The Sword: "Luminaer" (The Light of Justice) # Overview: Luminaer is an ancient magical longsword of made by a [[Pit Fiend, Greater Devil (Baatezu)]]. While outwardly appearing as a weapon of justice and virtue, it carries a sinister agenda hidden beneath layers of enchantment. ## Sword's Nature: Alignment: Neutral Evil Purpose: Luminaer feeds on the life energy of its wielder’s victims, whether they are deserving or not. If the owner dies the sword can bring them back to 1 hit point so that it doesn't have to find a new owner and can fed abundantly. It warps its owner’s perception to ensure a steady stream of combat. It also uses a modified version of the [[Soul Cage]] spell that traps the soul of a victim (the victims are human or some demi humans) in it until it can be released at the soul receptacle in [[The Darkhold Castle]] to be brought to hell. It can hold up to six souls for six days and six hours. The sword has 6 gems in the Handguard and one in the pommel. The 6 gems in the handguard hold the souls and the one in the pommel is used to gain access to [[The Darkhold Castle]]. To gain accsses to [[The Darkhold Castle]] you draw thw sword and stick it into the ground, if you twist he pommel clockwise a door appears. If you twist it counter clock wise an open drawbridge appears and if you twist is counterclockwise and push the gem in then the whole castle appears. Backstory: The sword was crafted by a [[Pit Fiend, Greater Devil (Baatezu)]] to lead noble heroes astray, ensuring their actions, while appearing virtuous, bring chaos and destruction and to feel souls to the pit fiend. The pit fiend trapped a [[Erinyes, Lesser Devil (Baatezu)]] that displeased it. The Erinyes has to collect 666 souls for the pit fiend to be freed from the sword. When the pit fiend gets the 666 souls it will be able to come to the prime material plane and have it's fun. Enchantments: Because the Erinyes it trapped in the sword, the sword has the following powers. 3 times a day Cause [[Fear]] [[Locate Object]] [[Produce Flame]] Warped Perception (Constant Effect): The Erinyes uses it's powerful [[Charm Person]] on the sword wielder so that Good or Neutral beings appear as helpless victims needing protection or rescuing (even when they’re not). Evil beings appear monstrously grotesque, triggering a compulsive desire to “smite” them. Non-humans often appear as exaggerated versions of stereotypes (e.g., halflings appear as children, elves as ethereal waifs, etc.). Sustained by Souls: After a battle, the sword absorbs a fraction of the life essence from each being struck down by it, subtly encouraging the wielder to seek combat constantly. The wielder feels a euphoric rush after each kill, reinforcing the idea that their actions are righteous. The Erinye sustains it's self from the life energy it takes from it's victims. Illusions of Grandeur (Passive): The sword makes its wielder believe they are a more skilled fighter than they are, emboldening reckless behavior. This enchantment amplifies the wielder’s arrogance and glory-seeking tendencies. Empathic Bond: Luminaer can communicate telepathically with its wielder, whispering praise and justifications for its warped morality. Occasionally, it will plant suggestions for “heroic deeds” that conveniently lead to unnecessary bloodshed. Plot Hooks and Interactions: Misguided Rescues: Declin rushes to protect a non-human NPC who doesn’t need help, interrupting an important moment for the party (e.g., saving a halfling thief who is stealing something the party needs). Unnecessary Bloodshed: Luminaer’s influence causes wealder to attack someone the sword deems “evil,” such as a rival adventurer or a town guard enforcing a minor infraction. Conflicts with the Party: The party notices Declin’s actions causing more harm than good, forcing them to decide whether to intervene, destroy Luminaer, or simply work around his antics. Revealing Luminaer’s True Nature: A plot twist occurs when the sword’s malevolent essence is exposed, challenging Declin’s worldview. Does he give up the sword and his identity as a hero, or does he double down on the delusion? Additional Sword Features: Skill Bonus: +2 to Persuasion and Performance checks while holding the sword (to make Declin more believable and charismatic). Light Effect: Luminaer glows faintly in the presence of “evil,” further feeding the wielder’s obsession to purge the darkness.