[quote=“Dorian, post:3683, topic:42”]What does an “evil presence” on an artifact do? I assume it means the thing is up to no good in some respect.
It does give +4 to INT, though, which means I’m going to be keeping it to use for installing CBMs, the Amigara fight, etc. 
If you must know, spoilers below.
The evil presence modifier will inflict a disease called ‘Evil’ on you. At first this will give you various buffs, but these will slowly turn to penalties, except for the strength buff which will increase further.
The other drawback is that it will also penalize your stats if you STOP wielding it. Basically, get rid of it unless you don’t mind losing everything for some strength buffs.