Godsbane

In the hushed whispers of shadowed chambers and dimly lit tavern corners, tales of an ancient and ominous relic weave a tapestry of fear and fascination. The Godsbane, a name spoken only in hushed tones, is a weapon of unimaginable power and darkness, a bastard sword that exists as a manifestation of defiance against the divine.
Forged in obsidian blackness, the very essence of the blade seems to swallow light itself. From hilt to tip, it is a symbol of the void, a weapon that emerges from the depths untouched by the sun's grace. The hooked cross guard, a cruel twist upon tradition, and the pommel that offers a chilling promise of malevolent control complete the sword's foreboding presence.
However, it is the blade's aura that grants the Godsbane its notoriety. A perpetual shroud of liquid black smoke and shadow envelops the weapon, casting a darkness that few can pierce. This aura, akin to the spell of shadow, radiates a chilling obscurity that holds both dread and fascination in equal measure. Yet, it is within this darkness that the sword's true malevolence reveals itself, feeding an insatiable hunger for the divine.
Godsbane seeks to dismantle the divine order, a maleficent force yearning to sunder the very essence of beings blessed by the gods. Its sinister intent resonates within each strike, inflicting harm upon creatures of celestial origin with unmatched ferocity. Those who dare wield it find themselves inextricably bound to its dark desires, unlocking the sword's potent abilities and allowing themselves to become conduits of its twisted will.
As the legends unravel, whispers abound of those who have taken up the Godsbane and paid the price for its power. From forgotten cults to disillusioned champions, the sword's journey is one that pits the yearning for supremacy against the cost of embracing malevolent forces. The Godsbane's legacy stands as a grim reminder of the boundary between ambition and sacrilege, a testament to the eternal struggle that emerges when mortals dare to challenge the divine.
== Godsbane, the Ebon Reaver: ==
Intelligent Artifact (Bastard Sword)
Rarity: Legendary
The Godsbane is a sinister and enigmatic bastard sword that seems to defy the very essence of light and life. Its entirely black appearance, from hilt to blade, exudes an aura of darkness and shadow that sends chills down the spines of those who gaze upon it. This sword is said to have been forged in the depths of a realm untouched by sunlight, and its very existence challenges the boundaries between the mortal realm and the void.
Item Level: 18
Price: Not for sale
Hands: 1 or 2
Damage: 2d8 Slashing
Critical: 2d12 Slashing
Traits: Deadly d8, Evil, Magical, Two-Hand d12, Uncommon
=== Abilities: ===
# Aura of Shadow: The blade of Godsbane continuously sheds an aura of liquid black smoke and shadow, equivalent to the effects of the darkness spell, covering a 15-foot radius around the sword. This darkness is supernatural and cannot be dispelled by mundane means. The wielder of Godsbane is immune to the effects of this darkness and can see perfectly within it.
# Soulbound Malevolence: Godsbane hungers for the destruction of beings of divine origin. Against creatures with the Divine or Celestial trait, the sword gains a +2 item bonus to attack rolls and deals an additional 1d6 evil damage on a successful hit.
# Shadowstep: As a reaction, once per round, the wielder can step into the shadows created by Godsbane's aura. This functions similarly to the shadow step spell, allowing the wielder to teleport to an unoccupied square within the sword's aura. This ability does not provoke attacks of opportunity.
# Maleficent Empowerment: Once per day, the wielder can channel the malevolent power within Godsbane to unleash a devastating strike. When making a Strike action, the wielder can choose to enhance the attack with the sword's maleficent energy. If the attack hits, it deals an additional 3d8 evil damage and forces the target to make a DC 27 Will save or become frightened 2 for 1 round. The save DC is based on the wielder's highest mental ability score.
# Dark Evasion (Later Evolution): As the bond between the wielder and Godsbane deepens, the sword gains the ability to manipulate shadows further. The wielder can now use Shadowstep as a free action instead of a reaction, and the darkness aura expands to a 30-foot radius. Additionally, the wielder gains a +4 circumstance bonus to Stealth checks while within the darkness aura.
Activation: Interact
Deactivation: Free Action
Attune: 4 hours
=== Destruction: ===
To destroy Godsbane, the sword must be shattered within the heart of a divine or celestial being of great power. This act requires the combined efforts of multiple mortal beings acting in unison to overcome the malevolent energies that infuse the sword.
