Okay, I can't resist. I worked this one up a few years ago in reference to Baltron. I took some liberties with Baltron's capabilities. He seemed like a good fit for this one. The mage that ended up with this item loves it.
Baltron's Bladestaff
Appearance: Metallic staff in the shape of a broad sword
Approximate Size: 4' long
Approximate Weight: 4 lb. (40 GP)
Experience/GP Sale Value: 7,500/20,000
This staff was created by an innovative and slightly obsessive Cleric/Mage named Baltron. Baltron was always disturbed by the fact that most mages, and clerics for that matter, were unable to gain the advantages of wielding a large edged weapon. After many years of isolation, Baltron was able to create a powerful staff that enabled Mage and Clerical types to be formidable adversaries in melee combat. Unfortunately the item was stolen from Baltron soon after its completion by an envious fellow cleric. The current whereabouts of the Bladestaff are unknown.
The staff's appearance is like that of a broadsword, approximately four feet long, that was made by an extremely inept weaponsmith. What is supposed to be the blade portion is almost as wide at the middle portion of the flat of the sword as it is at the rounded blade edges. This effect gives the "sword" the visual appearance of a four-sided diamond if viewed from the sword point. The blade, pommel, and simple and stubby "T" guard all appear to be made of the same iron polished to a bright sheen. The entire "sword" seems to be hollow and emits a reverberating gong-like sound when struck against a fairly hard surface. By merely contacting the point to stone sends the reverberation through the staff.
The Bladestaff functions as an iron staff +2 when wielded by classes other that Clerical or Mage. When the Bladestaff is wielded by either a Cleric or Mage class, the full powers of the staff can be tapped. To activate these powers the staff must contact a semi-hard surface (
DM's judgment) and the proper command word be spoken while the reverberation is within the staff. The powers that can be invoked are as follows:
• Phantom Defenders - Up to ten animated broadswords +2 that can be called forth to protect the wielder. When summoned, a short burst of light is emitted by each blade as it materializes in the desired location. For attack purposes, each sword possesses 30 hp and is AC 0. In addition, the swords can only be hit by weapons of +1 or better enchantment. The blades gain a +1 on saves versus all other attack forms. If so desired, the possessor can direct one or more of the blades to be utilized by fellow party members.
The swords can be arrayed in any fashion to prevent others from attacking the wielder. The only restriction being that the swords cannot travel further than a 20' radius from the wielder. Up to eight swords can be directed to attack a creature or person at one time, if room is available. For attack purposes the swords have a THACO of 14. Once a sword sustains 30 points of damage, it is destroyed permanently. Otherwise hit points are recovered at a rate of 10 HP per 24 hours of inactivity.
This power requires only 1/6 a segment (one second) for each sword summoned and can be used once every three-day period regardless of the number of swords summoned. The swords will remain until all foes are defeated or the possessor is slain.
• Blade Barrier as per the 6th level Clerical spell. This power can be used once per week and is centered on a location selected by the wielder. This barrier cannot be moved once a location and configuration are established. The barrier remains in effect for 2 turns.
• Armor as per the 1st level Mage spell. This power can be used twice per day and is considered to be cast at 12th level.
