Specific Cursed Items
Perhaps the most dangerous and insidious of all cursed items are those whose intended functions are completely replaced by a curse. Yet even these items can have their uses, particularly as traps or weapons. The following are provided as specific examples of cursed items. Instead of prerequisites, each cursed item is associated with one or more ordinary magic items whose creation might result in the cursed item. Cursed items can be sold, if the curse is not known to the buyer, as if they were the item they appear to be.
Cursed suits of armor and weapons can come in many forms, and the examples listed here are merely the most common. For example, a cursed –2 sword, might appear as a +3 shortsword or a +1 dagger, with a similar negative instead of the listed –2.
Amulet of Inescapable Location
Aura moderate abjuration; CL 10th
Slot neck; Weight 1/2 lb.
Description
This device appears to prevent location, scrying and detection, or influence by detect thoughts or telepathy, as per an amulet of proof against detection and location. Actually, the amulet gives the wearer a –10 penalty on all saves against divination spells.
Creation
Magic Items amulet of proof against detection and location
Armor of Arrow Attraction
Aura strong abjuration; CL 16th
Slot armor; Weight 50 lbs.
Description
Magical analysis indicates that this armor is a normal suit of +3 full plate. The armor works normally with regard to melee attacks but actually attracts ranged weapons. The wearer takes a –15 penalty to AC against ranged weapons. The true nature of the armor does not reveal itself until the character is fired upon in earnest.
Creation
Magic Items +3 full plate
Armor of Rage
Aura strong necromancy; CL 16th
Slot body; Weight 50 lbs.
Description
This armor is similar in appearance to breastplate of command and functions as a suit of +1 breastplate. However, when it is worn, the armor causes the character to take a –4 penalty to Charisma. All unfriendly characters within 300 feet have a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls against her. The effect is not noticeable to the wearer or those affected. In other words, the wearer does not immediately notice that donning the armor is the cause of her problems, nor do foes understand the reason for the depth of their enmity.
Creation
Magic Items breastplate of command, +1 breastplate
Bag of Devouring
Aura strong conjuration; CL 17th
Slot none; Weight 15 lbs.
Description
This bag appears to be an ordinary sack. Detection for magical properties makes it seem as if it were a bag of holding. The sack is, however, something entirely different and more insidious. It is—in fact, one of the feeding orifices of an extradimensional creature.
Any substance of animal or vegetable nature is subject to "swallowing'' if thrust within the bag. The bag of devouring is 90% likely to ignore any initial intrusion, but anytime thereafter that it senses living flesh within (such as if someone reaches into the bag to pull something out), it is 60% likely to close around the offending member and attempt to draw the whole victim in. The bag has a +8 bonus on combat maneuver checks made to grapple. If it pins a creature, it pulls them inside as a free action. The bag has CMD of 18 for those attempting to break free.
The bag can hold up to 30 cubic feet of matter. It acts as a bag of holding type I, but each hour it has a 5% cumulative chance of swallowing the contents and then spitting the stuff out in some nonspace or on some other plane. Creatures drawn within are consumed in 1 round. The bag destroys the victim's body and prevents any form of raising or resurrection that requires part of the corpse. There is a 50% chance that a wish, miracle, or true resurrection spell can restore a devoured victim to life. Check once for each destroyed creature. If the check fails, the creature cannot be brought back to life by mortal magic.
Creation
Magic Items bag of holding (any type)
Boots of Dancing
Aura strong enchantment; CL 16th
Slot feet; Weight 1 lb.
Description
These boots appear and function as one of the other kinds of magic boots. When the wearer is in (or fleeing from) melee combat, boots of dancing impede movement, making him behave as if irresistible dance had been cast upon him. Only a remove curse spell enables the wearer to be rid of the boots once their true nature is revealed.
Creation
Magic Items boots of elvenkind, boots of levitation, boots of speed, boots of striding and springing, boots of teleportation, boots of the winterlands, winged boots
Bracers of Defenselessness
Aura strong conjuration; CL 16th
Slot arms; Weight 1 lb.
Description
These bejeweled and shining bracers initially appear to be bracers of armor +5 and actually serve as such until the wearer is attacked in anger by an enemy with a Challenge Rating equal to or greater than her level. At that moment and thereafter, the bracers cause a –5 penalty to AC. Once their curse is activated, bracers of defenselessness can be removed only by means of a remove curse spell.
Creation
Magic Items bracers of armor +5
Broom of Animated Attack
Aura moderate transmutation; CL 10th
Slot none; Weight 3 lbs.
