Magical items

Creation of magical items

The creation of magical items is a delicate task, blending the physical skills of craftsfolk with the willpower and focus of skilled magicians. Imbuing an item with magical power requires both an understanding of the desired effect and mastery of the technique. The process is less about formulae and more about intention and focus; the magician must draw upon the energies of Dassantarra's realm and impress them into the physical world. This act of pure will, honed through years of training and practice, can result in weapons that burn with searing flame, armour that heals itself or wards off magic, or items imbued with strength or speed. Shapers are often the artisans of such enchantments, skilled at altering the properties of materials to bind them with magic. However, any mage with sufficient mastery in their Talent can attempt the process. Failures are dangerous: an improperly imbued item may backfire, possess unpredictable properties, or be destroyed outright.

Types of magical item

Magical weapons and armour

Magical weapons in Helerin range from subtle enhancements to deadly artefacts. Blades, magical bows, axes, or hammers may carry the power of elemental forces or strike with unnatural sharpness. Magical armour likewise offers more than just physical protection. Some have become legendary, said to deflect not only blades but also magical attacks. Shields such as the Targe of the Sun or the Nythran Shield can resist elemental magic or even repair themselves over time, while enchanted boots, gloves, and helms can grant unnatural speed, strength, or resistance to hostile spells. Many of these items are closely guarded by their owners or hidden away in treasure hoards, known only through whispers of lore. See also: Fabled treasures

Wizard’s staves

Among magical items, staves stand apart as both weapons and tools of power for the magicians of Helerin.

Crafted from rare woods, they are often crowned with decorative caps of amber or jet, each carrying distinct magical properties. Amber, drawn from the bell pits of the Amber Plains, serves as a natural insulator against magical interference; staves adorned with it are favoured for defensive magic, warding off enchantments or curses and absorbing stray magical energies. In contrast, jet - gleaned from the swamps of the Festermere and polished to a dark, lustrous sheen - acts as a conduit and amplifier of magical power. Staves capped with jet allow mages to store energy and unleash more potent spells, making them highly prized by both scholars and battle mages. Staves such as Tempestcaller or the Staff of Command are renowned examples, crafted with precision and imbued with power to bolster Channeling and Calling magic, respectively. Many of these staves are uniquely tailored to their owners’ talents and ambitions, making them both a personal statement and a formidable magical tool.