Rod of Death (Magic Rod)

This rod may be fashioned of black obsidian or human bone. The secrets of its making are known to few, and so it is thankfully rare. The rod must touch a being with a successful attack roll in order to function. This operates only when the wielder silently wills it to work. The wielder is immune to the rods effects while holding it, and for 1d4+1 rounds after releasing it (even if another being directs the rod against its former wielder).
A rod of death can animate dead (as the 3rd level priest spell). The undead rise on the next round and loyally serve the rod's wielder. This function drains three charges. The rod can also disrupt undead, destroying them forever. An undead target need not be in solid form to be affected, and is destroyed despite phylacteries or other aids and properties that usually permit it to rise again (such as a Vampire's coffin of soil). All undead are allowed saving throws to gain immunity to the disruption attack of a particular rod of death. An undead saves vs. rods as a wizard of the same level as it has Hit Dice. Undead disruption drains two charges, whether successful or not.
A rod of death may also cause death by touch. This power does not require a successful attack roll if the target is unmoving, and is effective only against beings that currently have less than half their total hit points remaining. The being touched must save vs, death magic. If successful, the rod causes 2d6 damage. If the save fails, they are instantly slain (and may, if touched again on the next round, be animated as undead). Use of the rod in this manner drains five charges, regardless of whether or not the victim is slain.
The wielder of the rod can also will it to cause creatures to collapse. At the touch of the rod, the victim loses 1 hit point and must save vs. rods at ~3 or fall to the ground, apparently lifeless. This state lasts three rounds, despite any attempts to revive the victim or dispel magic. This attack drains 1 charge each time it is used, whether successful or not.
A rod of death can also cause plants to wither and shrivel upon touch, losing blossoms or spores. This action does not kill the plants, and the rod cannot animate dead plant material.
Category:Magic Items
Category:Magical Rod
Category:Encyclopedia Magica Magic Items