Sempach

You gain a +3 bonus to attack rolls and damage rolls made with this magic weapon. In addition, the weapon ignores Resistance to Slashing damage.   When you use this weapon to attack a creature that has at least one head and roll a 20 on the d20 for the attack roll, you cut off one of the creature’s heads. The creature dies if it can’t survive without the lost head. A creature is immune to this effect if it has Immunity to Slashing damage, if it doesn’t have or need a head, or if the DM decides that the creature is too big for its head to be cut off with this weapon. Such a creature instead takes an extra 30 Slashing damage from the hit. If the creature has Legendary Resistance, it can expend one daily use of that trait to avoid losing its head, taking the extra damage instead.

Sempach was forged by the legendary smith Eddrick Forgewright in the year 2503 RJ, a master craftsman and artificer exiled from the dwarven stronghold of Duhn Glorr for his "radical" experiments with magic and metallurgy. Eddrick believed that a blade could be imbued with true sentience by binding a fragment of a celestial spirit to the weapon, a practice seen as heretical by his peers. Fleeing to the bustling streets of Lankhmar, he found refuge in the shadowy underbelly of the Mercantile District, where he set up a secret forge.   The creation of Sempach was Eddrick’s masterpiece and a desperate gamble. As the Kingdom of Lankhmar faced an impending invasion by a marauding army from the Great Steppes, Eddrick struck a bargain with a celestial entity from the Upper Planes—a being of radiant power known only as Vaarinel the Everbright. He offered to craft a vessel for Vaarinel’s essence, allowing the celestial to influence the mortal realm. In return, Vaarinel would grant the sword sentience, aligning it with the ideals of justice and freedom.   The result was Sempach, a blade that not only embodied divine craftsmanship but also possessed a mind and will of its own. The name "Sempach" derives from an ancient tongue of the Great Steppes, meaning "The Unyielding Light."  

The Battle of Sempach Plains

Sempach was first wielded by Dain Arthel, a celebrated knight of Lankhmar who commanded the kingdom's forces during the pivotal Battle of Sempach Plains. As the marauding mercenaries of the Great Steppes advanced with their heavily armored cavalry, Dain led a daring charge, plunging Sempach through the heart of the enemy's warlord. The sword’s celestial essence ignited in radiant light, breaking the morale of the mercenaries and securing victory for Lankhmar.   After Dain’s death many years later, Sempach passed through the hands of various freedom fighters and knights before vanishing from the annals of history—only to reappear centuries later in the possession of the infamous mage Halaster, who created the tower that now lies in ruins beneath the pub known as The Portal.  

Halaster and the Phasing of Sempach

Halaster, drawn to Sempach’s fame and power, attempted to claim the sword for his own. However, his Chaotic Evil Alignment rendered him unable to wield it. The sword burned with radiant light whenever he approached, forcing him to store it deep within the dungeons of his labyrinth. Frustrated, Halaster studied the blade for centuries, hoping to uncover a way to bend it to his will.   Unbeknownst to Halaster, Sempach was not bound entirely to the Prime Material Plane. The celestial spirit within the sword had a natural affinity for the Plane of Elysium, a realm of pure good and tranquility. Sempach phased between the Prime Material Plane and Elysium as part of its celestial nature. The phasing was triggered by the Alignment of celestial phenomena, such as solstices, equinoxes, or the presence of strong emotions in nearby mortals, particularly acts of heroism or sacrifice.   During its time in Elysium, Sempach would commune with celestial beings, gaining insights and strength to aid its next wielder. Its absence from the Prime Material Plane frustrated Halaster, who could do little but wait for it to return. Despite his best efforts to anchor the sword to his labyrinth, its celestial essence remained beyond his control.

Sempach holds a profound and multifaceted significance in the world of Nehwon, transcending its role as a mere weapon to become a living symbol of justice, hope, and resistance. Its celestial origin, storied past, and enigmatic nature weave it into the very fabric of Nehwon's history and mythology, leaving an indelible mark on those who encounter its radiance.   The sword’s legend began during the Battle of Sempach Plains, where it was wielded by Dain Arthel, a knight of unparalleled valor. With Sempach in hand, Dain turned the tide of war against the marauding army of mercenaries from the Great Steppes. In a decisive moment, he plunged the sword through the heart of the enemy’s warlord, and its celestial light blazed forth, scattering the forces of chaos and securing Lankhmar’s survival. That battle and the sword’s role in it became the foundation of its mythos, cementing Sempach as a symbol of liberation and courage.   Over time, Sempach’s reputation grew as it appeared in the hands of freedom fighters and rebels throughout Nehwon’s history. Wherever tyranny loomed or corruption festered, stories emerged of the sword’s radiant light shining in defiance. Its connection to these acts of resistance earned it the nickname “The Sword of the Radiant Path” among those who saw it as a divine instrument of justice. For centuries, Sempach inspired songs, tales, and dreams, becoming a beacon for the oppressed and a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming darkness, a single blade could carve a path toward hope.   The sword’s celestial nature further deepened its mystique. Sempach’s ability to phase between the Prime Material Plane and the celestial Plane of Elysium set it apart from other legendary artifacts. This unique trait puzzled scholars and adventurers alike, who speculated that its bond with Elysium represented an ongoing partnership between Nehwon and the divine forces of good. In Elysium, Sempach was said to commune with celestial beings, drawing strength and purpose before returning to the mortal realm when its presence was most needed. The conditions of its return were unpredictable, often tied to celestial events or moments of extraordinary moral importance.   This connection to higher planes also served as a counterbalance to Nehwon’s darker forces. Sempach became a rival to infamous artifacts of evil, such as the Eye of Gorlim or the Black Sphere of Uurth. Where these items sowed despair and corruption, Sempach stood as a radiant defender of balance, ensuring that no darkness could spread unchecked. This opposition made the sword an object of hatred among the forces of evil, who sought to destroy or contain it at all costs.   Sempach’s significance is more than historical or mystical; it is cultural. Throughout Nehwon, the sword is revered as a weapon of the people, a champion of the downtrodden, and a rallying point for the brave. Prophecies speak of its return during Nehwon’s darkest hour, when it will once again be wielded by a hero destined to confront the ultimate evil. This belief inspires countless adventurers, many of whom dream of earning the sword’s favor. Yet Sempach is no ordinary weapon; its sentience and moral compass demand Alignment with its ideals. Those who seek to claim it but are found unworthy face more than rejection—they risk public disgrace or worse, as Sempach’s radiance reveals their unworthiness for all to see.