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Holy Avenger

The Holy Avenger is the ultimate weapon for paladins, representing divine power made manifest in the form of a blade. This legendary sword is blessed by good-aligned deities and specifically crafted to smite fiends and undead. The weapon glows with holy radiance and serves as both a powerful combat implement and a symbol of righteous justice. Holy Avengers are extremely rare, often passed down through orders of paladins or hidden in ancient temples awaiting a worthy champion. The sword appears as a magnificent blade, often silver or gold-colored, with holy symbols and radiant gemstones.

At a Glance

Type
Weapon (any sword, requires attunement by a paladin)
Rarity
Legendary
Attunement
Required

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MechanicsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

How It Works

You gain a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic weapon. When you hit a fiend or undead with it, that creature takes an extra 2d10 radiant damage. While you hold the drawn sword, it creates an aura in a 10-foot radius around you. You and all creatures friendly to you in the aura have advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. This aura functions only while you're conscious. The sword can also be used as a holy symbol for your paladin spells. As a bonus action, you can activate or deactivate the aura.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Forgetting the +3 applies to both attack and damage rolls
Common Mistake
Not realizing the 2d10 extra radiant damage only applies to fiends and undead
Common Mistake
Thinking the aura is always active (you can toggle it with a bonus action)
Common Mistake
Not utilizing the advantage on saves against magical effects (extremely powerful)
Common Mistake
Forgetting the aura only works while you're conscious
Common Mistake
Assuming anyone can attune to this (requires attunement by a paladin specifically)

DM Tips

DM Tip
This is THE ultimate paladin weapon - reserve for high-level campaigns
DM Tip
The +3 enhancement makes this an exceptional weapon even without other abilities
DM Tip
Standard value would be 150,000+ gp if it could be purchased
DM Tip
The aura providing advantage on saves vs magic is incredibly powerful for the whole party
DM Tip
2d10 extra damage vs fiends/undead makes paladins devastating demon/devil hunters
DM Tip
Perfect as a campaign capstone reward for a paladin PC
DM Tip
Consider making this weapon a quest artifact tied to paladin's deity or order
DM Tip
The aura benefits the entire party, making the paladin even more valuable
DM Tip
Works especially well in campaigns featuring fiendish or undead main villains
DM Tip
Some versions of Holy Avenger have additional abilities - customize as desired

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading