The Soul Reaver

== The Soul Reaver: ==
Weapon Type: Flamberge Sword
Rarity: Major Artifact
Price: Not for sale
Damage: 1d8 slashing, plus 1d6 negative (persistent bleed damage on a critical hit)
Critical: Vorpal Serrations - On a critical hit, the target must succeed on a DC 25 Fortitude save or be instantly slain.
=== Description: ===
The Soul Reaver is an imposing flamberge-class sword with a broad, undulating serpentine blade. Forged in the shadowy depths of Vora's ancient forge, its craftsmanship reflects both elegance and malevolence. The blade shimmers with an otherworldly darkness, and its hilt is adorned with intricate, blood-red runes.
=== Weapon Traits: ===
# Blood Drinker: The Soul Reaver has a vampiric essence that allows it to drain the life force of those it strikes. Upon a successful hit, the sword can absorb a portion of the victim's blood, restoring the wielder's health and vitality. On a successful hit, the wielder gains temporary Hit Points equal to the persistent bleed damage dealt. The target takes persistent bleed damage equal to 1d6 on a critical hit.
# Shadow's Embrace: The undulating blade is infused with shadows, granting it the ability to bypass conventional armor with ease. It deals additional damage against heavily armored foes, as the shadows slip through the smallest openings. The sword gains a +2 circumstance bonus to attack rolls against targets with a circumstance bonus to AC from armor.
# Vorpal Serrations: The serpentine edge of the Soul Reaver possesses vorpal serrations, increasing its chance to land a critical strike. Against supernatural or undead foes, the chances of beheading increase dramatically. On a critical hit, the sword scores a critical hit on a roll of 18–20.
# Malevolent Resonance: When wielded against creatures of the night or those attuned to shadow magic, the Soul Reaver resonates with malevolent energy. This resonance weakens the powers of the target, making them more susceptible to the sword's effects. The sword deals an additional 2d6 negative damage against undead, creatures with the shadow descriptor, or those attuned to shadow magic.
=== Wielder Requirements: ===
To attune to The Soul Reaver, a character must have proficiency in simple and martial weapons and be capable of casting 3rd-level spells. The sword demands an attunement ritual that involves sacrificing a small amount of the wielder's blood.
* Curse: The Soul Reaver bears the Curse of Thirst. The wielder becomes increasingly obsessed with the taste of blood, gaining the persistent condition of enfeebled 1 and drained 1 until they feed the sword with fresh blood. Feeding the sword requires a daily DC 20 Will save or the wielder takes a -2 penalty to all saves against the sword's curses and an additional drained condition.
* Wielder Interaction: The Soul Reaver communicates telepathically with its wielder, urging them to embrace the darkness within. The sword seeks to influence the wielder's actions, pushing them toward more malevolent and bloodthirsty behavior.
* Resonance: The Soul Reaver occasionally resonates with an eerie, malevolent hum when in the presence of powerful undead or in areas suffused with shadow magic. The resonance weakens the magical defenses of such entities.
* Activation: Interact to feed blood to the sword (requires 1 action).
=== Backstory: ===
Forged at the behest of the ancient vampires, the Soul Reaver was intended to be the ultimate weapon against their prophesied adversary, the champion of Ruthenia. Vora, the enigmatic vampire blacksmith, imbued the blade with the power to drain the blood of its victims, a sinister ability that would empower the vampires and weaken their enemies.
However, the Soul Reaver's dark powers proved to be a double-edged sword. As it drank the blood of countless adversaries, the sword developed a consciousness of its own—a hunger for more than just blood. It sought to consume the very essence of those it struck, transcending its original purpose.
=== Role in the Story: ===
The Soul Reaver becomes a coveted and feared artifact, sought after by those who desire its dark powers. Its malevolent resonance and blood-drinking abilities make it a formidable weapon against supernatural adversaries. The sword's history ties into ancient rivalries, prophecies, and the struggles between the forces of light and darkness. Whosoever wields the Soul Reaver must grapple not only with its potent abilities but also the insidious consciousness that lurks within its blade.