DND Artifacts - The Secrets of the Iron Bow of Gesen: A Magical Shortbow that Fires Lightning Bolts

BOOK OF ARTIFACTS

The Iron Bow of Gesen: A Legendary Weapon from the Book of Artifacts

The Iron Bow of Gesen is a powerful artifact that can fire bolts of lightning instead of arrows, making it a deadly weapon for any archer. The bow was created by Gesen Khan, a renowned bowyer who lived in the Forgotten Realms, a fantasy world of the Dungeons & Dragons game. However, the bow was stolen by a thief who used it to kill Gesen himself, and since then it has been sought by many adventurers, assassins, and wizards. The Iron Bow of Gesen is featured in the Book of Artifacts, an official sourcebook for the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons game, and in the Baldur’s Gate video game series, where it can be crafted by combining two components: the Gesen Bow Shaft and the Gesen Bow String. The Iron Bow of Gesen is not only a formidable weapon, but also a symbol of power and betrayal in the Forgotten Realms.

The Iron Bow of Gesen: A Metal Bow that Looks Like Wood and Shoots Lightning

The Iron Bow of Gesen is a shortbow made of metal, but it looks like an ordinary wooden bow used by horse raiders. The bow has a black lacquer coating and a string that glitters like gold. The bow is light and easy to draw, bending more than iron should ever allow. The bow does not need any arrows to fire, as it creates its own bolts of lightning from another plane of existence. The bow makes a soft humming sound when drawn, and a loud crackle when released. The bow is a rare and valuable artifact that can strike down any enemy with its electrical blasts.

The History and Lore of the Iron Bow of Gesen: An Artifact from the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Sourcebook

The Iron Bow of Gesen has a long and tragic history that spans centuries and continents. According to legend, Gesen Khan was a master bowyer who lived in Kara-Tur, the eastern land of the Forgotten Realms. He was famous for his skill in forging iron into bows that were flexible and strong. He was also a devout follower of Chan, the Princess of Good Aerial Creatures, an archomental who ruled over the Elemental Plane of Air. Gesen Khan dedicated his life to creating bows that could harness the power of air and lightning, in honor of his patron deity.

One day, Gesen Khan received a vision from Chan, who told him to create his masterpiece: a bow that could fire bolts of lightning instead of arrows. Gesen Khan accepted the challenge and spent years gathering the materials and crafting the bow. He used iron from a meteorite that had fallen from the sky, gold from a hidden mine that was guarded by dragons, and silk from a rare spider that spun webs of electricity. He also infused the bow with his own blood and essence, as well as a fragment of Chan’s power. He named the bow after himself: the Iron Bow of Gesen.

The Iron Bow of Gesen was a marvel of metalwork and magic. It was a shortbow made of iron, but it looked like an ordinary wooden bow used by horse raiders. The bow had a black lacquer coating and a string that glitters like gold. The bow was light and easy to draw, bending more than iron should ever allow. The bow did not need any arrows to fire, as it created its own bolts of lightning from another plane of existence. The bow made a soft humming sound when drawn, and a loud crackle when released. The bow was a rare and valuable artifact that could strike down any enemy with its electrical blasts.

Gesen Khan was proud of his creation and presented it to Chan, who praised him for his work and blessed him with her favor. Gesen Khan then returned to his home in Kara-Tur, where he became famous for his bow. He used it to defend his land from invaders and monsters, as well as to hunt for food and sport. He also taught his secrets to his apprentices, who became known as the Iron Bowmen. Gesen Khan lived a long and happy life with his family and friends, enjoying the fruits of his labor.

However, not everyone was happy with Gesen Khan’s success. There were those who envied him for his skill and wealth, those who hated him for his faith and allegiance, and those who coveted him for his bow. Among them was a thief named Kuo-Toa (not to be confused with the fish-like race), who was hired by an unknown master to steal the Iron Bow of Gesen. Kuo-Toa was a cunning and ruthless rogue who had infiltrated Gesen Khan’s household as a servant. He waited for the right moment to strike, when Gesen Khan was asleep in his bed.

