Flying Sword

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Flying Sword Introduction

In the dimly lit corridors of ancient castles and forgotten fortresses, where shadows dance upon the stone walls and the air is thick with the weight of history, there exists a peculiar guardian known as the Flying Sword. This enigmatic creature, if it can be called such, is not born of flesh and blood but is instead a masterful creation of arcane magic and craftsmanship. Suspended in the air by unseen forces, the Flying Sword hovers with an eerie grace, its blade gleaming with a cold, metallic sheen that reflects the flickering torchlight.

The Flying Sword is a silent sentinel, its presence often unnoticed until it springs into action. It moves with a fluidity that belies its rigid form, slicing through the air with a whispering hum that sends shivers down the spine. Its behavior is as enigmatic as its appearance; it remains motionless, almost dormant, until an intruder crosses its path. Then, with a sudden burst of speed, it becomes a whirling dervish of steel, defending its territory with a relentless and unyielding ferocity.

These animated weapons are most commonly found in the ruins of ancient strongholds, where they were once enchanted by powerful wizards to serve as tireless protectors. Legends speak of master swordsmiths who imbued their creations with a fragment of their own spirit, granting the blades a semblance of life. Over the centuries, many have sought to unravel the secrets of these arcane guardians, but few have succeeded, and fewer still have lived to tell the tale.

In the tales whispered by the firelight, it is said that the Flying Sword is drawn to places of great historical significance, where the echoes of past battles and the memories of long-dead warriors linger in the air. Some believe that these swords are the remnants of a forgotten age, relics of a time when magic and steel were intertwined in ways now lost to the world. To encounter a Flying Sword is to step into a living piece of history, a reminder of the power and mystery that once shaped the realms.

Flying Sword Skills & Traits

Skills

• None

Senses

• Blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius)
• Passive Perception 6

Languages

• Understands commands given in any language but can't speak

Abilities

• Antimagic Susceptibility: The sword is incapacitated while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by dispel magic, the sword must succeed on a Constitution saving throw against the caster's spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute.
• False Appearance: While the sword remains motionless and isn't flying, it is indistinguishable from a normal sword.

Actions

• Longsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) slashing damage.

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Battle Tips for Flying Sword

The Flying Sword is a classic animated object that can be a surprising and versatile opponent in any dungeon setting. As a Dungeon Master, you can use these tips to make encounters with Flying Swords more engaging and challenging for your players.

Using Flying Swords in Battle

• Element of Surprise: Flying Swords can remain motionless and blend in with other weapons or decorations in a room. Use this to your advantage by having them spring to life when the party least expects it, such as when they are distracted or engaged with another threat.
• Mobility and Evasion: Unlike many creatures, Flying Swords can move freely in three dimensions. Use this to keep them out of reach of melee attacks, darting in to strike and then retreating to a safe distance.
• Guardians of Treasure: Place Flying Swords in areas where they can protect valuable items or secrets. They can serve as guardians that activate when someone attempts to take the treasure or open a forbidden door.

Coordinated Attacks with Multiple Flying Swords

• Swarm Tactics: A group of Flying Swords can overwhelm a party by attacking from multiple angles. Coordinate their movements to focus on a single target, increasing the chance of landing hits and forcing the players to adapt quickly.
• Divide and Conquer: Use multiple Flying Swords to split the party's attention. Have some swords engage the front-line fighters while others target spellcasters or ranged attackers, disrupting their ability to support their allies.
• Flanking Maneuvers: Take advantage of the swords' ability to fly by having them flank opponents, gaining bonuses to attack rolls and making it harder for the players to defend against their strikes.

Strategic Retreats

• Regrouping: If the battle turns against them, Flying Swords can retreat to a higher vantage point or another room to regroup. This can give them time to plan a new attack or wait for reinforcements.
• Ambush Tactics: After retreating, Flying Swords can set up an ambush in a narrow corridor or doorway, where they can attack the party as they pursue, using the environment to their advantage.
• Distraction and Escape: Use one or two Flying Swords to distract the party while the rest retreat to a more defensible position, allowing them to regroup and prepare for a counterattack.

By using these strategies, you can make encounters with Flying Swords more dynamic and memorable, challenging your players to think creatively and adapt to the unique threats these animated weapons pose.