So my goal is to have a weapon which drains something on a hit (after a save, but that's not important). Has anyone come up with a way to dynamically add like one point of Strength or Constitution at a time to a character? My thought was to tie it to the charges, maybe, but I don't think that's really possible. Moreover, do we know if something like this will be possible with the Character Sheet Revamp coming soon(tm)?
Additional Note: I'm trying to make this work within the Magic Item Homebrew in such a way that it trackable within the character sheet since it will add to the STR modifier over time.
First, I would definitely require attunement. Attunement creates that mystical link necessary between character and magic. An Eldritch Knight can Weapon Bond, so this weapon you're creating might be of particular interest to such a character.
Such a weapon, a hammer for example, increases the character's CON +1 after the character's first combat attack is successful, regardless of damage. I'm not a huge fan of keeping track of point values. So 1 point of damage is sufficient. Asking the player to keep track of damage points to activate a weapon's properties bogs down game play, for one. And, players forget or "forget" and then the DM has to arbitrate, which pulls everyone right out of the game faster than a dracolich.
One point of damage "activates" this weapon's ability. For a specified duration, say 1 minute, the character receives the temporary bonus. At the end of the duration, the character must make a CON save (you would determine the DC) or experience 1 Level of Exhaustion (PHB, pg. 291) for the exertion. I am a fan of game balance, especially in combat. Give a little to earn a little.
You could also approach it as charges. The weapon has four charge tiers. As a reaction, expend 1 charge for a temporary HP boost; no adverse effect roll required. Expend 2 charges and temporarily boost the character's secondary Saving Throw: the one listed after the comma; no adverse effect roll. Take for example, Fighter. The fighter's Saving Throws are, in order, Strength and Constitution. Strength is the class's primary Saving Throw. Constitution is the class's secondary Saving Throw. CON gets the boost. Expend 3 charges and gain +1 to either Ability, not Saving Throw. So, increase STR or CON +1. Expend four charges and the character can increase both abilities +1, or one ability +2. At the end of the duration the character must make a CON save with disadvantage or suffer 1 Level of Exhaustion (PHB, pg. 291).
Or, go for jugular. The weapon is legendary. Every ten points of damage increases the character's primary or secondary ability trait +1. Every two points received requires the character to make a CON save. You determine the DC. Failing the roll results in 1 Level of Exhaustion (PHB, pg. 291). If the character is foolish enough to let the weapon kill him/her from exhaustion, the weapon drains the character's essence. Sentient weapon anyone?
This is on me, I should've been a little more clear. The design of the weapon is done (it is sentient, I'm ripping off Craven's Edge from Critical Role), I'm looking for a way to make this work in Beyond's item creator. The specific section I'm trying to work out how to help track it on the Character Sheet is:
Devour the Weak. Whenever Acras Caith damages a living creature, that creature must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, this blade drains 1 point from the creature's Strength score and transfers it to the wielder (up to a maximum of 25). All Strength losses/gains from this feature lasts until the wielder's next short or long rest. Creatures brought to 0 Strength b y this feature are slain.
So my goal is to have a weapon which drains something on a hit (after a save, but that's not important). Has anyone come up with a way to dynamically add like one point of Strength or Constitution at a time to a character? My thought was to tie it to the charges, maybe, but I don't think that's really possible. Moreover, do we know if something like this will be possible with the Character Sheet Revamp coming soon(tm)?
Additional Note: I'm trying to make this work within the Magic Item Homebrew in such a way that it trackable within the character sheet since it will add to the STR modifier over time.
This is an interesting question.
First, I would definitely require attunement. Attunement creates that mystical link necessary between character and magic. An Eldritch Knight can Weapon Bond, so this weapon you're creating might be of particular interest to such a character.
Such a weapon, a hammer for example, increases the character's CON +1 after the character's first combat attack is successful, regardless of damage. I'm not a huge fan of keeping track of point values. So 1 point of damage is sufficient. Asking the player to keep track of damage points to activate a weapon's properties bogs down game play, for one. And, players forget or "forget" and then the DM has to arbitrate, which pulls everyone right out of the game faster than a dracolich.
One point of damage "activates" this weapon's ability. For a specified duration, say 1 minute, the character receives the temporary bonus. At the end of the duration, the character must make a CON save (you would determine the DC) or experience 1 Level of Exhaustion (PHB, pg. 291) for the exertion. I am a fan of game balance, especially in combat. Give a little to earn a little.
You could also approach it as charges. The weapon has four charge tiers. As a reaction, expend 1 charge for a temporary HP boost; no adverse effect roll required. Expend 2 charges and temporarily boost the character's secondary Saving Throw: the one listed after the comma; no adverse effect roll. Take for example, Fighter. The fighter's Saving Throws are, in order, Strength and Constitution. Strength is the class's primary Saving Throw. Constitution is the class's secondary Saving Throw. CON gets the boost. Expend 3 charges and gain +1 to either Ability, not Saving Throw. So, increase STR or CON +1. Expend four charges and the character can increase both abilities +1, or one ability +2. At the end of the duration the character must make a CON save with disadvantage or suffer 1 Level of Exhaustion (PHB, pg. 291).
Or, go for jugular. The weapon is legendary. Every ten points of damage increases the character's primary or secondary ability trait +1. Every two points received requires the character to make a CON save. You determine the DC. Failing the roll results in 1 Level of Exhaustion (PHB, pg. 291). If the character is foolish enough to let the weapon kill him/her from exhaustion, the weapon drains the character's essence. Sentient weapon anyone?
The weapon recharges after a short or long rest.
This is on me, I should've been a little more clear. The design of the weapon is done (it is sentient, I'm ripping off Craven's Edge from Critical Role), I'm looking for a way to make this work in Beyond's item creator. The specific section I'm trying to work out how to help track it on the Character Sheet is:
Devour the Weak. Whenever Acras Caith damages a living creature, that creature must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, this blade drains 1 point from the creature's Strength score and transfers it to the wielder (up to a maximum of 25). All Strength losses/gains from this feature lasts until the wielder's next short or long rest. Creatures brought to 0 Strength b y this feature are slain.