Bagpipes of Zariel's Lament
Bagpipes of Zariel's Lament
The Bagpipes of Zariel's Lament are an infernal magic artifact from Avernus that magnify a bard's magic at the risk of a mortal wielder's soul. Formerly the instrument of Lady Calera (the erinyes Zarchelia), they were given to Shade through the Original Pact in Session 42.
Appearance
A set of bagpipes unlike any of mundane make: the leather of the bag is the color of fresh blood, and the chanters are carved from dark, polished bone. They radiate a faint infernal energy detectable by those sensitive to it (the Zhentarim leader Rian Nightshade sensed it immediately).
Properties
While attuned, the bagpipes grant:
- +2 to bard spell attack rolls and spell save DCs
- +1 AC
- −2 Acrobatics; +2 to Deception, Intimidation, and Performance (not Persuasion)
- Cannot be used while wielding a shield
- Once per day, an action to regain an expended use of Bardic Inspiration
The Curse
The instrument curses mortal souls not already bound to the Hells: a wielder without Infernal Heritage who plays them risks corruption and eventual damnation, their alignment drifting toward evil over time. For a being of infernal heritage — such as the tiefling Shade, or Lady Calera herself — the risk is nothing. This is why Calera, unable to safely pass them to a non-infernal owner, entrusted them to Shade.
History
- Sought by the Zhentarim: Halia Thornton wanted the bagpipes acquired for the network. Shade possessing them satisfied that objective — they need only be kept out of Cult hands, not handed over.
- Acquired by Shade in Session 42 at Lady Calera's gala in Waterdeep, in exchange for the party's pledge to aid Calera in a future battle or uprising (the Original Pact, later deepened into A Compact of restoration and continuance).
- Shade's first performance on them was an old tiefling air, the "Toot of the Fallen."
Current Owner
Shade, who wields them in the fight against the Cult of the Dragon.