Storm Breaker, Blade of Thunder

Huge thanks to Lou Taddei for the visual design/cover art!

During the flames of the Reckoning, a great champion of the Ragebinder rose. One of many, this champion, Aggarimm, grew to such an infamous status that eventually Isael herself challenged the warrior. But when the two fought, the Tempest saw not a foe to be vanquished, but an unparalleled warrior shackled to the whims of his vile god. So, Isael broke Aggarimm's chains, and freed his fighting spirit from the rage of Marzak. The orc rose, his spirit reforged in lightning and tempered by thunder, and was granted a gift by his new god: Isael gave him Storm Breaker, Blade of Thunder, forged by Kaedo and empowered by the Tempest. With his new weapon, Aggarimm reforged his legend and became one of Isael's most favored champions.
But nothing good lasts. And as Aggarimm's fame grew and his legend garnered more and more favor from the Children of Yamma, Marzak sought to make an example of his traitorous champion. The Ragebinder struck Aggarimm down, but not before his rebellious child wounded him. A wound that would allow Isael to drive Marzak from the field of battle and force him to retreat, and give her time to retrieve Storm Breaker. Since then, the Blade of Thunder has waited, hidden somewhere on Emaxus, awaiting the day a new champion arises to claim it.

The Legend

Used during the Reckoning by one of Isael's greatest champions, Storm Breaker was legendary among the followers of the Children of Yamma and infamous among their enemies. The champion, Aggarimm, was once a leader of Marzak's armies, and grew to such a legendary status of slaughter and glory he faced Isael herself. During that battle, the Tempest saw within Aggarimm the chance for even greater glory and redemption for an enslaved soul. She shattered the spiritual shackles that bound Aggarimm, and the orc pledged himself to his new god. Thus, Aggarimm became Isael's Favored and was granted Storm Breaker, Blade of Thunder. Aggarimm would go on to claim untold victories in Isael's name and brought devastation to the armies he once led. Countless followers of the Ragebinder flocked to Aggarimm, and he once more led an army of orcs; only this time, it was under the banner of the Children of Yamma.
Aggarimm's legend grew so great and his army so vast that Marzak himself fell upon them like an executioner's blade to show that any follower who betrayed their god would be shown no mercy. The Tempest came to aid her champions against the Ragebinder's wrath, but arrived too late. Aggarimm had already fallen, but not before facing Marzak in one-on-one combat and actually wounding the god. Storm Breaker drew the vicious god's blood, and left just enough of a wound for Isael to press the advantage and drive the Ragebinder from the field. And so, Isael took Storm Breaker back, waiting for the day when it may be wielded by such a champion again.

The Remnant

greatsword, legendary, requires attunement
In its hay day, Storm Breaker crackled with lightning and boomed with thunder during battle, its shining steel blade amplifying the crackling of Isael's power into a dazzling array of blues and purples. But since Aggarimm's fall, the Blade of Thunder has lost its luster and much of its power. It waits for another worthy champion to take it up and reawaken its now-nascent abilities, to forge another legend.

Dormant

In its dormant form, Storm Breaker is still a beautiful blade of vaguely tarnished steel; however, it will take time and effort to reawaken the original beauty and glory of the Blade of Thunder. The engraving that graces cross guard is muddled, and the blade itself is scratched and chipped.

Properties

• The wielder gains a +1 bonus to attack rolls made with this weapon.
• Storm Break. Once per day at dawn, the wielder can choose the type of extra damage this weapon deals, lightning or thunder. Once they make their choice, Storm Breaker deals an extra 1d4 of their choice of damage type until the next dawn, where the wielder can choose once more.
• Honor and Glory. Once per long rest, the wielder can say the words "Honor and glory, in Isael's name," to cast compelled duel (save DC 13) using Storm Breaker, Blade of Thunder. The wielder must maintain concentration on this spell.

Awakened

Once it has been awakened, Storm Breaker regains its original polished luster and shimmering beauty. Its blade is polished and clean, and it crackles with lightning when swung.

Properties

• The wielder gains a +2 bonus to attack rolls made with this weapon.
• Storm Break. Once per day at dawn, the wielder can choose the type of extra damage this weapon deals, lightning or thunder. Once they make their choice, Storm Breaker deals an extra 2d4 of their choice of damage type until the next dawn, where the wielder can choose once more.
• Honor and Glory. Once per long rest, the wielder can say the words "Honor and glory, in Isael's name," to cast compelled duel (save DC 15) using Storm Breaker, Blade of Thunder. The wielder must maintain concentration on this spell.
• Blade of Thunder. Once per long rest, the wielder can use an action to summon forth Isael's power through Storm Breaker, Blade of Thunder. Until the end of their next turn, all attacks against the wielder have disadvantage as storm clouds and crackling lightning swirl around them. The next attack the wielder makes with Storm Breaker, Blade of Thunder has advantage and gets a critical hit on a roll of 19 or 20. Additionally, that attack's Storm Break bonus damage is doubled (ex: if the wielder chose lightning, it would deal 4d4 lightning instead of 2d4).

Exalted

Once exalted, Storm Breaker shines like when it was first granted to Aggarimm, its blade perfect and its cross guard's engraving shining and bold. The leathers of its hilt are perfectly bound, and the lightning wreathes the blade and wielder when in the grips of combat.

Properties

• The wielder gains a +3 bonus to attack rolls made with this weapon.
• Storm Break. Once per day at dawn, the wielder can choose the type of extra damage this weapon deals, lightning or thunder. Once they make their choice, Storm Breaker deals an extra 3d4 of their choice of damage type until the next dawn, where the wielder can choose once more.
• Honor and Glory. Once per long rest, the wielder can say the words "Honor and glory, in Isael's name," to cast compelled duel (save DC 17) using Storm Breaker, Blade of Thunder. The wielder must maintain concentration on this spell.
• Blade of Thunder. Once per long rest, the wielder can use an action to summon forth Isael's power through Storm Breaker, Blade of Thunder. Until the end of their next turn, all attacks against the wielder have disadvantage as storm clouds and crackling lightning swirl around them. The next attack the wielder makes with Storm Breaker, Blade of Thunder has advantage and gets a critical hit on a roll of 19 or 20. Additionally, that attack's Storm Break bonus damage is doubled (ex: if the wielder chose lightning, it would deal 6d4 lightning instead of 3d4).
• Isael's Chosen. Once per week, the wielder can use an action to invoke Isael's favor and become her chosen. For 1 minute, the wielder transforms into an avatar of lighting and storm clouds, gaining the following features for the duration: Their size increases to Large. They roll double dice for weapon attacks. They have advantage on Strength checks and saving throws. The Storm Break feature's bonus damage increases to 4d4. They have a flying speed of 30 feet.

Item type

Weapon, Melee