Spoon of Chastisement

Spoon of Chastisement

Aura faint enchantment; CL 3rd
Slot —; Price 1,200 gp; Weight 1 lb

Description
This unassuming wooden spoon appears worn and well-used, its surface smoothed by time and countless “lessons learned.” It is often found in the possession of stern caretakers, patient matriarchs, and those who believe that discipline is best taught with equal parts love and force of will.

Despite its humble appearance, the Spoon of Chastisement functions as a +1 sap (see Dungeon Master’s Guide). It deals 1d4 points of nonlethal bludgeoning damage on a successful hit. However, the true magic of the spoon reveals itself when it strikes true.

On a successful hit, the target must succeed on a Will saving throw (DC 14) or be affected as though by a command spell, issued by the wielder. The command must be a single word and must be something that the target can reasonably understand and perform in a single round. Creatures that successfully save are shaken for 1 round from the sudden magical reprimand.

This ability functions once per successful hit; the command effect is not tied to a daily use limit, but each individual strike can only trigger the effect once.

Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, command; Cost 600 gp + 48 XP

Lore
The Spoon of Chastisement is said to have originated not from battle, but from necessity - crafted by a harried but brilliant caregiver who found that neither words nor threats were enough to curb the mischief of their charges. Through a mixture of exasperation and ingenuity, they imbued a simple kitchen utensil with a touch of magic, pairing consequence with an unmistakable sense of authority.

Unlike most enchanted weapons, the spoon carries no malice. It does not seek to harm, only to correct. Those who wield it often report that the magic seems to respond as much to intent as to force - working best in the hands of someone who genuinely believes in maintaining order, rather than indulging in cruelty.

Over time, the Spoon of Chastisement became something of a cultural curiosity. Some families pass down similar spoons as heirlooms, though only a few are truly magical. In taverns and stories, it is sometimes spoken of in hushed tones, as if it were a fearsome weapon of legend rather than a domestic tool - though seasoned adventurers know better than to underestimate a well-timed reprimand.

There are even whispered tales that the spoon recognizes its wielder. It is said that those who misuse it out of spite or anger find its magic growing weaker - or turning stubbornly ineffective - while those who wield it with patience and fairness find its power unexpectedly reliable. Whether this is truth or simply the product of good parenting is, as always, left to the judgment of those who dare test it.