Scarab of death

Scarabs of death were deadly enchanted items that appeared harmless at first glance.

Description
Scarabs of death appeared indistinguishable from mundane or magical amulets, brooches, or scarabs.

Powers
If a scarab of death was touching warm living flesh, placed in a bag or a similar container, worn on clothes, or simply kept within from a warm living creature for between 1 and 10 minutes, the item's enchantment became obvious. A scarab of death transformed into a deadly flesh-burrowing insect that chewed and tore through the target's leather armor, clothes, and body moving towards the heart. It took 1 to 10 minutes for the monster to reach the target's heart and kill them. After the target's death, a scarab of death transformed back into its inert form.

Scarabs of death could be safely kept in containers made of thick wood, ceramic, ivory, or metal. Undead creatures could safely wear these pieces of jewelry as cold dead bodies did not trigger the deadly magics.

Creation
Scarabs of death could be created by experienced magic item crafters with the use of the slay living spell.

Notable Owners
Aragath, a lich priest of Talos who laired underneath Jathrin's Jump guarded his underground temple with six golems. Each was outfitted with numerous magic items, including scarabs of death.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * The Throne of Bloodstone &bull; Four from Cormyr
 * Card Games
 * AD&D Trading Cards