Voidblade

From: Abysian Bloodline

Values:

• Level Requirement: Tier 1
• Stats Modifier: +1 to Strength
• Skills Gained: None
• Cost: 180 gold pieces (or the equivalent in your TTRPG currency)
• Tags: Weapon, Melee, Shadow, Damage over Time, Strength, One-Handed, Curse, Finesse, Necromantic, Abyssal, Ritual, Occult, Depletion, Vampiric

Lore: The Voidblade is a wicked and blackened sword that has been forged with Abysian techniques, incorporating the dark essence of Abysium into its very core. Legends speak of a secretive order of shadow-wielders who developed the art of crafting these weapons, seeking to harness the raw power of shadows and infuse it into their strikes.

It is said that the Voidblade’s creation involves a complex ritual, where the blade is tempered in shadows and imbued with the essence of Abysium. The result is a weapon that channels the dark energy, allowing its wielder to deliver powerful, shadow-infused strikes.

Use: The Voidblade is a formidable melee weapon that enhances the wielder’s strength, providing a +1 bonus to Strength. Its blackened blade is imbued with the essence of Abysium, granting it the ability to deliver powerful, shadow-infused strikes. On successful hits, the Voidblade has a chance to inflict additional damage over time due to its lingering darkness. This additional damage represents the corrosive effects of the lingering shadows, gradually sapping the target’s vitality.

The Voidblade is particularly effective against opponents vulnerable to shadow or those susceptible to damage over time. It is well-suited for characters who favor melee combat and wish to harness the power of darkness in their strikes. The blade’s dark essence makes it a weapon of choice for those who seek to exploit the weaknesses of their enemies or leave a lasting mark with their attacks.

Given the Voidblade’s association with Abysian techniques and its potential for inflicting dark, lingering damage, it would likely be found in shops catering to those with an interest in the darker aspects of magic or combat. Here are some possibilities:

• Occult Shops:
  • Location: These shops, often tucked away in less reputable parts of towns and cities, specialize in items related to forbidden magic, necromancy, and dealings with shadowy entities. They are often dimly lit and filled with strange artifacts and arcane ingredients.
  • Method: Transactions in occult shops might involve bartering, trading rare components, or even proving one’s knowledge of dark magic. Discretion is key, as the acquisition of such items might be frowned upon by local authorities or religious orders.
  • Cost: Due to the specialized nature of the Voidblade and its potential for causing harm, it would likely command a premium price in an occult shop, possibly reaching 250-300 gold pieces.
• Blacksmiths with Abysian Knowledge:
  • Location: Not every blacksmith can forge a Voidblade. It requires specific knowledge of Abysian techniques and access to rare materials. Such blacksmiths might operate in secluded workshops or hidden forges, their skills passed down through secretive lineages.
  • Method: Acquiring a Voidblade from such a blacksmith might involve proving one’s worthiness, undertaking a dangerous quest to gather rare components, or even pledging allegiance to a shadowy organization.
  • Cost: The cost of a Voidblade from a specialized blacksmith could vary depending on the rarity of the materials used and the complexity of the forging process. It could range from 200 gold pieces for a basic blade to a significantly higher price for a masterfully crafted weapon with additional enchantments.
• Underground Markets:
  • Location: In the shadowy underbelly of Saṃsāra’s cities, hidden markets thrive where illicit goods and forbidden knowledge are exchanged. These markets are often accessed through secret passages and guarded by unsavory characters.
  • Method: Transactions in underground markets are often conducted with anonymity and caution. Buyers and sellers might use coded language, wear disguises, and rely on intermediaries to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
  • Cost: The price of a Voidblade in an underground market could fluctuate depending on supply and demand, as well as the buyer’s negotiation skills and reputation. It could range from 180 gold pieces for a standard blade to a higher price for a particularly potent or well-maintained weapon.
• Wandering Merchants with Shadowy Connections:
  • Location: Some traveling merchants have connections to less reputable sources and might offer the Voidblade among their wares. These merchants are often shrouded in mystery, their origins unknown and their routes unpredictable.
  • Method: Encountering such a merchant might be a matter of chance or require seeking out those who deal in rumors and secrets. Trust is crucial, as these merchants might be unreliable or even dangerous.
  • Cost: The price offered by a wandering merchant could vary significantly depending on their knowledge of the Voidblade’s true value and the buyer’s ability to discern its authenticity. It could range from 150 gold pieces for a bargain hunter to a much higher price if the merchant senses the buyer’s desperation or lack of knowledge.

