Cursed magic items and dick GMs?

Marleycat · May 29, 2014, 02:49:48 PM

Quote from: Sacrosanct;753824Ah, what would any internet discussion be without gross hyperbole?

Boring.

Bill · May 29, 2014, 02:52:30 PM

At worst,a cursed item may in fact be the gm being an asshat.

It is also possible some players think all items should be available, provide bonuses, and make their build more effective.

However, I feel that in most cases, a cursed item should fit the setting, have a rational reason for existing, and not be insanely arbitrary.

Stormbringer is cursed, fits it's setting, and has a reason for existing. Might be too arbitrary for my personal taste.

But that sword is so freaking cool, I would probably end up having fin regardless.

Bill · May 29, 2014, 02:57:50 PM

A girdle of gender alteration would be priceless. As in, many would pay a fortune for that girdle.

Marleycat · May 29, 2014, 03:04:30 PM

Quote from: Bill;753836A girdle of gender alteration would be priceless. As in, many would pay a fortune for that girdle.

Very true that.

dragoner · May 29, 2014, 03:07:58 PM

Also, as GM, I reserve the right to be a dick, esp in response to other's dick moves.

Marleycat · May 29, 2014, 03:09:37 PM

I can understand that but really I would just go the route of kicking them out if a little adult to adult conversation doesn't do the trick.

dragoner · May 29, 2014, 03:13:04 PM

Quote from: Marleycat;753846I can understand that but really I would just go the route of kicking them out if a little adult to adult conversation doesn't do the trick.

I mean in game dickery. Other stuff, like racism, sexism, cussing out people, getting angry, etc.; yes, I usually just kick them out.

Marleycat · May 29, 2014, 03:30:05 PM

Quote from: dragoner;753847I mean in game dickery. Other stuff, like racism, sexism, cussing out people, getting angry, etc.; yes, I usually just kick them out.

I never done that because I have seen it done and it doesn't seem to work out as well as planned in my opinion.

dragoner · May 29, 2014, 03:39:04 PM

Quote from: Marleycat;753850I never done that because I have seen it done and it doesn't seem to work out as well as planned in my opinion.

I have found that when I try to be nice, it can backfire too. Not saying that I will definitely be a dick, but that I just reserve the right.

Marleycat · May 29, 2014, 03:51:55 PM

It's a balancing act for sure. And of course you reserve the right you are the DM.

dragoner · May 29, 2014, 04:06:42 PM

Quote from: Marleycat;753853It's a balancing act for sure. And of course you reserve the right you are the DM.

Yup.

re cursed items: It is funny, in that when I think of a cursed sword, Stormbringer or Mournblade immediately pop into my mind.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stormbringer

I guess we all have different media influences. But what I have to laugh about, is that one of my characters got stuck with a -1 sword once, the DM thinking he was smart, but I used it for a while because it could still damage creatures having to be hit with a magic weapon.

Omega · May 29, 2014, 04:15:37 PM

Or just dont put on willy nilly every item you find.

Alot of cursed items originally had to actually be used to start the curse off. You had to put the helm on slip on the girdle, use the weapon in combat etc. The cursed swords for example perform as normal when used to practice or test. It is only when used in combat that they activate. And then become really hard to get rid of. The Backbiter spear spear too.

mcbobbo · May 29, 2014, 04:27:12 PM

Quote from: Bill;753836A girdle of gender alteration would be priceless. As in, many would pay a fortune for that girdle.

That may or may not be true.

I see this as one of those things where we see it as amazing and valuable, but we live in a world where magic isn't real.

But in D&D (or Pathfinder at least) a scroll of Polymorph Any Object costs 3000 gp. Male to female or vice versa is easily a Duration Factor of 9: Permanent.

That's another thread, but it's a peeve of mine for sure.

Just Another Snake Cult · May 29, 2014, 04:51:16 PM

Quote from: Scott Anderson;753677Here's another one that fits: the bag of devouring. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over?

Need to quickly assassinate somebody when they go to the restroom right in the middle of the King's Grand Ball? Bring the Bag of Devouring. Two walk in the water closet, only one comes out.

Need to make sure that an enemy with clerical buddies stays the fuck dead? Chuck his carcass in the Bag of Devouring and never worry about him again.

Need to get rid of a cursed magic item? Need to quickly dump stolen goods right before a police search? Need a place to shove the shit when camping in a dungeon room, or the dirt when digging your way out of a trap?

It's only "Cursed" to the unimaginative.

Marleycat · May 29, 2014, 04:55:49 PM

I do admit the Bag of Devouring is about the most useful cursed item there is. I have had them before and used them in many of the same ways you mention.