War Paint

Wondrous item, rarity varies

Typically stored in clay jars two inches in diameter, each container holds 1d3 applications of viscous pigments made from dyes and other colorful components. Each jar contains one color of paint, and its contents weigh a half pound. As an action, one dose of war paint can be rubbed onto the skin. The pigment covers roughly six square inches of skin. A creature can wear no more than three different colors of paint at a time, and you cannot simultaneously apply the effects of more than one color of war paint to the same creature. Any attempt to apply more than three colors of war paint fails. Each application of paint lasts for 10 minutes regardless of color. The war paint’s color determines its effects.

• Black (rare): Necromantic energy fills your soul. You can use a bonus action on each of your turns to condemn each creature other than an undead or construct that can see or hear you within 30 feet. Each targeted creature must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a failed saving throw, the creature takes 3d10 necrotic damage and the creature’s hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage it took from this effect. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0. On a successful saving throw, the target takes half as much necrotic damage and is immune to this war paint’s effects for 24 hours.
• Blue (uncommon): A frigid chill courses through your body. While your wear this war paint, you can use an action to cause one weapon you are holding to coat itself in frost. The icy coating is harmless to you and the weapon. When you hit with an attack using the frosty weapon, the target takes an extra 1d6 cold damage.
• Green (uncommon): Nothing can hold you back. You cannot be restrained or paralyzed. You can use five feet of your movement to automatically escape a grapple.