Chainsword (Magic Sword)

The chainsword is a huge, unique, two-handed sword that has the special purpose of slaying treants. This weapon was created by a very secretive wizard named Jufe Bairo, who did the work under the commission of an evil warrior named Regenetir. Apparently. Regenetir has a great haired of treants: the source of his anger is unknown (the bards didn't do a very good job of recording this story).
Regenetir, though certainly over 50 now, still actively hunts for treants. Recently, in fact, Regenetir came upon a treant and several druids at a place where many forest paths meet. A slaughter ensued. Because of the human casualties, the incident has become very famous and is called the Nexus Chainsword Massacre.
The chainsword itself is somewhat unusual, though it lacks decoration. About the edge of the blade is a series of small metal teeth set on a metal loop. An additional handle is mourned on the side of the weapon to aid in balancing it while the chainsword's toothed band is running. The weapon is 6' long and weighs 25 pounds. When it was created, it cost 12,500 gp and took 55 days of labor. The construction of the chainsword, in addition to its enchantment, also required the research and development of a new spell that Jufe called motion. This research cost an additional 5,000 gp and took an undetermined amount of time.
Any being struck by the chainsword while it is “turned off” takes normal damage from a magical sword. If the toothed band is activated with the command word (“Gettum!”), an additional 1d6 points of damage is done by the rotating teeth. If used against an opponent wearing armor, the opponent's armor must save vs. crushing blow or be reduced one step in value: magical armor failing this save loses 1 point of enchantment or 1 special ability. If a treant is struck by this weapon, the rotating teeth are automatically activated, and the treant must save vs. petrification or be sawed in half and slain. Only treants are subject to this destructive effect if the toothed band is activated, the user must hold the weapon by the hilt and by the secondary handle on the sword's blade in order to control it. Special attacks made without the use of the secondary handle are at 2 on attack rolls.
Details of the motion spell propelling the chainsword have been kept secret by Jufe, though spies have found it is a 5th-level spell which creates instantaneous velocity to affect the movement of an object. If cast on the wheels of a wagon, for example, a motion spell would allow the wheels to move independently of outside forces (such as horses or downhill slopes). Without permanency, the motion spell lasts only one turn per level of the caster, but during that time it may be turned on and off at the caster's command. This spell was cast upon the toothed band of the chainsword and made permanent. When the chainsword is activated by command or by striking a treant, the motion spell causes the toothed band to rotate at a tremendous speed and with great noise. The toothed band wraps around the blade of the sword and through a hollow spot at the top of the hilt, allowing it to rotate in a continuous loop. The user, of course, loses all chances to surprise foes.
Certain imperfections found in the chainsword's operation may plague the wielder. First, when the weapon is cutting through a treant, the chainsword has a 10% chance to become jammed in place. The motion spell continues to operate, but since the toothed band can no longer move, the entire sword is swung about. A Strength check must be made on 1d20 in hold onto the sword and withdraw the blade. If the roll fails, the chainsword tears itself from the user's grasp and is stuck, requiring a bend bars/lift gates roll to free it. If the user manages to hold the jammed weapon, the sword makes a saving throw vs. crushing blow (as hard metal with its magical attack bonus it's a saving throw bonus): failure indicates that the toothed band snaps, is flung from the weapon, and is either lost in the surrounding area or hurled at the wielder for 2d8 points of damage (50% chance for either result).
Category:Encyclopedia Magica Magic Items
Category:Magic Items
Category:Magic Swords
Category:Magic Weapons