for a (possible) future guide on getting the most out of Craft Wondrous Items. Please excuse the lack of formatting, but here's what I have for weapons/ weapon like things:

w/o links
Cailean Fighting Tankard, Cutlass of Waves, Deck of Slivering Fate, Lacerating Rapier, Penetrating, Skewering, Sleeping Sap

w/ links
http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Lute of the Battle Ready (1000 gp) 3 min/day +1 spear, +1 longsword, or +1 battleaxe

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Maul of the Titans

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Mattock of the Titans

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Demonsp ike Pauldrons (7,175 gp)

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWeaponsDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Frostbloo d Axe (20,310) +1 frost wounding battleaxe

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWeaponsDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Cutlass of Waves (4650) +1 cutlass

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWeaponsDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Angelfall Bow (13,750 gp) +1 Composite Longbow (5 str rating)

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicRodsDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Fiery Nimbus Rod (11,305 gp) +1 flaming bust light mace

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Warden' s Cudgel (6,150) +1 greenwood club

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Devil's Spit (30 gp) evil splash weapon - way better than unholy water/alchemical fire

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Robe of Stars (29000 gp) six +5 shuriken per month.

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Alpine Ice Axe (4176) +1 hand axe or +1 light pick (-4 to hit as an improvised weapon)

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Amulet of Mighty Fists

Goat of travail

Robe of Stars

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Razored Ropes (4150) +1 lasso

<b>Ammo</b>
http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Swarm Bullet (350)

<b>Weaponlike</b>
http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Slashin g Cloak

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Robe of Needles

<b>Enhancments</b>
Hit/damage
http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Inherit or's Gauntlet
http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Scabbar d of Vigor

Corrosive
http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Delique scent Gloves (4000)

Keen
http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Feller' s Belt (axes only)

Frost & Cold Iron
http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Frost Fist Amulet () natural and unarmed only

Flaming
http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Demonic Smith's Gloves (4000)

Flaming & adamantine
http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Forge Fist Amulet

Returning/Throwing
http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Raven Bracers
(8,300) 3 rounds/day

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Blinkba ck Belt (2500) Returning wishes it could be as good as this item.

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Belt of Mighty Hurling (Lesser) () throwing (+10’) 7k

http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Belt of Mighty Hurling (Greater) Throwing & returning (21000)

Thundering
http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Tunic of Deadly Might (3,000 gp) Samurai only

Transformative?
http://www.archivesofnethys.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Bladed Belt (1000)

Scabbard of Honing, Scabbard of Keen Edges, Scabbard of Many Blades, Scabbard of Pain, Scabbard of Stanching, Scabbard of the Efreet, Scabbard of True Death, Scabbard of Vigor

[Wonderstell]

Wait, was it the best 'Scythe' or best 'Weapon that happens to be a Scythe'?

Because the best 'Scythe' could be a MWK tool with either a selection of nature-themed Spells, or a competence bonus to prof: farmer.

[the David]

I suppose you could turn it into a scythe that is perfectly suited for farming, instead of a scythe that's perfectly suited to chop someone's head off.

So, instead of a keen vorpal scythe, you'd make a scythe that gives a competence bonus in Profession (Farming). Now, that would only result in a situational bonus during the harvest so it might cost less than what you'd normally pay for such a bonus.
You probably need ranks in Profession (Farmer), or you could just raise the DC to make the scythe by 5. (I think.) For roleplaying purposes that would mean working on a farm for at least 5 days to retrain 4 skill ranks. (Yes, that's dumb.)

The next step is to see if you can possibly improve on the design of the scythe. It might be a good idea to make it lighter by using darkwood and maybe even mithral. (I don't know that much about scythes and agriculture, but if it turns out that you actually need the weight of the scythe for the momentum of your swing I'll admit that I was wrong. I'm just talking out of my arse here.)

If you want to go full out, you can make a scythe that transforms into every farm tool imaginable. This also means that you can go from a situational bonus during harvest to a bonus that works the entire year.