Important Considerations:

• Reputation: A buyer’s reputation and affiliations could influence their ability to acquire a Voidblade. Those known for their dark magic practices or connections to shadowy organizations might have an easier time accessing these weapons.
• Discretion: Due to the potentially dangerous nature of the Voidblade, buyers and sellers would exercise caution and discretion during transactions. Openly carrying or displaying the weapon could attract unwanted attention from authorities or rival factions.
• Ethical Concerns: The Voidblade’s association with dark magic and its ability to inflict lingering damage might raise ethical concerns for some buyers. Those with a strong moral compass might hesitate to acquire or wield such a weapon.

In the world of Saṃsāra, acquiring a Voidblade would be a journey into the darker corners of society, requiring resourcefulness, connections, and a willingness to deal with those who walk the path of shadows.

The Voidblade, with its dark energy and lingering damage, offers a unique blend of offense and defense, adaptable to various combat scenarios and roleplaying styles.

Offensive Applications:

• Direct Combat: The Voidblade excels in close-quarters combat, its shadow-infused strikes capable of cleaving through armor and flesh alike. The added Strength bonus allows for more powerful attacks, while the lingering damage weakens opponents over time, giving the wielder an edge in prolonged engagements.
  • Roleplay: A warrior wielding the Voidblade might adopt an aggressive fighting style, utilizing powerful strikes and relentless pressure to overwhelm opponents. They might revel in the blade’s dark power, their attacks imbued with a sense of grim satisfaction.
• Stealth Attacks: The blade’s dark nature makes it ideal for ambushes and surprise attacks. The lingering damage can cripple opponents before they can react, allowing for swift and decisive takedowns.
  • Roleplay: An assassin or rogue wielding the Voidblade might favor a stealthy approach, utilizing shadows and misdirection to strike from unexpected angles. They might relish the fear their weapon instills, their movements swift and silent, their strikes precise and deadly.
• Exploiting Weaknesses: The Voidblade’s shadow damage is particularly effective against creatures vulnerable to darkness or those with a weakness to necrotic energy.
  • Roleplay: A knowledgeable wielder might study their opponents, identifying those susceptible to the blade’s dark power. They might taunt their foes, reveling in their vulnerability, or adopt a more calculated approach, striking strategically to maximize the blade’s effectiveness.

Defensive Applications:

• Intimidation: The Voidblade’s ominous appearance and dark aura can serve as a deterrent, discouraging potential attackers or giving the wielder an edge in negotiations.
  • Roleplay: A character wielding the Voidblade might project an air of menace, their weapon serving as a symbol of their power and ruthlessness. They might use intimidation tactics to gain an advantage, their words backed by the implicit threat of the blade’s dark power.
• Psychological Warfare: The lingering damage inflicted by the Voidblade can instill fear and doubt in opponents, disrupting their focus and weakening their resolve.
  • Roleplay: A cunning wielder might exploit this psychological advantage, taunting their foes with the inevitability of their demise. They might revel in their opponents’ growing despair, their attacks fueled by a sense of dark satisfaction.
• Desperation Attacks: In dire situations, the Voidblade can be used to unleash a final, desperate attack, potentially crippling or even killing multiple opponents with its lingering damage.
  • Roleplay: A cornered warrior might unleash a furious assault, channeling their remaining strength and willpower into a final, devastating strike. They might embrace the blade’s dark power, sacrificing their own well-being to ensure the defeat of their enemies.

