Many years ago, a Dreadsylvanian necromancer forged a powerful but evil magical ring. Then a Dreadsylvanian ranger slew the necromancer, and claimed the ring, along with the necromancer's other loot. Then a Dreadsylvanian highwayman robbed the ranger on his way home, making off with both his wallet and one of his fingers. Then the ghost of the Dreadsylvanian necromancer killed the highwayman and took all of his stuff, including the ranger's finger, out of which he made this ring.

Oh, and then I guess at some point somebody was wearing it while they were executed by hanging, but get this -- the executioner was wearing the original ring I talked about earlier....