The Ark of the Covenant

Wondrous item, artifact

This gold-plated wooden chest is undoubtedly the most sacred and powerful artifact in existence. Built to specifications under the leadership of Moses himself, the ark contains the original stone tablets on which God wrote the Ten Commandments, as well as a jar holding Manna from the desert. These items symbolize God's faithfulness and physical presence to the Israelites wandering the Wilderness of Zin, and continued to represent connection to God to the Jews hundreds of years later.

Believed to be responsible for numerous military victories over the years, the Ark became sought as a weapon of immeasurable power, even by those who did not share the faith of the Jewish people. Discord turned to war, and the great temple of Solomon was eventually razed by the Babylonian empire. Some believe the Ark was destroyed along with the temple; others hold on to hope that the Ark was hidden by persons unknown and that it may yet be kept safe.

Holy Aura. A creature that comes within 10 feet of the Ark of the Covenant must succeed in a Wisdom saving throw (DC 20) or fall under the influence of the Ark's Holy Aura. A creature who resists the aura must repeat the save every 1 minute they spend within 10 feet of the Ark. The effects of the Holy Aura last until the creature has been away from the Ark for 24 hours.

Properties of the Holy Aura. While a creature is under the influence of the Holy Aura, it is affected in the following ways:

You are immediately aware of God's presence, even if you did not previously believe in God.
Your alignment changes to Good (you regain your old alignment after the effects of the aura fade).
You are immune to all diseases and poisons.
You are immune to being Charmed, Frightened, or Possessed.
You become aware that opening the lid of the Ark would be disrespectful. While you remain under the influence of the Holy Aura, you are incapable of attempting to open the lid.
You are compelled to keep the Ark safe and to find it a new resting place. You are unable to focus on any other long term goals until the Ark is safely hidden from those who would misuse it.

Opening the Ark's Lid. A creature who attempts to open the lid must immediately repeat the saving throw for the Ark's Holy Aura. A creature that manages to successfully open the lid takes 98 (28d6) radiant damage and must succeed in a Constitution saving throw (DC 22) or die instantly. The inside of the Ark, in stark contrast to its ornate exterior, is modestly lined with simple acacia wood. The Ark contains two stone tablets and a small clay pot. The tablets bear ancient engravings, and a character who can read Hebrew knows that these are the Ten Commandments. The clay pot contains a white, bread-like substance. This is Manna that was taken from the desert, miraculously preserved after over 100 years.

Lair Action. If the creatures bearing the Ark of the Covenant enter combat in defense of the Ark, they gain the benefits of the Ark's lair action. On initiative 20, a bolt of lightning flashes down from above, as though cast from the call lightning spell at 3rd level. The lightning targets a random enemy within 60 feet.

Destroying the Ark. According to legend, it is impossible to truly destroy the Ark. However, damage from a spell of 8th level or higher, or an attack from a +4 legendary weapon will destroy the Ark for 1d10 x 100 years. After that time, the Ark will reappear in an abandoned dungeon somewhere in the world, waiting to be discovered by someone who is worthy.

Bible5e custom item. Its specific properties supplement the standard magic item rules.