Rod of Lordly Might

XP Value: 6,000 GP Value: 20,000

This rod has magical abilities, but it can also be used as a magic weapon - several different magical weapons, in fact. It also has several more mundane uses. The rod of lordly might is metal, thicker than other rods, with a flanged ball at one end and a series of studs set along its length. It weighs 10 pounds, and requires 16 or greater Strength to wield properly (-1 penalty to attack rolls for each point of Strength below 16).

The magical abilities of the rod are:

• Paralyzation upon touch, if the wielder commands.
• Fear upon all enemies viewing it, if the wielder desires (6-foot maximum range).
• Drain 2d4 hit points from a touched opponent and bestow them upon the rod wielder, up to the rod wielder's normal maximum. Each such function draws off one charge from the rod. These functions entitle victims to saving throws vs. spell, except for the draining function above - this requires a successful hit during melee combat.

The weapon uses of the rod do not use charges. These are:

• Mace +2
• Sword of flame +1 when stud #1 is pushed. A blade springs from the ball; the ball becomes a hilt. The weapon shortens to an overall length of 3 feet.
• Battle axe +4 when stud #2 is pushed. Again, a blade springs forth at the ball, and the whole lengthens to a length of 4 feet.
• Spear +3 when stud #3 is pushed. The sword blade springs forth, and the handle can be lengthened up to 12 feet, to total length of from 6 feet to 15 feet. In 15-foot length, the rod is suitable for a lance.

The following mundane uses of the rod do not use charges:

• Climbing pole. When stud #4 is pushed, a spike that can anchor in granite is extruded from the ball, while the other end sprouts three sharp hooks. The rod lengthens from 5 to 50 feet in a single round, stopping when stud #4 is pushed. Horizontal bars, 3 inches long, fold out from the sides, 1-foot apart, in staggered progression. The rod is firmly held by spike and hooks and bears up to 4,000 pounds of weight. It retracts when stud #5 is pushed. The ladder function can also be used to force open doors. The rod's base is planted 30 feet or less from the portal to be forced and in line with it. The force exerted is equal to storm giant Strength.
• When stud #6 is pushed, the rod shows magnetic north and gives the owner an approximate depth beneath the surface (or height above it).

The rod of lordly might cannot be recharged. When its charges are exhausted, all magical abilities cease, as do all weapon functions except the mace +2. The rod continues to work in all other ways.