The Alleged Shards
The Gemstone of Life
Reported to have disappeared in the
Ilendran-
Eivanfalr conflict over three thousand years ago, the Gemstone of Life was allegedly an enormous stone that seemed to slowly draw the life from all around it. The anomalous nature of the stone could not be determined as any direct form of necromantic magic, and particularly religious researchers began to feel unease in its presence.
Whilst containment was proposed to the King under Elendur, this ended up not being possible due to the item's disappearance.
Further research revealed that the Gemstone of Life seemed to have a tendency of appearing at the beginning or conclusion of significant world events, as detailed in its expanded report.
Update: The Gemstone resurfaced mid-5622 in the vicinity of
Ilendras and
Yuethin'tar. The quick assistance of the
Lost Ones and then-Prince
Aneirin 'Cyne' lead to its destruction before its influence could spread further than
Port Amarin. Before its destruction, It appeared to be affecting the entirety of
Serendel Forest with a dark curse that stole souls away inside of it whilst also sapping the forest's natural life.
Unfortunately, the Gemstone has apparently been returned to existence by the actions of
Riven Drast. It now exists as a merged entity within the Spiritblade.
The Spiritblade
A special weapon carved of an unidentifiable black material, said to adapt to the needs of its wielder. Alone, this seems normal for a magical blade. However, the Spiritblade was said to speak directly to its wielder's mind, empowering and encouraging them no matter the odds, and has featured in multiple historical tales as a result.
In addition, it would drain the very spirits of those it slew - supposedly to continue its communication - and no amount of separation could stop its influence. Those who wielded extensively could even allegedly summon the blade. Prior to the current crisis, it was last seen in a major battle between
Ordan and
Terenholt, wielded by the would-be Empress of Ordan before her death.
Update: After some discussion, it would seem that the Spiritblade was located by
the Lost Ones in 5623. It was utilised in combat against the Gemstone of Life by one
Kazric Szithna and was lost in the aftermath, only to resurface in the hands of
Lord Riven Drast. It is still under Drast's power, and is presumed to be currently in use in his ventures. News suggests that Drast may be planning on utilising the Spiritblade in his intended war.
The Harp of Virtue
Iskaldhan ballads speak of a harp that bewitches those who hear its tune, altering their minds to be virtuous and pure, and making whole anything that it sees as broken. It is hailed as a hallowed article, bestowed by the northern gods.
Suspicion has arisen about its true nature due to the effects of overexposure, and attempts to contact those who have passed on after hearing it as no spirit of the Song has ever responded to attempts at resurrection or contact beyond the grave.
Unsurprisingly, the virtuous 'warriors of the Song' meet with early deaths caused by their lack of caution and attempts to purge the 'darkness' - or if not these, then as a result of their own heroics.
Update: Through the combined efforts of
The Lost Ones and
Syrin's Band, the Harp of Virtue was defeated and imprisoned within
Azsire's personal demiplane to prevent it accessing the outer world; to preserve the Harp's restored mental faculties,
Dai Youshi sacrificed himself and his life-music.
Unbroken March
Shrouded in more secrecy than most, this book was one of the treasures hidden somewhere within the continent of
Xin-Jiyu. It supposedly held a series of magical tales that altered themselves for each reader. Should the reader have reached the book's final chapter, they would have allegedly been granted great power. It is unknown if any had achieved this, as the Eastern natives still view it as incredibly unlucky to speak of the test. The fact that it persists in memory despite being unspoken of, with none living who seem to have even attempted its challenge, painted it as a possible Shard.
Update: Both the
Lost Ones and the
Starcrowned encountered this Shard in 5622, combining forces to deal with it over the course of three years. It would seem that it had significantly more power than expected, allegedly possessing the ability to alter text in a large region around its location. It was found in the
the Endless Archives and destroyed after an arduous struggle.
Recent information confirms that on the Shard's destruction, human goddess Iomedae absorbed its remnants into her deific portfolio. Iomedaean worshippers that draw
magic from their deity have noted strange discrepancies, and her Champion
Ypolita has somehow returned. It is currently unknown how these events occurred, but the involvement of the aforementioned parties is suspected.
Earth-mother's Gift
This potential Shard was only learnt of in the past hundred years. It takes the form of a beautiful mask from a tribe that once inhabited thick
Takawaokan jungles in the wanderer's nation of
Merahilani, stolen from them by the invaders that slayed them, though this is very likely not its original name or location.
Its magical properties have become legend - a mask that forces its wearer to be kind and caring, giving up all they own to others and even transforming them into more useful forms. This usually results in the death of the wearer.
It is suspected to be the cause of
Gaia's Lament, a calamity that has rendered the Southern Continent forbidden from all means of teleportation or travel and prevented the use of magic to assist with creating food or water.
Current attempts to retrieve the mask have been met with extreme hostility, with all falling within its presence being altered or absorbed upon death to help those defending it. This effect currently seems to apply to the entirety of the southern continent; all who die disintegrate into black smoke at current.
Justitia Aeternum
Lost (possibly intentionally) within the sands of the
Sunari Wilderness. If any whispers of it come to your ears, leave the area immediately.
Do not attempt to secure this potential Shard. Death is inevitable.
Wow, interesting concept. I really want to know what Justitia Aeternum does, because for something with so little information, it really is feared. Also it's the only shard with a Latin-sounding name, so it's real business. I bet the Lost Ones are going to stumble on it, and I can't wait.