The Blood Quill of Vol Sarkoth
The Blood Quill of Vol Sarkoth was one of the most reliable, if unsung, tools of the state. It was humble enough in appearance, but allowed the rulers of Vol Sarkoth to monitor the loyalty of their sworn followers and the truthfulness of anyone they could compel to write.
The Blood Quill worked simply: as long as its writer wrote the truth (or what they believed to be the truth), the quill wrote normally, though with no need for an inkwell. The ink it produced varied in color, usually black but occasionally a deep blue or green. (It was rumored that one particularly exuberant prince caused it to write in sparkly magenta, though no one knows quite how.) It is when the writer attempts to scribe lies on the page that the true power of the Blood Quill is most evident: instead of producing its normal ink, it begins writing in blood of a color appropriate to the species writing with it. After the first few lines, it becomes evident that this blood is being siphoned from the writer. After a paragraph, the writer also begins bleeding from their eyes and nose. It's rumored that a full page of writing will kill most authors. It is of note that this effect does not occur when the author is writing fiction that is intended to be viewed as fiction.
There are no cohesive theories about the mechanism by which the quill might work, and in this mystery lies its power. Only genuine belief that a lie is true or open presentation of fiction as fiction seems to offer any protection against the quill's appetites. It is noted that sometimes the quill attracts the attention of corvids nearby, and they will harass any writer that attempts to misuse it.
The quill's appearance is unremarkable. It is a black feather that looks as though it comes from a crow or raven. It is somewhat dusty, and no amount of wiping or washing removes the dusty appearance. The feather is not as neat as it could be, always seeming a bit shabby, and the scent of blood lingers faintly around it. The court of Vol Sarkoth had a special coffer for their quill, made of ebony and silver, though should the quill still exist it has doubtless been separated from its fancy box.
It's said that the quill saved Vol Sarkoth from treason and betrayal some half a dozen times -- it showed the venomous intent of the first Queen Consort of Val Sarkoth when she wrote her wedding vows, elucidated the selfish motives in one of the early diplomatic houses, even illuminated the ailment of a prince not yet fit to rule and allowed the royal family to intervene and save their son.
The whereabouts of the Blood Quill are currently unknown. Though many believe it rests in the ruined palace of Vol Sarkoth, there are those that say it left before the fall thanks to one of the king's clever viziers. A broker claiming to be able to provide it turns up every decade or three, usually with a quill of the appropriate appearance. The best forgeries do produce their own ink, but none have yet proven to be the legendary Blood Quill.
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