Intelligent Sword: Elciver

Grand Elciver the Annoying

Elciver

In keeping with the theme of temporary magic items, I once made a variation of an intelligent sword that was meant to annoy the player so much that it would not stay in their possession for long.

The sword was discovered entangled on some scrub brush growing out of the side of a steep cliff. The weapon called for help when the players drew near.

The sword's name was Elciver, and it had been forged as a training weapon for a young nobleman. Elciver was never intended for true combat, and is overly cautious and critical of its wielder as a result.

Elciver had in fact been discarded by its previous owner, thrown over the side of the cliff where it is discovered. Elciver does not attempt to control the player, but continually tries to dissuade the wielder from entering combat, and shrieks in horror whenever it is brought to bare against an opponent. C3P0 was the inspiration for Elciver's personality.

Elciver is able to elevate its wielders fighting prowess to that of a fighter of level 6. This would include access to combat related feats as well, so long as they involve the sword. Once the wielder reaches the equivalent of a sixth level fighter, Elciver essentially functions as a normal longsword with the exception that it becomes even more annoying, and tries ever harder to avoid combat.

Elciver is not actively trying to be discarded by its wielder, but rather believes that avoiding combat is the sensible choice in every situation. When attempting to be helpful, Elciver will often misspeak and reveal sensitive information the character is trying to conceal, or offend someone the character is trying to sway.

Possible Uses:

My first choice and intended purpose for Elciver was to serve as a temporary measure to aid a character that had lost the use of their sword arm. By tying their hand to Elciver's grip they would be able to fight effectively and slowly regain use of the arm.

Elciver works well to help boost a low level fighter at the cost of being aggravated by the game master at nearly every turn (through Elciver).

Elciver could also work well as a hook for a side adventure, or a solo quest for a lower level character. Perhaps it is trying to return to the possession of the noble family for which it was originally forged.

Despite being terribly annoying, Elciver can be helpful as well, and it is nice to have an NPC embedded in the party for those times when the players hit an unintended choke-point in your adventure.