Daystar and evil characters

OrlonKronsteen

Hi everyone,

Daystar is usable by both good and evil toons in BG2. But I got thinking: should it really be usable by evil characters? The fact that it does extra damage to evil characters makes me wonder how they could wield it at all. In another thread I started about the Burning Earth, it was mentioned that Daystar is modeled after a generic 'sunblade' from pnp. Is anyone familiar with the lore on sunblade swords, and whether evil characters can use them in pnp?

For the record, I don't think the sword should be changed at all - I'm just curious about it.

Blackraven

The 2nd edirion Dungeon Master Guide, which appears to have been the basis for lots of weapons (and items) in the games such as the Army Scythe, the Sling of Seeking, Belm, Carsomyr, and many others, says the following about the Sun Blade:

"Sun Blade: This sword is the size of a bastard sword. However, its enchantment enables the sun blade to be wielded as if it were a short sword with respect to encumbrance, weight, speed factor, and ease of use (i.e., the weapon appears to all viewers to be a bastard sword, and inflicts bastard sword damage, but the wielder feels and reacts as if the weapon were a short sword). Any individual able to use either a bastard sword or a short sword with proficiency is proficient in the use of a sun blade.
In normal combat, the glowing golden blade of the weapon is equal to a +2 sword. Against evil creatures, its bonus is +4. Against Negative Energy Plane creatures or those drawing power from that plane (such as certain undead), the sword inflicts double damage.
Furthermore, the blade has a special sunray power. Once a day, upon command, the blade can be swung vigorously above the head, and it will shed a bright yellow radiance that is like full daylight. The radiance begins shining in a 10-foot radius around the sword-wielder, spreading outward at 5 feet per round for 10 rounds thereafter, creating a globe of light with a 60-foot radius. When the swinging stops, the radiance fades to a dim glow that persists for another turn before disappearing entirely. All sun blades are of good alignment."

In later editions the following was added: "All sun blades are of good alignment, and any evil creature attempting to wield one gains one negative level. The negative level remains as long as the sword is in hand and disappears when the sword is no longer wielded. This negative level never results in actual level loss, but it cannot be overcome in any way (including restoration spells) while the sword is wielded."

So if you go by d&d lore the blade should indeed be usable by evil characters, although some kind of penalty might be in order.