Diadem of Fear (wondrous cursed item, rare)

Description: A beautiful jeweled band of silver with gold accents, the diadem of fear is highly prized for its masterful craftsmanship.

Fearful Curse: The diadem distorts the perception of the wearer. Other people become distorted monstrosities that are fearful to behold. A creature affected by this curse suffers from the frightened condition against all creatures in sight including enemies and allies.

Removing the Curse: The curse will end the moment an affected creature removes the diadem from their head. Because the cursed effect does not require attunement, an affected creature may not realize their perception is being distorted by the diadem and may consider the monsters around them as real.

Destroying the Diadem: The diadem of fear can be destroyed by dealing 30 points of arcane force damage.

Some possible adventure hooks:

• A young noble-woman received the diadem as a gift and upon putting it on has fled into the nearby woods. She has been captured by kobolds, goblins, gnolls or some other fiendish creature and needs saving.
• At a party, an elven man enters wearing the diadem. He screams in fear and draws his sword slashing at everyone around. He will need to be talked down before he hurts someone or himself.
• The players find the diadem amongst some loot and suggest one of the more chaotic players try it first.
• A cult leader has been using the diadem to manipulate the people of a small town to obey him out of fear.