Build an artifact: Smaug's scale

[Glorelendil]

As for curses, I'd say a curse of weakness (Dragon-sickness) would be likely. And you're all right, the idea of using it for good is probably unlikely as it would have a lot of darkness to it. The player heroes have good intentions with it, but it will probably lead to trouble.

On the other hand, Bilbo's generosity with his dragon gold seems to undo much of the curse, so there is an interesting question about how much good intentions make a difference with cursed items.

I think that what helped Bilbo was dispersing the gold, in the same way that Tom B. spread the treasure from the Barrow out in the sun to disperse the curse.

So feeding the scale through a paper shredder and spreading it to the four winds might work...

[Summerhawk]

I think that what helped Bilbo was dispersing the gold, in the same way that Tom B. spread the treasure from the Barrow out in the sun to disperse the curse.

So feeding the scale through a paper shredder and spreading it to the four winds might work...

A paper shredder could be an interesting crafting project for the party's dwarven smith.

What I'm thinking right now (in the event they keep it), is giving it a greater blessing of awe, but with a Curse of Dragon-sickness. Any suggestions for additional properties it ought to have?

[Glorelendil]

I think that what helped Bilbo was dispersing the gold, in the same way that Tom B. spread the treasure from the Barrow out in the sun to disperse the curse.

So feeding the scale through a paper shredder and spreading it to the four winds might work...

A paper shredder could be an interesting crafting project for the party's dwarven smith.

What I'm thinking right now (in the event they keep it), is giving it a greater blessing of awe, but with a Curse of Dragon-sickness. Any suggestions for additional properties it ought to have?

Personally I'd just make it a semi-permanent Shadow Point, so that they get the flaw appropriate to their own Calling.