Shadowrun

Shadowrun General => Gear => Topic started by: malady305 on <10-18-11/0132:43>

Title: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: malady305 on <10-18-11/0132:43>
I am working on creating a magical tradition based loosely on the jedi order. I want to equip him with a weapon somewhat like a lightsaber. The only options I find in the books are either vibrosword, monofilament katana, or perhaps monofilament whip. Does anyone know of a more fitting alternative, either from the book, or homebrew?
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: rasmusnicolaj on <10-18-11/0157:17>
I think that is as close as you get with conventional weapons. But do you really, really need a lightsaber in shadowrun? I get the other Jedi order things with a specific code etc. but lightsabers are SciFi not so much cyberpunk.

You could give him a fancy weapon foci and add a glowing effect (I can't remember the foci creations rules and haven't my book at hand right now). But GM fiat should make it possible; a glowing weapon isn't a boon its a signature and in the dark anything that lights up is a easy target.

Or you could create a custom spell that generate a glowing blade (like a touch damage spell with +1 reach) and then have a sustaining foci in a ring you cast it through (Space Balls anyone?)

Hope that helps a little.

Rasmus
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: Barskor on <10-18-11/0159:19>
Develope a spell that creates a sword of energy add fire and acid with a minuet per force level tie that in to a sustaing focuse Oddly clindrcal in shape and ther e yoyu go
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: Makki on <10-18-11/0227:54>
an Ally spirit with Realistic Form (Lightsaber) and Energy Aura (Light). Will take some karma to achieve, but a proper lightsaber has to be earned.
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-18-11/0451:58>
Despite Barskor's incomprehensibility, he's essentially correct.  Develop a touch-range (+1 Reach, like rasmusnicolaj suggested) damaging spell, cast it, tie it to a sustaining focus 'hilt' ... and there you go.  In SR2 we used the Anchoring rules then (which have since been severely emasculated) to enable an actual on/off action that you didn't really need to worry about.

Alternately, and here's the more likely, less Drain route, go with weapon foci swords.  And mystic adepts.
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: Phylos Fett on <10-18-11/0503:24>
You could take a leaf out of one of my SR3 player's book and make a Reach 1 Monofilament Whip, and reduce the DV to 6P.
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: malady305 on <10-18-11/0527:59>
All very interesting ideas. I will have to run them by my GM to see how he wants to deal with it. I may even end up just using a vibrosword or monowhip. Essentially, this weapon is something he will gain once he initiates, and the main purpose of its use is to slice things apart. The "light" part of the lightsaber is not as important, especially because of the stealth killing nature of the lightbeam and the humming sound. Im still not sure how to go with this one.
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: UmaroVI on <10-18-11/0901:39>
[Element] Aura with the Light Element on yourself adds damage to your melee attacks. You could either use that, or research a limited version that only works on swords you are holding.
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-19-11/0049:28>
Yeah, but the thing of it is any time you cast the spell, you have to handle the drain; sure, a sustaining focus will hold onto it for you, but the drain is still a concern -- or at least it would be for me.
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: malady305 on <10-19-11/0316:09>
Yeah, but the thing of it is any time you cast the spell, you have to handle the drain; sure, a sustaining focus will hold onto it for you, but the drain is still a concern -- or at least it would be for me.
Well this character does resist drain pretty well, but I dont think I want to risk overdoing it, so Im leaning more toward a monofilament blade, vibrosword, or monofilament whip. Which among these does the most similar kind of damage to a lightsaber?
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: Phylos Fett on <10-19-11/0409:45>
Well this character does resist drain pretty well, but I dont think I want to risk overdoing it, so Im leaning more toward a monofilament blade, vibrosword, or monofilament whip. Which among these does the most similar kind of damage to a lightsaber?

Well, that's kind of like asking whether a bison, hyena or chimp smells more like a Troll - hard to answer because the latter doesn't exist in the world of the former.

But, if I had to make an educated guess, I'd say the Monofilament whip - it has damage that is not based on Strength, and halves the armor of your opponent.
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: ARC on <10-19-11/0427:09>
Well this character does resist drain pretty well, but I dont think I want to risk overdoing it, so Im leaning more toward a monofilament blade, vibrosword, or monofilament whip. Which among these does the most similar kind of damage to a lightsaber?

Well, that's kind of like asking whether a bison, hyena or chimp smells more like a Troll - hard to answer because the latter doesn't exist in the world of the former.

But, if I had to make an educated guess, I'd say the Monofilament whip - it has damage that is not based on Strength, and halves the armor of your opponent.

Not to mention there was that huge discussion about monofilament whips a couple weeks ago that claimed they were the shadowrun equivalent of a lightsaber because of the fear factor.
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: Phylos Fett on <10-19-11/0517:52>
Well this character does resist drain pretty well, but I dont think I want to risk overdoing it, so Im leaning more toward a monofilament blade, vibrosword, or monofilament whip. Which among these does the most similar kind of damage to a lightsaber?

Did the comparisons really go that far? (just curious - I
Well, that's kind of like asking whether a bison, hyena or chimp smells more like a Troll - hard to answer because the latter doesn't exist in the world of the former.

