Mask of Death

This is a horrific black mask carved in the likeness of a demon's face. Massive curved horns sweep up and back out of the forehead and behind the ears, while the fangs seem to glisten as if ready to bite at any moment. When worn, the mask's eye sockets become covered with a glassy shield that glows red. When the wearer speaks, her voice is broadcast as a guttural growl. Power: A vampiric aura similar to that produced by a dreadlord protects the wearer of this evil item. Whenever the wearer hits an enemy in combat, she immediately regains hit points equal to her character level or the base damage dealt (excluding Strength and magical bonuses and the like - just the weapon's base damage die), whichever is lower. If she is uninjured, she gains the excess as temporary hit points up to a maximum of double her character level. These extra hit points last for up to 1 hour or until the mask is removed. This item bestows one negative level on any non- evil creature attempting to wear it. The negative level remains as long as the creature wears the mask and disappears when the mask is no longer worn. This negative level never results in actual level loss, but it cannot be overcome in any way (including restoration spells) while the mask is worn.