The Soul Sword

A jagged curved long sword with 7 red gems down the blade. A killing blow with this blade allows the wielder to collect the soul of the fallen, increasing the power of the blade. However, the more souls in the blade the harder the is is to control and effectively parry incoming attacks; the wielder is more vulnerable to attacks in this way.
The soul sword, while not intelligent, has mechanisms to ensure the wielder is the strongest combatant it can possibly find.
Notable wielder of this weapon are: Balzon, Captain Strad, Leumas.
This item was a central piece of The Soul Sword Quest.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

The 7 gems along the blade can each contain 1 soul, they glow red when filled with a soul. When filled with a soul they fill hilt to tip, and release in the opposite direction (last in, first out).
Once per day, upon dealing a killing blow, to an target with a soul, the wielder can choose one of two actions. 1) Capture the soul of the slain in the next open gem, assuming there is an open spot. 2) Release the soul in the next gem.
Each filled gem conveys a +1 to damage rolls, unless all 7 are filled, then a total bonus of +10 is conveyed. Each filled gem also conveys a -1/3 to Armor Class (rounded down for non-whole sums), unless all 7 are filled, then a total negative of -5 is conveyed.
If the wielder perishes and there is an open gem, the wielders soul will be captured into the open gem. If the wielder perishes and there is NOT an open gem, then the wielders soul is destroyed and all 7 contained souls are released at the same time.

Item type

Weapon, Melee

Current Holder

Leumas

Rarity

One of a kind

Weight

20-25 lbs (depending on number of souls)

Dimensions

4' 3" long