Magic Swords: Other ways to Determine

[tetramorph]

I love the way magic swords function in 0e. I don't much like d%. I prefer d6 with branching options. So I've devised another way of rolling up magic swords that still completely relies upon much of the description of magic swords in M&T (I am not trying to replace everything).

DETERMINING MAGIC SWORDS

First, I determine alignment:

d6	alignment
1-3	Lawful
4-5	Neutral
6	Chaotic

Then I determine what kind of magic sword it is, by alignment:

d6	Lawful	Neutral	Chaotic
1-3	+ 1	+ 1	+ 1
4-5	+ 2	+ 2	+ 2
6	+ 3	Lvl-drain	Cursed

Yes, that is right, I sacrifice the possibility of + 3 neutral and chaotic swords for the sake of determining most of the other possibilities by branches. If "level drain," I would re-roll alignment on an inverted table. "Cursed," as per normal description.

Next, I determine if the sword has a particular target:

d6	+ 1	"Special" + 1	+ 2
1-3	N/A	+ 3 vs.	N/A
4-5	+ 2 vs.	Locate / Wishes	Charm
6	"Special"	Flaming (+ 2 & + 3)	+ 3 vs.

Most + 1s have no target. These will also never have a special purpose and therefore automatically receive a "2" for intelligence and ego. I roll for the creatures for which a sword has a special target according to campaign specific groupings of monsters by type (e.g., "lycanthrope," "undead," etc.), or use the tables for general types of creatures on the wilderness encounter tables in U&WA.

Next, I determine if the sword also has a special purpose for which it was wrought (+ 3s always have a special purpose):

d6	+ 1 w/Target	"Special" + 1s & "simple" + 2s	d6	+ 2 w/Target
1-3	N/A	N/A	1-2	N/A
4-5	N/A	Purpose	3-6	Purpose
6	Purpose	Purpose	-	-

If the sword is wrought with a purpose, it is always that of vanquishing its opposite alignment (or its target, if neutral). As with general 0e rules, swords with purpose automatically gain MAX INT and EGO (12). All other swords roll 2d6 (I prefer the curve) to determine INT and EGO, respectively.

I simplify the calculation of ego struggles: Sword = INT + EGO + all bonuses. Wielder = STR + INT - any HP loss. Then I follow the rest of the table in U&WA.

A. What do you guys think?
B. What do you guys do if any of you have devised your own different way?

[tetramorph]

But wait, there's more.

I learned from scottanderson about Paul Gorman's "Magic Swords for Swords and Wizardry," which is totally rad. In the main I wanted to stick with my 0e rules (the above being the exception) but here are some "rules-lite" versions of things I learned and loved from that excellent document.

All magic swords have a background and some have fame:

d10	Forged by
1	Ancient Priests
2	Demon/Daemon
3-4	Dwarves
5-7	Elves
8-9	Forgotten Civilization
10	Mad Wizard

All magic swords have some unique combination of components:

d10	Blade of
1	Chrystal
2	Glass
3	Gold
4	Obsidian
5	Energy
6-10	Steel

d6	Hilt of
1	Bone
2	Inlay of precious stones
3	Inlay of semiprecious stones
4	Ivory
5	Stone
6	Wood

Any sword with a special target or with purpose will have a name. The character must address the sword by the correct name for such a sword to be willing to serve with its magical capacities. Those with high enough intelligence may choose to communicate their name, if they "like" the character (reaction roll may be used if this would not otherwise be clear through role-play). Sword's name is:

d6	Name
1-2	Inscribed in known tongue
3-4	Inscribed in cypher or forgotten tongue (need read languages or consult sage)
5	Lost (need wish / contact higher plane)
6	Revealed through meeting condition (e.g., quest, geas, ritual, etc.)

Any sword with an ego of 8 or above will have some ego-stroking quality:

d6	Affect
1-3	Every time drawn, sword will force itself above character's head and receive a lightening strike: morale check NPCs + random monster check
4-5	Opponents if fail save or slain will begin to mutter on about how fearsome the sword is (whether alive or dead): morale check NPCs
6	Every time drawn, chorus of incorporeal voices joyfully sing the praises of the blade: morale check NPCs + random monster check

The following things may demand a struggle of egos:

*Use of another magic weapon
*Acquisition of another magic weapon
*Character runs from combat
*Attempt to discard, sell or give away
*Presence of another magical sword, especially of different alignment (demanding a contest)
*More desirable wielder available (b/c weaker/easier to control, or stronger/more glorious)

Magic swords with high egos (8+) may demand any of the following:

*Jeweled scabbard (worth 10%+ characters wealth)
*Publicly performed ballad extolling the sword
*Trapped or enchanted storage
*To be introduced as a member of the party

Enjoy!

I'm so thankful for the good ideas from Paul Gorman's booklet. Y'all should definitely go check it out!

I just always whittle things down to make them more (for me) "rules-lite."

[scottanderson]

I love the part about dead enemies muttering about how awesome the sword is. That's so hilarious

[tetramorph]

Yes, scottanderson, when I read that in the booklet you suggested I could not stop laughing. My wife must have thought I was crazy.

So I just had to "borrow" it for my "rules-liter" version.

Thanks

[Necromancer]

Great stuff, tetramorph! I just loved the tables inspired by that Paul Gorman's booklet - equally awesome and hilarious, and certainly makes magic swords a lot more interesting than the generic +1 type! Cool! Thanks for sharing!