Campaigns

The Sunsword

One of the three fated items in Curse of Strahd — a sentient sunblade with a vendetta against vampires.

The Sunsword

Weapon (longsword), legendary (requires attunement)

The Sunsword is a sentient sunblade — a hilt that projects a blade of pure radiant light. It was the weapon of Sergei von Zarovich, Strahd’s murdered brother, and it yearns for the vampire’s destruction.

Properties

  • Radiant Blade: Functions as a longsword that deals radiant damage instead of slashing
  • Sunlight: While the blade is active, it emits bright light in a 15-foot radius and dim light for an additional 15 feet. This is actual sunlight
  • Bonus vs. Undead: +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls; deals an additional 1d8 radiant damage to undead
  • Sentience: The sword has Intelligence 11, Wisdom 17, Charisma 16; it communicates through emotions

The Sword’s Personality

The Sunsword carries an echo of Sergei’s spirit. It is:

  • Driven: It wants Strahd destroyed above all else
  • Protective: It feels warmth toward those who defend the innocent
  • Impatient: It grows restless if the party delays confronting Strahd
  • Gentle: Unlike many sentient weapons, it doesn’t try to dominate its wielder

DM Tips

The Sunsword’s sunlight aura is Strahd’s greatest weakness. Consider:

  1. Strahd knows about it — he’ll send minions to steal or destroy it
  2. It’s a beacon — carrying an aura of sunlight in a land of darkness draws attention
  3. The player feels heroic — let the wielder have spotlight moments against undead
  4. Dramatic reveal — the moment the blade ignites for the first time should be cinematic