Glochidian Launcher [CARD] (Patreon)

Weapon (any crossbow), rare

An enigma of arcane engineering and herbalism, this crossbow fires regrowing spines from a rejuvenating cactus. This crossbow produces its own ammunition, storing up to 6 spines this way, regrowing 1d6+2 spines after a short or long rest. While it has any of these spines this crossbow ignores the loading property.

Thirsting Spine. If you hit a creature with a spine fired from this weapon the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save the spine absorbs water from the target's body and its hit point maximum is reduced by the amount of damage dealt. This effect lasts until the creature takes a long rest or the Greater Restoration spell is used on them. Undead, Constructs, and creatures that have no water in their bodies are immune to this feature.

Whenever you hit a creature entirely composed of water with a spine, the hit is a critical hit.

Of all flora in our world few can contest the cactus family in terms of heartiness and resourcefulness, their ability to siphon water from their surroundings unmatched. A deadly application of such potent absorption leaves the victims of this clumsy-looking weapon withered and parched as their bodies are relieved of all moisture within.