Blade of Doom

Blade of doom, recorded elsewhere as Shaeroon's scimitar, is a specialized type of curse. When cast, a large blade of magical force appears above the target creature. This blade is visible only to the caster, those who can see invisible items, and those who cast a detect magic spell on the creature. The blade is poised to drop on the creature's head when a particular action (specified by the caster) occurs, such as the speaking of a particular word, beginning to cast a spell, or drawing a weapon.

If the condition is met, the blade immediately drops upon the creature (and the creature only), inflicting one point of damage per level of the caster. A successful saving throw vs. spell negates this damage.

The caster of the spell can dispel it at will as can such magic as a limited wish or wish. A simple dispel magic has no effect on the blade of doom. Only one blade of doom can be cast on a particular individual at a time.

Blade of doom is a very long-lasting spell. Unless dispelled by the caster, it can last up to a year before its energies run out. It is used usually as a method of vouchsafing an individual 's good conduct in negotiations and occasionally as a form of punishment to those who offend a wizard or are seeking his favors.

The material component of this spell is a small scimitar carved of rock crystal (value 300 gp), diamond, or clear sapphire (value 3,000 gp).

Notes: Rare or very rare. Known to be in The Book of Bats and Tidings of Conflict and Woe.