The artifact resembles a dragon’s taloned hand, wrought from a mixture of shimmering black scales and glinting bone. Its five clawed fingers are sharp enough to rend flesh and seem to move slightly, as if alive. The surface is etched with ancient Draconic runes glowing faintly in hues of green, red, and violet, and it radiates an oppressive aura of malevolence. The Claw emanates a strong aura of enchantment and necromancy, enough to make even the most resolute feel a chill. Its presence fills the air with whispers in an ancient tongue, the voice of Takhisis echoing faintly in the minds of those nearby.

The Claw of Shadows is a sentient artifact, actively working to corrupt its wielder and further the will of Takhisis.

Passive Abilities

• Draconic Influence: The wielder can speak and understand Draconic. Chromatic dragons perceive the wielder as an emissary of Takhisis and are hesitant to attack, requiring a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw to do so.
• Aura of Dread: Hostile creatures within 15 feet of the wielder must make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw at the start of their turn or be frightened until the end of their next turn.

Activated Powers

1. Command the Weak (3/Day):
   
• The wielder can cast Dominate Beast or Dominate Person (save DC 18) as an action, with the additional ability to target chromatic dragons with this spell.
2. Breath of Shadows (1/Week):
   
• The wielder releases a burst of Takhisis's power, mimicking the breath weapon of a young chromatic dragon (choose type upon activation). The breath weapon deals 6d10 damage in a 30-foot cone or 60-foot line (Dexterity save DC 18).
3. Shadowrend (1/Day):
   
• The wielder can summon a spectral dragon claw to rend through multiple enemies. All creatures in a 15-foot cone must make a DC 18 Strength saving throw or take 4d8 slashing and 4d8 necrotic damage, halved on a successful save.

Cursed Properties

The Claw of Shadows carries a terrible price for its power:

• Corruption of the Soul: Each time the wielder uses an activated ability, they must make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, their alignment shifts one step closer to chaotic evil. Three failures result in complete submission to Takhisis, making the wielder her thrall.
• Beacon of Darkness: While attuned, the wielder cannot be hidden from chromatic dragons or other servants of Takhisis. These creatures are drawn to the wielder like moths to a flame.
• Eternal Binding: Unattuning from the Claw requires a Wish spell, Divine Intervention, or the direct intervention of a good-aligned deity. Attempting to do so otherwise results in the wielder losing 1d6 levels of maximum hit points permanently.

Notes: Resistance: Acid, Resistance: Cold, Resistance: Fire, Resistance: Lightning, Resistance: Poison, Sense: Darkvision, Sense: Blindsight, Language: Draconic, To attune to the Claw, the user must willingly submit to Takhisis's influence, Control, Warding