=== Legend: ===
The origins of Godsbane are shrouded in darkness, much like the sword itself. It is whispered that the blade was created in defiance of the gods, forged by a heretical cult that sought to challenge the very fabric of the cosmos. The sword's power and malevolent nature have made it a coveted tool for those who seek to overthrow the divine order or harness its energy for their own dark ambitions. While the sword's intentions are aligned with chaos and destruction, those who wield it must tread carefully, as the allure of its power can consume even the most steadfast souls.
== Soulbinding Ritual with Godsbane: ==
When used in a soulbinding ritual, the Godsbane's malevolent energy can be harnessed to create a powerful connection between the wielder and the bound soul. This ritual is a dark and forbidden art, practiced only by those who dare to tread the paths of forbidden knowledge and harness the essence of the divine for their own purposes.
=== Requirements: ===
* The Godsbane, the Ebon Reaver
* A willing or helpless target whose soul is to be bound
* A ritual chamber shrouded in darkness or shadow
=== Procedure: ===
# Preparation: The ritual chamber must be dimly lit, with the Godsbane laid at the center of an intricate pattern of runes and symbols drawn in shadow. The target, whether willing or helpless, should be placed within the circle.
# Invocation: The wielder of the Godsbane begins the ritual by invoking the sword's malevolent energy, calling upon the power of darkness to shroud the surroundings.
# Linking the Soul: The wielder uses the Godsbane to make a ceremonial cut on their own hand, allowing a few drops of their blood to fall onto the runes. This act symbolizes the union between their own essence and the dark energies within the sword.
# Binding Words: The wielder recites incantations that blend their own intentions with the malevolent nature of the Godsbane. These words resonate with the shadows, forming a connection between the wielder, the blade, and the target's soul.
# Acceptance: If the target is willing, they can willingly offer their consent to the binding. If not, their soul is forcefully drawn into the ritual through the sword's maleficent aura.
# Soul Transfer: The ritual climaxes with the Godsbane absorbing a fragment of the target's soul, anchoring it to the sword's malevolent energies. The darkness within the aura intensifies, wrapping around the bound soul.
# Completion: The ritual concludes with a final incantation that solidifies the bond. The wielder's hand glows with an eerie black light as they touch the Godsbane to the target's forehead, sealing the connection.
=== Effects: ===
Upon successful completion of the soulbinding ritual, the wielder gains a connection to the bound soul. This connection can grant them insights, knowledge, or even limited abilities based on the nature of the bound soul. However, the use of such a dark and forbidden ritual comes with risks, as the malevolent energies of the Godsbane may exert their influence on the wielder's mind and soul, leading to potential corruption and inner turmoil.
== Pathfinder 1E Stats: ==
=== Godsbane, the Ebon Reaver Weapon (Bastard Sword) ===
Caster Level: 15th
Aura: Strong Necromancy
Price: 100,000 gp
Weight: 6 lbs.
=== Description: ===
The Godsbane is a malevolent and dread-infused bastard sword that is as much a weapon as it is a vessel of dark power. Its entire form is pitch-black, both hilt and blade, radiating an aura of shadowy darkness that causes the surrounding light to flicker and dim. The blade is thin, long, and straight, with razor-sharp edges on both sides. The cross guard is distinctly hooked, resembling a cruel and twisted talon. The hilt is wrapped in a black, leathery material, and the pommel is intricately adorned with intricate runic patterns that seem to pulse with an unholy energy.
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
=== Special Abilities: ===
# Aura of Shadows (Su): The Godsbane continuously sheds an aura of supernatural darkness in a 15-foot radius. This darkness functions like the deeper darkness spell, but it can't be dispelled by normal means. The wielder is immune to the effects of this darkness and can see clearly within it.
# Soulbound Malevolence (Su): Against creatures with the Divine or Celestial subtype, the Godsbane gains a +2 enhancement bonus to attack and damage rolls, and it deals an additional 1d6 points of negative energy damage on a successful hit.
# Dark Evasion (Su): Once per day, as an immediate action, the wielder can command the Godsbane to envelop them in shadows, granting them the effects of the shadow walk spell for up to 1 minute.
# Maleficent Empowerment (Su): As a swift action, the wielder can channel the malevolent power within the Godsbane to enhance their attacks. For the next 3 rounds, their attacks deal an additional 2d6 points of negative energy damage, and the target must make a DC 20 Will save or be shaken for 1 round. This ability can be used once per day.
=== Construction Requirements: ===
Craft Magic Arms and Armor, deeper darkness, shadow walk, unholy blight
Cost: 50,000 gpNotes: The above stats are designed for Pathfinder 1st Edition mechanics and balance. You might need to adjust the abilities and numbers to fit the power level and balance of your campaign. Always consult your players and consider the overall impact of the item on your game before introducing it into your campaign.