Gauntlets of the Last Vicar of Bellhammer

Magic Weapon (Special), Legendary (Requires Attunement by a Cleric, Monk, Paladin, or Warlock)

In the ruins of Bellhammer, the once-mighty forge city, lay a broken chapel bell; the material, in the hands of a gifted smith, can be forged into a pair of enchanted caestus. These mighty bronze fists dealt crippling blasts with each strike, the dull tolling of a bell ringing out with every blow.

When equipped as a pair, these gauntlets grant a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with these magic weapons. They are simple melee weapons that deal 2d4 thunder damage on a hit.

Toll. If both gauntlets are equipped, then as an action the gauntlets can be slapped together to create a shattering blast. All creatures, including you, within 10 feet must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC equal to 8 + your Strength modifier + your Proficiency bonus. On a failed save a creature take 2d4 thunder damage and is deafened for 1 minute. The creature may attempt the saving throw again at the end of each of its turns. On a successful save the effect ends.

For Whom the Bell Tolls. Once per day when using Toll, you can channel the Spirit of the Last Vicar into the attack. The range increases to affect every creature except you within a 20 foot radius; the damage increases to 2d6 + 1d6 per player level, and targets who fail their save are stunned. Creatures who save are not stunned or deafened, and take half damage. Stunned creatures can reattempt their save at the end of each of their turns, however once successfully saved the creature remains deafened for an additional minute.

You still have use of your hands while these weapon are equipped, but you cannot effectively wield a another weapon. While equipped you have disadvantage to tool checks, sleight of hand checks, and the use of any other weapon.

Simple Melee Weapon, 2d4 Thunder, Special

Design Notes

When I created these weapons I wanted a magical weapon that was effective against large hordes of enemies. This is achieved both by the area of attack special abilities and the weapons being paired for use in two weapon fighting.

Theoretically if two players wanted to each use one of the gauntlets I would allow special abilities activation via high fives.

Originally these items had really robust lore attached to them, but feedback stated that the lore was too impenetrable as is, and was trimmed down to be more user friendly. The new lore makes it easier to seed the item into a campaign without having to attach to many story hooks.