The Tone Deaf Sword
If drawing your sword won't send people running, then maybe this sword's singing will.
Full Item Description
At first glance it would seem to be your regular short sword with the exception of the small set of runes inscribed across either side of the hilt, but even then they don't seem to be worth much note.
History
At some point, some poor soul was responsible for creating this sword. Most likely, that poor soul was an apprentice enchanter in training, but with the way this sword sings it wouldn't be surprising if that same enchanter won't take credit for this sword.
Magic/Cursed Properties
When unsheathed, this sword is very fond of singing any of the songs it's heard over it's life span, but always off key. The only way to silence it other then insert it back into it's sheath is to sing better then is can.
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? Responses (9)
I imagine this sword has a personality: Vain about its singing, it THINKS it sings excellently. If others disagree, the blade just decides they have no musical taste and it knows just the way to teach them: A few rousing choruses of the sword's favorite operas should do the trick!
Of course, it has learned valuable information over the years, but in order to get it to divulge that information, you need to stroke its ego a bit, by listening to its concert. In fact, it might want its owner to invite others to listen as well...
It might be quiet when asked, but then, when it gets excited by the prospect of battle, it bursts into song... (bye, bye, ambush!)
Nice short issue for PCs, though I personally dislike 'origin lost to sands of time' type approach. The common knowlege could be lost, but as a GM, I'd like to know the origin, at least as how you envisoned it.
It may have been intended to sound marvelous, but then the bladesmith took an inch off the final length ("Too tip heavy!" said the soot-covered dwarf.) and altered it from the measure that would have made it resonate beautifully...
Rival schools of wizardry could each blame the others for production of this substandard enchanted item...
"Only one of those fools from the Forcimantic Brethren would be so clumsy!"
"Says you! It's clearly the work of the Radiant Coven of Jessmarch!"
Even worse, it could have a little magical power (the oh-so-overdone +1 bonus), that prevents it from just being discarded by the needy PCs. Because sooner or later they will be tempted, be sure of that.
"That does it!" *starts banging sword against walls*
+1 Bastard Sword, +2d6 Damage vs. creatures with sonic attacks... and music lovers.
What Wulf said.
It does need a name, though. A mighty blade like that one, ancient and filled with ominous power, deserves something like "Earbleeder" (Especially if it's a soprano) or "Noterender".
Funny and enjoyable. Unless you are a music lover.