Encyclopedia Magica: Draskillion’s Amulet of Life

 Draskillion’s Amulet of Life

Wondrous Item, Very Rare (requires attunement by a non-undead, non-construct creature)

Aura: Strong Abjuration and Enchantment

This amulet is constructed to serve to protect and preserve the life of the wearer. When the creature wearing the amulet dies, their soul is immediately absorbed into the amulet, unless it already houses a soul. A soul within the amulet can remain in the amulet or depart for the afterlife. As long as a soul is within the amulet, it can attempt to possess the creature currently wearing and attuned to the amulet. When it does so, it makes a Charisma check contested by the wearer’s Charisma check. If they succeed, the wearer’s soul is drawn into the amulet while at the same time the soul currently occupying the amulet possesses the body of the wearer. Once a creature attempts to possess the wearer of the amulet it cannot do so again for 24 hours.

A soul retains its alignment, Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma. It otherwise uses the possessed target’s statistics, but doesn't gain access to the target’s knowledge, class features, or proficiencies.

Curse. Any creature that touches the amulet feels a strong compulsion to wear it. That creature must succeed on a DC16 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, they keep the amulet and attempt to attune to it the next time they have an opportunity. Once a creature attunes to and starts wearing the amulet, it cannot be removed until the curse is broken.

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Here it is, another 2e magic item from the Encyclopedia Magica converted to 5e. This is a slightly more involved item than, say, the one for controlling caterpillars. It's used to try and not die, done through possession and whatever moral quandaries that brings up.