Swords & Wizardry Appreciation, Seven Magic Items, Day Two

Flayed Hand (Cursed Magic Item)

A Flayed Hand is the result of a magic-user's failed attempt to create a Hand of Glory. It is typically "a dried black hand, with yellow nails, the muscles exposed and traces of old blood on the bones." The hand's only magical property is its unquenchable desire to strangle its owner. As soon as anyone takes possession of it, it jumps (magically) for the owner's throat. On a failed save, the victim is strangled to death. On a successful save, the victim successfully grapples the hand, but must find a way of securing it (locking it in a chest, etc.) or it will make an additional attack as soon as it is released. Even if the hand is secured, the curse remains upon the victim, and if the hand escapes it will relentlessly pursue the victim. Only a "remove curse" spell cast on the victim can bring an end to the hand's desire to pursue and strangle him. The GM may determine how, if at all, the hand can be destroyed (magic/silver weapons, fire, acid, etc.).

Inspired by, and Brief Quotation from, Guy de Maupassant's short story, "The Flayed Hand."