The Black Flame is a black Greatsword, appearing almost like a black void in space. Anyone peering into the blade for more than a moment will see withered faces appear on it's surface with pleading expressions.

The Black Flame serves as the phylactery of the current Black Hand of the Black Kingdom, a Lich of no small power.

In life he was a powerful necromancer and a member of a group of adventurers who fought a valiant crusade to right wrongs and destroy evil. They called themselves the Crusaders of Light.

The Black Flame is wielded by the Black Crown's familiar, a powerful zombie fighter. It will serve a major role in final conflict between the PCs and the Black Crown. It will be destroyed in battle with the White Flame.

Melthus was immune to this weapon's curses in life, as he was it's intended wielder.

• The sword is indestructible.
• +3 bonus to hit and damage for any strike with the sword.
• It bursts into angry-looking black flames whenever living beings enter within a 20 yard radius. These flames deal an extra five damage to the living.
• When it touches a living being, roll a quick contest of the wielder's Will vs. the HT of the creature struck. If the wielder wins, the victim permanently loses 2 levels from all primary attributes (indirectly affecting all secondary attributes) until this can be cured by Healing with the Cure Affliction enhancement. This is considered an energy-draining attack and anyone drained to zero in any attribute dies.
• Any undead wielder gains a +2 to all attributes when the sword is unsheathed and held.

• Living beings touching the weapon must successfully roll vs. HT or lose 2 from all primary attributes. This is a life-draining attack and can be cured via Healing with the Cure Affliction Enhancement. Anyone drained to zero in any attribute dies, instantly becoming a zombie with an over-riding desire to wield the sword.
• If the Black Hand's body has been destroyed, his soul will be in the blade, allowing him to attempt possession of anyone nearby.
• The sword is connected to the Negative Material Plane and radiates undead energy in all directions. When unsheathed, it can be detected with a +5 bonus by any attempt to sense undead.

• Take it to the heart of the Positive Material Plane and strike it with the White Flame.
• Wield it in an extended battle with the White Flame. Both weapons would be destroyed.