Lifesower
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| An item in: | FTaWSotR |
|---|---|
| Owner: | Nalyd |
| Item Type: | Magical Scythe |
| Attributes: | Weight - 5 lbs. |
| Abilities: | Diseases any who contact it, fatally diseases any harmed by it. |
The Scythe is Nalyd’s primary possession. Also known as the Lifesower, it is made entirely of silver that is very tarnished in patches that shift and move when you aren't looking. It is enchanted for durability, lightness, speed, and extreme sharpness. It will also disease anyone that comes into contact with it- only Nalyd's skill as a bio-mage allows him to remain unaffected by the unique and unnatural diseases on it. If someone touches Lifesower without Nalyd or another specialist bio-mage familiar with the Scythe neutralizing the diseases, they will be greatly weakened, magically and physically, within a few hours unless given serious magical and medical care, but will certainly survive and be naturally cured within a day or two. If the blade breaks the skin, an uncountable number of horrific things will start to happen to the victim's body. The diseases will drastically weaken and sicken the victim in a matter of minutes, but will likely take weeks to fully kill them, unless extreme treatment is given. Repeated use of simple curing spells or potions can stave off the sickness, but not completely and they will only treat the symptoms. The effects apply to any organic being. Due to the life magic inherent in the Scythe, the diseases are never the same, and an immunity to the Scythe cannot be developed. Treatment varies between cases. The organisms on the Scythe are not inherently magical in nature, and magic-nullifying effects will only interfere with the bio-mage's ability to control the organisms, but the diseases could be removed later. Fire or other sterilizing procedures will have little effect on the Scythe. The diseases cannot be transferred except by blood- the Scythe cannot start a plague. The diseases cannot live in the open air unless in contact with the Scythe, but can survive within a living body indefinitely. The diseases cannot live long in a dead body.
The Scythe has been passed down for generations along a Master-Apprentice line of bio-mages. It is not sentient, but the absurd quantity of organisms living on it sing in beautiful voices to the senses of a skilled bio-mage. The song is transmitted through touch, or sometimes by close proximity. This song is addictive- if the Scythe's song is removed from the wielder's consciousness, they will be extremely agitated and likely go insane within minutes. Almost anything would be done to get the Scythe back, especially after the wielder goes insane. The Scythe is a unique item, and has been improved upon and added to along the Master-Apprentice line. Indeed, it is required that an improvement be added before Lifesower is passed down. When the Scythe is passed down, the Master invariably goes insane and begs the Apprentice to kill him with the Scythe, so as to hear the beauteous song in their last moments. The Master's death is incredibly joyous. Nalyd has yet to choose an apprentice in bio-magics, but is required to by the tradition of Lifesower.
In order to assure security, Nalyd Shaped the power supply of The Roost around the Scythe, allowing the pathogens to spread throughout the entirety of the Administration Warrens. When Jewels destroyed the Rot, she retrieved his Scythe and returned to Nalyd's comatose form.
