[Jack Simth]

The Ego score does many things.... mostly, it acts as the Will save DC in player vs. item; it also influences how many negative levels an inappropriet wielder gains when when picking it up. Now, as the sword is lawful-good, and Derrel's Lawful-good, he's an appropriet wielder; as long as he maintains his Paladin's Oath, she will serve him faithfully. If a Chaotic-Evil character picked her up, though, the CE would "gain" two or three negative levels (perhaps four; I haven't looked at it that closely recently), and then have to make a Will save (with the penalty!) or make a concession to the sword - which would likely mean giving the sword to someone else (e.g., back to Derrel).