Kuo-Toa sneaked into Gesen Khan’s bedroom and grabbed the Iron Bow of Gesen from its stand. He then drew back the string and aimed at Gesen Khan’s heart. He hoped to kill him quickly and quietly, before he could wake up or alert anyone. However, he did not know that the Iron Bow of Gesen had a will of its own, and that it recognized its creator as its true owner. The bow resisted Kuo-Toa’s attempt to fire it, causing him to struggle with it. The noise woke up Gesen Khan, who saw Kuo-Toa holding his bow.

Gesen Khan was shocked and enraged by Kuo-Toa’s betrayal. He leaped out of his bed and grabbed his sword from under his pillow. He charged at Kuo-Toa, intending to kill him for his treachery. Kuo-Toa panicked and pulled harder on the string, hoping to fire at least one shot at Gesen Khan. The bow finally gave in and released a bolt of lightning, but not at Gesen Khan. Instead, the bolt flew past him and hit a nearby window, shattering it and setting the curtains on fire. The fire quickly spread to the rest of the room, creating a blaze that engulfed the whole house.

Gesen Khan and Kuo-Toa were both caught in the inferno. Gesen Khan was wounded by the sword and the fire, while Kuo-Toa was burned by the lightning and the flames. They both fell to the ground, dropping their weapons. Gesen Khan crawled towards his bow, hoping to reclaim it before he died. Kuo-Toa also crawled towards the bow, hoping to escape with it before he died. They both reached the bow at the same time, and grabbed it with their dying hands. They glared at each other with hatred and pain, as they slowly succumbed to their wounds.

The Iron Bow of Gesen was the only thing that survived the fire. It lay on the floor, between the charred corpses of Gesen Khan and Kuo-Toa. It was still intact and functional, but it was also cursed by the blood and death of its creator and thief. It gained a dark and vengeful personality, seeking to punish those who would misuse it or harm its rightful wielders. It also gained a wanderlust, seeking to travel across the world and find new owners and adventures. It left the ruins of Gesen Khan’s house, carried by the wind or by scavengers. It began a long and perilous journey that would take it to many lands and realms, where it would encounter many friends and foes, heroes and villains, legends and myths.

The Iron Bow of Gesen became one of the most famous and infamous artifacts in the Forgotten Realms. It was sought by many adventurers, assassins, and wizards, who wanted to use it for their own purposes. It was also feared by many enemies, who wanted to destroy it or avoid it. It was involved in many events and stories, some of which were recorded in books and songs, while others were lost or forgotten. It was used by many characters, some of whom were famous and influential, while others were obscure or unknown. It was a weapon of power and betrayal, of glory and tragedy, of wonder and mystery.

The Iron Bow of Gesen is still out there, somewhere in the Forgotten Realms. It may be hidden in a vault or a tomb, waiting for someone to find it. It may be carried by a traveler or a warrior, who may not know its true nature or history.

The Owners of the Iron Bow of Gesen: A List of Characters Who Have Wielded the Legendary Weapon

The following is a list of characters who have owned or used the Iron Bow of Gesen, in chronological order:

Gesen Khan (unknown date): The original owner and creator of the bow. He was a master bowyer who lived in Kara-Tur, the eastern land of the Forgotten Realms. He dedicated his life to creating bows that could harness the power of air and lightning, in honor of his patron deity Chan, the Princess of Good Aerial Creatures. He named the bow after himself: the Iron Bow of Gesen.
Kuo-Toa (unknown date): The thief who stole the bow from Gesen Khan and used it to kill him. He was a cunning and ruthless rogue who had infiltrated Gesen Khan’s household as a servant. He hoped to sell the bow to his unknown master, but he was caught in a fire that destroyed Gesen Khan’s house and killed them both.
Artemis Entreri (1358 DR): A famous assassin who worked for the Shadow Thieves, a powerful criminal organization in Amn. He acquired the bow from one of his contacts, who had found it in the ruins of Gesen Khan’s house. He used the bow to kill many targets, including some members of the Harpers, a secret society that opposed the Shadow Thieves. He also used the bow to fight against Drizzt Do’Urden, a legendary drow ranger who was his archenemy.
Jarlaxle Baenre (1361 DR): A charismatic drow mercenary who led Bregan D’aerthe, a band of renegade drow warriors. He obtained the bow from Artemis Entreri, who had joined his group after fleeing from Amn. He used the bow to aid his allies and enemies alike, depending on his whims and interests. He also used the bow to impress and annoy Drizzt Do’Urden, whom he considered a friend and a rival.
Drizzt Do’Urden (1361 DR): A legendary drow ranger who lived on the surface world and fought for justice and freedom. He received the bow from Jarlaxle Baenre, who had given it to him as a gift and a challenge. He used the bow to defend himself and his companions from various threats, such as demons, dragons, and drow. He also used the bow to honor Gesen Khan’s legacy and spirit.
The Bhaalspawn (1368 DR): The protagonist of the Baldur’s Gate video game series, who was one of the children of Bhaal, the dead god of murder. They found the two components of the bow in Athkatla, the capital city of Amn. They brought them to Cromwell, a dwarven blacksmith who could forge them into the Iron Bow of Gesen for a fee. They used the bow to fight against their enemies and rivals, such as Irenicus, Bodhi, Sarevok, Melissan, and others.
Unknown (present): The current owner or location of the bow is unknown. It may be hidden in a vault or a tomb, waiting for someone to find it. It may be carried by a traveler or a warrior, who may not know its true nature or history. It may be looking for a new owner or a new adventure, who may not be ready for its challenges or consequences.

