Helena's Nail (5e Equipment)
One of the nails that crucified Jesus Christ as per the biblical recount, this small, mundane-looking iron nail contains the holy essence of the son of God.
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A man holding [the Nail] and the same man having become a [Monster of God]. |
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Wondrous item, artifact
Monster of God. As an action, a creature may drive the nail into their heart. Vines slowly replace their body, and they gain the following features. If the nail is removed as a Strength saving throw, the creature is no longer a Monster of God, becomes incapacitated, and dies after 6 seconds (1 round). Many Monster of God features require a creature to make a saving throw. The DC for this saving throw is equal to 8 + your Strength modifier + your Proficiency bonus.
- This is my Body. Your Strength score increases by +4. This can extend your Strength score above 20. Your movement speed increases by +15 ft. You regain 2d4 hit points at the end of each of your turns, and can not be killed instantly.
- Holy Touch. A Monster's melee attacks against Aberrations, Fiends, Undead, and any other creatures that are deemed unholy by the DM deal an additional 3d10 radiant damage.
- Vine Manipulation. A Monster's melee attacks gain +10 ft. of reach. As an action, they may attempt to wrap a creature within 15 ft. in vines. They must attempt a Strength saving throw or become restrained for 1 minute. They may retry this saving throw at the end of each of their turns. A Monster may add their Strength modifier to their AC until the beginning of their next turn as an action, or half as much (rounded up) as a bonus action or reaction. A partial bonus can stack with another partial bonus once.
- New Personality. You gain new personality traits, determined by rolling once on each of the following tables. These traits override any conflicting personality trait, ideal, bond, or flaw.
Destroying the Helena's Nail. While Helena's Nail can be destroyed as easily as any other iron nail, though it is markedly immune to weathering. However, any object forged out of the greatest portion of the nail retains its power. The only way to rid the world of the nail's power is for a creature that would be effected by Holy Touch to become a Monster of God, after which the nail is reduced to a typical nail and they lose their ungodliness.
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d8 | Personality Trait |
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1 | I treat all beings, even enemies, with respect. |
2 | I won't tell a lie. |
3 | I refuse to speak, actions are all that matter. |
4 | I cut right to the chase in every conversation. |
5 | I often quote (or misquote) religious texts. |
6 | I anger quickly when I witness cruelty or injustice. |
7 | My praise and trust are earned and never given freely. |
8 | I like everything clean and organized. |
d6 | Ideal |
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1 | Charity. I always help those in need. (Good) |
2 | Faith. I choose to follow the tenets of a particular lawful good deity to the letter. (Lawful) |
3 | Responsibility. It is the duty of the strong to protect the weak. (Lawful) |
4 | Respect. All people deserve to be treated with dignity. (Good) |
5 | Righteousness. This world will be rid of the unholy no matter what. (Lawful) |
6 | Redemption. All creatures are capable of change for the better. (Good) |
d6 | Bond |
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1 | I have a favorite religious hymn that I constantly hum. |
2 | I must keep a written record of my beliefs and the sins that I witness. When finished, this book will be my gift to the multiverse. |
3 | I have cherished memories of Nazareth, though I've only seen this bucolic town in dreams. |
4 | I would die for those who fight beside me, regardless of their faults. |
5 | The Nail has chosen me. I shall not fail to wield it justly. |
6 | I sought the Nail's power to rid the world of a specific evil, I will not grant it any quarter. |
d6 | Flaw |
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1 | I am too quick to judge others. |
2 | I offer forgiveness too readily. |
3 | I will sacrifice innocent lives for the greater good. |
4 | Flaw? What flaw? I am flawless. Utter perfection! |
5 | I allow nothing to stand in the way of my crusade to eradicate evil from the multiverse. |
6 | I ignore those who do not support my plans, for my calling is higher than all others. |
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