Lucius Tarquinius Superbus' Stick

Origin
Lucius Tarquinius Superbus was the legendary seventh and final king of Rome, reigning from 535 BC until the popular uprising in 509 that led to the establishment of the Roman Republic. His reign was described as tyrannical, which began with the deaths of the fifth king’s family and the assassination of the sixth. He removed many of the senators without replacing them and commonly used violence and deception to maintain his rule.

To try and ease the costs of his constant construction projects, he tried invading the wealthy nation of Rutuli. The attempt failed, as the Rutuli fought back and his inner circle betrayed him for his misdeeds against their families. He was later exiled, the roman monarchy was abolished and a new government system was established.

The stick came from Tarquin’s war with the Gabii. The city had rejected his treaty and he planted his son Sextus to gain their trust and control of their troops. Sextus had gained their total confidence and sent a messenger for the next step. The king made no reply when one arrived. Instead, he took a stick and started hitting the tallest poppies in his garden. The messenger told Sextus what happened, who understood he had to remove the most eminent citizens.

Effects
It is activated when the stick touches a plant, releasing a pollen onto the holder. Allows the user to quickly gain power in anything. However, they will believe their lives are at risk and will order the authorities under their control to kill the most opposing and most talented people out of the populace. The user will constantly abuse their authority whenever possible.