Sword, Ice Maiden This two-handed sword is 5 feet long and made of polished blue steel. It is always cool to the touch. The sword is intelligent (int 13, ego 17) and communicates via telepathy. Little is known about the origin of the sword. It has recently featured in tales recounted by mercenaries returning from the Theocracy of the Pale where skirmishes against the Snow and Frost Barbarians have been widespread. It is said to have been created by the Ice-Mage Zuberin who makes his home among the glacial northern wastes. Rumour has it that the sword was given to the chief of the Frost Barbarians in exchange for the service of one hundred hand picked warriors. The limited investigations into its origin conducted by more reliable sources favour the view that Iuz himself may have had a hand in its creation. The sword has the following powers (functions at 14th lvl where applicable) : Acts as a Frost Brand (+3, +6 vs fire based creatures, fire resistance for possessor). Bonded to Para-Elemental plane of Ice so that a successful hit inflicts an additional 2-8 points of cold damage on creatures not immune to cold. 2/day can inflict a Vampiric Touch on a successful hit. 1/day can cast a Wall of Ice. Wielder is granted (single) Weapon Specialization. Versus cold based attacks the owner saves at -2 and takes an additional point of damage per die. Note that the sword is never damaged by cold based attacks. The sword will only surrender its powers to a new owner if they can answer the following riddle: I am sometimes black, Yet you may see through me, I float upon myself, But in the sun's eyes I am nothing. Each time the hilt is grasped this riddle will be posed telepathically to the wielder. The answer to the riddle is "ice", if this answer is not given the sword ceases communication and functions as a Frost Brand. The sword will give each wielder 3 guesses before it considers them too stupid and gives up asking. From this point on the sword will forever function as a straight Frost Brand for that character. If the sword has a special purpose it is unknown at this time.