Description and Properties
The Canaith mandolin is an instrument of the bards found in Shagambi’s tomb. It is an exceptional musical instrument with magical properties, heaped among other treasures around Shagambi’s bones.
Curse and Restriction
The mandolin is bound to the Tomb of the Nine Gods by a powerful curse. If removed from the tomb, the instrument turns to dust and is destroyed. The only exception is through the “Lost Treasures” mechanism.
Spirit Possession
The mandolin serves as a vessel for Shagambi’s spirit, one of the nine trickster gods. When any character touches the instrument, Shagambi’s spirit attempts to inhabit them. The possession manifests dramatically:
- Six shadowy serpents slither out of the mandolin and coil around the character’s body
- A purring voice speaks in the character’s mind: “I am not your enemy.”
If the possession succeeds, the character receives Shagambi’s card (appendix F) and gains the benefits and drawbacks of hosting the trickster god’s spirit. If the attempt fails, the spirit remains dormant within the mandolin, waiting for another character to touch it.
Location
Found in area 48 (Shagambi’s Tomb) on Level 4 of the Tomb of the Nine Gods, among a treasure hoard that includes:
- 200 gp
- Five moonstones (50 gp each)
- A fine music box (250 gp)