Asmodeus

RUBY ROD OF ASMODEUS

(MAJOR ARTIFACT)
Not only is the Ruby Rod of Asmodeus a potent weapon, but it also allows its wielder access to incredible power. From its opaline tip, the wielder can unleash the destructive power of the Nine Hells, delivering streams of vitriol, crackling death, or the frigid winds of scorn. Even if a creature somehow survives these vicious attacks, it is often left helpless before the wielder’s majesty. Rarely far from its master’s hand, Asmodeus sometimes bestows his ruby rod onto a particularly worthy mortal to serve his ends. Whether the artifact he bestows is authentic or a facsimile, no one knows.

Lore:The Ruby Rod is the symbol of office for the ruler of Nessus. He who wields it rules Hell. (Knowledge [the planes] DC 20) Crafted from a single ruby of incredible size, it was bathed in the blood of a thousand mortal sacrifices, quenched in Tiamat’s acidic drool, and polished with the tears of 777 angels. (Knowledge [the planes] DC 30) Description: This scepter is a 4-foot shaft carved from a solid ruby. Along its length are the names of good deities and celestials spelled in reverse and stained with black blood. The bottom is jagged, as if the item was snapped from a larger piece, while the top is a clawed fist clutching a skull.

The Ruby Rod glows with power, shedding a soft, malevolent crimson light. Just prior to releasing a blast of energy, it flares, sending rays of putrid light in all directions. Furthermore, its wielder’s eyes match the color of the rod.

Activation: The Ruby Rod always functions as a weapon. As a standard action, a wielder can activate any of its other special abilities once per day. Asmodeus can use them at will, each as a swift action.
Effect:When wielded in combat, the Ruby Rod of Asmodeus acts as a +6 unholy greatclub. Whenever it strikes a target or is touched without Asmodeus’s assent, it also delivers an inflict critical wounds effect (caster level 20th, DC 19 for half). In addition, the wielder can activate any of the following effects. The save DC for each effect is equal to 10 + 1/2 the wielder’s HD + the wielder’s Cha modifier.
• Line of Lightning: 150-ft. line, damage 20d6 electricity, Reflex half.
• Line of Acid: 150-ft. line, damage 20d6 acid, Reflex half.
• Cone of Cold: 75-ft. cone, damage 20d6 cold, Reflex half.
• Aura of Might: Anyone attempting to attack the wielder must first succeed on a Will save or instead bow down, becoming helpless for 1 round.
• Reverie of Nessus: Once per day, as an immediate action, the wielder can encase himself in a 5-foot-radius spherical wall of force. The area 50 feet around the sphere (but not within it) becomes an antimagic field. This effect lasts for 3 rounds. In the first round, the wielder is automatically purged of any unwanted enchantment spells or effects. In the second, the wielder is purged of any diseases, poisons, or physical maladies (including lost body parts). In the third round, the wielder is healed to full hit points and feels refreshed as though he had just rested a full day, regaining spells and spell-like abilities accordingly. This ability triggers automatically (without the wielder having to spend an immediate action) if the wielder ever fails a save against an unwanted enchantment spell or effect, such as charm person or dominate monster.

Aura/Caster Level: Overwhelming conjuration and evocation, overwhelming evil. CL 30th.

Weight: 5lbs