The Shadowstone
Perhaps the mightiest item of Darkness ever to exist on Kulthea, the Shadowstone - also known as
Kadaena's Heart and the
Dark Jewel - is not subtle in power or appearance. An oval, smoky crystalline stone about three inches long, it is multifaceted, though the pattern is so convoluted that it is either the work of the tortured earth or an insane jeweler. The jewel pulses with an angry red light when its powers are being drawn upon.
It is and always has been set in a vertically encircling band of star iron, and is attached o a heavy chain of the same dull, black material. As with all things fashioned of star iron, the setting and chain have a rough look, as if the vast powers of the Lords of Essaence could barely wrench the metal into the desired form.
But only star iron is worthy of holding the Shadowstone, a jewel of power which goes beyond the Elemental. Legend says that it came from the Pillar of the Gods. Even the Lords of Orhan fear it, for while it has the power to destroy material things, it
desires to destroy the spirit.
The wearer of the Shadowstone is able to wrench the very soul from his desired target with only a thought, and so fuel the dark gem's other powers. In fact, the Shadowstone requires souls on which to feed or it will draw energy from whatever is around it, including its owner.
If the wearer of the Shadowstone is killed, his body vaporizes and his spirit enters the Shadowstone. The next being who dons the Shadowstone must then wrest control of it from the former wearer in a battle of wills.
RM Powers- Wearer is immune to all Mentalism and Essence spells (though his own spells may function normally). Wearer may also Dispel any active Essence or Mentalism spell within 200' at will (Spell must make a RR vs wearer level at -80). Channeling attacks must make a RR at -80 or be annulled. Wearer may also Dispel any active Channeling spell within 200' at will (Spell must make RR vs wearer level at no mod).
- Wearer may cast Shadows. Effect is of absolute darkness in which only magical light can exist and it must make a RR vs wearer level. Even beings who can see in the dark (Elves, Dwarfs) are blind - except servants of the Wearer, who can see fine. Within Shadows, Wearer can see areas which are dark and things that are invisible. All within Shadows who do not serve the Wearer take one "A" Depression critical an hour, one "C" per day, one "E" per week (10 days). Wearer can cause Shadows to extend in a radius of up to 80 miles from his person, though the effort is taxing (requiring almost constant concentration). The Shadowstone demands hundreds of souls per day to maintain a radius that large.
- Wearer may cast Essaence Thirst at will, range 800'.If Target fails RR (at -80), he is stripped of all PPs (these are permanently added to Wearer's total) and his appropriate Temp. and Potential PP Stat(s) is reduced to 5. Any PP enhancer worn by Target must make a RR or shatter.
- Wearer may case Shadow Ball and Shadow Bolt at will, up to 800' range. (Nether Attack charts, but delivers primary Disruption and Shock, secondary Heat and Cold (as table indicates).)
- Wearer may cast Dark Thirst at will. Spell is similar to Dark Absolution, but range is 800' and RR Mod is -80. The body becomes an empty husk, and though mindless and without skills, it can be ordered about by the Wearer.
- Wearer is cloaked in Shadow. Treat as AT 20 (240) unless opponent is wielding a Holy weapon, then AT 20 (-120). Non-magical weapons are useless and shatter when used. Non-Holy weapons must make a RR vs 10th level or shatter if they hit. In any case, wielder of any non-Holy weapon takes a Shock critical of identical severity to wearer every time he hits.
- Wearer is hasted at will, cannot be stunned (except by Holy weapons). All bleeding wounds heal after one round.
- All within 8 miles of wearer suffer -10 to morale and -5 to RRs and Maneuvers; all within 800' suffer -20 to morale and -10 to RRs and Maneuvers; all within 80' are at -80 to morale and -40 to RRs and Maneuvers.
Note: The Shadowstone may have other powers, and may indeed mold its abilities to suit its current wearer. It is intelligent (though it does not 'speak' or communicate directly) and has a will of its own.
