Hammer of Gesen (Magic Hammer)

The hammer of Gesen is a remarkably ordinary looking device-a large, round-headed hammer, much like a common carpenter's mallet. Its only noteworthy feature is that it is made entirely from coal-black iron. Even the handle is cast iron, patterned to imitate the grain of wood that would normally be used. The hammer is quite heavy and seems overbalanced, but once held it is quickly apparent that it can be handled with ease and grace.
The hammer is one of the two great weapons of the ancient barbarian hero, Gesen Khan, (the other is the iron bow of Gesen). Descended from the gods, he tamed the first horse, taught the nomads how to ride, made the first spell, and shot the first bow. Gesen won the hammer by defeating a manggus of the earth who slew travelers with her iron weapon. Since neither hammer nor blade could harm the manggus, the two wrestled for three days, until Gesen tore the other in half. Following the advice of Grandfather Sky, Gesen bathed the hammer in the creature's blood, when it acquired magical powers. When the hero finally died, the weapon vanished with him. Since that time many have claimed to have found it, but these are the tales of rogues in the marketplace who seek to pass off crude forgeries.
The hammer of Gesen is a good reward for warrior PCs and one that can be allowed without too much risk of game imbalance. The weapon's curse adds role-playing difficulties for characters that should more than offset any advantages.
Constant Powers: When gripping the hammer, the character's Strength equals a cloud giant. (Str 23, +5 attack, +11 damage, throw boulders 140 yards for 1d10 damage, bend bars/lift gates 90%). The weapon adds no magical bonuses to attack rolls, but can strike any creature, even those that can only be hit by magical weapons.
Invoked Powers: By commanding the hammer's might, the owner can cast power word, kill (1/week) upon any one creature struck by the weapon.
Curse: The hammer can be used by any class or alignment, but over time the user transforms into a fighter of chaotic good alignment. Once a week a saving throw vs. polymorph is rolled, and if it fails, the character loses one class-related ability and acquires one that applies to fighters. Once the transformation is complete, the character is subject to artifact possession, becoming unable to resist any adventure or good cause. Powers lost cannot be regained. The character may continue as is or change to a new character class (like a dual-class human).
Suggested Means of Destruction:
* The manggus blood must be squeezed from the iron.
* It must be ground into a powder in the mill of a fearless miller.
* It must be returned to the spirit of the manggus who once owned it.
Category:Encyclopedia Magica Magic Items
Category:Magic Items
Category:Magic Hammers
Category:Magic Weapons