Squallbrand, the Storm Reforged
Isrid, the Boundless Storm, the calamity that tore the realms asunder could not be humbled.
For forty days and forty nights she wrought strife upon the gods. When at last she was shattered, she emptied her ire into every remnant of her scattered being. They say her savagery lives on with the breath of each storm. There are those who claim her essence can be imprinted into certain weapons. One such blade of legend was named Squallbrand.
A dagger with a blade as black as a midnight tempest, Squallbrand demands action of any who wield it. Anger must be repaid with anger. Resistance with undaunted fury. Squallbrand seeks to be whole once more, and as pieces of the shattered god are reunited, the blade grows in strength and size. Stories of the blade are still told in hushed whispers around seaside taverns. Some say it gifted the power to walk along the waters as though it were dry land. Others spoke of calling down lightning upon its foes. And some yet claimed it could command the storms. As Squallbrand grew in fame, so did its pursuers. Everywhere the blade went a trail of dead followed. It began to take on other names such as "Clamourhorn" and "The Ire of Storms". There was some dispute about the weapon, as it seemed to change shape as it changed suitors. One thing is certain: wherever storms abound, Squallbrand is nigh.
Storms In Your Campaign
Squallbrand is a sentient weapon that makes a great addition to any campaign.
Its elemental nature and storm theme starts simple, dealing an extra 2d6 Thunder damage on hit. As you collect remnants of Isrid, the weapon will grow in power, increasing the die size (d4, d6, d8, d10). The remnants of Isrid can be found in underwater temples, among the essence of a dying elemental, in the aftermath of a seaborne curse, or at the heart of a relentless maelstrom. Each tier adds a + 1 to the weapons hit and damage rolls (max + 3), and can unlock new storm themed abilities: Thunderclap, Call Lightning, & Control Weather. It can grant resistance to lightning or thunder damage if you choose, or increase your Dex modifier. The balance and theme is up to you, DM.
Ire of Storms
Squallbrand has a strong will and usually resides in blades.
Though its form can take on a weapon you desire, its will is always one of calamity. Squallbrand is the voice of the storm and will urges its wielder toward action. In times of great conflict, Squallbrand may attempt to overthrow its owner's will in order to satiate its pride. Squallbrand is Neutral Evil and speaks Auran. Characters who do not speak the language may interpret this as a shift in the weather or sudden strong winds.
Sentient Items In Your Campaign
How you utilize sentient items is ultimately up to you.
They can be an excellent resource for pushing along a certain kind of narrative. Think of them like the DM's little helper. I personally like to use them to introduce lore into my settings or unearth a character's backstory. The tiered "living weapon" is something I like to implement for that magic-item-hungry power gamer in your group. It allows you some flexibility when dulling out powerful magic items and lets your player keep an item they love that doesn't diminish over time. Everybody wins.
As always:
Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy.
Written by:
Jordan Cribbs
Jordan Cribbs
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