The Hands of Valekith are immensely powerful and malevolent artifacts, severed from the Valekith during two crucial moments in the downfall of the Mitharilese Empire. The first hand was dissevered by Emperor Ezekiel during the catastrophic battle that marked the fall of the once-great Mytharil Empire. The second hand was lost in an ambush devised by the sinister Crimson Hand, further crippling the dark archmage.
These dismembered hands became legendary artifacts that required one to remove their own hand to gain the dark power that each held. Once attached, the Hand of Valekith immediately binds to the user, becoming a functional part of their body. This attachment is not without consequence; removing the hand afterward is a near-impossible task that usually results in the death of the bearer.
- The Left Hand of Valekith is a withered, blackened, mummified hand, typically described as claw-like with long, gnarled nails. It is cold to the touch, carrying with it an aura of necromantic power. The hand grants its user superhuman strength and the ability to freeze creatures with a mere touch. Additionally, it possesses the terrifying power to instantly slay a creature or drain its life force entirely. The hand's gestures can also cast a variety of deadly arcane spells, drawing on the dark magic imbued within it.
- The Right Hand of Valekith, similarly preserved and malevolent, carries different powers. While specific details of its abilities vary with each bearer, it is known to enhance the wielder's physical prowess and combat abilities, often imbuing them with extraordinary speed, precision, and strength. The hand also grants control over powerful necromantic forces, making the bearer a formidable force on the battlefield.
Possessing both Hands of Valekith has been achieved by perhaps no more than two or three individuals in all of history, and their full array of powers in combination is barely known. Those who have wielded both hands have displayed additional powers including the ability to detect magic, resist arcane attacks, and summon powerful fiends to do their bidding. These individuals become nearly unstoppable, with a connection to Valekith’s dark essence that allows them to draw on his power as if it were their own.
It is said that even Ascendant Valekith, despite his immense power as a risen deity, is unable to determine the exact location of his severed hands. The Shadi Order and the Tribunal of Netheril dedicate considerable time and energy to finding these lost appendages, knowing the catastrophic consequences should they fall into the wrong hands.
During the events of the Battle of the Four Armies, Ascendant Valekith deceived the band of adventurers known as The Sunsations, manipulating events to reclaim his severed appendages. With his hands restored, Valekith's power surged to unimaginable levels, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake and ensuring that his dark influence over the world would continue to grow.
The Hands of Valekith remain some of the most feared and sought-after artifacts in existence, relics of a dark time when the world was on the brink of annihilation. Their legend serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the lengths to which some will go to reclaim what they believe is rightfully theirs.