"Sin is not washed away -- it is chained, and remembered."
--Cain, Warden of Hell

Forged in the soul-furnaces of Phlegethos and quenched in the iron veins of the City of Dis, the Absolution is an instrument of cosmic judgment—a weapon of hellish design masquerading as divine justice.

In its true form, it is a heavy iron chain, each thick, rune-carved link radiating oppressive heat and infernal authority. At its end dangles a barbed flail-head, twisted and cruel, forged in the shape of a screaming maw. In Hell, it is said this weapon serves as the very chain that binds the condemned to the Nine Hells—dragging screaming souls down into the Pit, where no light shines.

However, when carried on the Material Plane, the weapon cloaks itself in divine illusion. The black iron links appear as gleaming silver, and the flail burns with a green, holy flame—a color chosen not for sanctity, but for deceit. Mortals perceive it as a relic of celestial fire, a holy weapon against evil... never knowing its true purpose is to damn, not deliver.

In battle, the flail burns with inner flame, shedding dim green light and leaving trails of emerald fire with every swing. When it strikes a foe, the weapon hums with low, infernal resonance—subtle, but unmistakable to those attuned to dark forces. Whispers abound that wielding the Absolution slowly draws one's soul toward the Pit it once served. Whether this is curse or calling depends on the wielder’s heart... and the chains they already carry.

Properties:

• This weapon grants a +2 Enhancement Bonus to Weapon Attack Rolls and Damage Rolls.
• This weapon also grants an extra 3d4 Fire Damage on a hit.

Infernal Resistance: While attuned to the Absolution, you gain resistance to fire damage.

Disguised Relic: While on the Material Plane, the Absolution appears as a holy weapon -- the flail head burns with a steady green flame, shedding bright light in a 20-foot radius and a dim light for an additional 20 feet. This flame emits the scent of myrrh and is treated as magical for overcoming darkness effects.

Chains of Nessus: If this weapon reduces a creature to 0 hit points, their soul is marked for the Pit and dragged to feed Erathra's infernal machine. If they die within 1 minute, their soul cannot be resurrected except by a Wish spell, or direct intervention of a deity.

Flavor Mechanics

• Devil's Favor. Devils may recognize the weapon and treat you with cautious respect or knowing fear -- or attempt to claim the weapon as their own.
• False Prophet. On the Material Plane, good-aligned NPCs may trust you more easily while the weapon is disguised, possibly granting advantage on Deception or Persuasion checks relating to religious authority.

Proficiency with a Flail allows you to add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll for any attack you make with it.

Notes: Bonus: Melee Attacks, Damage: Fire, Resistance: Fire, Weapon Property: Reach, by a Lawful Evil character, or a Warden of Hell, Sap