Environmental Considerations:

• Darkness: The Voidblade’s power is amplified in darkness, its shadow essence resonating with the surrounding gloom. In dimly lit environments, the blade might shimmer with an eerie glow, its lingering damage more potent and its psychological impact amplified.
• Sunlight: Conversely, the blade’s power might be diminished in bright sunlight, its shadow essence receding before the radiant light. In such environments, the wielder might need to rely more on their combat skills and less on the blade’s dark magic.
• Sacred Ground: The Voidblade’s necrotic energy might be repelled or even neutralized in areas consecrated to deities of light or life. Wielding the blade in such places could prove dangerous, as the conflicting energies might backlash against the wielder.

Roleplaying the Voidblade effectively involves:

• Embracing the Darkness: The wielder should be comfortable with the blade’s dark nature and its association with shadowy forces. They might have a backstory that ties them to Abysian lore or have a personal affinity for the darker aspects of magic.
• Balancing Power and Control: The Voidblade is a powerful weapon, but its dark energy can be corrupting. The wielder must maintain control over their emotions and avoid succumbing to the blade’s influence.
• Considering the Consequences: The Voidblade’s lingering damage and psychological impact can have lasting consequences. The wielder should be prepared to face the repercussions of their actions and the potential for attracting unwanted attention from those who oppose the forces of darkness.

The Voidblade offers a rich tapestry of roleplaying possibilities, allowing players to explore the darker aspects of combat and magic in the world of Saṃsāra.

Perception of Activation:

• User’s Perspective:
  • Sight: As the wielder grips the Voidblade, the blackened steel seems to drink in the surrounding light, its surface rippling with shadowy energy. The edges of the blade might blur, as if phasing in and out of existence, and faint tendrils of darkness may snake along its length.
  • Sound: A low hum resonates through the wielder’s hand, a vibration that seems to echo from the depths of the Abyss. The air around the blade crackles with a subtle energy, and a faint whisper, like the rustling of unseen wings, might be heard.
  • Touch: The hilt of the Voidblade feels cool to the touch, almost icy, and a tingling sensation spreads up the wielder’s arm as the dark energy courses through their body. The grip tightens instinctively, as if the blade itself is eager for battle.
  • Smell: A faint metallic tang fills the air, tinged with the scent of ozone and damp earth. A subtle undercurrent of decay might also be present, a reminder of the blade’s connection to the necrotic energies of the Abyss.
  • Taste: A bitter taste coats the wielder’s tongue, like the residue of dark magic. It might linger for a while, a constant reminder of the blade’s power and the potential consequences of wielding it.
  • Extrasensory Perceptions:
    • A surge of power courses through the wielder, enhancing their strength and focus.
    • A sense of connection to the shadowy forces of the Abyss, a feeling of tapping into a vast reservoir of dark energy.
    • A heightened awareness of their surroundings, particularly the presence of shadows and the vulnerabilities of their opponents.
    • A whisper of dark whispers might tempt the wielder, urging them to embrace the blade’s power and unleash its full potential.
• Observer’s Perspective:
  • Sight: The observer sees the Voidblade’s blackened surface shimmer with an unnatural light, its edges seeming to dissolve into the surrounding shadows. The air around the blade might distort, as if affected by an unseen force.
  • Sound: A faint crackling or buzzing sound might emanate from the blade, accompanied by a low hum that seems to vibrate through the ground.
  • Extrasensory Perceptions:
    • A sense of unease or dread washes over the observer, a primal fear of the darkness and the unknown.
    • A feeling of coldness, as if the temperature has suddenly dropped.
    • A sense of foreboding, a premonition of impending danger.
• Positives:
  • Enhanced strength and combat prowess.
  • Ability to inflict lingering damage, weakening opponents over time.
  • Psychological advantage, instilling fear and disrupting the focus of enemies.
  • Potential for exploiting weaknesses in creatures vulnerable to shadow or necrotic energy.
• Negatives:
  • The corrupting influence of the blade’s dark energy, which can tempt the wielder towards darker paths.
  • Potential for attracting unwanted attention from creatures of darkness or those who oppose the forces of the Abyss.
  • The risk of backlash when wielding the blade in areas consecrated to deities of light or life.
  • The moral implications of wielding a weapon infused with necrotic energy and its potential impact on the wielder’s soul.