Campaign uses and ideas with the Iron Bow of Gesen

The Iron Bow of Gesen can be used as a plot device, a treasure, or a challenge for any D&D campaign. Here are some possible ways to incorporate the bow into your campaign:

The bow could be the main quest item that the party is hired or tasked to find and retrieve. The bow could be hidden in a dangerous dungeon, guarded by traps and monsters, or held by a powerful enemy. The party could face competition or opposition from other factions or individuals who also want the bow for their own reasons.
The bow could be a reward or a bonus that the party receives after completing a quest or a mission. The bow could be given to them by a grateful NPC, found in a secret stash, or looted from a defeated foe. The party could decide to keep the bow, sell it, or trade it for something else.
The bow could be a complication or a curse that the party encounters after acquiring it. The bow could have a dark and vengeful personality that influences or controls its wielder, or attracts unwanted attention from its enemies or former owners. The party could try to resist or break the bow’s influence, or find a way to get rid of it safely.
The bow could be a tool or a resource that the party uses to overcome challenges or enemies. The bow could provide an edge in combat, especially against foes that are vulnerable to lightning damage. The bow could also be used to solve puzzles, activate mechanisms, or create diversions.
The bow could be a catalyst or a trigger that sets off a series of events or changes in the campaign world. The bow could unleash a hidden power, awaken an ancient evil, or reveal a secret truth. The party could try to stop or reverse the effects of the bow, or deal with the consequences.

The Iron Bow of Gesen is a versatile and interesting artifact that can add flavor and excitement to any D&D campaign. Whether you use it as a macguffin, a boon, a bane, an asset, or an agent, the bow can create memorable moments and stories for you and your players.

The Powers of the Iron Bow of Gesen: A Constant, Invoked, and Cursed Artifact

The Iron Bow of Gesen has three types of powers: constant, invoked, and cursed. These powers are described below:

Constant: The bow always transforms any arrow shot from it into an arrow +5, which gives a bonus of +5 to hit and damage. The bow also allows the wielder to shoot up to four arrows per round, as the arrows jump from the quiver to the string by themselves. The bow also has twice the range of a normal shortbow, which is 100 feet.
Invoked: The bow can be used to cast spells with its arrows, three times per day. The wielder can choose to fire an arrow as a lightning bolt or a flame arrow spell, each cast at 20th level. The lightning bolt arrow deals 20d6 points of electrical damage to a single target or a line of targets, while the flame arrow arrow deals 1d6+20 points of fire damage to a single target or a group of targets. Once per day, the wielder can also use any arrow of slaying with the bow, which can instantly kill a specific type of creature if it fails a saving throw.
Cursed: The bow has a dark side that affects its users. Anyone who uses the bow risks becoming transformed into a wild horseman of the steppes, like Gesen Khan’s people. The transformation changes the user’s physical features and knowledge, making them more suited for riding and hunting. The transformation does not affect the user’s class abilities, but it may make them forget how to read or sail, for example. Once the transformation is complete, the user is also subject to artifact possession, which makes them unable to resist any adventure or good cause that comes their way.

