Bizarre Spike
The Bizarre Spike, also called the Bizarre Stake, is a one-use Nemesai artifact given to Randidly by the Winged Serpent. Its promised effect is dangerous but deliberately inconsistent: the Serpent offers several incompatible explanations of what driving it into a target would accomplish. (Chapter 1389)
History
The Winged Serpent's contradictory gift
The Winged Serpent hands the Spike to Randidly while describing it by turns as a means of revival, mutation, or replacement by an ancient image. Although the explanations conflict, the Serpent is clear that the artifact will be consumed after a single activation. (Chapter 1389)
Neveah's examination
Before the Xyrt Brigade arrives, Randidly gives the Spike to Neveah for study and safekeeping. Her examination of its strange exchange mechanism later lets her imitate its tunnel of meaning and breach Kaan Swacc's isolated space without consuming the original item. (Chapters 1390, 1404)
Abilities and properties
- It facilitates a strange exchange or transformation through a tunnel of meaning. (Chapters 1389, 1404)
- It is consumed after one use. (Chapter 1389)
- The Winged Serpent variously claims it can revive an ancient image, mutate its victim, or replace that victim; no activation establishes which account is true. (Chapter 1389)
- Neveah can study its principles closely enough to reproduce a related spatial breach without activating the Spike. (Chapter 1404)
Ownership and custody
| Holder or custodian | Relationship to the item |
|---|---|
| Winged Serpent | Possesses the Spike before presenting it to Randidly and supplies the conflicting instructions for its use. (Chapter 1389) |
| Randidly Ghosthound | Receives the artifact and briefly carries it before arranging expert study. (Chapters 1389–1390) |
| Neveah | Receives the Spike from Randidly, studies it, and retains it unused at its last direct appearance. (Chapters 1390–1404) |