Crafting Recipe: Forging the Voidblade — This recipe guides skilled artisans in replicating the dreaded Voidblade, a weapon infused with the dark essence of the Abyss and capable of inflicting lingering shadows upon those it strikes.

• Materials Needed:
  • Abyssal Steel Ingot: This rare metal is forged from ores mined in the deepest caverns of the Abyss, where the very air is thick with shadow energy. It is notoriously difficult to work with, requiring specialized tools and techniques. (Quantity: 1)
  • Shadow Essence: This volatile substance is collected from the heart of a Shadow Elemental, a creature of pure darkness that dwells in the Abyss. It is the key ingredient that imbues the Voidblade with its necrotic power. (Quantity: 1 vial)
  • Nightshade Petals: The petals of the elusive Nightshade flower, known for their ability to absorb light and enhance shadow magic, are used to temper the blade and amplify its connection to the Abyss. (Quantity: 10)
  • Blood of a Fallen Warrior: A sacrifice is required to bind the dark essence to the blade. The blood of a fallen warrior, preferably one who died in battle with a lingering grudge, is used to fuel the enchantment process. (Quantity: 1 vial)
• Tools Required:
  • Abyssal Forge: This specialized forge is constructed from obsidian and fueled by the souls of the damned. Its intense heat and shadow-infused flames are necessary to melt and shape Abyssal Steel.
  • Hammer of Shadows: Forged from the core of a collapsed star and imbued with the essence of the void, this hammer is used to shape the Abyssal Steel, its every strike resonating with dark energy.
  • Anvil of Souls: This ancient anvil, said to be forged from the solidified tears of lost souls, is used to temper the blade, its cold surface absorbing excess heat and imbuing the steel with a chilling aura.
  • Runecarving Set: A collection of obsidian chisels and etching tools used to inscribe the blade with Abyssal runes, amplifying its connection to the shadow realm and enhancing its necrotic power.
  • Ritual Dagger: A ceremonial dagger with a blackened blade, used to collect the blood sacrifice and channel it into the forging process.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Blacksmithing: Master level proficiency in blacksmithing, with specific experience in handling rare and magically infused metals.
  • Runecarving: Expert level proficiency in runecarving, with knowledge of Abyssal runes and their applications in shadow magic.
  • Abyssal Lore: Journeyman level proficiency in Abyssal lore, with an understanding of the rituals and practices associated with harnessing shadow energy.
  • Blood Magic: Apprentice level proficiency in blood magic, with the ability to safely handle and manipulate blood for ritualistic purposes.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Preparation:
    • Collect the Shadow Essence from a Shadow Elemental, a dangerous task that requires venturing into the depths of the Abyss and facing the creature’s formidable defenses.
    • Gather the Nightshade Petals under the cover of darkness, carefully plucking them from the elusive flower while chanting incantations of shadow manipulation.
    • Obtain the Blood of a Fallen Warrior, ensuring that the warrior died with a lingering grudge or desire for vengeance, as this will amplify the blade’s necrotic power.
  • Forging:
    • Heat the Abyssal Steel Ingot in the Abyssal Forge, carefully controlling the shadow-infused flames to avoid overheating or damaging the rare metal.
    • Using the Hammer of Shadows, shape the ingot into a blade, channeling your intent for power and darkness into every strike.
    • Quench the blade in the Blood of the Fallen Warrior, reciting incantations of binding and sacrifice to infuse the steel with the warrior’s lingering essence.
  • Tempering:
    • Place the blade on the Anvil of Souls, allowing its cold surface to absorb excess heat and imbue the steel with a chilling aura.
    • Scatter the Nightshade Petals over the blade, chanting incantations of shadow enhancement as the petals wither and their essence seeps into the metal.
  • Runecarving:
    • With the Runecarving Set, inscribe the blade with Abyssal runes that amplify its connection to the shadow realm and enhance its necrotic power.
    • Channel your focus and intent into each rune, visualizing the blade becoming a conduit for shadow magic and a vessel for inflicting lingering darkness.
  • Enchanting:
    • In a ritual chamber shielded from sunlight, perform a blood magic ritual, offering the vial of Shadow Essence as a sacrifice to the forces of the Abyss.
    • Channel the released energy into the blade, chanting incantations of power, darkness, and decay.
  • Completion:
    • Upon completion, the Voidblade will be infused with the dark essence of the Abyss, capable of inflicting lingering shadows upon those it strikes.
    • The final product will be a testament to the artisan’s skill and dedication, a weapon worthy of the most formidable warriors and those who walk the path of shadows.

