When the appropriate command words (sana vulnera, sanatio morbo, corrumpebant venenum) for this item is spoken, it will heal wounds, cure disease, or even neutralize poison. The subject must be in contact with the earth when the magic is applied, e.g. not in a building with a floor. The Shillelagh must also be in contact with the subject and with the earth.
The rod works its magic by trading elemental earth energy to restore health for points in Strength and Constitution.
It will restore 3d4 hp of wound damage.
For every 2 hit points restored (rounded down), the subject will suffer a temporary loss of 1 point of Strength and 1 point of Constitution. This loss will last for the number of hours equal to the number of hit points restored. After that, the abilities will start to recover by 1 point per hour.
Each use of the item will use one charge.
When neutralizing poison, the number of hours is determined by the number of hit points damage delivered by the poison.
When curing disease, the number of recovery hours is dependent on the severity of the disease: Mild = 4 hours, Severe = 12 hours, Terminal = 36 hours.
In addition, with each use of the shillelagh on any one individual, there is a 1% cumulative chance that the individual will lose 1 point of Strength or Constitution PERMANENTLY!
There may be additional qualities as yet undetermined.