Thinking about having the nobles and up-in-coming wealthy of Sasserine use sword canes as a weapon/status symbol.
What do you think?
Makes sence - I'd use the rapier stats for it.
Maybe even factor in that if they have quickdraw they can catch their opponent flatfooted...
If the sword cane is well-made and hides the blade perfectly, it could be used to surprise your opponents, especially in combination with quick-draw.
Stefan
A prospective player for my online Eberron-converted STAP campaign wanted a sword-cane, so I came up with some rough-and-ready rules for a couple of variants. I didn't have them require an exotic weapon proficiency, but it might be worth adding that requirement.
Rogue's hidden-sword cane (generic)
This slightly oddly-shaped cane contains a hidden sword blade. Because such a weapon is less optimally balanced than a normal rapier, a non-masterwork version takes a -1 penalty to attack rolls. A masterwork version eliminates this penalty, but does not gain the usual enhancement bonus to attack rolls, though magical versions of the weapon have the same stats as any normal magic rapier.
Drawing the blade requires a twist-and-pull action that is equivalent to the 'draw a hidden weapon' action - a standard action, or a move action with the Quick Draw feat. Sheathing it requires a standard action.
When assembled in cane form, the weapon may be used as a simple bludgeoning weapon. It is equivalent to a light mace, but takes a -1 penalty to attack and damage (even the masterwork version). Whilst the blade itself can be enhanced as a magic item if it is of masterwork quality, the assembled cane is always treated as a non-magical weapon and cannot be enhanced.
A DC 15 Spot check by someone specifically examining the character's possessions is sufficient to reveal that this is not an ordinary cane. Thereafter, its true nature can be determined via physical inspection or with a DC 12 Knowledge (local) check.
Cost: 50 gp (normal) or 350 gp (masterwork). Weight: 4 lb.
Aundairan Swordstick
This finely-crafted walking stick has an ornate, unusually-shaped handle. It is an affectation of the Aundairan nobility, more specifically of their armsmen, and swordsticks of expensive design are often presented to armsmen in return for exceptional service.
The blade is held within the stick by a powerful spring-loaded mechanism. Using an attack action, its wielder can press a trigger at the base of the handle to launch the sheath section of the cane at an opponent. It is treated as a thrown weapon with a 10 foot range increment, which does not apply the wielder's strength bonus to the damage roll. On a successful hit, it inflicts 1d6 non-lethal damage. Launching the sheath section in this manner leaves the blade in the wielder's hand, ready for use.
Releasing the sheath without attacking with it is a move action which does not provoke attacks of opportunity, or a free action if the wielder has the Quick Draw feat.
Thanks to its excellent Aundairan craftsmanship, the blade has the same balance and effectiveness as a standard masterwork rapier. Sheathing the blade requires a standard action and a DC 10 Strength check to compress the firing mechanism.
When assembled in cane form, the weapon may be used as a simple bludgeoning weapon. It is equivalent to a masterwork light mace, but takes a -1 penalty to damage rolls.
Magical enhancements treat the weapon as a single unit, and their benefits apply equally when using it in blade form, in assembled form, or when launching the sheath section as a thrown weapon.
It requires a DC 25 Spot check by someone specifically examining the character's possessions to reveal that this is not an ordinary cane. Thereafter, its true nature can be determined via physical inspection or with a DC 12 Knowledge (local) check. However, a DC 25 Knowledge (nobility and royalty) check can identify the weapon even in assembled form, due to its association with Aundairan nobility.
Cost: 650 gp (this item may only be bought in masterwork form). Weight: 3 lb.
Quintessentail Fighter has a Sword Cane: Martial Weapon, Light, 1d6 18-20/x2, 2lb. Piercing. That book doesnt give a Spot check to find the sword in the cane (that may be updated in the 3.5 version). I would give it at least a DC 15 or 20 to Spot the hidden weapon. I would also have rogues proficient with it because the description states the Sword Cane has a thin pointed blade, much like a rapier. So, its basically a hidden rapier.
I'm with earlier posts -- a sword cane should be identical to a rapier. On the issue of the handle, many didn't/don't have oddly-shaped handles.
For those into thinblades, I'd offer versions of those also.
My two cents :)
Jack
I freakin love sword canes! I also think its cool if it can be wielded to inflict non lethal damage if unsheated, then you can pull out the blade when you really want to get mean. Might have to make it exotic though unless you want to suffer the -4 on the non-lethal sheated attacks.
SWORD CANES!!! YEAH!
I like this idea, but I think a rapier might be a bit too much. I mean the thing has to fit inside the diameter of the cane, so maybe a stiletto (long dagger) might be more appropriate.
P.S. There is a local antique shop commercial here that shows a cane concealing a cat-o-nine tails. Supposedly used by wealthy S&Mers at the turn of the century.
