Arkanplague

Arkanplague is a powerful mace that is capable of absorbing the innate magical energies of those connected to various magical sources, such as the Weave, the Realm, and even the gods. Upon collection of its target's energies, it could use them to empower its own strikes and sometimes even recast the spells back at the wielder. Forged by the divine paladin Mossmordar Magekiller, a worshiper of the goddess of magic and death Wee Jas, it was instrumental in the ending of the War of Gods and Mages by being swung in his hand and by the guidance of him to his followers, the Order of the Fell.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Arkanplague is a +3 morningstar that requires attunement. The attuned wielder has Advantage on attacks against enemies who have at least one spell slot, and upon being hit, the target must make DC 20 Constitution saving throw or lose their highest level spell slot, which fills the mace with a number of charges equal to that spell slot's level. The wielder's next attack can then deal additional force damage equal to a number of 1d4's equal to the number of charges within the mace, and the mace can have a maximum of 20 charges. The wielder may choose when to apply the additional force damage (no action required).
(For example: If the wielder's attack absorbs a 3rd-level spell slot, their next attack may deal an additional 3d4 force damage)
These charges remain in the mace for a time, dissipating if they are not used by the end of the wielder's next long rest.
Additionally, Arkanplague can cast the following spells if the wielder expends a number of charges equal to the spell's level, so long as they have them absorbed beforehand. They may also spend additional charges to cast the spell at a higher level equal to the number of charges spent:
1 Charge - Shield, Detect Magic 2 Charges - Nystul's Magic Aura, Misty Step 3 Charges - Counterspell, Dispel Magic

Significance

It is said that mages and casters can feel their magic slowly deaden when within 30 feet of the weapon itself, and it serves as a symbol of destruction and oppression for those who can cast any form of spell.

Item type

Weapon, Melee

Current Location

Alsace

Owning Organization

The Starspire

Rarity

This weapon is one of the only remnants of its kind left.

Dimensions

2 feet long

Raw materials & Components

The mace itself is formed from the condensed shell of a Flail Snail mixed with meteoric ore harvested from the Far Realm known as Nonamite, capable of innately absorbing magical energy. Its grip is formed of the tanned leather from an Astral Dreadnaught, and a perfect-cut sapphire sits at the butt of the handle.