Javelin of Lightning?

[smetzger]

Javelin of Lightning: This javelin becomes a 5d6 lightning bolt when thrown (Reflex DC 14 half ). It is consumed in the attack.
Faint evocation; CL 5th; Craft Magic Arms and Armor, lightning bolt; Price 1,500 gp; Cost 750 gp + 30 XP.

So, does this require a to hit roll or is it a line of lightning like the spell? I am guessing that its like the spell since you get a save.

 

[hong]

That would be my guess too.

 

[Grazzt]

Sounds right to me. Since the javelin actually changes into a lightning bolt rather than just generating electricity....plus ya get a save for half damage, like ya said.

 

[Magic Slim]

Why do I get the feeling that this item you cost less?

I understand that it's a weapon, but not a magic weapon in the traditional sense. It's more like a potion (ie a single-use, use-activated item), and should thus cost 5 X 3 X 50gp = 750gp (half to create) no?

Slim

 

[Quidam]

good point

It should be priced like a single-use item. Would you still require the A&A feat? Or both it and either BP or CW? Hm. Yet another example where the AU item creation system shines in comparison...

 

[AuraSeer]

I understand that it's a weapon, but not a magic weapon in the traditional sense. It's more like a potion (ie a single-use, use-activated item), and should thus cost 5 X 3 X 50gp = 750gp (half to create) no?

I think this is one of those "DM fiat" prices. It costs more than a potion because it's more useful: it has range, and affects more targets. Even better, you can use more than one in a round, if you have iterative attacks and Quick Draw.

 

[jaults]

Javelin of Lightning: This javelin becomes a 5d6 lightning bolt when thrown (Reflex DC 14 half ). It is consumed in the attack.
Faint evocation; CL 5th; Craft Magic Arms and Armor, lightning bolt; Price 1,500 gp; Cost 750 gp + 30 XP.

Hmmm... why is it concerning to me that you are asking about a Javelin of Lightning?
Wait, wait, I know! Cause you're MY DM! We don't really need any bad guys with Javelins of Lightning, OK, Scott?

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Grazzt]

Hmmm... why is it concerning to me that you are asking about a Javelin of Lightning?
Wait, wait, I know! Cause you're MY DM! We don't really need any bad guys with Javelins of Lightning, OK, Scott?

Thanks,
Jason

LOL- always, always fear a DM named Scott.

 

[smetzger]

Hmmm... why is it concerning to me that you are asking about a Javelin of Lightning?
Wait, wait, I know! Cause you're MY DM! We don't really need any bad guys with Javelins of Lightning, OK, Scott?

Well, considering the posts above I can guarantee that you will not be the subject of a sneak attack javelin of lightning. So, you should be thanking me.

I really don't see the problem of giving the bad guys powerful one use magic items

 

[Zaruthustran]

Why do I get the feeling that this item you cost less?

I understand that it's a weapon, but not a magic weapon in the traditional sense. It's more like a potion (ie a single-use, use-activated item), and should thus cost 5 X 3 X 50gp = 750gp (half to create) no?

Slim

Good point. It's in the Weapon section and requires the Craft Magic Arms and Armor feat, so it's surely not a potion. It's a weapon--a magic weapon.

So, going off this rule:
"Magic Weapon Special Ability Descriptions
In addition to enhancement bonuses, weapons can have one or more of the special abilities detailed below. A weapon with a special ability must have at least a +1 enhancement bonus."

I'd guess that the javelin counts as a +1 weapon. Stab with it and it's a +1 Javelin. Throw it and it's a lightning bolt (and it's consumed).

Pretty lame, and weird that it doesn't say: "this +1 javelin becomes a 5d6 lightning bolt when thrown"

But it does say "when thrown". So.. when it's not thrown:

1. It's still a magic item that's a weapon.
2. Being a magic weapon, it has to have a + of at least 1.

It costs less than a standard +1 Javelin, but your standard +1 javelin doesn't disappear after being thrown.

Conclusion: wow, what a confusing, whack weapon.

-z