Great idea. Plus you can give it an original look. I own a unique cane sword crafted by Angelsword. There is no handle, perse. It's just an octagonal rod of bright wood with gold paint at either tip. The blade is more of a squarish awl. Very strong. Very long. And the feel when you draw or return the blade is something else.
I also bought a couple of the cheapie cane swords out of The Edge catalog 12 years ago when I was collecting Gil Hibben blades, but they shook, rattled, and rolled after a short while. Caveat Emptor.
I like this idea, but I think a rapier might be a bit too much. I mean the thing has to fit inside the diameter of the cane...
I half agree. I tend to think of short walking sticks rather than a traditional cane (though I'm not really sure there's a difference); those might easily be thick enough for a rapier blade. On the other hand, the full length of a rapier might require an unusually (and perhaps suspiciously) long stick/cane.
Regards,
Jack
I think the length of a rapier would be much more of an issue than width--a rapier's blade is typically less than 1 inch wide, but over 3 feet long. A smallsword might be a better candidate (using the stats for a d20 short sword). The only real difference mechanically being the 18-20 threat range vs. 19-20. And I'd think a true, properly weighted rapier is going to be a more effective weapon than a cane sword. This would be countered by the cane sword's concealability.
By the way, the d20 Modern SRD has a sword cane in the Archaic Weapons section:
Sword CaneThis is a lightweight, concealed sword that hides its blade in the shaft of a walking stick or umbrella. Because of this special construction, a sword cane is always considered to be concealed; it is noticed only with a Spot check (DC 18). (The walking stick or umbrella is not concealed, only the blade within.)
Damage: 1d6
Critical: 18-20/x2
Damage Type: Piercing
Size: Medium (or in 3.5 terms: one-handed)
Weight: 3 lbs.
So, basically this is a rapier.
I am in possesion of a cane sword thats hilt is the head of a dragon. The blade in and of itself is approximately 1 inch while the length of the sword is 3 feet. It is a double edge sword and workable in any situation. I tend to use the cane only for appearances but in light of the events going on in our nation and world today I might be forced to start taking it off the wall. Hope this helps in your technical dynamics for the game.
I tend to use the cane only for appearances but in light of the events going on in our nation and world today I might be forced to start taking it off the wall.
Huh ? So, how many times did you have to fend off attackers in the past - and would a sword cane have done you any good then ? Are you trained in using a rapier or any other fencing weapon ?
I have several swords at home, but did never see the need to use them...
Stefan
I tend to use the cane only for appearances but in light of the events going on in our nation and world today I might be forced to start taking it off the wall.Huh ? So, how many times did you have to fend off attackers in the past - and would a sword cane have done you any good then ? Are you trained in using a rapier or any other fencing weapon ?
I have several swords at home, but did never see the need to use them...
Stefan
You are a good man. I personally have had to my pull swords from the walls to slaughter hundreds of door to door salemen.
Looking back it all seems so childish, but I vex easily and I needed the practice.
You are a good man. I personally have had to my pull swords from the walls to slaughter hundreds of door to door salemen.
Hmm... perhaps I should hang one right behind the door, smear some artificial blood on it... might help in finally getting rid of those pesky Jehovas Witnesses coming around every few weeks.
Stefan
Hmm... perhaps I should hang one right behind the door, smear some artificial blood on it... might help in finally getting rid of those pesky Jehovas Witnesses coming around every few weeks.
Usually I just glare at them until they burst into flames.
Sometimes I offer to play D&D with them, with Black Sabbath playing in the background. They love that.
You are a good man. I personally have had to my pull swords from the walls to slaughter hundreds of door to door salemen.
Looking back it all seems so childish, but I vex easily and I needed the practice.
Not childish at all -- actually, you're likely providing a valuable public service :)
The fashionable Sasserine Aristocrats could hide all kinds of things in hollow canes (or even walking sticks like those of the late 1600's during the return of the monarchy). Thieves tools, blades, poisons, drugs, caltrops, chains, holy/ unholy water, religous relics, etc.
Might even let the PCs find a magical one to 'swagger' about with.
Carrying something like a sword cane in real life is only asking for police problems. Not sure about anyone else, but where I live concealable weapons are illegal, and something like that will get you (if your VERY lucky) just laughed at by police and probably marked as someone to screw with. On top of that, unless you have not only training but actual experience in fighting someone off with whatever your walking arround with, your likely to just get yourself in a lot of trouble.
Back on topic. MarkB, I realy like your ideas on the sword cane, definetly going to steal that for my own campaign. I realy like the idea of the sheath springing off. Though one thing I would do slightly differently is make it like a double weapon as far as enchanting goes, as in if you want all of it enchanted then you have to pay three times. This is probably a little harsh, as that will get UBER expensive, but in my mind it would be the same as owning three magical weapons, so it's warented.