How to Eliminate Vancian Magic & Put a Real Price on Spells [New Core Class + 5 PrCs]

[Zeta Kai]

Mortal Mace (minor artifact)

• Appearance: This wicked-looking cudgel is made of a dull black metal. It is basically a long rod (about 2’) with thick blade-like protrusions at the large tip, each with a pointed tip, which are curved toward the grip. The handle itself is wrapped in thick black leather thongs, & it separated from the rest of the truncheon by a small disc-shaped hand guard.
• History: Created by a desperate village of bio-mages under siege, this artifact was forged with the intention to help the villagers break the siege & free their lands from the invading army at their gates. Although it was created with good intentions, dark deeds have surrounded it since its forging. The siege was broken, & the leaders of the invasion were slain, but not before the villagers were slaughtered by one of their own, the wielder of the mace. This unknown man could simply not stop killing, not as long as the mace was in his hand. Such is the eventual fate of many who find themselves with the Mortal Mace in hand.
• Powers: When this +5 mace is used to deal a killing blow against a bio-mage (any strike that reduced him to 0HP or below), it also reduces the bio-mage’s LP to 0. The LP is completely negated, & cannot be recovered by any known means. This weapon can also be used by non-bio-mages to perform this function, but against non-bio-mages, it has no special effect (other than as a +5 mace).
• Curse: Anyone who uses this mace to kill a living creature must make a Fortitude save (DC10) or become Chaotic Evil. The DC increases by 1 every time it is used to kill a living being. A chaotic evil character who uses this mace is compelled to kill, especially bio-mages, & can rid themselves of it only with a wish or a miracle.
• Weapon Statistics: medium size, one-handed melee, 1d8 damage, 20/×2 critical, bludgeoning
• Weight: 8lbs.