Im running the crypt of the everflame serries, currently almost done all the content of the first module (3 rooms left), all players are around 2500 xp on a medium progression, and there is no cleric or evil clerics.
I've added onto the crypt and added about another 1/2 floor of content (had a bunch of players that missed one session each, so this was to be a catch up, and something for me to experiment with.). I want to give a cursed item.
Basic premises is an skeleton warrior who has an hand-axe that when it deals damage, also deals 'evil damage' to the skeleton healing him for X% of damage done. When a player gets this item, any time he draws another weapon he will have to make a will save not instead draw the axe (curse negates quick-draw of anything but the axe.
The axe is superior to a regular hand axe, but it deals magic damage to the wielder when they deal damage with it. They would also have to make a will save to voluntarily give it to someone else.
Axe description (my wife is drawing an 'item card' for it, so i wont
give it a embellished description here, but basically , it has many small skulls inlayed in the non bladed side of the ax and 1/2 way down the handle. Skulls are silver with small rubies in eyes. The metal they are inlayed into is gold with intricate carvings.
The part i need help with is the mechanics. I don't want it to be too strong, and i want the players to debate possibly keeping it and using it vs un-cursing and selling when they get back to town.
Basic Cursed
Cost 6 2000 (would sell for less if they find a buyer)
Dmg (M) 1d6 1d6+1
Critical x3 19-20/x3
Range - -
Weight 3lbs 2lbs
Type S S
Special: +2 to Hit. Axe channels negative energy to its wielder equal to 1/2 the damage dealt, no saves. Drawing a different weapon or letting the axe leave the wielder's person is a DC 15 will check.
Suggestions / comments. This is my first attempt at creating such an item.