But, if I had to make an educated guess, I'd say the Monofilament whip - it has damage that is not based on Strength, and halves the armor of your opponent.

Not to mention there was that huge discussion about monofilament whips a couple weeks ago that claimed they were the shadowrun equivalent of a lightsaber because of the fear factor.

Did the comparisons really go that far? (just curious - I kinda got tired of the discussion )

OT - Who the hell have you pissed off to have such a smited Rep?!?  :o
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: ARC on <10-19-11/0645:21>
Who knows, it went south in that discussion and I figure it's just someone being petty.  Big deal.  I'm never rude, rarely vulgar, use the rules as I understand them, and I try to keep my spelling correct.  I was worried about it but not now.  The ones that keep smiting me won't get me to leave, and the mods won't kick me off because I haven't broken the TOS.  Heck if I get a -300, I'll probably throw a party at this point.  I figure it would be good for morale.
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: rasmusnicolaj on <10-19-11/0744:04>
 ;D
I will come, and I'm sure you are right about it must be a single user being petty.
I Applaud you whenever I get the chance just to even the score a little.

Rasmus
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: ARC on <10-19-11/0904:10>
;D
I will come, and I'm sure you are right about it must be a single user being petty.
I Applaud you whenever I get the chance just to even the score a little.

Rasmus

Either way it doesn't matter to me.  I first started playing SR in 1996, 14 years later and a break for a few of them, I still love the game.  I remember a lot of stuff from back in those days.  Believe it or not I actually just recently read Neuromancer and Burning Chrome in the past few months for the first time.  Back when I first started I only had access to the SR2 book.  I didn't have access to the internet, nor anybody really to help me understand.  I just recently came across Jackpoint and Dumpshock.  I had to make calls on the rules how I saw them.  For the most part, I would say I feel comfortable with my rules knowledge.   And so far, most of the forum seems to agree with me.  I might be wrong, but when I explain my reasoning, it makes sense.  In the end though, I let my words speak for themselves.
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: rasmusnicolaj on <10-19-11/1122:22>
I haven't found reason to disagree with you (at least not in major points) and what I have read of your posts has been polite and in no way offensive.

Smiting someone after an argument is one thing but actually taking time to smite you in such a degree is way out there. But as you say not important.

Rasmus
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: Zilfer on <10-20-11/2109:35>
Well this character does resist drain pretty well, but I dont think I want to risk overdoing it, so Im leaning more toward a monofilament blade, vibrosword, or monofilament whip. Which among these does the most similar kind of damage to a lightsaber?

Did the comparisons really go that far? (just curious - I
Well, that's kind of like asking whether a bison, hyena or chimp smells more like a Troll - hard to answer because the latter doesn't exist in the world of the former.

But, if I had to make an educated guess, I'd say the Monofilament whip - it has damage that is not based on Strength, and halves the armor of your opponent.

Not to mention there was that huge discussion about monofilament whips a couple weeks ago that claimed they were the shadowrun equivalent of a lightsaber because of the fear factor.

Did the comparisons really go that far? (just curious - I kinda got tired of the discussion )

OT - Who the hell have you pissed off to have such a smited Rep?!?  :o

Yeah it went that far.... I will point out as i did in that topic

Star Wars basically has the equivalent of a Monofiliment Sword, and a Monofiliment whip.

The first is a Vibrosword which vibrates really really fast to increase cutting power. The second is actually a Lightwhip. Yes not lightsaber, but a lightwhip. Has the same ability to cut through almost anything as a lightsaber save for that it's in whip form.

So needless to say yes a Monofiliment whip is very close to a lightsaber. If you wanted to homebrew a lightsaber like weapon I'd make it similiar to the monofiliment weapon.... though you should note if you make it an ACTUAL lightsaber with no weight for the blade there should be some penalties to wielding it.

It's like swinging a flash light around, you'd probably slice off your limb or hurt yourself if the "light" from the flash light was real. XD
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-20-11/2142:40>
Dark Conspiracy has the monomolecular sword -- a rigid monowire with a small fluorescent red ball on the end so you can tell where it is, much the same way SR's monowhip has the weight on the end.

The Dark Conspiracy text says that it's feyly called 'the bouncing ball' ...
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: Phylos Fett on <10-21-11/0604:12>

The first is a Vibrosword which vibrates really really fast to increase cutting power. The second is actually a Lightwhip. Yes not lightsaber, but a lightwhip. Has the same ability to cut through almost anything as a lightsaber save for that it's in whip form.


It could be worse - could be a double lightwhip. ;)
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: ARC on <10-21-11/0620:09>

The first is a Vibrosword which vibrates really really fast to increase cutting power. The second is actually a Lightwhip. Yes not lightsaber, but a lightwhip. Has the same ability to cut through almost anything as a lightsaber save for that it's in whip form.


