Old Bones: Art (PNGs) (Patreon)

Greetings All!

Something Special for Spook Week, Old Bones. A former Lich as a magic item.

While I had a similar spell focus before in Greg ( which is from the lovely @CME_T comic and can be found by scrolling down), I wanted to try my hand at a Cursed Legendary that functioned as a supplementary magic source. The idea was that a caster would hold out their hand and gather energy from the back of the skull, ebbing its life force and dimming its eyes as they cast.

A fraction of the Lich’s legendary abilities come across as well, though this wouldn’t seem right without a cost. It does seem to be exceptionally good for Warlocks, offering a small ability to cast spells at a varied level similar to other classes. To the keen eye, the and is wrapped in a skinned leather, of unknown sources but likely that of the Lich as well.

As always, your thoughts, and questions are encouraged in making these better!

Updates: Brand New.

I hope you enjoy this one! Truly, as always and ever sincerely, Thank You.

- Hos (Dungeon Scribe)

Description:

This ancient staff is a gnarled wooden branch covered in markings beyond memory. Held within its cradle is a shattered skull, which emanates a dark arcane energy. Legend states it was once a lich that has long since been driven insane by enslavement. Meaning and purpose lost to time and converted into a font of magic.

Tabs:

• While wielded, the user’s spell save DC and spell attack bonus each increase by 3.
• Legendary Resistance: If the user fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead. Once used, this feature cannot be activated again until the next dusk.
• Fueled by Death: The arcane energy pouring from the fractured skull can be used to fuel the user's casting, up to 8 levels worth. The user is able to cast a known spell of 1st through 8th level without expending a spell slot as long as they are holding this staff. How much energy remains after expenditure depends on the level of the spell cast. Once used, the staff will regain all of its spent energy after the next dusk.
• Disrupt Life: As a bonus action, the user can strike the ground with the staff. Each non-undead creature (besides the user) within 20 ft of the user must make a DC 18 Constitution saving throw against this magic, taking 6d6 Necrotic damage on a Failed save or half as much damage on a success. Once used, this feature cannot be activated again until the next dusk.

• Cursed: Once the user attunes to this staff, its curse extends to them. While cursed, healing from all sources is halved as the staff siphons away life force. Attunement to this weapon can only be broken by the remove curse spell or similar magic.