Description
This item is indistinguishable in appearance from a normal broom. It is identical to a broom of flying by all tests short of attempted use.
If a creature attempts to fly using the broom, the broom does a loop-the-loop with its hopeful rider, dumping him on his head from 1d4+5 feet off the ground (no falling damage, since the fall is less than 10 feet). The broom then attacks the victim, swatting the victim's face with the straw or twig end and beating him with the handle end. The broom gets two attacks per round with each end (two swats with the straw and two with the handle, for a total of four attacks per round). It attacks with a +5 bonus on each attack roll. The straw end causes a victim to be blinded for 1 round when it hits. The handle deals 1d6 points of damage when it hits. The broom has AC 13, CMD 17, 18 hit points, and hardness 4.
Creation
Magic Items broom of flying
Crystal Hypnosis Ball
Aura strong divination; CL 17th
Slot none; Weight 7 lbs.
Description
This cursed scrying device is indistinguishable, at first glance, from a normal crystal ball. However, anyone attempting to use the scrying device becomes fascinated for 1d6 minutes, and a telepathic suggestion is implanted in his mind (Will DC 19 negates).
The user of the device believes that the desired creature or scene was viewed, but actually he came under the influence of a powerful wizard, lich, or even some power or being from another plane. Each further use brings the crystal hypnosis ball gazer deeper under the influence of the controller, either as a servant or a tool. Note that throughout this time, the user remains unaware of his subjugation.
Creation
Magic Items crystal ball
Dust of Sneezing and Choking
Aura moderate conjuration; CL 7th
Slot none; Weight —
Description
This fine dust appears to be dust of appearance. If cast into the air, it causes those within a 20-foot spread to fall into fits of sneezing and coughing. Those failing a DC 15 Fortitude save take 3d6 points of Constitution damage immediately. Those who succeed on this saving throw are nonetheless disabled by choking (treat as stunned) for 5d4 rounds.
Creation
Magic Items dust of appearance, dust of tracelessness
Flask of Curses
Aura moderate conjuration; CL 7th
Slot none; Weight 2 lbs.
Description
This item looks like an ordinary beaker, bottle, container, decanter, flask, or jug. It may contain a liquid, or it may emit smoke. When the flask is first unstoppered, all within 30 feet must make a DC 17 Will save or be cursed, taking a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks until a remove curse spell is cast upon them.
Creation
Magic Items decanter of endless water, efreeti bottle, eversmoking bottle, iron flask
Gauntlets of Fumbling
Aura moderate transmutation; CL 7th
Slot hands; Weight 2 lbs.
Description
These gauntlets perform according to their appearance until the wearer finds herself under attack or in a life-and-death situation. At that time, the curse is activated. The wearer becomes fumble-fingered, with a 50% chance each round of dropping anything held in either hand. The gauntlets also lower Dexterity by 2 points. Once the curse is activated, the gloves can be removed only by means of a remove curse spell, a wish, or a miracle.
Creation
Magic Items gauntlet of rust, gloves of arrow snatching, glove of storing, gloves of swimming and climbing
Helm of Opposite Alignment
Aura strong transmutation; CL 12th
Slot head; Weight 3 lbs.
Description
When placed upon the head, this item's curse immediately takes effect (Will DC 15 negates). On a failed save, the alignment of the wearer is radically altered to an alignment as different as possible from the former alignment—good to evil, chaotic to lawful, neutral to some extreme commitment (LE, LG, CE, or CG). Alteration in alignment is mental as well as moral, and the individual changed by the magic thoroughly enjoys his new outlook. A character who succeeds on his save can continue to wear the helmet without suffering the effect of the curse, but if he takes it off and later puts it on again, another save is required.
Only a wish or a miracle can restore a character's former alignment, and the affected individual does not make any attempt to return to the former alignment. In fact, he views the prospect with horror and avoids it in any way possible. If a character of a class with an alignment requirement is affected, an atonement spell is needed as well if the curse is to be obliterated. When a helm of opposite alignment has functioned once, it loses its magical properties.
Creation
Magic Items hat of disguise, helm of comprehend languages and read magic, helm of telepathy
Incense of Obsession
Aura moderate enchantment; CL 6th
Slot none; Weight —
Description
These blocks of incense appear to be incense of meditation. If meditation is conducted while incense of obsession is burning, the user becomes totally confident that her spell ability is superior due to the magic incense. She uses her spells at every opportunity, even when not needed or useless. The user remains obsessed with her abilities and spells until all have been used or cast, or until 24 hours have elapsed.