It could be worse - could be a double lightwhip. ;)

I think I heard about that one.  Wasn't that the weapon of choice for Darth Ow?
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: Phylos Fett on <10-21-11/0625:46>

The first is a Vibrosword which vibrates really really fast to increase cutting power. The second is actually a Lightwhip. Yes not lightsaber, but a lightwhip. Has the same ability to cut through almost anything as a lightsaber save for that it's in whip form.


It could be worse - could be a double lightwhip. ;)

I think I heard about that one.  Wasn't that the weapon of choice for Darth Ow?

It's probably possible to use if you've practiced a hell of a lot. You'd definitely want to master that before you tried with something that really sliced and diced. Double Stun Lightwhips for practice, maybe?
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: rasmusnicolaj on <10-21-11/0648:12>
"Legs. Didn't I have legs just a moment ago?"
"Strange where did they go and what is all that red stuff on the ground?"
"I feel dizzy. Better sit down and take a break from swinging this thing around."

Rasmus
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: kirk on <10-21-11/0934:22>

The first is a Vibrosword which vibrates really really fast to increase cutting power. The second is actually a Lightwhip. Yes not lightsaber, but a lightwhip. Has the same ability to cut through almost anything as a lightsaber save for that it's in whip form.


It could be worse - could be a double lightwhip. ;)

I think I heard about that one.  Wasn't that the weapon of choice for Darth Ow?
No, you're thinking of the light-shuriken. The double-lightwhip belonged to Darth Oops.
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: ARC on <10-21-11/1219:41>
X) no, the light shuriken belonged to Darth D'oh!
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: Morg on <10-21-11/2303:17>
There are rules in the Digital Grimoire for the creation of unique magic items, if you were staying true to the tradition then they have to build it themselves as it is a unique magic item you could treat it as a str/2+2 sword with an ap of -1/2 and call it light based damage with the additive of needing to be some kind of Focus such as a weapon focus or power focus (if you did your SW research you know were I am coming from on this) SR magic is based on the level of belief the adherent to a tradition has  some traditions have some unique qualities this would just be one of those
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: Zilfer on <10-24-11/1656:37>

The first is a Vibrosword which vibrates really really fast to increase cutting power. The second is actually a Lightwhip. Yes not lightsaber, but a lightwhip. Has the same ability to cut through almost anything as a lightsaber save for that it's in whip form.


It could be worse - could be a double lightwhip. ;)

I think I heard about that one.  Wasn't that the weapon of choice for Darth Ow?

It's probably possible to use if you've practiced a hell of a lot. You'd definitely want to master that before you tried with something that really sliced and diced. Double Stun Lightwhips for practice, maybe?

Actually a good deal of lightsaber's had adjustible settings so you could "lower" the power output and only cause minor burns instead of slicing completely through something. Training sabers were turned down on the lowest setting and locked at that setting so the apprentice's didn't start lopping eachother's limbs off in practice.
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: ARC on <10-24-11/1942:09>

The first is a Vibrosword which vibrates really really fast to increase cutting power. The second is actually a Lightwhip. Yes not lightsaber, but a lightwhip. Has the same ability to cut through almost anything as a lightsaber save for that it's in whip form.


It could be worse - could be a double lightwhip. ;)

I think I heard about that one.  Wasn't that the weapon of choice for Darth Ow?

It's probably possible to use if you've practiced a hell of a lot. You'd definitely want to master that before you tried with something that really sliced and diced. Double Stun Lightwhips for practice, maybe?

Actually a good deal of lightsaber's had adjustible settings so you could "lower" the power output and only cause minor burns instead of slicing completely through something. Training sabers were turned down on the lowest setting and locked at that setting so the apprentice's didn't start lopping eachother's limbs off in practice.

That and some had the ability to extend to different lengths.
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: Zilfer on <10-24-11/2015:56>

The first is a Vibrosword which vibrates really really fast to increase cutting power. The second is actually a Lightwhip. Yes not lightsaber, but a lightwhip. Has the same ability to cut through almost anything as a lightsaber save for that it's in whip form.


It could be worse - could be a double lightwhip. ;)

I think I heard about that one.  Wasn't that the weapon of choice for Darth Ow?

It's probably possible to use if you've practiced a hell of a lot. You'd definitely want to master that before you tried with something that really sliced and diced. Double Stun Lightwhips for practice, maybe?

Actually a good deal of lightsaber's had adjustible settings so you could "lower" the power output and only cause minor burns instead of slicing completely through something. Training sabers were turned down on the lowest setting and locked at that setting so the apprentice's didn't start lopping eachother's limbs off in practice.

That and some had the ability to extend to different lengths.

Yeah it depended on the focusing crystals. Generally you had 1 main one that made the color of the blade and the others' that increased the intensity of the blade or made the blade longer. Lightsaber's could "switch" crystals if you knew how to build it right, and the longest one i heard of i believe was 3 meters long. About a 9 foot sword? Sephiroth anyone?
Title: Re: Shadowrun version of a lightsaber
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-06-11/1745:06>
If you really, REALLY wanted to, you probably could go with any of the swords or the mono whip as a weapon focus for a lightsaber, but personally, I'd say scrap the saber because there isn't really anything to match up exactly as far as I can tell.