The Sword That Remembers Every Kill It Makes
Mike’s Thoughts from the Barstool
There’s a reason I don’t keep this one on display. Not ‘cause it’s dangerous — though it is — but ‘cause it won’t shut up.
This blade, lad, this blade talks. Not with words, not like yer bard’s flute-wielding familiar that won’t stop reciting limericks about goblins. No. This one remembers. Every single soul it’s slain, every neck it’s kissed, every rib it’s cracked. And when the night’s quiet and the moon hangs like a silver coin above the chimney, it sings to itself. Just soft enough to curdle yer dreams.
Elgrin once dared me to carry it for a week. “It’ll be good for yer temper,” he said. By Tharn’s itchy chainmail, I was ready to throw the thing into a mimic’s belly by day three. It weren’t the nightmares — it was the smugness. Thing started humming louder every time I got near a tavern brawl, like it was hungry. Like it knew something I didn’t.
I swear, lad, some blades are born mean. This one? It was forged to remember.
Anyway, if yer the brooding, vengeance-chasin’, story-soakin’ type, this one’s for you. But if yer the kind who forgets why yer even swingin’? Keep walkin’. This sword won’t forgive a fool with no cause.
Take a stroll through the rest of the cursed curios here.
Got a Blade That Talks Back?
👉 Some weapons just deal damage. Others rewrite the story. Mike’s Tavern is where ya find the good ones — the ones with teeth. Find more at the Tavern Armory or check in on our Contact Page if the blade starts whisperin’ back.
The Blade of Memory’s Toll
Item Type: Sword (longsword or equivalent)
Rarity: Very Rare
Requires Attunement: Yes
Forged by: Unknown — believed to have been tempered in a cursed reflection pool
Origin Lore
The Blade of Memory’s Toll was first recovered from the burial vault of a general who died weeping. According to the runes etched into its fuller, the weapon binds a portion of each soul it slays — not out of cruelty, but to remember. Over decades, it has become burdened by the weight of its own kill count. Legends say it once refused to draw against a child soldier, humming a single mournful note until she ran.
Mechanical Effects
Sentient Weapon (Non-Verbal): The blade has a passive awareness of its surroundings but does not speak. It hums in response to threats or strong emotions nearby.
Memory Echo: When the wielder slays a creature, they learn a fleeting memory or feeling from that creature’s life. GM’s choice — can be a face, a regret, a secret.
Soul Tether (Once Per Long Rest): If the wielder is reduced to 0 HP, they can invoke one memory from a fallen enemy to stabilize and rise with 1 HP. The blade glows and becomes too hot to touch for 1 minute after use.
Resonant Weeping: While attuned, the wielder has disadvantage on saving throws against nightmares and dream-invading magic. The blade murmurs in its sleep.
GM Ready Usage Tip
Drop this blade into the hands of a morally grey character or during a murder mystery arc. Let the memory echoes serve as breadcrumb clues to a much larger plot. Or make the blade a passive antagonist: what happens when it starts choosing not to cut?
Want More Gear That Haunts?
👉 This is just one whisper from the rack. Whether it’s weapons with curses, armor that evolves, or trinkets with teeth, the Tavern Armory is fully stocked. Want a character who deserves a blade like this? Meet 'em in the Player Builds and NPCs. Still confused? Bang on the Contact page, lad. I’ll holler back.
FAQ
Q: Can players remove the nightmares somehow?
A: Sure, if they find a cleric brave enough to poke at the blade’s soul-binding. But the sword likes being remembered. It might fight back.
Q: Is the soul tether ability too strong for lower-level play?
A: Not if yer players forget it glows like a beacon afterward. Every advantage carries a consequence, and this one’s bright as a torch in a dark dungeon.
Q: Can the blade turn evil over time?
A: I’ve seen worse. One of my old party’s blades fell in love with its wielder. That got real awkward. So aye, watch it close.
