Dread Caduceus

When wizards go to war their desperation reveals the bleak depths and miraculous heights of magic. Long ago it was a desire to both bolster and renew their forces that led a mage to create a relic many would consider unthinkable: a scepter that twists the essence of life itself. With it the dead are remade into unrecognizable tangles of flesh that despite their deformity do the wielder of the scepter’s bidding, all as their allies are healed and empowered with vigor far beyond mortal bounds.

This heavy silver scepter has two heads, both cast in metal and staring out of glassy onyx eyes. One head is a skull, its jaw thrown open and its teeth unnaturally elongated. At the other end of the scepter is a cherubic human face that is turned upwards as though determined not to look at its sibling.

No one is certain whether it was the creator’s shame that led them to hide the scepter, or if their enemies cast it out of memory for fear of its power. What is known is that the legend of the _Dread Caduceus_ has endured and that whispers of its whereabouts have not been silenced by time.

While you are attuned to the _Dread Caduceus_ you may use either end of the scepter to activate its powers.

**Legends and Lore** Success on an Arcana or History check reveals the following:

**DC 15** This is the _Dread Caduceus_, a holy scepter with the power to raise the dead.

**DC 18** The cherub and skull heads cause healing and necromantic effects, respectively.

**DC 21** Those who use the scepter risk having their very flesh corrupted and their souls devoured.

**Artifact Properties**

The _Dread Caduceus_ has one lesser artifact benefit, one greater artifact benefit, one lesser artifact detriment, and one greater artifact detriment.

The _Dread Caduceus_ warps your life energy, twisting your flesh as it corrupts that of others. While you are attuned to the scepter, your organs shift and twist, sticking to one another within you. Take 1d6 necrotic damage each dawn from this effect. This damage can only be healed by a _long or short rest_ . You also have _disadvantage_ on initiative rolls as you are distracted by this tangible shifting within.