Chronicle of the Shadow-Forged Blade

From tattered parchments discovered within a crumbling Abysian ruin, translated from an archaic script of indeterminate origin.

In an age shrouded in twilight, when the boundaries between worlds were thin and the whispers of the Abyss echoed through the mortal realm, there arose a brotherhood known as the Shadow-Forged. These warriors, clad in darkness and wielding blades of obsidian, sought to harness the power of the void, to bend the shadows to their will.

Their leader, a figure known only as Malkor, was said to have ventured into the heart of the Abyss, returning with a shard of pure shadow essence. With this essence, he forged the first Voidblade, a weapon of terrible power, capable of inflicting wounds that lingered beyond the flesh, draining the very life force of its victims.

Malkor and his Shadow-Forged wreaked havoc across the land, their blades leaving a trail of withered bodies and despair in their wake. They conquered kingdoms, toppled empires, and plunged the world into an age of darkness.

But their reign of terror was not unchallenged. A young hero, armed with a blade of pure light, rose to oppose them. His name was Arion, and he was said to be a descendant of the sun god, his blade imbued with the power of creation.

Arion and Malkor clashed in a battle that shook the very foundations of the world. The forces of light and darkness collided, their blades meeting in a blinding flash of energy. The earth trembled, the skies wept tears of fire, and the very fabric of reality threatened to unravel.

In the end, Arion emerged victorious, his blade of light shattering the Voidblade and banishing Malkor back into the depths of the Abyss. The Shadow-Forged were scattered, their reign of terror brought to an end.

But the shards of the Voidblade remained, scattered across the land, their dark essence waiting to be reawakened. It is said that those who wield these shards inherit a portion of Malkor’s power, their strikes infused with the lingering touch of the Abyss.

Moral of the Story: The pursuit of power can lead to darkness, and even the noblest intentions can be corrupted by the whispers of the void. Beware the allure of forbidden knowledge, for it can consume the unwary and leave behind a legacy of sorrow.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Item: Voidblade

• Type: Melee Weapon (Cursed)
• Stats: Damage: 1d10 + DB +1. On a successful attack, the target must also make a CON roll vs. the listed POW of the blade (determined by the Keeper, typically around 10-15). If they fail, they suffer 1d4 points of damage each round at the beginning of their turn until they succeed on a subsequent CON roll or receive magical healing. The wielder of the Voidblade must make a POW roll each day to resist its corrupting influence (difficulty set by the Keeper).

Blades in the Dark

Item: Abyssal Blade

• Type: Weapon (Tier 3, Vicious)
• Effect: When used in combat, the Abyssal Blade inflicts 2-harm that ignores armor. Additionally, on a 4/5 or 6 on the action roll, the target suffers 1-harm at the start of each of their subsequent turns until they receive medical attention or succeed on a Resistance roll (reduced by the attacker’s effect level).

