Kelp Reed (3.5e Equipment)

= Kelp Reed =

Within the plane of water, and in the depths of some oceans, lies a particular breed of seaweed which has traded long flowing ribbons for toughened fibers which curl around each other into bamboo-like shapes. This "underwater bamboo", while not technically wood, is treated as such for many an underwater civilization and has proven effective in dealing with underwater combat. Summary::Kelp Reed is a wood-like substance that is ideal for underwater adventures. It is a dark green "bamboo" with rough leafy exterior, much like if seaweed were compressed into planks. Strips are carved off and curled together, weaving the desired functions out of them or edges sharpened on particularly large cuts.

Any weapon primarily composed of wood can be made as a kelp reed weapon. Kelp reed weapons treat the wielder as if they were under freedom of movement for the purpose of underwater penalties to combat. Weapons made of kelp reed gain a 10% discount on any enhancements which deal with acid, such as Corrosive and Acidic Burst. Kelp reed has 10 hit points per inch of thickness and hardness 3. When submerged in water it regains 1 hp per minute.

Armor can also be made with kelp reed. It oxygenates the water around it, making it possible for air breathers to breath liquid. For water breathers, it makes their normal respiration efficient, allowing them to be immune to water-borne poisons, toxic flows, deoxygenated water, and other "inhaled" dangers as it scrubs the water for impurities. In addition the armor check penalty for any armor is halved (minimum 0) for the purposes of Swim checks. Armor made of kelp reed gain a 10% discount on any enhancements which deal with acid resistance. It has no special effect on shields, other than using shields as a weapon.

Kelp reed needs special preparation so all weapons and armor made from it are always of masterwork quality; the masterwork cost is included in the prices given below. Thus, kelp reed weapons and ammunition have a +1 enhancement bonus on attack rolls, and the armor check penalty of kelp reed armor is lessened by 1 compared to ordinary armor of its type.