Scythe
A Scythe (stressing the capital "S") is an intensely powerful weapon historically wielded by Deaths, used to cut a Tether that connects a mortal soul to the Material Plane. While all Scythes carry this same function, they are fundamentally unique in their shape and appearance, often designed to suit the tastes of the individual Death it was created for. It is said that Pharasma has a Scythe crafted when a new Death is to be born, and can recall or destroy these badges of authority at will.
It is not unheard of for the Lady of Graves to lend such items to mortals, but this gift is most often granted to members of her clergy, and usually only in great need. In incredibly rare cases, a creature besides a Death may get their hands on a Scythe for the long-term, but usually a great risk, as Pharasma is unlikely to sanction such a taboo. Legend states that even the craftiest mortals lose out in the end, as Pharasma personally arrives to collect the trickster's soul, and forces them into servitude along with the stolen Scythe...
A well-known myth surrounding Scythes involves the Surgeon, a Death who threw aside her blade in an act of rebellion, and devoted herself to the forces of life instead. Many a campfire tale involve her missing Scythe, despite sour academics arguing that it would have returned to the Boneyard the moment it was cast away.
It is not unheard of for the Lady of Graves to lend such items to mortals, but this gift is most often granted to members of her clergy, and usually only in great need. In incredibly rare cases, a creature besides a Death may get their hands on a Scythe for the long-term, but usually a great risk, as Pharasma is unlikely to sanction such a taboo. Legend states that even the craftiest mortals lose out in the end, as Pharasma personally arrives to collect the trickster's soul, and forces them into servitude along with the stolen Scythe...
A well-known myth surrounding Scythes involves the Surgeon, a Death who threw aside her blade in an act of rebellion, and devoted herself to the forces of life instead. Many a campfire tale involve her missing Scythe, despite sour academics arguing that it would have returned to the Boneyard the moment it was cast away.
Powers
- Reap (Passive, Constant): When the wielder lands the killing blow against a mortal creature using this Scythe, the enemy's Tether is cut in half (whether or not this was the wielder's intention), and the target's soul is sent to the Doors of Death for processing. If the wielder is a Death, they must immediately head to that location to process the soul, as per the natural laws of the universe. Otherwise, a Death is assigned to the soul by Pharasma, and the creature is ferried immediately after their Tether is cut. This ability works similarly on intelligent undead, phylacteries, or any other item that harbors a mortal soul.
- Raven's Missive (Full-Round, 1/Day): Looking into the blade of this Scythe, the wielder may consult the wisdom of the Boneyard, pulling from the knowledge of the dead in order to gain clarity about the future. In all other respects, this ability acts as the Divination spell, but does not cost a Resolve Point and always produces helpful answers.
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