Merthúvial
Note: This magic item was created by Ed Stark and appears in the module "Barrow of the Forgotten King", as published by Wizards of the Coast LLC.
Merthúvial is one of the legacy items used by King Theron (“The Forgotten King”) and his entourage in the early days of the third age. It was found by V2 in the year 1111, along with the staff Banrhialorg, the armor Nanietharil, and the shield Aegis Inviolable.
Merthúvial is a jet-black longsword, with a plain hilt decorated by a single large pearl in the pommel. The blade appears to be in perfect condition.
Nonlegacy Game Statistics: +1 adamantine longsword; Cost 5,315 gp.
Omen: Before learning the results of your roll, you can reroll one Diplomacy check per day.
When unsheathed, the weapon glows with a light the strength of a torch. In combat, this light changes to a deep red, with no change in strength of illumination.
Wielder Requirements
- Any non-evil except chaotic neutral
- Base attack bonus +3
- Diplomacy 2 ranks
Penalties and Abilities
| Wielder Level | Attack Penalty | Save Penalty | Hit Point Loss | Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th | – | – | – | Detect thoughts 1/day |
| 6th | – | – | 4 | – |
| 7th | – | – | – | Strength of kings |
| 8th | – | -1 | – | Loyal servitor |
| 9th | -1 | – | 2 | – |
| 10th | – | – | – | Merciful redress 3/day |
| 11th | – | – | – | +2 keen adamantine longsword |
| 12th | – | – | 2 | – |
| 13th | -2 | – | – | Lordly orator |
| 14th | – | – | – | Expel from the realm 1/day |
| 15th | – | – | 2 | – |
| 16th | – | -2 | – | Loyal minions 1/day |
| 17th | – | – | – | +2 keen shocking burst adamantine longsword |
| 18th | – | -3 | 2 | – |
| 19th | – | – | 2 | – |
| 20th | – | – | 2 | King's command 1/day |
Legacy Item Abilities
Detect Thoughts (Sp): Starting at 5th level, once per day, you can use detect thoughts as the spell. The save DC is 13, or 12 + your Charisma modifier, whichever is higher. Caster level 5th.
Strength of Kings (Su): When you reach 7th level, Merthúvial grants you a +2 enhancement bonus to Strength while you carry it.
Loyal Servitor (Su): At 8th level, you gain the continual benefit of an unseen servant as the spell. If dissipated by 6 or more points of damage from an area attack, or if it ceases to exist by moving more than 35 feet away from you, the servant re-forms 1 round later in any square adjacent to you. Caster level 5th.
Merciful Redress (Sp): Beginning at 10th level, three times per day, you can use lesser restoration, as the spell, by touching Merthúvial to the afflicted creature and speaking a command phrase, “Your strength shall return!” Caster level 10th.
Lordly Orator (Su): At 13th level, you gain a +10 competence bonus on Diplomacy checks. In addition, you can attempt a Diplomacy check as a full-round action without the normal -10 penalty (PH 72) unless the target is currently hostile. Against a hostile target, you still gain the competence bonus, but you must otherwise perform your Diplomacy check according to the normal rules for that skill.
Expel from the Realm (Sp): Starting at level, once per day by issuing the command word, “Begone!” and gesturing with the sword, you can force a creature to return to its native plane, as by the dismissal spell. The base save DC is 16, or 14 + your Cha modifier, whichever is higher. Add your character level to this number and subtract the target creature's HD to determine the final save DC. Caster level equals your character level.
Loyal Minions (Sp): At 16th level, once per day when you utter the command phrase “To me!” and gesture with Merthúvial, you can use summon monster V as the spell. You can summon only good or neutral creatures from that spell's list. Caster level 15th.
King's Command (Sp): At 20th level, once per day when you issue the command “Hear and obey!” and gesture with Merthúvial, you can use dominate monster as the spell. The save DC is 23, or 19 + your Cha modifier, whichever is higher. Caster level 20th.
History
It is said that dwarves forged Merthúvial in the heat of a volcano; its adamantine blade proved devastating against marauding cave trolls and mountain orcs. The weapon was one of many, but it earned distinction when its wielder saved the life of the dwarf king by sundering a stone giant's weapon and spearing the creature on the point of the sword. The king ennobled this dwarf warrior, and the warrior, in turn, presented Merthúvial to his lord in tribute. (DC 20; King's Gift)
Legacy Rituals
Three rituals are required to unlock all the abilities of Merthúvial.
King's Gift: You must have the weapon passed on to you willingly by its rightful owner or the owner's rightful heirs. If no heirs live, you must perform an attunement ritual with Merthúvial, marking you as the weapon's new owner. Cost: 2,500 gp. Feat Granted: Least Legacy (Merthúvial).
Know the Pain: You must deliberately drop your defenses in melee combat with a creature of at least challenge rating of 8. That foe will score an automatic critical hit. Cost: n/a. Feat Granted: Lesser Legacy (Merthúvial).
Unite the People: currently unknown