Recently in the "Arcane Artifacts" Category

Description
Inghatrak's Gurgling Skull is a magical totem which is the culmination of centuries of research by Inghatrak, a lich alchemist obsessed with codifying the science behind undeath. Convinced that the source of undeath lay in cosmic radiation from beyond the stars, Inghatrak scoured the land for radioactive meteorites collecting and using them in cadaverous experiments.

The final ingredient serendipitously presented itself after Inghatrak emerged victorious in a duel with a long-time enemy whose name has since been forgotten. Never one to let material components go to waste, the lich cleaned the skull, discovering that the residue of magical intellect left in the membrane lining the skull, when combined with a particularly toxic meteorite, was the final ingredient needed to predictably reanimate the dead.

The artifact itself consists of a decorated, reinforced skull which conceals a reservoir of arcane ooze surrounding a polished meteorite core. Five sharpened tines protrude from the skull which, when planted in the ground serve as a delivery mechanism, leeching a noxious substance directly into the ground. Within a matter of hours, the infectious ooze suffuses the ground in a 500' radius, causing the dead to rise and pursue the living. If not slain, the undead will eventually find their way back to Inghatrak's lair, joining its undead army.

Description
The Sword of Wizardry is an arcane blade that channels an elemental force directly from the source plane. The surface of the blade is actually a microscopically thin planar portal through which only elemental energy can pass. The sword is attuned to the true elemental nature of the wielder, and changes depending upon who holds it. Even the runes on the hilt will reconfigure themselves when the blade changes hands.

It is both a powerful energy blade and a source of insight into one's true nature. A fire mage, for example, may find out he is truly attuned to the frost of the Gray Glaciers. A warrior of light may find himself wielding a foul smelling blade coated in viscous ichor from the Seven Cisterns of Godless Slime. This sword does not require knowledge of magic to use.

Notes
This is my (somewhat last minute) contribution to "Swords & Wizardry Appreciation Day."

Description
The Eye of the Assimilator is a powerful and dangerous relic that consists of the petrified eye of a Slavering Assimilator mounted like a sinister jewel in a gnarled metal wand. This wand allows the wielder to impersonate any creature up to ogre size (approximately 12′ in height) provided they've been able to obtain a tissue sample, such as hair or blood. The sample needn't be fresh, but it must be real.

Use of the device is exhausting, and the effect will fade in d100 minutes. This artifact is dangerous, for the thing still lives within the core of its petrified eye. If the wand is shattered, sentient living tissue will be released and will seek out the most recent user and attempt to kill and replicate them when they are alone.

Adventurers who acquire this relic may be unaware of its living nature, unless they are well versed in its lore. They are most likely to assume that the eye is actually a polished gemstone. Woe to those who try to pry the "gem" loose from its setting.