[Sorcerer’s Library] The Codex – Forging of a Pact-Weapon

Forging of a Pact-Weapon

Author: Belfus of the Daemon-Forge

Type: enchantment

Effect: this ritual allows a blacksmith to call upon Outside forces (angelic, daemonic, Elder Gods, Outer Gods, etc.) and enter into a pact to forge a powerful magic weapon.

It is said that Belfus was the blacksmith who developed the ritual through “infernal inspiration”, and recorded the complete process within The Codex, which was called The Book of Recorded Ecstasies & Damnations during the age in which he lived. He forged a sword known as Sorrow-Shank.

In game terms it is up to the game master to determine the nature of the magic forged into the weapon. This can be done randomly, or by deliberate design. Remember, this ritual has a heavy toll on its caster (see below), so balance this with the power level of the game when designing the weapon. The player may decide what type of weapon that is being forged.

Ritual Elements:

• Verbal: chanting of specific incantations and prayers (found in The Codex) during the entire forging of the weapon
• Somatic: the act of forging the weapon itself
• Material: the blacksmith must be ritually cleansed by fasting for an entire month, and anointing his entire body with a rare oil (GMs choice)
• Material: the blacksmith forges the weapon in the nude
• Material: the forge must be pristine (never used), and made of a specified silver alloy
• Special: the forging of the weapon itself must be done alone, but the blacksmith can be assisted with other daily matters, and no rest is allowed until the forging is complete
• Location: prepared ritual chamber
• Time: the forging of the weapon begins at dawn

Casting Time: however long it takes to forge the weapon (1d4 + 1 days)

Duration: until the weapon is destroyed

Range: touch

Sorcery Skill Level: 4

Blacksmith Skill Level: 4

Sanity Cost: 1d12+4

Saving Throw: vs. Death (the life-force of the blacksmith sparks the actual enchantment within the weapon – a failed saving throw = death, while a successful save = ½ the blacksmith’s hit points are permanently lost to the ritual)

Note: The game mechanics discussed can be used for any edition of Dungeons & Dragons, but are specifically written for Castles & Crusades. As with most game materials I will present, this article is considered Open Game License (OGL).