Shadestone

Within the history of the roots of Ethereasil, Umbrathir, a realm veiled in shadow and mystery, the shadestones carve an niche within the annals of metaphysical lore. These singular stones, their provenance tethered exclusively to the umbral depths, are the outcome of an extraordinary fusion—a mortal soul intricately bonded to a peculiar, translucent crystal native to the mysterious confines Umbrathir.
Functioning as more than mere artifacts, shadestones manifest a duality of purpose within history. Primarily, they stand as ethereal anchors, forging an inseparable link between Durannun and the obsidian depths of Umbrathir. In this profound connection, they become conduits through which the very essence of Umbrathir courses into the fabric of the material realm, perpetuating a symbiotic relationship the two. It is said that this connection can even result in "bridges" between the two parts of Etheriasil.
Beyond their anchoring role, shadestones unveil a second facet, becoming reservoirs of potent arcane energy. For those initiated into the esoteric arts, these stones serve as reservoirs of formidable power, unlocking a wellspring of mystical potential. The adept mage or artificer, attuned to the resonances of the stone, can draw upon the shadestone's arcane energies to fuel their magical endeavors or use its energy to fuel a magical artifice.
The lore surrounding these shadestones is, however, veiled in shadows as dense as the realm they call home. As a scholar navigating the intricate tales of Umbrathir, I embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries shrouding these crystalline enigmas, recognizing that their significance transcends the mundane boundaries of mere material artifact.
T.R.
Appendix D

Properties

Physical & Chemical Properties

All shadestone samples have the following traits regardless of size:

Immune to necrotic, poison, and psychic damage, as well as bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical weapons.

Resistant to acid, cold, fire, and lightning damage, as well as slashing and piercing damage from magical weapons.

Vulnerable to bludgeoning damage from magical weapons.

Unless contained within an antimagic field, shadestone shatters and crumbles into worthless ash when reduced to zero hit points. However, shadestone geodes release a random arcane anomaly when destroyed.

Shadestone Hazards

When a humanoid creature touches shadestone without protective gear (such as gloves or tongs) for the first time on their turn, or ends their turn in bodily contact with shadestone, they must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or take 1d6 necrotic damage and gain one level of contamination (see Appendix C).

Shadestone Harvesting

Shadestone found in Haupstadt is usually fused into the ground or stone buildings and may be carefully extracted using handheld mining equipment such as shovels, picks, hammers, and chisels. Consult the table to determine how long it takes characters to harvest a shard. Lacking proper equipment, extraction takes ten times as long. Massive clusters are impossible to extract without heavy equipment or powerful magic.

Uses for Shadestone

**Spell Component:** Shadestone may be used as an arcane focus or material component for any spell on the sorcerer, warlock, or wizard spell list. When casting a spell which requires a costly material component, a spellcaster may instead use shadestone of equivalent value to the required cost.
**Magic Items:** Shadestone is an exceptional material for creating magical items of all kinds. Several new magic items are described herein, but any existing magic item described in the Core Rules could be made with shadestone. Fragments, shards, crystals, and geodes may be used to make uncommon, rare, very rare, and legendary items respectively. At the GM’s discretion, characters who can cast 5th level spells or higher may learn techniques to craft magic items of their own during their downtime.
**Stable Shadestone:** The process for crafting magic items with shadestone renders the crystals stable. Unless otherwise specified, characters do not take damage nor risk contamination when they touch or handle stable shadestone. Stable shadestone is damaged and destroyed in the same manner as a normal magic item of its kind.
**Shadestone Dust:** Shadestone dust is made by grinding the crystals against one another to create a fine powder. This milling process is extraordinarily hazardous unless performed within an antimagic field. Shadestone dust can be used in alchemy, as a spell component, a reagent for brewing potions, or mixed into inks for spell scrolls.
**Improvised Weapons & Ammunition:** Shadestone fragments may be used as ammunition for a sling or fashioned into a makeshift club. Such weapons and ammunition deal an extra 1d6 necrotic damage, and non-contaminated creatures struck must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or gain one level of contamination. Shadestone used as ammunition in this way is destroyed.

Type

Stone