Scepter of the Neutral Spirit



The Scepter of the Neutral Spirit is one of the three Netherese Artifacts placed in the Boxes of Netheril.

Appearance
This adamantine scepter is about 2 feet long and thin. Its top is encrusted with perfectly shaped gems. No other markings are on it. It appears cool to the touch. It feels much lighter than it should.

History
Little is known of the Scepter's history, but it is believed to have been last used in the Kingdom of Mulhorand many years ago. Eventually, it was lost by the Pharoah and eventually found its way back into its box and in the Mage Academy in Cimbar, Chessenta. There, in early 1376, the box was found and opened by one Xenon Theodike.

Abilities
The scepter is strongly neutrally aligned – anyone good or evil, or Lawful or Chaotic, must make a Will Save (DC 30) to hold on to it, repeating this save every hour, with the DC increasing by 2 each time. This can be suppressed by either of the other two Artifacts in the other boxes.

By itself, the Scepter grants the following:


 * Acts as a +4 Defending Light Mace
 * Gives a +4 Insight Bonus to Sense Motive and Gather Information
 * Detect Good and Detect Evil as free actions, at will, as a 20th Level Caster.
 * Wall of Chaos and Wall of Law 3/day, as a 20th Level Caster.

The Scepter’s real power comes when it is joined with its other two parts: The Crown of Horns and The Gauntlets of the Seraph. The Scepter is the only thing that can halt the Crown’s control over the wearer, and the only thing that can control the impulses of the Gauntlets. Originally, all three pieces worn by the same being would result in unknown powers, although those bordering on demigod hood are thought possible. Since Myrkul has sullied the Crown, the combination of the three will result in the release of his essence and power, and will consume the wearer unless Myrkul is banished from the body.

Current Whereabouts
After the incident in Hlondeth in 1376, the Scepter were assumed either destroyed or teleported far away to be found once again when needed.