Enc.: varies	IS: metal, hard	Aura:	XP: 1600	GP: 8k
Swords	-	Magic Items	-	DMG

Sword +2, Nine Lives Stealer, will always perform as a +2 weapon, but
it also has the power to draw the life force from an opponent, and it can do
so only a total of 9 times before the ability is lost. A natural 20 must be
scored on the wielder's "to hit" die roll for the sword to function. The
opponent is entitled to a saving throw versus magic in such case, and if it is
successful the sword does not function, no charge is used, and normal
damage is determined.
 

Question: Is the “life force” drained by a Sword +2 Nine
Lives Stealer a life energy level, the victim’s soul, or what?

Answer: The “life force” of a being can be equated with the experi-
ence level of that being and should be treated just like the strike of a
Wight (see Monster Manual, p. 100). — JW
(See Energy Draining by Undead or by Device)
(See Alternatives to Energy Draining)