Creation
Magic Items incense of meditation
Mace of Blood
Aura moderate abjuration; CL 8th
Slot none; Weight 8 lbs.
Description
This +3 heavy mace must be coated in blood every day, or else its bonus fades away until the mace is coated again. The character using this mace must make a DC 13 Will save every day it is within his possession or become chaotic evil.
Creation
Magic Items +3 heavy mace
Medallion of Thought Projection
Aura moderate divination; CL 7th
Slot neck; Weight —
Description
This device seems like a medallion of thoughts, even down to the range at which it functions, except that the thoughts overheard are muffled and distorted, requiring a DC 15 Will save to sort them out. However, while the user thinks she is picking up the thoughts of others, all she is really hearing are figments created by the medallion itself. These illusory thoughts always seem plausible and thus can seriously mislead any who rely upon them. What's worse, unknown to her, the cursed medallion actually broadcasts her thoughts to creatures in the path of the beam, thus alerting them to her presence.
Creation
Magic Items medallion of thoughts
Necklace of Strangulation
Aura strong conjuration; CL 18th
Slot neck; Weight —
Description
A necklace of strangulation appears to be a wondrous piece of magical jewelry. When placed on the neck, the necklace immediately tightens, dealing 6 points of damage per round. It cannot be removed by any means short of a limited wish, wish, or miracle and remains clasped around the victim's throat even after his death. Only when he has decayed to a dry skeleton (after approximately 1 month) does the necklace loosen, ready for another victim.
Creation
Magic Items necklace of adaptation, necklace of fireballs, periapt of health, periapt of proof against poison, periapt of wound closure
Net of Snaring
Aura moderate evocation; CL 8th
Slot none; Weight 6 lbs.
Description
This net provides a +3 bonus on attack rolls but can only be used underwater. Underwater, it can be commanded to shoot forth up to 30 feet to trap a creature. If thrown on land, it changes course to target the creature that threw it.
Creation
Magic Items +3 net
Periapt of Foul Rotting
Aura moderate abjuration; CL 10th
Slot neck; Weight —
Description
This engraved gem appears to be of little value. If any character keeps the periapt in her possession for more than 24 hours, she contracts a terrible rotting affliction that permanently drains 1 point of Dexterity, Constitution, and Charisma every week. The periapt (and the affliction) can be removed only by application of a remove curse spell followed by a cure disease and then a heal, miracle, limited wish, or wish spell. The rotting can also be countered by crushing a periapt of health and sprinkling its dust upon the afflicted character (a full-round action), whereupon the periapt of foul rotting likewise crumbles to dust.
Creation
Magic Items periapt of health, periapt of proof against poison, periapt of wound closure
Poisonous Cloak
Aura strong abjuration; CL 15th
Slot shoulders; Weight 1 lb.
Description
This cloak is usually made of a wool, although it can be made of leather. A detect poison spell can reveal the presence of poison in the cloak's fabric. The garment can be handled without harm, but as soon as it is actually donned, the wearer takes 4d6 points of Constitution damage unless she succeeds on a DC 28 Fortitude save.
Once donned, a poisonous cloak can be removed only with a remove curse spell; doing this destroys the magical property of the cloak. If a neutralize poison spell is then used, it is possible to revive a dead victim with a raise dead or resurrection spell.
Creation
Magic Items cloak of arachnida, cloak of the bat, cloak of etherealness, cloak of resistance +5, major cloak of displacement
Potion of Poison
Aura strong conjuration; CL 12th
Slot none; Weight —
Description
This potion has lost its beneficial abilities and become a potent poison. This poison deals 1d3 Constitution damage per round for 6 rounds. A poisoned creature can make a DC 14 Fortitude save each round to negate the damage and end the affliction.
Creation
Magic Items any potion
Robe of Powerlessness
Aura strong transmutation; CL 13th
Slot body; Weight 1 lb.
Description
A robe of powerlessness appears to be a magic robe of another sort. As soon as a character dons this garment, she takes a –10 penalty to Strength, as well as to Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma, forgetting spells and magic knowledge accordingly. If the character is a spellcaster, the robe targets the character's primary spellcasting score, otherwise it targets Intelligence. The robe can be removed easily, but in order to restore mind and body, the character must receive a remove curse spell followed by heal.
Creation
Magic Items robe of the archmagi, robe of blending, robe of bones, robe of eyes, robe of scintillating colors, robe of stars, robe of useful items
Robe of Vermin
Aura strong abjuration; CL 13th
Slot body; Weight 1 lb.
