Asellien

Though they tend to avoid humans nowadays, the Salamanders clearly once trusted some enough to grant them what may be the most dangerous of all the Elder Races' gifts, the Key of Fire. Perhaps it is fortunate that the early Droden found themselves in a volcanic near-wasteland, forced to contend with the environment rather than other groups of people, as the few times Asellien has been used directly, the ensuing devastation has made it only too clear that it has the potential to wipe entire species off the face of the world. For that reason, a group of six wise men many years ago took it upon themselves to shackle the Key's immense magic power. Few survive meddling with the magic of the Elder Races, but at the cost of their own lives, they were able to transfer a portion of the Key's magic into four stones which were subsequently, and very intentionally, lost to history. Some would say this was an insult to the Salamanders who gave it to the Droden so long ago, but a few of Droden's islands still bear the scars from Asellien's last use at full power. Were the Key of Fire able to cause as much damage now as it once was, even Gardsel's emperor would live in fear of it.

Significance

The Key of Fire is part of Droden's Ruling Regalia and is under the sole control of the High Arbiter. It contains a measure of the Salamanders' magic, and even though its power has been greatly reduced, it is still capable of causing or quelling a volcanic eruption. The extent of its full power is unknown, but its effects are still visible on the island of Dagatan, where no grass grows and the soil has turned to ash. The people of Droden may appreciate the Key's ability to tame the volcanoes, and they may feel that it gives them an affinity with this fiery land, but they must also remember that it could be a mighty tool for destruction.

Item type

Unique Artifact

Current Location

Dumali Grand Courthouse

Owning Organization

Droden

Rarity

Unique

Dimensions

16cm in length, 4cm wide at one end, narrows to a point at the other.