The Axe of Ancient Slaying

This rune inscribed axe of black metal, obsidian, and bone radiates evil and corruption. The arcane runes inscribed on its haft swirl with blood, while the obsidian veins running through the head of the axe pulse with the red glow of corruption.
Legend of The Ancient of the Mystveil Mire tells of a tribe Chieftain whom wielded this Axe and used it to kill the ancient being Sikander, causing the verdant forest valley to wither into the fetid Mystveil Mire. Upon the slaying of Sikander and the death of the Chieftain, the axe fell to the ground embedding itself in the Mire's floor. It is from this point that its radiating corruption flowed into the terra around it, spreading its malignant presence throughout the land.
Legend tells that the witch Orlisara stands vigil over the Axe of Ancient Slaying among the Mystveil Mire in repentance for bringing the chieftain to Sikander.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Requires Attunement, and once attuned, can’t be unattuned.

Dormant State:

• The wielder gains a +2 bonus to damage rolls made with this magic weapon.
• Attacks with other weapons have disadvantage, unless you have no foes around you.
• When the wielder attacks a creature that was injured on the previous turn the axe deals an additional + 1d8 of slashing damage.
• Spending a long rest within 500 feet of The Axe of Ancient Slaying requires a Wisdom save on the corruption table based on their current level of corruption.

Awakened State:

• The bonus grows to a +3 bonus to damage rolls made with this magic weapon.
• When the wielder drops a creature to 0 hit points with an attack using the Axes of Ancient Slaying, they can immediately make an additional melee attack with this weapon as a bonus action.
• Damage to a previously injured creature with this weapon increases to + 1d10 of slashing damage.
• Damage to a Ancient or Primordial creature deals an additional +2d10 of necrotic damage.

Exalted State:

• The bonus grows to a +4 bonus to damage rolls made with this magic weapon.
• Damage to a previously injured creature with this weapon increases to + 1d12 of slashing damage.
• Damage to a Ancient or Primordial creature increases to +3d12 of necrotic damage.
• Has 1d12+1 charges. If you score a critical hit against a creature with fewer than 100 hit points they must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution Saving Throw or be slain as the sword severs its lifeforce from its body. Regains 1d6+1 expended charges per month.

Manufacturing process

After its initial construction the arcane runes were etched into the blade and a blood ritual was performed over the blood. During the course of this blood ritual it was "baptized" in the blood of an innocent.

Significance

This is the axe used to slay Sikander the Ancient, causing the formation and corruption of the Mystveil Mire.

Rarity

Legendary Artifact

Weight

8 lbs.

Raw materials & Components

The haft is constructed from a large bone inscribed with arcane runes. The head is constructed from a rare black metal with obsidian veins running through it.