Thorncrown of Blasting

Aura overwhelming conjuration and evocation; CL 21st Slot head; Weight 1 lb.

DESCRIPTION

Shards of broken metal pierce this splintered wooden circlet, as though it were once part of a helmet that violently shattered.

The Thorncrown of Blasting functions as a major crown of blasting that grants the wearer a deflection bonus to her Armor Class equal to her Charisma modifier. In the hands of a paladin, the Thorncrown reveals its true powers, bursting into flames and spinning above the wearer’s head in a halo of divine power. Paladins of any faith who wear the Thorncrown have their class abilities enhanced for as long as they wear it, gaining three additional mercies (from levels they have access to but have not selected), healing the maximum amount possible every time they use lay on hands, and gaining a number of additional uses of smite evil equal to their Charisma modifier.

Additionally, if a paladin wearing the Thorncrown is slain, she may choose to instantly be restored to full hit points for a number of minutes equal to her Charisma modifier. She may act as normal for this period, but at the end of this time she dies and cannot be restored by any means short of a miracle cast by a cleric of her faith.

The Thorncrown of Blasting bestows two negative levels on any evil creature that wears it. These negative levels remain as long as the Thorncrown is held or worn—though they never result in actual level loss, they cannot be overcome in any way (including restoration spells) while the creature possesses the Thorncrown.

Additionally, paladins who either break their code of conduct while wearing the Thorncrown or do not have access to their class features when they don the artifact must succeed at a DC 30 Will save or instantly be disintegrated. Those slain by the Thorncrown cannot be brought back to life by clerics with good or lawful components to their alignment—their spells simply fail—though clerics of other alignments can restore a paladin as normal. Even those who succeed at this save are treated as though they were evil creatures and gain negative levels. Paladins who receive atonement can wear the Thorncrown again without fear of ill effects.

DESTRUCTION

If a paladin temporarily restored to life by the Thorncrown forsakes her deity and, of her own free will, swears herself to an evil force, the crown consumes the wearer in holy flames, destroying itself and its wearer utterly. Nothing can restore a traitorous paladin killed in this way.

RAMIFICATIONS

Those who take up the Thorncrown of Blasting gain great power and a centuries-old conflict.

• A Single Clue: This remnant of the helm is the only object known to have emerged from a great test of the gods, and like its owner achieved remarkable power.
• Symbol of the Faith: The faithful number the Thorncrown of Blasting among the holiest relics of their religion. The fact that it lingers in the hands of nonbelievers is a festering insult to the church, and paladins and inquisitors often quest for the lost relic.