Spine of Khalithar

Forged from the charred spine of Khalitharius, Efreeti Lord of the City of Brass

Type: Sword +1, +3 vs Water or Cold creatures. Will shrink itself to a short sword when grasped by a gnome.

Description

This long blade appears jagged and organic, its steel streaked with blackened cracks that pulse faintly like the glow of embers in a dying forge. When unsheathed, the weapon gives off a low, thrumming hum like a bellows-driven furnace. The pommel is shaped like a coiled brass flame, warm to the touch even in the coldest winds.

Legends say it was carved from one of the spines of Khalitharius himself, torn free during the gnomes’ rebellion and reforged with their automaton foundries. Though it is cold iron by touch, faint smoke rises from the blade after each strike.

Powers

+1 bonus to attack and damage rolls (standard).
+3 bonus to attack and damage rolls against Water or Cold creatures.
Critical Fire Strike: On a natural attack roll of 20, the target suffers an additional 1d6 fire damage. This fire damage ignores normal resistance to mundane fire.
The wielder feels a faint warmth while holding the blade, granting resistance to natural cold (no penalties for freezing weather).

Definition of “Water or Cold Creatures”

The bonus applies only against monsters that meet one of these conditions:

❄️ Cold Creatures

Explicitly described as cold-dwelling or cold-powered.
Breath weapon, gaze, or attack does cold damage.
Examples: White Dragons, Frost Salamanders, Ice Elementals, Ice Toads.

🌊 Water Creatures

Fully aquatic or amphibious and require water to survive (cannot live indefinitely on land).
Attacks, abilities, or magical nature tied to seas, rivers, swamps, or underwater environments.
Examples: Nixies, Tritons, Sahuagin, Mermen, Water Elementals, Giant Octopus, Giant Squid, Sea Serpents.