Mascebus Elmirion Hendamere is the Ringmaster of The Carnival of Forgotten Souls, and as such carries a walking stick of unusual manufacture (as most Ringmasters do).

The head of this most amazing cane is a depiction of an intertwined serpent cast in what appears to be a reflective black metal of unknown origin.
The shaft is of multicolored heartwood stained a dark red to mute the colors.
Upon close inspection it will be revealed to have delicate carvings of interwoven serpents and chains. The end cap is in the shape of tree roots, giving the stick the eerie ability to be left standing on its own.

These simple traits would make this cane stand out well enough on it’s own, but not surprisingly there is much more to it than one might assume. The fact that hidden in the shaft is a long thin sword blade is the most mundane of it’s secrets.

Though non magical in nature, this cane has a peculiar magic-like effect.

Though the artisan’s creative hands this cane has in it’s beauty a subtle effect much like hypnosis.
As Mascebus twirls the cane the light reflecting off the head has a tendency to catch and hold one’s eye. This, although unnoticed by him, has been a boon over the years.
If one were to closely inspect the shaft, they would take the risk of being entranced as well.

These may seem a bit of a small thing, but while in the hands of a master showman and entertainer, the results can be quite amazing.

Mascebus purchased this walking stick while stationed in the far south (his last post before “moving on”). The merchant was quite hesitant to part with it, but as Mascebus has learned, every man has a price.

GM notes : This cane is completely non-magical in origin and manufacture. The artisan who made it was a master of optical illusions, and so placed several into this piece. No magic, in any form, was used in his work.
The head is of a sort of meteoric stone, but again, it has no inherent magical properties. This is a completely mundane work of a master artisan. The magic-like effects are completely coincidental, a simple combination of the intricate beauty of the cane and the overwhelming charm of the wielder.

Although Mascebus has no idea how or why this cane has such a profound effect on some people, he is pleased with the results nonetheless.