The original 2nd Edition entry from the Forge.

Write up by Paul DeLuca. Contest design winner for February 25, 2000.

This blade is somewhat oddly shaped for a shortsword, looking more like a two-handed sword reduced to half size. The shape is not coincidental; it is in fact a two-handed sword designed for use by kobolds. Some claim that it is a divine gift to the kobold race, to put them on a more equal footing with the bigger races who routinely push them around. Others claim that the blade was created to convince adventurers of the virtue of humility. It is certain, however, that the Fang was created by the kobolds' god Kurtulmak and forged in the fires of the Abyss.

The dull-blackish blade is made of an unknown alloy, possibly incorporating steel, adamantium, and some kind of igneous rock, and has so far proven absolutely unbreakable. It extudes a soft heat which cannot be detected by infravision, and is slimy but dry to the touch. The hilt and pommel are of polished brass, and the grip is made of some hind of stained bone, most likely cut from a particularly unlucky gnome.

In combat, the sword does 1d6 points of damage to Small or smaller creatures, and 2d4 points to Medium or larger beings. Against most creatures, it acts as a +3 sword of life stealing, though against gnomes its bonus is +5, and the unlucky victim must save vs. death magic or be slain every time the sword hits. When wielded against kobolds, the 'life stealing' effect is reversed, draining a level of life energy from the wielder.

The blade's current location is unknown, though it has been reported several times in recent years by adventuring groups who gained a new respect for the kobolds who carried it. It is most often wielded by kobold champions, having one or possibly more full hit dice and some kind of improved armor.

The sword is intelligent, but has little ego to speak of. It speaks Kobold and Gnomish and is LE-aligned.