Rod of Lordly Might:
This rod has functions that are spell-like, and it can also be used
as a magic weapon of various sorts. In addition, it has several
more mundane uses. The rod of lordly might is metal, thicker than
other rods, with a flanged ball at one end and six stud-like buttons
along its length. Pushing any of the rod’s buttons is an action
equivalent to drawing a weapon, and the rod weighs 10 pounds.
The following spell-like functions of the rod can each be used
once per day.
• Hold person upon a touched creature, if the wielder so
commands (Will DC 14 negates). The wielder must choose to
use this power (a free action) and then succeed on a melee touch
attack to activate the power. If the attack fails, the effect is lost.
• Fear upon all enemies viewing it, if the wielder so desires (10-
foot maximum range, Will DC 16 partial). Invoking this power
is a standard action.
• Deal 2d4 hit points of damage to an opponent on a successful
touch attack (Will DC 17 half ) and cure the wielder of the same
amount of damage. The wielder must choose to use this power
before attacking, as with hold person.
The following functions of the rod have no limit on the number
of times they can be employed.
• In its normal form, the rod can be used as a +2 light mace.
• When button 1 is pushed, the rod becomes a +1 flaming
longsword. A blade springs from the ball, with the ball itself
becoming the sword’s hilt. The weapon stretches to an overall
length of 4 feet.
• When button 2 is pushed, the rod becomes a +4 battleaxe. A wide
blade springs forth at the ball, and the whole lengthens to 4 feet.
• When button 3 is pushed, the rod becomes a +3 shortspear or +3
longspear. The spear blade springs forth, and the handle can be
lengthened up to 12 feet (wielder’s choice) for an overall length
ranging from 6 feet to 15 feet. At its 15-foot length, the rod is
suitable for use as a lance.
The following other functions of the rod also have no limit on the
number of times they can be employed.
• Climbing pole/ladder. When button 4 is pushed, a spike that
can anchor in stone is extruded from the ball, while the other
end sprouts three sharp hooks. The rod lengthens to anywhere
between 5 and 50 feet in a single round, stopping when button 4
is pushed again. Horizontal bars 3 inches long fold out from the
sides, 1 foot apart, in staggered progression. The rod is firmly
held by the spike and hooks and can bear up to 4,000 pounds.
The wielder can retract the pole by pushing button 5.
• The ladder function can be used to force open doors. The wielder
plants the rod’s base 30 feet or less from the portal to be forced
and in line with it, then pushes button 4. The force exerted has a
Strength modifier of +12.
• When button 6 is pushed, the rod indicates magnetic north and
gives the wielder knowledge of his approximate depth beneath
the surface or height above it.