Description
The wearer notices nothing unusual when the robe is donned, and it functions normally. However, as soon as he is in a situation requiring concentration and action against hostile opponents, the true nature of the garment is revealed: the wearer immediately suffers a multitude of bites from the insects that magically infest the garment. He must cease all other activities in order to scratch, shift the robe, and generally show signs of the extreme discomfort caused by the bites and movement of these pests.
The wearer takes a –5 penalty on initiative checks and a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saves, and skill checks. If he tries to cast a spell, he must make a concentration check (DC 20 + spell level) or lose the spell.
Creation
Magic Items robe of the archmagi, robe of blending, robe of bones, robe of eyes, robe of scintillating colors, robe of stars, robe of useful items
Ring of Clumsiness
Aura strong transmutation; CL 15th
Slot ring; Weight —
Description
This ring operates exactly like a ring of feather falling. However, it also makes the wearer clumsy. She takes a –4 penalty to Dexterity and has a 20% chance of spell failure when trying to cast any arcane spell that has a somatic component. (This chance of spell failure stacks with other arcane spell failure chances.)
Creation
Magic Items ring of feather falling
Scarab of Death
Aura strong abjuration; CL 19th
Slot neck; Weight —
Description
If this small scarab brooch is held for more than 1 round or carried in a living creature's possessions for 1 minute, it changes into a horrible burrowing beetle-like creature. The thing tears through any leather or cloth, burrows into flesh, and reaches the victim's heart in 1 round, causing death. A DC 25 Reflex save allows the wearer to tear the scarab away before it burrows out of sight, but he still takes 3d6 points of damage. The beetle then returns to its scarab form. Placing the scarab in a container of wood, ceramic, bone, ivory, or metal prevents it from coming to life and allows for long-term storage of the item.
Creation
Magic Items amulet of mighty fists, amulet of natural armor, amulet of the planes, amulet of proof against detection and location, brooch of shielding, golembane scarab, scarab of protection
Spear, Cursed Backbiter
Aura moderate evocation; CL 10th
Slot none; Weight 3 lbs.
Description
This is a +2 shortspear, but each time it is used in melee against a foe and the attack roll is a natural 1, it damages its wielder instead of her intended target. When the curse takes effect, the spear curls around to strike its wielder in the back, automatically dealing the damage to the wielder. The curse even functions when the spear is hurled, and in such a case the damage to the hurler is doubled.
Creation
Magic Items +2 shortspear, any magic weapon
Stone of Weight (Loadstone)
Aura faint transmutation; CL 5th
Slot none; Weight 1 lb.
Description
This dark, polished stone reduces the possessor's base land speed to half of normal. Once picked up, the stone cannot be disposed of by any nonmagical means—if it is thrown away or smashed, it reappears somewhere upon the possessor's person. If a remove curse spell is cast upon a loadstone, the item may be discarded normally and no longer haunts the individual.
Creation
Magic Items ioun stone, stone of alarm, stone of controlling earth elementals, stone of good luck
Sword, –2 Cursed
Aura strong evocation; CL 15th
Slot none; Weight 4 lbs.
Description
This longsword performs well against targets in practice, but when used in combat its wielder takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls.
All damage dealt is also reduced by 2 points, but never below a minimum of 1 point of damage on any successful hit. The sword always forces that character to employ it rather than another weapon. The sword's owner automatically draws it and fights with it even when she meant to draw or ready some other weapon.
Creation
Magic Items +2 longsword, any magic weapon
Sword, Berserking
Aura moderate evocation; CL 8th
Slot none; Weight 12 lbs.
Description
This sword appears to be a +2 greatsword. However, whenever it is used in battle, its wielder goes berserk (gaining all the benefits and drawbacks of the barbarian's rage ability). He attacks the nearest creature and continues to fight until unconscious or dead or until no living thing remains within 30 feet. Although many see this sword as a cursed object, others see it as a boon.
Creation
Magic Items +2 greatsword, any magic weapon
Vacuous Grimoire
Aura strong enchantment; CL 20th
Slot none; Weight 2 lbs.
Description
A book of this sort looks like a normal one on some mildly interesting topic. Any character who opens the work and reads so much as a single word therein must make two DC 15 Will saves. The first is to determine if the reader takes 1 point of permanent Intelligence and Charisma drain. The second is to find out if the reader takes 2 points of permanent Wisdom drain. To destroy the book, it must be burned while remove curse is being cast. If the grimoire is placed with other books, its appearance instantly alters to conform to the look of those other works.
Creation
Magic Items blessed book, manual of bodily health, manual of gainful exercise, manual of quickness of action, tome of clear thoughts, tome of leadership and influence, tome of understanding
