Canonfire!

Mon Sep 03, 2018 3:36 pm Flametongues

Wanting some input on this.

I know "the Rules" make no mention of it, but wondering if Flametongue swords should do extra damage when their blades ignite with fire. I imagine the varying to hit/damage bonuses against various creatures represents an innate susceptibility they have against the dweomercrafting of these blades. What I am wondering is when the Flametongue ability is activated, the blade wreathed in fire, if extra damage shouldn't be figured in as well (d4, d6?). It makes sense to me that it should, but interested in outside opinions.

-Lanthorn

Tue Sep 04, 2018 10:51 am

Personally, I have always included a 1d6 fire damage for such swords. And I can attest that the computer game, Baldur's Gate, adds such damage. Therefore, I must conclude that Wizard always intended such damage.
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Wed Sep 05, 2018 4:38 pm

I did some research about the damage torches inflict and FINALLY came up with what is written in the 2nd edition Options book: Combat & Tactics. In the description of torches (after the chart delineating damage) it says that +1 point of damage is inflicted if the torch is lit with flame. Otherwise the damage inflicted is bludgeoning damage only.

-Lanthorn

Wed Sep 05, 2018 6:13 pm

Fair enough, only I'd rate that as a comparison between normal fire and the magical fire of the sword.
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Thu Sep 06, 2018 2:27 pm

An added thought:

The damage caused when the sword is aflame should not allow regeneration! Only magical or normal healing, in my opinion, should be permitted. TROLLS and other regenerators BEWARE!

-Lanthorn

Thu Sep 06, 2018 3:29 pm

That's how I play it. Always have.
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Sat Sep 08, 2018 7:12 am

Good points about additional fire damage, but I also think additional damage from fire would depend on the amount of time the fire came into contact with the person. As most people have sometime in their life, I have come into brief contact with flames and not been hurt (campfire, cooking, etc.) I have also suffered some damage from fire due to prolonged contact (military related or me just being young and stupid). One sword strike would probably not cause additional damage. However, a mele lasting a few minutes definitely would/should. And that's normal fire, which of course this being magical fire it is far from normal. I think the magical nature of the fire should enhance it's damage a bit. Also, fire loves to spread, especially when coming into contact with flammable substances. PCs are wearing a lot of flammable substances (including being one themselves), so after a round or two of being hit with a flaming sword they should have a few items on fire or at least smoldering.

Sat Sep 08, 2018 8:31 am

DM's ruling applies, of course, but I could see rolling a saving throw EACH AND EVERY TIME a successful hit is scored on flammable items: clothing, fur, etc.

-Lanthorn

Sat Sep 08, 2018 1:50 pm

Tue Sep 11, 2018 1:10 am

The sword functions as regular torch with regard to shedding light and setting things on fire, and a troll is very much going to have a bad day when fighting somebody using a flame tongue. Never added extra damage to it, as the rules really need to state if it were to do any extra fire damage, which they do not. I wouldn't be adverse to it causing +1 fire damage, but then one could say that is wrapped up in its variable damage bonus. I wouldn't have it cause more damage than that though, as it is just the equivalent of a torch flame and not remotely like a hit from flaming oil/greek fire. Also, as it burns like a torch, one could surely roast someone/something with it. I wouldn't consider it magical fire with regard to items saves, as that is really reserved for fire much more intense than a torch, and definitely allow magic resistance vs. any added fire damage should you add it (if applicable). Always was an awesome weapon to have back in the day.
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Tue Sep 11, 2018 6:28 am

Fri Sep 14, 2018 6:28 am

I always use flametongues pretty much like Cebrion. I guess finding a greater flametongue that does do extra fire damage could be an exciting find for players though.

Sun Sep 30, 2018 9:22 pm

Mon Oct 01, 2018 4:03 pm

Gents,

Just for clarity...I am NOT a stickler to rules...yes, guidelines work for me...but I like to inquire from a multitude of people b/c it generates good discussion, and I appreciate the variety of interpretations. Whether I agree with you or not, to ME, is not the point of my endless inquiries. What matters to me is a general conversation circulating around the 'rules' and various perspectives of how we all interpret what is written. As such, I value ALL opinions to any of my posts, and thank each and every one of you who chime in. Ultimately, it helps ME to 'gel' in my head what makes sense in MY game.

As an answer to your question, Cebrion (mark this on your calendars, people), I would rule a saving throw is needed each and every time a flaming weapon strikes anything flammable.

thank you again, all,

Lanthorn