"Etched in shadows and serpentine whispers, this quill transcribes truths forbidden to mortal hands."

Description:

The Serpent’s Quill is a mystical artifact crafted from the scale of a celestial serpent, gifted to the most cunning followers of Zelthar, the deity of secrets and forbidden knowledge. The quill’s shaft is formed from an iridescent serpent scale, shifting colors between green, gold, and deep blue under the light, exuding an aura of enigma and allure. Its tip is shaped like a fang, forged from silver with a faint, venomous sheen, capable of etching words onto any surface, whether parchment, stone, or even air itself.

Along the length of the quill, faint glowing runes pulse with an enigmatic energy, their meaning elusive to all but the most knowledgeable. When held, the quill feels alive, subtly coiling and shifting in the wielder's hand as if imbued with serpentine vitality. Its handle is wrapped in dark leather patterned like snake scales, providing a firm and elegant grip.

The quill is surrounded by an aura of faint, ethereal smoke that drifts and coils into fleeting serpentine shapes. When used, the quill produces ink from nowhere, flowing like liquid shadow, capable of recording truths, revealing hidden messages, or transcribing forbidden knowledge. It is said that the quill can write words that compel obedience or summon visions of the past, present, or future.

Magical Properties and Features:

1. Venomous Ink:
• The quill produces an enchanted ink capable of revealing hidden or invisible text. When used on a written surface, the wielder can uncover any concealed messages or glyphs. Once per long rest, the ink can be infused with a venomous charm, compelling those who read the text to succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or follow the instructions inscribed.
2. Serpent’s Vision:
• The quill allows its wielder to cast Legend Lore once per day, revealing deep secrets or hidden truths about a person, place, or object.
3. Whispers of the Coil:
• The quill whispers fragments of forgotten knowledge to its wielder. The wielder gains advantage on Arcana, History, and Insight checks while the quill is in their possession.
4. Writing of Power:
• Once per short rest, the wielder can inscribe a magical glyph or sigil that functions as a Glyph of Warding. The sigil glows faintly with serpentine energy and can deliver effects tied to poison, shadows, or illusions.

Item Bonuses:

• Attribute Bonus: +2 Intelligence
• Armor Bonus: None
• Skill Bonus: Advantage on Arcana and Insight checks
• Proficiency Bonus: None

Drawbacks and Risks:

1. Forbidden Knowledge:
• Using the quill to uncover hidden truths risks overwhelming the wielder with forbidden knowledge. After casting Legend Lore or similar effects, the wielder must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or suffer 1d6 psychic damage and have disadvantage on Insight checks for 1 hour.
2. Serpent’s Hunger:
• The quill is a vessel of serpentine cunning and greed. Each time it is used to write compelling or binding texts, the wielder must make a DC 14 Charisma saving throw or feel an overwhelming urge to seek out more secrets, regardless of the cost.
3. Marked by Shadows:
• The quill’s use attracts the attention of shadowy entities tied to Zelthar’s domain. After prolonged use, the wielder may find themselves haunted by whispering voices or subtle visions of serpents in their dreams.

Lore and History:

The Serpent’s Quill was forged by Zelthar’s hand from the essence of his celestial serpents, intended as a tool for those who seek knowledge beyond the grasp of mortal comprehension. It is said the quill was used to write the original texts of forbidden tomes, etching truths and lies that shaped the destinies of civilizations. Legends speak of sages and scribes who wielded the quill, unlocking the secrets of the cosmos but often falling prey to the cost of such enlightenment.

Additional Roleplay Features:

1. Coils of Knowledge:
• When the wielder holds the quill, they occasionally hear faint whispers of forgotten secrets or cryptic warnings, offering guidance or tempting them toward forbidden pursuits.
2. Ink of Shadows:
• The quill’s writing glows faintly in the dark, creating an eerie effect that inspires awe or unease in those who witness its power.
3. Serpent’s Mark:
• Over time, those who use the quill begin to exhibit subtle signs of its influence, such as a serpentine sheen to their eyes or a faint hiss in their speech.

Item Information:

• Item Type: Magical Quill (Divine Artifact)
• Weight: 1 lb
• Market Value: Priceless
• Black Market Value: 60,000 gold pieces

Summary of Item:

The Serpent’s Quill is a powerful artifact tied to Zelthar, granting its wielder access to forbidden knowledge and the ability to write truths that shape reality itself. With its mystical ink and serpentine nature, the quill is both a tool of creation and a weapon of manipulation. However, its power is not without risk—those who wield it must navigate the dangers of forbidden knowledge and the shadows that come with it.

"The quill writes not with ink, but with the venom of secrets."

Notes: Advantage: Arcana, Advantage: History, Advantage: Insight, Bonus: Intelligence Score, Buff