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Item: Voidblade

• Rarity: Rare (requires attunement)
• Stats: This +1 longsword deals an extra 1d4 necrotic damage on a hit. The target must also make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 2d4 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. This damage repeats at the start of each of the target’s turns. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.  

Knave

Item: Void-Touched Blade

• Stats: d8 damage. On a hit, roll an additional d6. On a 5 or 6, the target takes 1d4 damage at the start of each of their turns until they make a successful Save vs. Death or are healed.

Fate Core/Condensed

Item: Voidblade

• Aspects: Abyssal Hunger, Whispers of Corruption
• Invoke: Spend a Fate Point to gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls with the Voidblade, or to inflict a debilitating consequence related to the blade’s necrotic energy.
• Compel: The GM may compel the Abyssal Hunger or Whispers of Corruption aspects to introduce complications related to the blade’s dark influence, such as drawing the attention of malevolent entities or tempting the wielder towards acts of cruelty.

Numenera & Cypher System

Item: Blade of the Void

• Level: 4
• Effect: Deals 4 points of damage. When making an attack, the player can spend 1 Intellect point to inflict an additional 2 points of damage each round until the target succeeds on a Might defense roll.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Item: Voidblade

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Price: 180 gp
• Aura: faint necromancy
• Activation: —
• Effect: This +1 striking longsword deals an extra 1d4 negative damage on a hit. The target must attempt a DC 14 Fortitude save. On a failure, the target takes 1d4 negative damage at the start of each of its turns. The target can attempt a new saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

Savage Worlds

Item: Void-Forged Sword

• Trappings: A jet-black sword that seems to absorb light and radiate a faint chill.
• Effect: The sword is treated as a Heavy Weapon with the AP 2 quality. On a successful hit, the target must make a Vigor roll (–2). On a failure, they suffer an additional 2d4 damage at the beginning of their next turn. The target can make a new Vigor roll at the end of each of their turns to resist the lingering effect.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Item: Voidblade

• Availability: 10R
• Cost: 1,800 nuyen
• Essence: 0.2
• Capacity: 1
• Effect: This sword is considered a Rating 6 melee weapon that deals +2DV damage, with the AP -1 quality. When the wielder scores a hit, the target also suffers 1 box of Physical damage at the beginning of each of their subsequent turns. The target can make a Body + Willpower Test (3 hits) at the end of each of their turns to resist this lingering damage.

Starfinder

Item: Abyssal Blade

• Level: 3
• Price: 1,800 credits
• Bulk: 1
• Damage: 1d8 S
• Critical: Bleed 1d4
• Special: This advanced melee weapon deals an additional 1d4 negative damage on a hit. The target must also succeed at a Fortitude saving throw (DC = 10 + half your character level + your Strength modifier) or take 1d4 negative damage at the beginning of each of its turns. The target can attempt a new saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Item: Void-Touched Blade

• TL: 9
• Law Level: 4
• Cost: 1,800 Cr
• Weight: 2 kg
• Damage: 5d6
• Effect: When making an attack with this blade, the attacker gains +1DM to their Melee Combat skill check. On a successful hit, the target also takes 1d6 damage at the beginning of each of their turns until they receive medical attention or make a successful END check.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Item: Blade of Shadows

• Rarity: Rare
• Availability: Abyssal Cults, Chaos Strongholds
• Cost: 180 gold crowns
• Group: Basic Weapons (Sword)
• Damage: As Sword + SB +1
• Qualities: Impact, Warpstone
• Effect: On a successful hit, the target suffers an additional 1d10 damage at the beginning of each of their turns. The target can make a Toughness test at the end of each of their turns to resist this lingering damage. The wielder of the blade must make a Willpower test each day to resist its corrupting influence.