So there you have it, the best scythe ever.

[Cevah]

Baba Ganoush wrote:

If the "weapon" portion of the magic item is secondary to it's other magical function then Craft Wondrous items seems to be the feat that is used to create. I have a list I started for a (possible) future guide on getting the most out of Craft Wondrous Items. Please excuse the lack of formatting, but here's what I have for weapons/ weapon like things:

I have a list of craft enhancers here.

The easiest are Crafter's Fortune and the Azlant Pendant.

Clickable links:

Baba Ganoush wrote:

Cailean Fighting Tankard

Deck of Slivering Fate
Goat of travail
Lacerating Rapier
Penetrating
Skewering
Sleeping Sap
Scabbard of Honing
Scabbard of Keen Edges
Scabbard of Many Blades
Scabbard of Pain
Scabbard of Stanching
Scabbard of the Efreet
Scabbard of True Death

Lute of the Battle Ready (1000 gp) 3 min/day +1 spear, +1 longsword, or +1 battleaxe

Maul of the Titans

Mattock of the Titans

Demonspike Pauldrons (7,175 gp)

Frostblood Axe (20,310) +1 frost wounding battleaxe

Cutlass of Waves (4650) +1 cutlass

Angelfall Bow (13,750 gp) +1 Composite Longbow (5 str rating)

Fiery Nimbus Rod (11,305 gp) +1 flaming bust light mace

Warden's Cudgel (6,150) +1 greenwood club

Devil's Spit (30 gp) evil splash weapon - way better than unholy water/alchemical fire

Robe of Stars (29000 gp) six +5 shuriken per month.

Alpine Ice Axe (4176) +1 hand axe or +1 light pick (-4 to hit as an improvised weapon)

Amulet of Mighty Fists

Razored Ropes (4150) +1 lasso

Ammo
Swarm Bullet (350)

Weaponlike
Slashing Cloak

Robe of Needles

Enhancments
Hit/damage
Inheritor's Gauntlet
Scabbard of Vigor

Corrosive
Deliquescent Gloves (4000)

Keen
Feller's Belt (axes only)

Frost & Cold Iron
Frost Fist Amulet () natural and unarmed only

Flaming
Demonic Smith's Gloves (4000)

Flaming & adamantine
Forge Fist Amulet

Returning/Throwing
Raven Bracers
(8,300) 3 rounds/day

Blinkback Belt (2500) Returning wishes it could be as good as this item.

Belt of Mighty Hurling (Lesser) () throwing (+10’) 7k

Belt of Mighty Hurling (Greater) Throwing & returning (21000)

Thundering
Tunic of Deadly Might (3,000 gp) Samurai only

Transformative?
Bladed Belt (1000)

/cevah

[Zarius]

VRMH wrote:

There also exist mundane "weapon modifications", so a Tactically Adapted, Razor-Sharp, Serrated Edged Scythe with Jagged Hooks is an option.

And don't forget to apply a whetstone too. Every little + helps.

That is NOT an option, the Weapon Modifications data clearly states that it increases the usage category a slot - thus making a scythe with any ONE of those an exotic weapon. You've added three mods past that.

Without considering magic in the mix here, the 'best' you can do probably means a special material, since building 'a new scythe' from the custom weapons data is technically a completely separate weapon.

Several materials come to mind as good answers:
It's a fey, so Primal Iron is a fun option for them, for removing their rials.
Adamantine is always an acceptable answer.
You're a dwarf, so Celestial Mithral is a distinct option.
Silversheen is a fun one.

But, above all options, True Crystalline is a fun one in my book. According to the information under Fragile weapons (and one of the Bone listings), you'll still want to add a basic +1 to it so it DOESN'T shatter when you roll a nat 1 - but you can also leave that up to the fey. Why is it so good? The material ignores Armor and Deflection bonuses to AC. My GM suggested it to me, expecting me to decline it. He's mad at me for accepting the suggestion. (This TOTALLY assumes you're allowed to use third party materials)