Blackstaff (Magic Staff)

This ghastly blackwood staff is shod with silver bands and topped by a carved head that is banded and decorated with runes of Iuz's cult. Only the highest-level (13+) priests of luz can possess a blackstaff, and very few of these staves exist. The staff may only be used by priests or clerics. Blackstaff's are charged items, rechargeable by the joint efforts of a priest of level 16+ and a wizard of the same level. They have a range of effects, some of which do not require the use of charges. A blackstaff is a +3 magical weapon, but on a successful attack roll of an unmodified 18, 19, or 20, it inflicts double damage (2d6-6) on creatures of good alignment.
A priest employing a blackstaff is permanently protected from good as long as he or she wields the staff. By gripping the staff firmly and touching one target creature, the priest may cast command or cause fear (reverse of remove fear) three times per day each. These functions do not expend charges.
By expending one charge, the priest may create any of the following effects:
* Create a screaming skull.
* Create an 8HD fireball.
* Cast cause critical wounds to a range of 30 yards.
* Create an acid vortex of 10' radius to a range of 60 yards. Damage is 8d4 points, halved if a successful saving throw vs. staves is made.
By expending two charges, the priest may create any of the following effects:
* Summon a vampiric mist that persists for up to six hours.
* inflict a death touch, which requires a successful attack roll to be made in melee combat.
* Cause harm to an opponent, again requiring a successful melee hit.
Category:Encyclopedia Magica Magic Items
Category:Magic Items
Category:Magic Staves
Category:Magic Weapons