I'm currently trying to run a campaign, and came up with the idea of giving the rogue a Hidden Blade as a reward.
Quick description of the situation/my plan:
Rogue is level 4 (might be 5 by the time they get it).Their backstory involves them training with an organization that uses stealth and assassination to help the weak (basically just the Assassins). They then left, and started using their training selfishly for their own benefit instead, while still keeping a general code of not robbing those who can't afford it. A member of their old organization contacted them and asked for their help with a specific mission. The long term plan with the player is to essentially have them go through a redemption, becoming more selfless, and returning to their original mission, either as a full assassin, or just helping others as an adventurer. The mission is planned to be moderately difficult, with a slight chance of permanent character death. They'll then receive the blade along with some gold, and will be told by the old contact that they proved themselves, and followed the beliefs of their Order, acting as an end to the training they never finished, and earning them the hidden blade.
Since it's a more difficult quest, and since the Hidden Blade is definitely going to be a major part of their character arc, I want to make it a quality reward that can affect their playstyle. However, I also don't want to make it something gamebreaking, or something that makes other party members jealous.
My current homebrew design is:
At first glance, this simple leather bracer looks completely unassuming, with only a few simple patterns inlaid in the material. However, putting it on reveals a small trigger that, when pressed, launches out a thin, razor sharp blade just under a foot long from a hidden sheath. Designed by the smiths of the Hidden Order centuries ago, this weapon is one of their most closely guarded secrets. It is a symbol of their order, as well as a personal symbol of their self mastery, commemorating the end of their training. They seek to live just like the blade itself: Unremarkable on the surface, but lethal to any enemy. The blade is designed for stealth, and members of the Order train in using it to exploit the weak points of enemies. While the blade can be used for hand-to-hand combat, its primary purpose is as a weapon of stealth. Its thin blade makes it excellent to stab someone in the back, but less than optimal to parry a longsword with. You are unable to hold a weapon or tool in your hand while the Hidden Blade is extended.
Finesse
Deals 1 D8 + dexterity modifier piercing damage
Stealth attack: If the target is surprised, it deals an extra D8 of damage
Precision training: If the target is both surprised and unaware of your presence (requires a successful stealth check), you can ignore their AC, and immediately roll damage.
Brittle Blade: If the blade is used in melee combat, roll a D4. On a 1, it breaks, on a 2, it is damaged. A broken blade can only be repaired by one of the craftsmen of the Hidden Order, while a damaged blade can be repaired by a successful DC 20 skill check with smith's tools. The blade cannot be brought to a regular blacksmith. If an attack is made using a damaged blade, it automatically breaks. It cannot be fixed with the mending cantrip.
The blade might get upgrades later, but currently, this is what I'm going for. I'm hoping that the blade is used more for stealth and taking out unaware guards, rather than as a weapon for any combat. What do you all think? Is this a good design? Or should I make some kind of change?
I like the idea! Feel quite powerful for the Assassin subclass. Auto-crit means x2 so 4d8 + DEX dmg at lvl 4. I like it not really being usable in combat.
1d8 DMG is pretty high for a weapon that you could use sneak attack on, I wouldn't do d4 though, you're giving up the thrown property after all. Do 1d6 and max just the weapon die on unaware victims
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I'm currently trying to run a campaign, and came up with the idea of giving the rogue a Hidden Blade as a reward.
Quick description of the situation/my plan:
Rogue is level 4 (might be 5 by the time they get it).Their backstory involves them training with an organization that uses stealth and assassination to help the weak (basically just the Assassins). They then left, and started using their training selfishly for their own benefit instead, while still keeping a general code of not robbing those who can't afford it. A member of their old organization contacted them and asked for their help with a specific mission. The long term plan with the player is to essentially have them go through a redemption, becoming more selfless, and returning to their original mission, either as a full assassin, or just helping others as an adventurer. The mission is planned to be moderately difficult, with a slight chance of permanent character death. They'll then receive the blade along with some gold, and will be told by the old contact that they proved themselves, and followed the beliefs of their Order, acting as an end to the training they never finished, and earning them the hidden blade.
Since it's a more difficult quest, and since the Hidden Blade is definitely going to be a major part of their character arc, I want to make it a quality reward that can affect their playstyle. However, I also don't want to make it something gamebreaking, or something that makes other party members jealous.
My current homebrew design is:
At first glance, this simple leather bracer looks completely unassuming, with only a few simple patterns inlaid in the material. However, putting it on reveals a small trigger that, when pressed, launches out a thin, razor sharp blade just under a foot long from a hidden sheath. Designed by the smiths of the Hidden Order centuries ago, this weapon is one of their most closely guarded secrets. It is a symbol of their order, as well as a personal symbol of their self mastery, commemorating the end of their training. They seek to live just like the blade itself: Unremarkable on the surface, but lethal to any enemy. The blade is designed for stealth, and members of the Order train in using it to exploit the weak points of enemies. While the blade can be used for hand-to-hand combat, its primary purpose is as a weapon of stealth. Its thin blade makes it excellent to stab someone in the back, but less than optimal to parry a longsword with. You are unable to hold a weapon or tool in your hand while the Hidden Blade is extended.
Finesse
Deals 1 D8 + dexterity modifier piercing damage
Stealth attack: If the target is surprised, it deals an extra D8 of damage
Precision training: If the target is both surprised and unaware of your presence (requires a successful stealth check), you can ignore their AC, and immediately roll damage.
Brittle Blade: If the blade is used in melee combat, roll a D4. On a 1, it breaks, on a 2, it is damaged. A broken blade can only be repaired by one of the craftsmen of the Hidden Order, while a damaged blade can be repaired by a successful DC 20 skill check with smith's tools. The blade cannot be brought to a regular blacksmith. If an attack is made using a damaged blade, it automatically breaks. It cannot be fixed with the mending cantrip.
The blade might get upgrades later, but currently, this is what I'm going for. I'm hoping that the blade is used more for stealth and taking out unaware guards, rather than as a weapon for any combat. What do you all think? Is this a good design? Or should I make some kind of change?
You need to specify what skill check
I like the idea! Feel quite powerful for the Assassin subclass. Auto-crit means x2 so 4d8 + DEX dmg at lvl 4. I like it not really being usable in combat.
1d8 DMG is pretty high for a weapon that you could use sneak attack on, I wouldn't do d4 though, you're giving up the thrown property after all. Do 1d6 and max just the weapon die on unaware victims