The Powers and the Curse of the Iron Bow of Gesen in Other D&D Editions

The Iron Bow of Gesen is featured in the Book of Artifacts, an official sourcebook for the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) 2nd edition game, where it has three types of powers: constant, invoked, and cursed.

However, the Iron Bow of Gesen has also appeared in other D&D editions, with some changes and variations in its powers and curse. Here are some examples:

In the 3rd edition of D&D, the Iron Bow of Gesen is renamed as the Shortbow of Gesen, and it is one of the most coveted items in the Baldur’s Gate video game series, where it can be crafted by combining two components: the Gesen Bow Shaft and the Gesen Bow String. The Shortbow of Gesen grants a +4 enhancement bonus to attack and damage rolls, inflicts 2 piercing damage plus 1d8 electrical damage per hit, creates an infinite supply of ammunition, and provides the wielder with 20% electrical resistance. It can also fire special arrows or bolts that have additional effects, such as acid or fire damage. The Shortbow of Gesen does not have any curse or drawback in this edition.
In the 4th edition of D&D, the Iron Bow of Gesen is not mentioned in any official sourcebook, but it can be adapted using the rules for artifacts. The Iron Bow of Gesen could be a level 25 artifact shortbow that grants a +6 enhancement bonus to attack and damage rolls, deals an extra 2d10 lightning damage per hit, and creates an unlimited supply of arrows. It could also have two daily powers: one that allows the wielder to fire a lightning bolt that deals 6d10 lightning damage to each creature in a line, and another that allows the wielder to use any arrow of slaying with the bow. The Iron Bow of Gesen could have a concordance score that reflects its attitude towards its wielder, ranging from angry to satisfied. Depending on the concordance score, the bow could grant different benefits or penalties to its wielder, such as granting or denying them resistances, bonuses, or penalties to skills or saving throws. The bow could also have a goal that drives its actions, such as seeking revenge against those who wronged Gesen Khan or his people.
In the 5th edition of D&D, the Iron Bow of Gesen is not mentioned in any official sourcebook either, but it can also be adapted using the rules for artifacts. The Iron Bow of Gesen could be a legendary artifact shortbow that requires attunement by a creature that is proficient with shortbows. It grants a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with it, deals an extra 1d8 lightning damage on a hit, and creates an unlimited supply of arrows. It could also have two charges that recharge at dawn: one that allows the wielder to cast lightning bolt as an action using their spell save DC or attack bonus, and another that allows the wielder to use any arrow of slaying with the bow. The Iron Bow of Gesen could also have some beneficial properties (such as granting resistances, proficiencies, or advantages) and detrimental properties (such as imposing disadvantages, vulnerabilities, or madness) that are randomly determined by rolling on tables. The bow could also have a personality that communicates telepathically with its wielder, expressing its emotions and opinions.

The Suggested Means of Destruction of the Iron Bow of Gesen: How to Get Rid of the Cursed Artifact

Some people may want to get rid of the bow, either because they fear its curse or because they want to end its suffering. However, destroying the bow is not an easy task, as it is resistant to most forms of damage and magic.

According to the Book of Artifacts, there are two suggested means of destruction for the Iron Bow of Gesen:

