Staff of Lepidopterus (3.5e Equipment)
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Lore[edit]
Many centuries ago a gnome inventor was tinkering in his workshop trying to make a flying machine. After months and months of studying birds, dragons, and other flying creatures he had a mental breakdown. He decided if he couldn't build a flying machine, he would simply turn himself into a flying creature. Too proud, or perhaps foolish, to ask for help he learned enough about magic to create a staff that he thought would turn him into a butterfly. However, the arcane magic was too powerful for a self taught wizard, and the device didn't quite work as intended. He was transformed into a butterfly, but in a cruel twist of fate he was transformed into the very flying machine he tried for so long to create. However, the gnome was happy enough with the result, and flew off into the sunset with his shiny metallic wings, leaving his workshop and staff behind.
Activation[edit]
Anyone can use this artifact. When using this item you must hold it with both hands (Any creature with more than two hands need only use two to activate the device). With a standard action you can target a single character within 40 feet(The spell can be cast on the caster, if they so choose). The target must make a will saving throw DC 20+Caster WIS modifier. On a failed save, the target becomes a robotic butterfly (see below). On a successful saving throw, the device does nothing and may not be used again for 1d4 rounds(on a success it may be used the following round). The spell is permanent, but ends if the butterfly is killed(See Special Death Rules below).
Robotic Butterfly[edit]
| Robotic Butterfly | |
|---|---|
| Size/Type: | Medium Construct |
| Hit Dice: | 2d10+15 (31 hp) |
| Initiative: | +2 |
| Speed: | fly 60(poor) |
| Armor Class: | 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14 |
| Base Attack/Grapple: | +2/-6 |
| Attack: | Slam +2(1d6+1) |
| Full Attack: | Slam +2(1d6+1) |
| Space/Reach: | 5ft/5ft |
| Special Attacks: | Bolt Storm |
| Special Qualities: | Construct traits, Special death rules |
| Saves: | Fort +0, Ref +2, Will -5 |
| Abilities: | Str 12, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 1, Cha 1 |
| Skills: | — |
| Feats: | — |
| Environment: | Any |
| Organization: | Solitary |
| Challenge Rating: | 2 |
| Treasure: | None |
| Alignment: | As target |
| Advancement: | — |
| Level Adjustment: | — |
Combat[edit]
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Bolt Storm(Ex): As a standard action the character may inflict 1d3 damage to themself to shake loose bolts from their wings and body. The bolts rain down, dealing 3d6 damage to anyone directly beneath them (Reflex Save DC 15 halves). The target may do this thrice before their flight speed is halved (15ft). There is a 1d20 chance that continuing to use Bolt Storm after the initial three times will break your wings, leaving you totally immobile and subject to fall damage. However, falling onto someone is an instant critical slam attack (No Save).
Special Death Rules: If the butterfly is killed, the spell is ended. When the spell ends, the butterfly vanishes and the target appears where the butterfly was with an amount of lethal, nonlethal, and ability damage on the target equal to the amount the butterfly had suffered when the spell ended (this means that if the spell ended because the butterfly was slain and the butterfly had an equal or greater number of hit points as the target, the target may be dead when it appears).
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