The Blade That Weakens

Type of knife: Fancy Dress Dagger
Magic level: High
Intelligence: Low

The High Wizard Bendrado Carvenza is one of the most beloved and respected men in all of Trevendi. Counselor to kings and merchant princes, staunch defender of the country, noted philanthropist...he is all these things and more. Why then, would any man not allow him the indulgence of those rare and potentially dangerous potions that have extended his life to his present age of 260 years old?

Except, of course, that he does not use potions to extend his life. Such potions are expensive, unreliable and, as often as not, deadly. No, Bendrado has found a much better method of cheating death: he steals life from those who would squander it. The young idle rich of Trevendi are his prey and the dagger is his weapon.

Bendrado first created the dagger (truename: Ploito) 180 years ago, when old age was upon him. It took the better part of 6 months and nearly all of his wealth, but when he was done, he had a unique magical item. Then, using several layers of middlemen, he guided it into the hands of one of most exclusive jewelers in the city. In less than a day, it was sold to a young duke.

The young man wore the dagger often, since he was a fixture at the neverending series of balls and masquerades that the wealthy loved so much. But over the next few years, the man grew weaker and more prone to sickness. Rich food, plentiful drink and late hours seemed to be taking their toll upon his health. He consulted many doctors (at great expense) and all of them told him he needed rest and quiet. Eventually, low on funds and very weak, the young duke took their advice and moved to a small home way out in one of the provinces. To afford this, he sold many possessions, including the dagger.

And so it goes. The dagger passes from owner to owner, weakening some just a little and others nearly to death. Every decade or so, Bendrado manages to handle Ploito, usually by praising it's beauty to the fop wearing it at the time. During these brief moments, the dagger transfers the stored life energy to him. In this way, the wizard maintains an apparent age of about 60 and the vigor of a man of 30.

Ploito is 14 inches long with a beautifully etched blade and a one piece guard and handle made of gold that has been set with rubies, emeralds and diamonds. The scabbard is gold and silver and is also elaborately decorated with gems.