The Abyssal Cleaver is an imposing greataxe with a massive, jagged blade that seems almost too large to wield. The axe head is forged from a dark, otherworldly metal, etched with intricate patterns that glow with a faint, eerie light. The haft is thick and sturdy, wrapped in worn leather that gives off a faint odor of decay. This weapon is not for the faint of heart, as its sheer weight requires incredible strength to wield effectively.

Special Abilities:

1. Sentient Strike:

   • On a critical hit, the Abyssal Cleaver undergoes a dramatic transformation. The weapon’s blade pulses with a fierce, dark crimson glow, and the jagged edges emit a low, resonant hum. The dark liquid dripping from the blade forms ephemeral, ghostly shapes that briefly dance around the axe before dissipating.

2. Blood Pact:

   • Once per short rest, you can sacrifice some of your own vitality to empower the Abyssal Cleaver. As a bonus action, you can take 1d6 necrotic damage (this damage cannot be reduced by any means) and add the amount rolled to the weapon's damage for the next minute.
   • While this effect is active, the cleaver undergoes a metamorphosis. The blade seems to writhe and shift, with dark, shadowy tendrils extending from it and wrapping around the wielder's arm or even their entire body, latching onto them as if binding with their essence. The weapon may also appear to grow slightly in size or change shape slightly to better suit its current wielder. The dark liquid dripping from the blade appears more viscous and glows with an ominous light.

3. Eclipse of Pain:

   • Once per long rest, as a reaction to taking damage from a melee attack, you can invoke the Eclipse of Pain. The Abyssal Cleaver’s blade flares with dark energy, and the weapon’s jagged edges seem to absorb some of the impact. You take half the damage from the attack, rounded down, and the attacker suffers psychic damage equal to the amount of damage you avoided.
   • However, while Eclipse of Pain is active, you are cursed with a debilitating effect for 1 minute. You have disadvantage on saving throws against being frightened, and your movement speed is reduced by 10 feet as the cleaver's dark magic siphons your strength to fuel its retaliatory power.

4. Abyssal Drain:

   • Once per long rest, you can channel the full power of the Abyssal Cleaver to unleash a devastating wave of necrotic energy. As an action, you can expend all of your remaining hit dice (minimum of 1) to deal necrotic damage equal to twice the total number of hit dice expended to all creatures within 20 feet of you (Dexterity saving throw for half damage).
   • However, after using Abyssal Drain, you suffer extreme fatigue. You gain one level of exhaustion, and for the next hour, your maximum hit points are reduced by the total necrotic damage dealt (up to a maximum of 10 hit points). This effect represents the severe toll that harnessing such dark energy has on your body.

      

5. Soul Link:

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     When wielding the Abyssal Cleaver, you gain resistance to psychic damage. However, you also have disadvantage on saving throws against being charmed, as the weapon subtly influences your mind.

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

Notes: Damage: Slashing, To attune to the Abyssal Cleaver, you must undergo a ritual of dark communion. This ritual involves willingly drawing a small amount of your own blood and smearing it across the blade, connecting your essence with the weapon’s dark power. As you complete this process, you feel a chilling presence entwine with your own spirit, and the cleaver’s power resonates through you, amplifying your connection to its abyssal energies. This attunement can be performed at any time and place, provided you have access to the cleaver and can draw your blood., Heavy, Two-Handed, Cleave