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Vorpal Sword

The Vorpal Sword is one of the most iconic and feared magic weapons in D&D history. Made famous by Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky" poem, this legendary blade has the terrifying ability to sever heads with a perfect strike. The sword is exceptionally sharp, able to cut through nearly anything, and in the hands of a skilled warrior can instantly decapitate enemies. Vorpal blades are extremely rare, often crafted by legendary weaponsmiths or found in the hoards of ancient dragons. The blade appears impossibly sharp, sometimes with a mirrorlike finish, and may hum or shimmer with deadly energy.

At a Glance

Type
Weapon (any sword that deals slashing damage)
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. In addition, the weapon ignores resistance to slashing damage. When you roll a 20 on your attack roll with this weapon against a creature that has a head and isn't immune to slashing damage, you cut off one of the creature's heads. The creature dies if it can't survive without the lost head. A creature is immune to this effect if it's immune to slashing damage, doesn't have or need a head, has legendary actions, or if the DM decides the creature is too big for its head to be cut off with this weapon. If the weapon has no head to cut off, you instead deal an extra 6d8 slashing damage on the critical hit.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Thinking the decapitation works on any creature (many are immune: no head, legendary actions, immunity to slashing)
Common Mistake
Forgetting the +3 bonus to attack and damage on all attacks
Common Mistake
Not realizing the decapitation only triggers on a natural 20 (not other crits)
Common Mistake
Assuming the decapitation works on creatures with legendary actions (it doesn't)
Common Mistake
Not applying the 6d8 extra damage when decapitation doesn't apply

DM Tips

DM Tip
This is one of the most feared weapons in D&D - instant death on nat 20 is dramatic
DM Tip
Many boss monsters have legendary actions or multiple heads, making them immune
DM Tip
Standard value would be 150,000+ gp if it could be purchased
DM Tip
The +3 enhancement alone makes this an exceptional weapon
DM Tip
Ignoring resistance to slashing damage is a significant but often overlooked benefit
DM Tip
Perfect for high-level campaigns (17+) where players face deadly threats
DM Tip
The decapitation ability is spectacular but situational
DM Tip
6d8 extra damage (average 27) on crits against immune creatures is still excellent
DM Tip
Consider describing the impossibly sharp edge and effortless cutting
DM Tip
DM has final say on whether creatures can be decapitated (size, anatomy, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading