Artifact, The Scepter of Iron

It is by this symbol of authority that Yeshua reigns supreme on Millennial Earth.

It is a 3-foot long iron scepter with a human skull set into one end. The skull is rumored to be the actual skull of John the Baptist, which Yeshua has honored for preparing the way for his reign. There some credence to this rumor; John the Baptist has not been sighted in either Heaven or the Millennial Kingdom.

If wielded in melee, it is a +6 holy lawful heavy mace. If the scepter touches any non Saint, or a Saint with less than 15 HD, the target must succeed at a Fortitude save (DC 25) or die immediately. Anyone that touches the rod against Yeshua’s will must save or die as well. Weapons with a +6 enhancement bonus are beyond the ken of most item creators, but they otherwise follow all the rules for magic weapons.

While in a lawful character’s possession,it confers a +4 enhancement bonus to Charisma and grants immunity to mind-affecting spells and effects. The wielder can command obedience as if it were a rod of rulership with no use limit, and can use holy smite (DC 19) and searing light (DC 18) three times per day each. All spells are cast at 20th level. The scepter also confers a +5 deflection bonus to the Armor Class  of the wielder at all times.