Charon's Claw

FORGOTTEN REALMS

Artemis Entreri

The sight of Charon’s Claw will strike fear into the hearts of all but the evilest of persons. Its blood-red blade is engraved with images of the dead and dying, while its hilt is made from the bones of the innocents. It was a sword befitting of Artemis Entreri — an assassin who delighted in dealing pain and suffering.

Originally, Charon's Claw was a Netherese artifact. Since the Netherese were a race with magical abilities, it's no surprise that Charon’s Claw contains special powers. It even has a will of its own. In fact, the sword is so proud that it challenges anyone who touches it to a battle of wills — only acknowledging him as its user if he prevails. If a challenger’s conviction doesn't satisfy the sword, his soul would be consumed. Artemis was able to use such knowledge to his advantage. He tricked Kohrin Soulez — a Netherese who owned Charon's Claw — to come into direct contact with it. Kohrin died as a result, and Artemis acquired the sword.

Although the sword's selection process is rigorous, its user is almost guaranteed to win any battle. Any physical injury caused by Charon’s Claw is poisonous, leading to death. It also has the ability to obscure an enemy’s vision — which was useful for an assassin such as Artemis.

Charon's Claw does have a weakness — an enchanted gauntlet, which Artemis had acquired along with the sword. When equipped, one is immune to soul consumption. As such, Artemis could wield Charon's Claw without fear. Alas, a lich destroyed the gauntlet during a battle. Although Artemis remade it soon after, he also showed that he had a will strong enough to wield Charon’s Claw with bare hands.

Charon’s Claw

While Artemis was cunning, he still lost the sword to the Netherese Lord, Herzgo Alegni. Alegni then used it to inflict Artemis with a curse of unimaginable pain, forcing the assassin to submit to his wishes. Desperate, Artemis enlisted the help of Drizzt — his archenemy. Together, they were able to defeat Alegni. Drizzt then threw Charon’s Claw into the Primordial, where it remains for now. 

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: