_A complex, transforming weapon that shifts between sword-and-shield defence and devastating elemental axe attacks._ --- _Martial melee weapon, very rare (requires attunement)_ **Forms:** Sword & Shield / Elemental Axe **Damage (Sword):** 1d8 slashing **Damage (Axe):** 1d12 slashing **Properties:** Versatile (1d10), Special, Transforming **Weight:** 9 lb ## Core Mechanic — Vials The Charge Blade uses **Elemental Vials**, magical reservoirs of energy built up through combat. - You can hold a maximum number of vials equal to your **proficiency bonus** (minimum 2). - Vials start empty. - Vials are generated only in **Sword & Shield Form**. - Vials are expended primarily in **Axe Form**. ## Sword & Shield Form: “Charge Mode” While in this form, the Charge Blade counts as a one-handed weapon and shield. ###### **Defensive Frame** - You gain a **+1 bonus to AC** while in Sword form. ###### **Charge Generation** Whenever you hit a creature with a melee attack using the Charge Blade in Sword form, you gain **1 vial** (maximum as above). Critical hit: gain **2 vials instead.** ###### **Load Vials** As a **bonus action**, you may load your stored energy into the weapon. - Your vials become **charged vials**. - If you do not load them, you cannot spend them in Axe form. ## Transforming the Weapon You may switch forms as a **bonus action**. - Sword → Axe - Axe → Sword ## Axe Form: “Discharge Mode” While in Axe form, the Charge Blade becomes a heavy two-handed weapon. ###### **Elemental Discharge** When you hit with an attack in Axe form, you may expend 1 or more charged vials to trigger an elemental burst. For each vial spent, the attack deals an extra: **1d6 elemental damage** (chosen when the weapon is created): 🔥 fire | ❄️ cold | ⚡ lightning | ☣ acid | ☀️ radiant | ☠ necrotic You may spend a maximum number of vials on a single hit equal to your **proficiency bonus**. ###### **Phial Shockwave** If you spend at least 2 vials on a hit, the target must succeed on a **Strength saving throw** (DC = 8 + proficiency bonus + STR or DEX modifier) or be **knocked prone** or **pushed 10 ft** (your choice). ###### **Overcharge Risk** If you end your turn in Axe form with **no charged vials remaining**, you suffer one of the following: - Your movement speed is reduced by 10 ft until the end of your next turn ## Super Amped Elemental Discharge (3 Vials) If you expend **all charged vials** as an action while in Axe form: - Make one melee weapon attack. - On a hit, the attack deals normal weapon damage plus: - **2d6 elemental damage per vial spent** - All creatures of your choice within **5 ft** of the target take elemental damage equal to the number of vials spent. After using this feature: - You are immediately forced back into **Sword form**. - You cannot generate vials until the end of your next turn.