Magebane

Magebane is an enchanted short sword whose poison disrupts a target’s ability to control aether.

History

A summoner’s blade

Eryk takes a magebane blade from a defeated summoner. He later studies an artifact compendium to learn that the blade reproduces poison from a large jungle spider. The compendium describes several magebane blades, including examples resembling Eryk’s weapon, so the term refers to a class of artifacts as well as the blade he carries. (Chapters 177–178, 198)

Use against magical enemies

Eryk uses the blade against demons and other dangerous opponents. Its poison makes aether turbulent and disrupts spellcasting, giving Eryk an advantage against mages; the poison also draws on Eryk’s own aether when the blade produces it. He uses it alongside other weapons, including Heartseeker and Orc’s Torment. (Chapters 203, 306, 315–317, 336)

Abilities and properties

• The blade produces a poison modeled on that of a large spider. (Chapter 198)
• Magebane poison makes a target’s aether turbulent and difficult to control, disrupting spell construction. A mage may still force aether through an existing spell form. (Chapter 198)
• The artifact’s quality and poison potency affect how long the disruption lasts. (Chapter 198)
• Producing the supernatural poison draws aether from the wielder. (Chapter 178)

Ownership and custody