Hammer of Kharas (Magic Hammer)

The hammer of Kharas is a mighty artifact. Only with the hammer can true dragonlances be formed. The hammer is twice the size of a normal warhammer. Its name comes from the great dwarven hero Kharas, (meaning “knight”) who fought in the Dwarfgate Wars after the Cataclysm. Kharas is most remembered, however, for the heroic deeds he performed prior to that time. The hammer was given to him by the Kayolin dwarves in recognition for his deeds on their behalf.
Kharas' legend began in the Shadow Years, which followed the Cataclysm. He was ashamed when his lord, King Derkin, shut the gates of the great realm of Thorbardin, barring the starving hill dwarves and men who came for aid. When famine deepened across the lands, the dispossessed dwarves and men united under the dark wizard Fistandantilus, and attacked Thorbardin. Brother slew brother, many died. Kharas carried the slain sons of Derkin back to their father, the king. The great devastation of Fistandantilus occurred as he was gone, laying waste to the Plains of Dergoth.
Overcome with grief at the sight of his sons, Derkin sealed the gates for all time and fell into eternal despair. Knowing that Derkin was dying and no heirs remained, the thanes each plotted to become king. Many came to Kharas to solicit his support. Kharas was angry with the Thanes and left to wander Ansalon. He returned, just before Derkin's death and proclaimed, “Too late our lord found that we must live together in this world or perish apart. It will be many years before we ourselves shall learn this hard lesson, if we learn it at all. I am leaving, and the hammer leaves with me. The world has abandoned honor. The hammer will be hidden for generations to come. Only when a Good and honorable dwarf comes to unite the nations shall the hammer of Kharas return. It will then be his badge of righteousness.” Kharas left the mountain-he was never seen again.
The hammer of Kharas has a +2 bonus on attack and damage rolls. It inflicts 2d4+2 points of damage on a normal hit. It cannot be lifted by a character with Strength below 12, and anyone with a Strength below 18/50 suffers a -2 penalty attacking with it (cancels out the +2 bonus).
The hammer acts as a mace of disruption against undead and creatures from the Abyss. It turns undead as a 12th-level priest. The hammer is intelligent (Int 11, Ego 11) and can control anyone who touches it if the person's combined Intelligence and Wisdom are less than 22. The hammer seeks to preserve the security of the dwarven race and further the cause of Good. It chooses when to activate its powers, although a wielder with enough Intelligence and Wisdom can resist the hammer's will and, in turn, command it. The hammer of Kharas has the following special abilities, at the 20th level of magic use:
* Detects evil as a paladin.
* Gives wielder immunity to fear, both normal and magical.
* Protects wielder from 1st- through 4th-level spells.
* Casts prayer once per day.
* Provides protection from normal missiles once per day.
* Acts as a potion of fire giant strength once per day.
* Cures serious wounds once per day.
* Inspires awe in all dwarves and derro, preventing them from taking action against the hammer or its wielder. 
Category:Encyclopedia Magica Magic Items
Category:Magic Items
Category:Magic Hammers
Category:Magic Weapons