Blade of Vanity

The Blade of Vanity is a striking weapon, a dagger adorned with intricate designs along its hilt and pommel, featuring engravings that evoke pride and ego. The blade itself glistens with an unnaturally polished sheen, hinting at its otherworldly power. When held, the wielder feels an instant surge of confidence and prowess, almost as though they are capable of achieving great feats.

Due to its rare nature and the unique powers it bestows, the Blade of Vanity is valued at approximately 5,000 gold pieces. Its true worth varies greatly depending on the buyer’s awareness of both its benefits and its hidden curse.

The Blade of Vanity is a weapon of legend, said to have been crafted by an elven master smith for a prince who desired unparalleled skill in combat. However, the blade was infused with a curse, reflecting the prince's own vanity and pride. Over time, the prince became overconfident and met his downfall, leading to the blade being lost to history. The weapon has resurfaced throughout the ages, always leaving a trail of overconfident warriors in its wake.

Attunement:

To attune to the Blade of Vanity, one must spend a short rest in close proximity to the blade, focusing on its presence and invoking the desire for martial superiority. This process forms a psychic link between the wielder and the blade, subtly altering their perception and approach to combat.

Special Abilities:

• Enhanced Combat Prowess: The Blade of Vanity grants a +2 bonus to attack rolls and damage.
• Prideful Surge: As a bonus action, the wielder can invoke the blade's power to gain advantage on their next attack roll. This feature can be used once per short rest.
• Cursed Confidence: While attuned to the Blade of Vanity, the wielder suffers a -2 penalty to Wisdom saving throws and has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks when engaging with adversaries they consider weaker or less skilled.
• Aura of Vanity: The Blade of Vanity exudes an aura that subtly affects those around it. Allies within 10 feet of the wielder must succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw or feel an inexplicable sense of inadequacy, suffering a -1 penalty to attack rolls and ability checks for 1 minute.
  

Curse:

The curse of the Blade of Vanity is embedded in the heightened sense of self-worth it grants the user. The individual becomes progressively more obsessed with their own abilities and prowess, leading to an overestimation of their own combat skills. This may lead to a sense of disdain or lack of respect for adversaries the wielder perceives as weaker, potentially causing the bearer to act recklessly in battle and disregard the advice or assistance of others.