Tuesday Magic Item – Sword of the Dashing King

“So, we side with the rebels, lead by a former peasant and soldier, or we side with the corrupt governor in suppressing them?” asked Voddick, looking out over the gathering sides.

“Or we can just leave,” said Gollaon.

Voddick snorted.  “As though you would abandon a heroic underdog.”

“And just as you know if we flee we will be chased by both sides no matter who wins.”

Voddick sighed and loosened his sword in its scabbard and picked up his crossbow.  “Best get a good place before it comes to blows.  You know I hate arriving late at a battle.”

“Right you are.”

Sword of the Dashing King

This long sword is a practical weapon, unadorned and having seen hard use, but the grip is usually wrapped in bright leather with a colorful tassel once it has been used for a while.  Unless it is being used, there is very little about it to indicate its legendary nature and if found after having been long lost even the colorful wrapping and tassel are likely to have faded.

When first found, it is a +1 sword, and it remains so until the wielder embraces a noble cause, then it becomes a +2 thundering sword and it gives the wielder a +4 competence bonus to checks to persuade and lead those who support, or could, the noble cause the wielder is committed to.  Whenever the thundering enhancement is triggered, the wielder and all allies within 30′ are inspired, gaining a +1 morale bonus to attacks and saves against fear and temporary hit points equal to the wielder’s Charisma bonus until the end of the current battle.

But the sword expects the wielder to devote their life to fulfilling the noble cause and if they turn from it or betray it, the sword will punish them.  If they only turn from their task, the sword will only act as a +1 weapon until they return to their proper task.  If they betray their cause, the sword will vanish and find someone who seeks to overthrow what the former wielder now represents and against them, all of the sword’s powers are doubled.

The sword can only be destroyed when it no longer being needed and by being reforged into a tool of peace by a former wielder.

Aura strong enchantment and evocation; CL 17th; Slot none; Weight 4 lbs.

For D&D 5E:

Weapon (long sword), legendary (requires attunement)

First, third and fourth paragraphs as above.

When first found, it is a +1 sword, and it remains so until the wielder embraces a noble cause, then it becomes a +2 sword that inflicts 1d10 thunder damage (not multiplied) on a critical hit and it gives the wielder advantage on all rolls to persuade and lead those who support, or could, the noble cause the wielder is committed to.  Whenever the sword inflicts thunder damage, the wielder and all allies within 30′ are inspired, gaining advantage on their next attack roll and advantage on saves against fear and temporary hit points equal to the wielder’s Charisma bonus until the end of the current battle.

Notes: Inspired by Li Zicheng, nicknamed “Dashing King“, a Chinese rebel leader who overthrew the Ming dynasty and ruled over China briefly as the emperor of the short-lived Shun dynasty before his death a year later.

Image from Stefan Landsberger’s Poster Pages and accessed through the wonders of the Wayback Machine.

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