It must be returned to the vengeful shade of Gesen, who is wandering the steppe. The shade is the restless spirit of Gesen Khan, who died in a fire caused by his own bow. The shade is angry and bitter, blaming everyone for his death and seeking revenge. The shade roams the vast plains of Kara-Tur, where he once lived and ruled. The shade can be recognized by his appearance: he looks like a tall and muscular man with dark skin, long black hair, and piercing eyes. He wears leather armor and carries a sword and a quiver, but not his bow. The shade can be encountered by chance or by following his trail of destruction. The shade is hostile to anyone who approaches him, especially if they have his bow. To destroy the bow, one must convince the shade to take it back and forgive his killer. This can be done by appealing to his honor, his faith, or his love for his people. If the shade accepts the bow, he will thank the giver and disappear in a flash of light, taking the bow with him.
It must be flattened with 1,000 blows from the Hammer of Gesen. The Hammer of Gesen is another artifact created by Gesen Khan, who was also a master smith. The hammer is a large and heavy maul made of iron, with silver runes and spikes on its head. The hammer has a leather grip and a chain attached to its end. The hammer can be used as a weapon or a tool, as it can deal massive damage to any object or creature. The hammer also has some magical properties: it grants its wielder immunity to lightning damage and resistance to fire damage; it can create sparks or flames when struck against metal or stone; and it can detect the presence of other artifacts created by Gesen Khan within 100 feet. The Hammer of Gesen is currently in the possession of Cromwell, a dwarven blacksmith who lives in Athkatla, the capital city of Amn. Cromwell can forge or repair any metal item for a fee, using his hammer as his main tool. Cromwell does not know the true nature or origin of his hammer; he inherited it from his father, who found it in an old ruin. To destroy the bow, one must bring it to Cromwell and ask him to flatten it with his hammer. Cromwell will agree to do so for 10,000 gold pieces, but he will warn that it will take a long time and make a lot of noise. Cromwell will then proceed to hit the bow with his hammer 1,000 times, counting each blow aloud. Each blow will cause sparks or flames to fly from the bow, as well as loud cracks or booms. After 1,000 blows, the bow will be reduced to a twisted lump of metal that cannot be used or repaired.

The Adventure Modules Where the Iron Bow of Gesen Appears: A Review of the Official and Fan-Made Scenarios that Feature the Legendary Weapon

The Iron Bow of Gesen has also appeared in other D&D editions, as well as in various adventure modules, both official and fan-made. These modules are scenarios or stories that can be played by a group of players using the D&D rules and setting. Some of these modules are part of larger campaigns or series, while others are standalone or independent. Some of these modules are published by Wizards of the Coast, the company that owns D&D, while others are created by fans or third-party publishers. Here are some examples of adventure modules where the Iron Bow of Gesen appears:

The Return of Gesen: This is a fan-made module for Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn, a computer role-playing game based on AD&D 2nd edition rules and set in the Forgotten Realms. The module was created by TeamBG in 2001. It is designed for characters who have completed Chapter 6 of the main game and have obtained the Shortbow of Gesen (the name given to the Iron Bow of Gesen in this game). The module involves the party being contacted by a mysterious figure named Elminster, who tells them that Gesen Khan’s spirit has returned from the dead and seeks his bow. Elminster asks the party to travel to Kara-Tur and find out what Gesen Khan wants and how to stop him. The module features new areas, quests, items, enemies, and allies.
The Legacy of Gesen: This is another fan-made module for Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn, created by TeamBG in 2002. It is a sequel to The Return of Gesen and requires that module to be installed first. It is designed for characters who have completed Chapter 7 of the main game and have either kept or destroyed the Shortbow of Gesen. The module involves the party being contacted again by Elminster, who tells them that Gesen Khan’s legacy lives on in his descendants, who have inherited his skills and his curse. Elminster asks the party to travel to Kara-Tur again and find out more about Gesen Khan’s family and their fate. The module features new areas, quests, items, enemies, and allies.
The Hunt for Gesen: This is a fan-made module for Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir, a computer role-playing game based on D&D 3.5 edition rules and set in the Forgotten Realms. The module was created by Zwerkules in 2010. It is designed for characters who have completed Chapter 1 of the main game and have access to the Overland Map feature. The module involves the party being hired by a merchant named Jhared Zalataris to find and retrieve the Iron Bow of Gesen from Kara-Tur. Jhared tells them that he has learned that the bow is hidden in an ancient temple guarded by traps and monsters. The party must travel across Kara-Tur using the Overland Map feature and find the temple where the bow is located.
The Curse of Gesen: This is another fan-made module for Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir, created by Zwerkules in 2011. It is a sequel to The Hunt for Gesen and requires that module to be installed first. It is designed for characters who have completed Chapter 2 of the main game and have obtained the Iron Bow of Gesen. The module involves the party being contacted by Jhared Zalataris again, who tells them that he has sold the bow to a noble named Lord Darius, who has become obsessed with it and its curse. Jhared asks the party to travel to Lord Darius’s estate and find out what has happened to him and his bow. The module features new areas, quests, items, enemies, and allies.

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