Nyxian Shard

The Nyxian Shard is a hauntingly beautiful artifact, its appearance a testament to the dark powers it embodies. At its core is a shard of obsidian-like material, black as midnight and smooth as glass, reflecting no light save for a faint, ethereal glow that seems to emanate from within. Veins of shadowy energy course through its surface, pulsating with an eerie, hypnotic rhythm. Encased within a delicate silver setting, the shard is adorned with intricate filigree work, reminiscent of twisted branches reaching out to ensnare the unwary. Sinuous patterns writhe and coil around its surface, forming arcane sigils and symbols of unknown origin. At its apex, a single, blood-red gemstone gleams like a malevolent eye, casting a baleful glare upon all who behold it.
Despite its small size, the Nyxian Shard exudes a palpable aura of darkness and foreboding, its presence suffusing the air with a sense of unease. Those who gaze upon it find themselves drawn inexorably into its depths, as if it holds the secrets of the universe within its inky heart. With each touch, it whispers promises of untold power and forbidden knowledge, tempting its wielder to delve ever deeper into the mysteries of the night.
In the hands of Dharrion, the Nyxian Shard becomes a tool of manipulation and mastery, its dark energies harnessed to bend the very fabric of reality to his will, but beneath its alluring surface lies a darkness that hungers for more, threatening to consume its wielder in a maelstrom of madness and despair.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Powers and Abilities:

• Amplification of Psychic Abilities: The talisman acts as a conduit for Dharrion's psychic energies, amplifying his natural talents to unprecedented levels. With its aid, he can delve deeper into the minds of others, manipulate their thoughts and emotions with greater precision, and even project his consciousness across vast distances.
• Illusory Manipulation: Harnessing the dark energies of the Shadowgrove, the talisman grants Dharrion the ability to weave intricate illusions and phantasms. He can cloak himself in shadows, distort perceptions, and create elaborate mental landscapes to ensnare and manipulate his foes.
• Shadow Magic Affinity: Through the talisman's influence, Dharrion gains a deeper understanding of shadow magic, allowing him to wield its power with greater finesse and control. He can summon tendrils of darkness to ensnare his enemies, shroud himself in protective shadows, or unleash devastating blasts of shadowy energy.
• Knowledge of Forbidden Lore: Imbued with the forbidden knowledge of the Shadowgrove, the talisman grants Dharrion access to ancient texts and arcane secrets long hidden from mortal eyes. He can decipher cryptic prophecies, unlock the secrets of lost civilizations, and glean insights into the nature of reality itself.

Drawbacks:

• Corruption of the Soul: The dark energies coursing through the Shadowgrove Talisman have a corrupting influence on Dharrion's psyche, slowly eroding his morality and sense of self. With each use of its powers, he risks losing touch with his humanity, succumbing to the insidious whispers of the Shadowgrove's malevolent spirits.
• Dependency on the Artifact: Dharrion becomes increasingly reliant on the talisman to channel his psychic abilities, to the point where he struggles to wield them effectively without its aid. Should he ever be separated from the artifact, he would find himself weakened and vulnerable, cut off from the source of his power.
• Interference from the Shadowgrove: The entities of the Shadowgrove are capricious and unpredictable, often exerting their influence over Dharrion's actions and decisions. Despite his best intentions, he may find himself compelled to carry out tasks and rituals in service to his shadowy benefactors, further entwining his fate with theirs.

History

The history of the Nyxian Shard intertwines with the twisted machinations of Ban Drui Caoimhe Iníon Mab, also known as Sile, the self-proclaimed Queen of the Shadowgrove. As a half-Fey with a deep-seated hatred for all non-Fey beings, Sile sought to extend her influence beyond the confines of Cairne, her realm of shadow and darkness. Driven by a ruthless desire for power, Sile delved deep into the arcane arts, tapping into the forbidden secrets of the Shadowgrove to craft artifacts of unparalleled darkness. Among her creations was the Nyxian Shard, a relic infused with the essence of the night itself, intended to ensnare the minds and souls of mortals with its insidious allure.
Drawing upon the twisted flora of Cairne, Sile imbued the shard with a malevolent sentience, weaving strands of darkness and madness into its very fabric. With each stroke of her ethereal brush, she shaped the shard into a vessel of shadowy power, a conduit for the darkest depths of the Shadowgrove.
Sile's ambitions did not end with the creation of the Nyxian Shard. Knowing that true power lay in the corruption of mortal souls, she sought out those she deemed worthy of her gift, individuals who would serve as her agents in the world. Through her manipulations and machinations, she enticed them with promises of power and glory, luring them into her web of deceit. Among those she chose was Dharrion, a young elf whose potential for greatness caught her attention. Sensing the seeds of darkness within his soul, Sile saw in him the perfect vessel for her twisted ambitions. With a deft hand and a wicked grin, she bestowed upon him the Nyxian Shard, knowing full well the havoc it would wreak upon his mind and spirit.
As Dharrion embraced his role as the Gurinmesaia, Sile watched from the shadows, her influence guiding his actions and shaping his destiny. With each act of manipulation and coercion, she grew stronger, feeding off the darkness that consumed him.

Item type

Jewelry / Valuable

Creation Date

112 PR

Current Location

The Ruins of Shah

Current Holder

The Gurinmesaia

Manufacturer

The Court of the Shadowgrove

Creator

Caoimhe Iníon Mab

Related ethnicities

• Gauldowhynna

Owning Organization

Sodalites of the Gurinmesaia