Hollowcrown Striker: DnD 5e Homebrew Magic Item

Hollowcrown Striker, a skull-topped mace for D&D 5e — The Hollowcrown Striker: A Mace of Undead Domination.

The Hollowcrown Striker is a rare mace that grants +1 to attack and damage rolls, along with unique abilities like Dread Aura and Spirit Shield.

✨ Item Overview

The Hollowcrown Striker is a rare and formidable mace designed for those who dare to command the power of the undead. This macabre weapon features a cracked human skull crowned with iron spikes, and a handle carved with arcane runes. The tattered cloth hanging from its neck adds to its grim presence. In play, the Hollowcrown Striker allows its wielder to intimidate undead foes with ease and offers a temporary defensive boon when a creature is slain. As a wielder sends enemies to their end, they gain insight and strength from the passing spirits. This chilling artifact is perfect for necromancers and warriors alike, promising both fear and respect in the heat of battle.

🔑 Key Facts

Type: Weapon (mace), requires attunement
Rarity: Rare
Attack Bonus: +1 to attack and damage rolls
Damage: 1d6 + 1 bludgeoning
Passive: Advantage on Intimidation checks against undead (Dread Aura)
Active: Spirit Shield — gain +2 AC until end of next turn when you kill a creature
Drawback: Disadvantage on saving throws against charm effects while attuned
Includes: Free Foundry VTT macro download

📜 Item Stats

Type	Weapon (mace), requires attunement
Rarity	Rare
Attunement	Yes, requires attunement
Attack Bonus	+1 to attack and damage rolls
Damage	1d6 + 1 bludgeoning
Dread Aura	You have advantage on Intimidation checks against undead.
Spirit Shield	When you kill a creature, gain +2 AC until end of your next turn as their spirit briefly shields you. Recharge on short rest.

Crafted within the necropolis of Zal’Tek, this mace was last wielded by High Priest Tharn, who vanished mysteriously. When held, the air becomes chill as if the grave itself were near.

🎲 Free Magic Items for DnD

Want to use Hollowcrown Striker in your campaign? Download the free token below – perfect for VTTs like Roll20 or Foundry, or print it out for your table!

Foundry VTT · dnd5e v3 & v4

⚔️ Foundry VTT Macro

Create the Hollowcrown Striker directly in your world — with one click.

This Script Macro creates two fully configured items in Foundry VTT: the Hollowcrown Striker weapon and the Spirit Shield feature, complete with Active Effects, damage rolls, saving throws, and an unidentified state for mystery-first reveal at the table. No modules required. Recharge: 1× per short rest.

Open the Macro Directory

In Foundry, click the macro hotbar at the bottom. Click any empty slot or open the Macro Directory and hit Create Macro.

Set Type to “Script”

In the macro editor, make sure the type is set to Script (not Chat). Give it a name like Hollowcrown Striker.

Paste the Code & Save

Copy the macro below, paste it into the editor, and click Save Macro.

Run the Macro

Click the macro button in the hotbar. Optional: select a token first — items will be added directly to that character’s sheet. With no token selected, they appear in the World Items sidebar.

+1 Attack & Damage Spirit Shield 👁 Unidentified by Default

GM Note: The item is created as unidentified — players only see “Unidentified Mace” and a flavour description until you reveal it. To identify it: open the item sheet → Details tab → tick Identified.

hollowcrown-striker-macro.js

Macro & item by RuneForge Studio · Free to use in your campaign

// ================================================================
//  HOLLOWCROWN STRIKER — Foundry VTT Creation Macro
//  Source & Lore: runeforgestudio.com
//  Compatible with dnd5e system v3.x and v4.x (2024 PHB)
//
//  HOW TO USE:
//  1. Create a new Script Macro in Foundry VTT
//  2. Paste this entire code, then save the macro
//  3. Optional: select a token first -> items are added directly
//     to that character. No selection -> World Items sidebar.
//  4. Execute the macro (click hotbar button or run button)
//
//  UNIDENTIFIED SYSTEM (native dnd5e — no module required):
//  – Created with system.identified = false
//  – Players see "Unidentified Mace" and atmospheric text
//  – To reveal: item sheet (as GM) -> Details tab -> tick Identified
// ================================================================

// — IMAGE URL ——————————————————-
// Loaded directly from RuneForge Studio. For offline use, download
// and upload via Foundry's file browser, then replace this URL.
(async () => {

// — IMAGE URL ——————————————-
  // Loaded directly from RuneForge Studio. For offline use,
  // download and upload via Foundry's file browser.
  const IMAGE_URL = "https://runeforgestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Free_Magic_Items_for_DnD_hollowcrown-striker.png";

// — DETECT SYSTEM VERSION ——————————————
const sysVer = game.system.version;
const isV4 = foundry.utils.isNewerVersion(sysVer, "3.9.9");
console.log("[Hollowcrown Striker] dnd5e " + sysVer + " detected -> " + (isV4 ? "v4 mode" : "v3 mode"));

