Vimanda's Raktavarna

The silver dagger on Verik's desk cannot be identified as a magic item, since it technically isn't one. Should the PCs attempt an Arcana check to detect magic (DC 29, see PHB page 181), they discover that the blade is magical despite having no properties of its own as a weapon. A second Arcana check can then be made (again, DC 29) to identify the dagger as the product of a ritual to create a raktavarna. Success on this check also means the character is somewhat familiar with raktavarnas and their connections to rakshasas. Should the creature wise up to the party's knowledge of its true nature, it shifts back to snake form to attack, falling dead mid-lunge as its connection to its master is cut off.