Alchemical Items

again (to four times the normal price) adds another 5, to a maximum DC increase of 10 . The Craft DC to manufacture a hidden space is equal to the Search DC to find it, and requires an appropriate Craft skill (such as woodworking for the false bottom of a chest or leatherworking for a hollow boot heel) . The figures in the Approximate Max Volume column are just that—approximations . All of the dimensions of a hidden space should be considered shapeable, so that (for instance) a Medium space could measure 3 × 1 × 9 feet and have the same volume as one that measures 3 feet on a side . Of course, the size and shape of the object into which the hidden space is built must also be taken into consideration . Normally, hidden spaces are designed only to conceal objects . Spaces holding living creatures require extra care to avoid suffocation . Any such hidden space costs twice as much as normal and includes cleverly hidden airways .

Table 5–1: Hidden Spaces

Search Approximate Sample Size DC Max Volume Hidden Object

Fine 25 2 × 2 × 2 in. 10 coins, sheet of paper (folded), shuriken Diminutive 20 6 × 6 × 6 in. Potion, amulet Tiny 15 1 × 1 × 1 ft. Book, flask of acid, light weapon Small 15 2 × 2 × 2 ft. One-handed weapon, backpack Medium 15 3 × 3 × 3 ft. Two-handed weapon, small barrel Large 15 5 × 5 × 5 ft. Small boat Huge 15 10 × 10 × 10 ft. Small wagon

surPrIse WeaPons

Scoundrels with a need for weaponry adopt the tricks and techniques of hidden spaces to more martial pursuits . baYoneTs and CoMbInaTIon blades

Archers, crossbowmen, and others who rely on ranged weapons are at a distinct disadvantage when an enemy closes within melee range . In order to maximize survivability in such situations, many ranged specialists attach blades to their weapons . These blades, called bayonets, give ranged weapons melee capability .

A bayonet does not interfere with the normal functioning of the weapon to which it is fixed, so it can remain attached indefinitely . Bayonets act in all ways like normal melee weapons, as noted in their descriptions, and can be made masterwork or magic (separately from any masterwork or magic property of the main weapon) . Attaching or removing a bayonet requires a move action . Attacking with a bayonet imposes a –2 penalty on the attack roll .

Bow Blade: Some archers add blades to the grips or risers of their weapons . Bowyers can craft bows that allow such blades to be permanently affixed . Treat a bow blade as a punching dagger .

Crossbow Bayonet: Bayonets easily fit onto light or heavy crossbows, attaching to the stock below where the bolt fires . Crossbow bayonets come in two kinds: knife and sword . A knife bayonet attached to a crossbow functions as a shortspear, while a sword bayonet attached to a crossbow is treated as a spear . A crossbow with an attached bayonet cannot be thrown as a true spear can be, though it can be set against a charge . A hand crossbow is too small to accept a bayonet (but see hand crossbow blade, below) .

Hand Crossbow Blade: Adding a short blade to the front of a hand crossbow allows you to defend yourself in melee combat without having to draw a different weapon .

The blade functions as a dagger .

Table 5–2: Surprise Weapons

Weapon

Cost Weight1

Bow blade

4 gp Crossbow bayonet, knife 2 gp Crossbow bayonet, sword 4 gp Hand crossbow blade 4 gp Boot blade 4 gp

Elbow blade 4 gp

Knee blade 20 gp

Sleeve blade 4 gp

1/2 lb. 1 lb. 2 lb. 1/2 lb. 1/2 lb. 1 lb. 2 lb. 1 lb. Instrument blade 10 gp 1/2 lb. 1 Weight figures are for Medium weapons. A Small weapon weighs half as much, and a Large weapon weighs twice as much.

hIdden blades

Scoundrels generally avoid fair fights . Many hide various weapons about their bodies to glean whatever advantage they can .

A hidden blade is a springloaded blade attached to the inside of armor or boots or strapped to the scoundrel’s

Bayonets

Illus. by E. Cox