// — DESCRIPTIONS —————————————————

const identifiedDesc = `Weapon (mace), requires attunement
<blockquote>"Crafted within the necropolis of Zal'Tek, this mace was last wielded by High Priest Tharn, who vanished mysteriously. When held, the air becomes chill as if the grave itself were near."</blockquote>
Type: Weapon (mace), requires attunement
Rarity: Rare
Attunement: Yes, requires attunement
Attack Bonus: +1 to attack and damage rolls
Damage: 1d6 + 1 bludgeoning
Dread Aura: You have advantage on Intimidation checks against undead.
Spirit Shield: When you kill a creature, gain +2 AC until end of your next turn as their spirit briefly shields you. Recharge on short rest.
<h3>Spirit Shield</h3>
See the Spirit Shield feature item for full mechanics.
<h3>Drawback</h3>
While attuned, the wielder has disadvantage on saving throws against charm effects due to the mace's dark influence.`;

const unidentifiedDesc = `An eerie-looking mace with a skull perched atop it. Iron spikes crown its head, making it both terrifying and fascinating.It feels cold to the touch.`;

const abilityDesc = `Feature: Hollowcrown Striker — 1/Short Rest
When you kill a creature, gain +2 AC until end of your next turn as their spirit briefly shields you. Recharge on short rest.`;

// — ACTIVE EFFECTS ————————————————-
const activeEffects = [];

// — MAIN ITEM ——————————————————
const mainItemData = {
  name: "Hollowcrown Striker",
  type: "weapon",
  img: IMAGE_URL,
  system: {
    description: {
      value: identifiedDesc,
      unidentified: unidentifiedDesc,
    },
    identified: false,
    quantity: 1,
    rarity: "rare",
    equipped: false,
    attunement: isV4 ? "required" : 1,
    weight: { value: 4, units: "lb" },
    price: { value: 0, denomination: "gp" },
    type: { value: "martialM", subtype: "" },
    weaponType: "martialM",
    baseItem: "mace",
    properties: isV4 ? ["mgc"] : {mgc: true},
    proficient: null,
    magicalBonus: 1,
    damage: isV4
      ? {
          base: { number: 1, denomination: 6, bonus: "", types: ["bludgeoning"], custom: { enabled: false, formula: "" } },
        }
      : { parts: [["1d6", "bludgeoning"]] },
    actionType: "mwak",
    range: { value: 5, long: null, units: "ft" },
    uses: { value: null, max: null, per: null },
  },
  effects: activeEffects,
};

// — ABILITY ITEM —————————————————
const abilityItemData = {
  name: "Spirit Shield (Hollowcrown Striker)",
  type: "feat",
  img: IMAGE_URL,
  system: {
    description: { value: abilityDesc, unidentified: "" },
    identified: true,
    activation: { type: "action", cost: 1, condition: "" },
    duration: { value: null, units: "inst" },
    range: { value: null, long: null, units: "self" },
    target: { value: null, units: "self", type: "self" },
    uses: {
      value: 1,
      max: "1",
      per: "sr",
      recovery: [],
      prompt: true,
    },
    
    actionType: "util",
    
    chatFlavor: "Activate as described",
    rarity: "",
  },
};

// — CREATE THE ITEMS ———————————————–
mainItemData.folder = null;
abilityItemData.folder = null;

const targetActor = canvas.tokens.controlled[0]?.actor ?? game.user.character ?? null;

try {
  let created;
  if (targetActor) {
    created = await targetActor.createEmbeddedDocuments("Item", [mainItemData, abilityItemData]);
    ui.notifications.info("Hollowcrown Striker + Spirit Shield added to " + targetActor.name);
  } else {
    created = await Item.create([mainItemData, abilityItemData]);
    ui.notifications.info("Hollowcrown Striker + Spirit Shield created in World Items (no token selected)");
  }
  if (created?.[0]) created[0].sheet?.render(true);
} catch (err) {
  ui.notifications.error("Error creating items — check browser console (F12).");
  console.error("[Hollowcrown Striker] Creation error:", err);
}

})();

// ================================================================
//  GM REFERENCE
//  Identifying: item sheet -> Details tab -> tick "Identified"
//  Players see: "Unidentified Mace" + atmospheric text
//  Give to PC: drag item from World Items onto character sheet
// ================================================================

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lore behind the Hollowcrown Striker?

Crafted in the necropolis of Zal’Tek, the Hollowcrown Striker was last wielded by High Priest Tharn, whose chilling presence lingers in its grip. The air turns cold when held.

How does the Spirit Shield ability work?

When you kill a creature, you gain +2 AC until the end of your next turn as their spirit briefly shields you. This ability recharges on a short rest.

What is the drawback of using the Hollowcrown Striker?

While attuned, the wielder suffers disadvantage on saving throws against charm effects due to the mace’s dark necromantic influence.

Is the Hollowcrown Striker good for necromancer builds?

Absolutely. The Dread Aura giving advantage on Intimidation against undead, combined with the death-triggered Spirit Shield, makes it ideal for necromancer-adjacent builds, clerics of death, or frontline paladins.

What classes benefit most from Hollowcrown Striker in DnD 5e?

Clerics of the Death domain and Paladins benefit most from the Hollowcrown Striker. Clerics gain maximum value from the Dread Aura when commanding undead, while Paladins use Spirit Shield to combine kill-triggered AC with Divine Smite, turning every lethal strike into both an offensive and defensive moment.

How does Hollowcrown Striker compare to similar official DnD 5e items?

Compared to the Mace of Smiting (DMG), which deals extra damage to constructs and destroys them on a critical, the Hollowcrown Striker trades construct-specific damage for broader death-triggered benefits and a thematic intimidation passive — making it more versatile but less specialized.

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