Item: Yuleclaw’s Chain

Wondrous Item, Very Rare (requires attunement)

Crafted from jagged black iron links and adorned with cruel, spiked ornaments, Yuleclaw’s Chain is said to be forged in the infernal fires of Krampus’s lair. This grim holiday relic imbues its wearer with terrifying powers to punish the wicked while binding the wearer to its dark purpose.

Properties:

Chains of Binding (Recharge 5–6):
As an action, you can throw Yuleclaw’s Chain at a creature within 30 feet. The chain animates, attempting to grapple the target. The creature must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or become restrained by the chain for up to 1 minute. While restrained, the creature takes 2d6 piercing damage at the start of each of its turns.
The restrained creature can use its action to make a DC 16 Strength (Athletics) check, ending the effect on itself with a success. The chain then slithers back to your hand.
Punishment of the Naughty:
While attuned to Yuleclaw’s Chain, you gain advantage on Intimidation checks. Additionally, when you hit a creature that is considered “evil” (DM’s discretion), the chain deals an extra 1d8 psychic damage as visions of their misdeeds haunt them.
Infernal Presence (Once per Day):
You can cast fear (save DC 16) as an action, targeting all creatures within a 30-foot cone. Instead of the usual phantasms, targets see their greatest guilt materialized as Krampus’s wrath.
Curse of the Chain:
Yuleclaw’s Chain is cursed. Upon attuning to it, you are bound to Krampus’s service during the winter season. Each dawn during this time, you must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, you are compelled to seek out and punish those deemed “naughty” by Krampus’s infernal judgment. This compulsion can override your usual moral alignment.

Appearance:
The chain is unnaturally cold to the touch and faintly glows with an eerie, crimson light. Bells hang from the links, jingling softly with a sinister undertone when moved.

This item fits perfectly into a Krampus-themed holiday adventure, offering players both powerful abilities and a thematic challenge to overcome its dark curse.