The Axe of Emperors

D&D 3e (3.0/3.5) Rules

by Darthsylver

The Axe of Emperors is a two-handed double-bladed starmetal axe with a handle made from darksteel. It is obviously magical, even to an eye untrained in such things. Its haft is wrapped in metal strips, with the base of the axe carved to resemble a dragon at rest. In its teeth, the dragon holds an emerald worth 10,000 stl. The other end of the axe appears like nothing so much as a phoenix taking flight, its wings the blades and its feathers the serrated edges of the Axe. In its talons, it grasps a zendalure gem of indeterminate value. Finally, there is a large king's tear gem set at the very tip of the axe, grasped by a tiny hand.

The weapon is a lawful evil intelligent +3 ogrebane vorpal greataxe with ability scores of Int 19, Wis 19, and Cha 10. It can read and speak Common, Draconic, Elven, High Ogre, and Ogre. It can communicate telepathically with its possessor and can read magic. It has darkvision 120', blindsense and can hear. The darksteel used in its construction grants 1 point of electrical damage in addition to any other damage it causes even in areas where magic does not function. The star metal also grant a +1 natural enhancement bonus that functions in these same non-magical areas. The axe has the ability to shine light just like a torch and has 10 ranks in the Search skill. The axe continually emits a mass charm monster effect with a caster level of 20 (Will DC 23). It causes contagion (filth fever only) with an initial Fortitude save DC 18 in all non-ogre creatures who so much as touch it. The axe can use the following abilities at a caster level of 20 (except if noted otherwise): find traps at will with a caster level of 22; inflict moderate wounds 4/day causing 2d8+20 damage (Will DC 21 for half damage); and fear 3/day (Will DC 19 to resist). The axe has the special purpose to defeat ogres and uses energy drain when fulfilling this purpose (Fort DC 24 when applicable).

The axe has an ego of 32 and can use any of these abilities on its possessor if the weapon achieves dominance. The axe also causes paranoia, megalomania and curses the possesor if it achieves dominance. Paranoia manifests by making the possesor believe that everyone, even close trusted friends and family, is attempting to steal the axe from the possesor. Megalomania manifests itself by causing the possessor to demand that anyone who comes within 120 feet of the possessor, give respect and pay tribute in some form. Finally the curse causes 2 points of permanent Consitution drain every month to the possessor that can only be prevented by drinking one pint of fresh blood from a child of an ogre race every month. The possessor can stop these effects if it achieves dominance over the weapon, or the possesor is freed by someone casting a remove curse on the possesor. The possessor cannot intentionally fail his Will save against this spell and in effect is granted a +4 circumstance bonus to the Will save granted by the axe.

The Axe of Emperors is an artifact from the age of the Irda. CL 20th, faint divination, moderate conjuration, and strong transmutation, necromancy, and enchantment. It has a strong evil aura.

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