You have a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls you make with this magic weapon. If it hits an object, the hit is automatically a critical hit, and it can deal bludgeoning or slashing damage to the object (your choice). Further, damage from nonmagical sources can’t harm the weapon.
What does automatically a critical hit mean? On a crit you tend to double damage. That's not what this means is it? I'm also unsure what.... Further, damage from non magical sources can't harm the weapon means. Does it mean you could destroy the weapon with a magical weapon? couldn't you do that to any weapon? What would the hit points be on a weapon you were trying to destroy.
On a critical hit, you roll double the normal damage dice. For instance, if you attack with a greatsword that deals 2d6 damage, on a critical hit, it would deal 4d6 damage.
Typically, you score a critical hit on a roll of 20.
However, with the Shatterspike, any hit on an object is a critical hit.
So, if you attack an object with Shatterspike, you still need to beat its AC. But if you hit it, you roll double the normal damage dice that you would normally roll, even if you didn't roll a 20 on the d20.
Wow thats quite a weapon for them to include in a 1-3 level adventure, almost seems too much doesn't it?
I haven't actually read the adventure that this particular sword is found in. Personally, I'd say it's pretty reasonable.
Sure, you are going to be hacking down a lot of doors with relative ease (provided you have time to hack away at them), but it's not like this is going to make it so you never face any challenges. It's no more powerful against creatures than a regular +1 weapon, unless you can think up some very strategic uses for it (in which case I, were I DM, would personally be happy).
Of course, if your DM allows you to try to hit an opponent's weapon, this may be very useful. That Knight looks a little silly holding a shattered sword.
Further, damage from non magical sources can't harm the weapon means. Does it mean you could destroy the weapon with a magical weapon? couldn't you do that to any weapon? What would the hit points be on a weapon you were trying to destroy.
Damage is magical if the rules say it is or it's coming from a spell, magic item, or an effect fueled by spell slots. The first three are self-evident and the last stems from the fact that spell slots are the fuel for spells. This is stated explicitly in Sage Advice Compendium.
The rules for damaging objects are here. An object's AC depends on its material and its HP depends on its size and whether it's fragile or resilient. Most magic items other than scrolls and potions are resistant to damage, as explained in the DMG's rules for magic items.
Of course, if your DM allows you to try to hit an opponent's weapon, this may be very useful. That Knight looks a little silly holding a shattered sword.
Ahhhh a hit on an object. Not a hit on anything or anyone...I misunderstood for a bit. Yeah that makes sense and is a more balanced weapon. Thanks for clearing it all up.
Shatterspike: Wielders without the Improved Sunderfeat use Shatterspike as a +1 longswordonly; wielders with the Improved Sunderfeat add a +4 bonus (including the sword’s +1 enhancement bonus) to the opposed roll when attempting to strike a foe’s weapon. If successful, Shatterspike deals 1d8+4 points of damage plus the wielder’s Strength modifier to the target weapon (the target weapon’s hardness must still be overcome with each hit). Shatterspike can damage weapons with an enhancement bonus of +4 or lower.
Originally, Third edition only requires Sunder and doesn't draw a attack of opportunity when attacking a foes weapon.
In 5th edition, I'd say a armor is not off limits to an object. Would you roll normally against the opponent, then roll critical damage to his armor? Then, when the armor breaks, wouldn't the AC of the victim decrease?
Can it always crit hit a animated object? Those things creep me out.
Of course, if your DM allows you to try to hit an opponent's weapon, this may be very useful. That Knight looks a little silly holding a shattered sword.
Those rules are entirely in the DM's hands. Using those rules, the DM is encouraged to rule that certain types of attacks/damage do nothing to certain objects. Those rules don't provide a foolproof way to wreck plate.
I see when i click on shatterspike the weapon it has a spell called Shatter in my spell slot. I am a barbarian and was curious if i was able to use this spell or not. It gives the classes that can use it but why give me the option if i cant use the spell is why i am so confused.
Shatterspike should not give you the spell Shatter. Check to make sure that it’s not a homebrew weapon. If it isn’t, create a new thread in the Bugs forum.
It says...
You have a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls you make with this magic weapon. If it hits an object, the hit is automatically a critical hit, and it can deal bludgeoning or slashing damage to the object (your choice). Further, damage from nonmagical sources can’t harm the weapon.
What does automatically a critical hit mean? On a crit you tend to double damage. That's not what this means is it? I'm also unsure what.... Further, damage from non magical sources can't harm the weapon means. Does it mean you could destroy the weapon with a magical weapon? couldn't you do that to any weapon? What would the hit points be on a weapon you were trying to destroy.
As always, thanks!
On a critical hit, you roll double the normal damage dice. For instance, if you attack with a greatsword that deals 2d6 damage, on a critical hit, it would deal 4d6 damage.
Typically, you score a critical hit on a roll of 20.
However, with the Shatterspike, any hit on an object is a critical hit.
So, if you attack an object with Shatterspike, you still need to beat its AC. But if you hit it, you roll double the normal damage dice that you would normally roll, even if you didn't roll a 20 on the d20.
And that's all I have to say about that.
Wow thats quite a weapon for them to include in a 1-3 level adventure, almost seems too much doesn't it?
When's the last time you tried to damage an object? It's a pretty niche enchantment, and any adamantine weapon does the same thing as of Xanathar's.
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile.
And that's all I have to say about that.
Ahhhh a hit on an object. Not a hit on anything or anyone...I misunderstood for a bit. Yeah that makes sense and is a more balanced weapon. Thanks for clearing it all up.
The 3.5 edition for Shatterspike
Shatterspike: Wielders without the Improved Sunder feat use Shatterspike as a +1 longswordonly; wielders with the Improved Sunder feat add a +4 bonus (including the sword’s +1 enhancement bonus) to the opposed roll when attempting to strike a foe’s weapon. If successful, Shatterspike deals 1d8+4 points of damage plus the wielder’s Strength modifier to the target weapon (the target weapon’s hardness must still be overcome with each hit). Shatterspike can damage weapons with an enhancement bonus of +4 or lower.
Strong evocation; CL 13th; Str 13, Craft Magical Arms and Armor, Power Attack, Improved Sunder, shatter; Price 4,315 gp; Cost 2,315 gp + 160 XP; Weight 4 lb.
Originally, Third edition only requires Sunder and doesn't draw a attack of opportunity when attacking a foes weapon.
In 5th edition, I'd say a armor is not off limits to an object. Would you roll normally against the opponent, then roll critical damage to his armor? Then, when the armor breaks, wouldn't the AC of the victim decrease?
Can it always crit hit a animated object? Those things creep me out.
Objects have their own AC, as explained in the DMG's rules for damaging objects.
Yes.
An animated object is a creature.
Look further down the reply-chain. Crawford says:
I see when i click on shatterspike the weapon it has a spell called Shatter in my spell slot. I am a barbarian and was curious if i was able to use this spell or not. It gives the classes that can use it but why give me the option if i cant use the spell is why i am so confused.
Shatterspike should not give you the spell Shatter. Check to make sure that it’s not a homebrew weapon. If it isn’t, create a new thread in the Bugs forum.
Extended Signature! Yay! https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/off-topic/adohands-kitchen/3153-extended-signature-thread?page=2#c21
Haven’t used this account in forever. Still a big fan of crawling claws.