The Seven Major Artifacts
These are the primary artifacts sought by Fentor in the Legend of Leithu series. They are believed to be necessary (especially the Tome and Alter) to unlock the location of the Glass City of Garitel, and potentially harness the power of the Harmony Crystals. They possess significant power individually and are linked via the Artifact Resonance Network.
Dirk of the Estranged
Origin: Originally the personal dagger of Kirnur the Brave, a knight and leader of elite soldiers from Old Pranshu during the time of the Pirate Invasion of the 4th Kingdom.
Lore: During his final battle on Treggor’s western shore, Kirnur, claiming influence from an “evil wizard from Silfar”, plunged the dagger into his own chest under dramatic atmospheric conditions. This act triggered a wave of paranoia and mass suicide among his soldiers. The dagger reportedly pulsed red in his chest. It was recovered and historically held in Pranshu’s treasury before eventually finding its way (through means unknown) into Forenthus’s hoard. Found wrapped in a linen cloth in some accounts
Description: An ancient dagger, showing signs of use (dings, marks, tarnish). The hilt potentially has worn leather wrap and perhaps settings for jewels (details may vary based on discovery context).
Powers: Can incite fear, confusion, and paranoia in enemies near the wielder or target. A strong-willed user might be able to amplify these effects, potentially influencing others towards self-destructive thoughts or actions, echoing Kirnur’s fate.
Lore: During his final battle on Treggor’s western shore, Kirnur, claiming influence from an “evil wizard from Silfar”, plunged the dagger into his own chest under dramatic atmospheric conditions. This act triggered a wave of paranoia and mass suicide among his soldiers. The dagger reportedly pulsed red in his chest. It was recovered and historically held in Pranshu’s treasury before eventually finding its way (through means unknown) into Forenthus’s hoard. Found wrapped in a linen cloth in some accounts.
Tome of Nilesh
Origin: Contains the writings, research, and unanswered wishes of O’lifar, the Banished King of the 12th Kingdom of Nilesh. Scribed over ~60 years by his trusted healer/alchemist, Deotran (possibly Fentor in disguise). King O’lifar sought powerful, forbidden conjuring magic to protect his land from a perceived “coming Age of Dragons,” which led to his banishment as sorcery was outlawed.
Description: A large, ornately decorated book bound in thick red leather. Filled with old, tattered parchment pages. Features a large satin bookmark, protective golden corner pieces, and a large iron clasp lock to keep its contents secret.
Powers: Primarily contains knowledge. Legends claim that when placed upon the Sacred Alter of Nilesh, it grants the King’s unspoken wish (rumored to be either riches, the power of flight, or immortality). Its true power, when paired with the Alter, is that it reveals the hidden location of the Glass City of Garitel. It also contains extensive information regarding the extremely rare Harmony Crystals from the glass city that are needed for elite conjuring spells. The Alter’s magic prevents the crucial information from being read until they are correctly paired.
Sacred Alter of Nilesh
Origin: A seemingly innocuous wooden podium that belonged to Deotran, the powerful cleric and healer who served King O’lifar of Nilesh for over 60 years. It stood beside the altar in the alchemist’s room where the King dictated his research and desires into what became the Tome of Nilesh.
Description: Appears as an old wooden podium, potentially with faded carvings or markings hinting at its true nature. Ancient texts describe it as “infested with dark mystical ability,” suggesting it radiates magical energy detectable by certain senses (like a dragon’s).
Powers: Acts as the magical key required to decipher the hidden contents within the Tome of Nilesh, specifically the location of the Glass City. Its magic actively obscures the Tome’s crucial secrets until they are properly paired. May possess other minor properties related to rituals or knowledge.
Tears of Vanuth
Origin: Actual tears collected from the Gæliân (Je-LEE-Yun) fairies during their tragic banishment from their homeland in Vanuth (caused by mining exploration raids during the 3rd Reign). The Gæliân had a unique symbiotic relationship with nature, communicating with plants/animals and influencing local weather.
Description: A large (dragon-egg sized) vial crafted from deep blue glass, containing the tears, which emit a constant, soft greenish-yellow glow. The vial is wrapped with ornate golden cording, and features a ruby-encrusted stopper held securely by a thick wrap of similar gold cord.
Powers: When a small amount is ingested from a goblet made of unpolished ruby (specifically, the ruby chalice from the Gemstone Chalice Collection), it grants the drinker the temporary, but significant, ability to understand and communicate directly with plants, animals, and the natural world itself.
Lore: The Vanuth region is rich in rubies, which resonate with Gæliân magic even after removal. The vial containing the Tears was once possessed by the Dark Wizard of Silfar before being given as a diplomatic gift during Silfar-Ofima peace talks to the Nobles of Sorentha, where it remained until the kingdom fell.
Gemstone Chalice Collection
Origin: A wedding gift from the Gæliân fairies to the King and Queen of Vanuth during the 2nd Reign, symbolizing harmony between races, nature, and the elements.
Description: A set of three heavy chalices (roughly 12 inches tall), each carved from a single, large, unpolished gemstone: Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire. Extremely valuable even apart from their magical utility.
Symbolism (Adapted from Gæliân Elder’s Speech):
- Ruby (Red): Represents the lifeblood/essence of Fairies and the vital harmony between different sentient races.
- Emerald (Green): Represents the plants and animals of the natural world and the balance Gæliân sought to maintain.
- Sapphire (Blue): Represents the purity of sky and water, and the connection to the elements governing seasons and life cycles.
Powers: The Ruby chalice is essential for activating the communicative powers of the Tears of Vanuth. The Emerald and Sapphire chalices may possess related, undiscovered properties (perhaps amplifying nature magic, elemental affinity, or purification).
Seeing Eye of Glenathis
Origin: The actual petrified eye of Glenathis, a stone giant from Northeast Treggor. Glenathis was cursed by the Wizard from Silfar with foresight limited only to his own gruesome death (dragon attack), causing him to pluck out the eye. His legend may be the origin of the Cyclops myth.
Description: A petrified giant’s eye, roughly the size of a tomato, typically kept within a sacred red velvet bag.
Powers: Grants the holder foresight – the ability to see glimpses of potential futures in a broad scope. The original curse limiting the vision is no longer active.
Lore: Historically associated with Pranshu after its creation/loss by Glenathis, before eventually being hidden or moved to the Glass City.
Crown of Triton
Origin: Initially the decorative crown of the King of Garitel (1st Reign), made from dragon scales, precious metals, and glass. Enchanted by a sorcerer (who died attempting to add immortality) to grant strength to the King’s brother, Triton, for the Dragon War.
Description: An extraordinary piece of craftsmanship combining dragon scales, metal, and glass elements. Radiates an aura of power.
Powers: Provides the wearer with a significant aura of strength and near-instantaneous stamina regeneration. Strongly attracts dragons.
Lore: The strength enchantment required dragon hide (scales). The crown powerfully attracts the attention of dragons, which is why Triton ultimately feared to wear it into battle.