Axe of Dread (Major Artifact)

Aura overwhelming necromancy; Slot none; CL 23rd; Weight 6 lbs.

DESCRIPTION

The Axe of Dread is a +5 keen battleaxe with a x4 critical multiplier. When the wielder draws the weapon, each creature within 60 feet must succeed at a DC 30 Will save or become panicked for 1 round. Whether or not they succeed at this save, all creatures within 30 feet of the wielder are shaken while the weapon is visible. The cursed wielder of the Axe of Dread can call the axe to himself as a standard action regardless of distance, even across planes. Calling the axe in this way is considered drawing it and can cause creatures to become panicked. In addition, the axe ignores up to 1O points of damage reduction and hardness and also ignores the AC bonus from protection from evil and similar spells. Finally, a creature slain by the Axe of Dread must succeed at a DC 30 Will save or have its soul sent directly to await judgment. Creatures slain by the Axe of Dread in this way cannot be brought back to life by any means. Only a god can lift the curse upon the Axe of Dread’s wielder, but she does so only once she is satisfied. Once the curse has been lifted, the goddess can curse a different creature with the Axe of Dread.

DESTRUCTION

A creature must slay the cursed wielder with the Axe of Dread, then also slay the cursed wielder’s soul with the Axe. Slaying the cursed soul obliterates the Axe of Dread.