Javelin of Lightning

Art By: Javelin of Lightning

History

A javelin with a blade on either end shaped like a bolt of lightning. With a single word, it can be transformed into a storm bolt and hurled at an opponent. Once common among the Skjadi people, the javelins were made en mass until the Lyran Dynasty confiscated or destroyed all they could find. It is said that these were originally crafted by Storm Giants who passed it down to the smaller humanoids of the area, the first of which were the Goliaths, the descendants of the giants. They were taught to harness its power and craft such masterpieces to aid them in battle.

Inner Workings

Due to the design and make of the javelin, it has the ability to breach the veil into the Elemental Plane of Air, using the javelin as a conduit for its elemental property. By invoking its command word which is decided upon the crafting of the item, the item sparks with lightning and harnesses its chaotic power. The gems inlaid throughout the item help focus the magical ability of the javelin.

Significance

The cultural significance of the Javelin is rooted mostly in the Skjadi people. The knowledge of creation was passed down from generation to generation. Though widely used in battles and skirmishes, this item also holds ritual significance and was used commonly in rites and incantations as a means to fuel magical practices.

Crafting Process

The blades are made of silver due to the metal's conductivity. They are shaped into bolt-like patterns, though this is merely aesthetic reasoning. The shaft of the javelin is made of a strong wood such as lignum vitae and is then inlaid with ornate gems such as sapphire or lapis lazuli that not only give a beautiful appearance to the javelin but also help harness the leylines of magic in the surrounding areas.

Upon casting the spell to imbue the javelin with its originating arcane ability, a spellcaster must invoke the Lightning Bolt spell of at least 3rd tier or greater. They then speak its command word, which becomes the word needed to activate the arcane abilities of the newly crafted magical item. Nothing short of an Identify spell or sheer luck in guessing the invocation can reveal the command word to its wielder.

Item type

Weapon, Ranged

Current Holder

Zal Seizyakenbu

Rarity

Uncommon

Weight

2_lbs

Dimensions

8' (Length)
1.5" (Diameter)

Command word
Frusmud
Frusmud
/ˈfruːsmuːd/

This javelin is a magic weapon. When you hurl it and speak its command word, it transforms into a bolt of lightning, forming a line 5 feet wide that extends out from you to a target within 120 feet. Each creature in the line excluding you and the target must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 4d6 lightning damage on a failed save, and half as much damage on a successful one. The lightning bolt turns back into a javelin when it reaches the target. Make a ranged weapon attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes damage from the javelin plus 4d6 lightning damage.

The javelin's property can't be used again until the next dawn. In the meantime, the javelin can still be used as a magic weapon.