+1 swords with a bit more

So a few of the blogosphere are rehashing the old trope of  "You've found a +1 sword." Make them a bit more, a bit special...

http://hackslashmaster.blogspot.com/2014/02/on-magical-1-swords.html
http://aeonsnaugauries.blogspot.com/2014/02/different-magic-swords-proposal.html
http://dungeonofsigns.blogspot.com/2014/01/1-sword-equivilents.html
http://goblinpunch.blogspot.com/2014/02/weird-swords-and-not-swords.html

Where did I park my bandwagon?

Tonight's selection of +1 swords with a bit more...

Trollhunter...

This rusty-appearing long sword was enchanted by a dwarven sorcerer with a vendetta against the troll tribe that decimated his village.  Close inspection of the pommel will find that the black 'gem' mounted there is actually a petrified troll's eye...  The Trollhunter pulses when a troll is nearby and inflicts an extra 1d8 damage against trolls.  Damage inflicted by the sword upon trolls does not regenerate (although other damage will - the troll will have a permanent HP deficit from the sword damage).  The sheath is of a mottled gray skin that seems to pulse and crawl a bit on the scabbard.

One of the suggestions to add a bit more character to a magic weapon is to incorporate a liability or use cost to the weapon.



For one of the original "mixed blessing" weapons, look up a copy of the Lichway from White Dwarf 9 (1978) - a scan of it is here.  It has one of the best "+1" swords - the Bloodletter (Room 10) - a +2 sword with a hidden compartment with a Stone of Disability - which reduces the sword to +1, and reduces the bearer's abilities/saves/etc. by 5% - I'm sure there are other similar weapons, but I just rediscovered this classic mini-dungeon.

Nepehelem's Mace of Just Rewards - from my entry to Erik Tenkar's magic item contest.

Mirror Blade...

This ornate rapier has an odd double blade.  When the keyword ('duplex') is spoken, the second blade separates from the hilt, floating free, and mimicking the wielder's strikes and parries.  A successful hit inflicts an extra 1d6 damage from the second blade.  Unfortunately, critical misses double the chance of striking an ally (roll to hit twice for an ally within 5'). Because if its light weight, strength bonuses do not apply, however, dexterity bonuses apply to both to hit and damage.

My "Bloodletter"...

Shortsword of the 'Blooded Assassins' - typified by a long blood groove along the blade and an odd thorny handle.  Drawing the weapon will cause 1d4 damage to the wielder as the thorns entwine along their arm, both preventing the sword from being fumbled or disarmed, as well as adding equivalent 1d4 damage to successful hits.  Often one or more of these swords will be seen on display in a noble's/dignitarie's/crime lord's/etc. hall as a trophy to show that they have survived an attack by these dreaded assassins, and to increase their reputation...

Webcutter...

Falchion +1/ + 2 versus spiders and other webby critters (including those pesky cave fishers)....  +2 bonus to strength or other criteria required to escape or cut through webs, including web spell.   Wielder also gains a bonus +2 against entanglement or tripping.  Unfortunately the sword's affinity for the destruction of arachnids and webs imparts a poison susceptibility to the owner.  Saves vs poison begin at -1, increasing by 1 with every 5 critical hits. Pommel decorated with silver spider with ruby eyes.  Spiderweb pattern in silver on scabbard.