Developed by certain gods of mischief, notably Loki (see the
DEITIES & DEMIGODS Cyclopedia), this weapon is a magical
sword of +5 power with a pommel formed in the shape of an animal,
monster, or human head. The sword is capable of speech, with a
minimum intelligence of 14 and special abilities as determined by
the charts in the DMG. <link, d99>

This wonderful weapon, however, has also been infused with a
cowardly personality. The first time it is swung at an opponent in
combat, the sword?s head-shaped pommel will shriek in terror and
cry for help. The noise will attract all wandering monsters within a
12? radius. The sword will continue to yell and cry for 2-12 turns
unless a silence spell is cast upon it.

The sword will also attempt to avoid combat, twisting in the user?s
hands. The holder must make a successful roll to open doors at the
start of every combat round, or else the sword twists out of the user?s
grasp and falls to the floor, still shrieking. If the user can hold onto
the weapon, he may wield it normally during that round, with all
appropriate bonuses to hit and damage.

Some of these swords are so timid that even being brought within
sighting distance of a non-human monster will cause them to start
shrieking. Though these swords are not cursed to remain with a
particular owner, they are often regarded as too valuable to dispose
of (how many +5 swords does one find?) and are kept despite their
disadvantages.

Experience Point Value: 2000
Gold Piece Sale Value: 10,000
 

Dear Dragon:
Can a sword of cowardice (issue #91, "Treasure
Trove") be used by a cavalier of good alignment,
who radiates a protection from fear aura in
a 1" radius? Or could the sword's personality be
altered by a limited wish, wish, alter reality, or by
some other spell or means?

Mike Beatty
Dundas, Ontario
(Dragon #97)
 

Unfortunately, the sword’s innate curse of
cowardice will override a cavalier’s protective
abilities. The sword is also immune to remove
fear spells. Only a full wish can remove the
cowardly personality of the sword, making it nonintelligent
and stripping all of its special abilities,
other than its + 5 enchantment. 

— RM
(Dragon #97)