The Shining Trapezohedron

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==Description==
This artefact is spoken of in whispers by the nighted cults of the Hyborian age. It is rumored to be a window into all of space and time - but with the cost that the user risks baring their soul to powers from the outer dark.
The Serpentmen of Valusia were in possession of this object, and how they came to be living beneath the volcano in the Exiled Lands is a mystery. Perhaps fleeing their genocide at the hands of the legendary Kull of Atlantis, they made their way to the Exiled Lands where they befriended the Giant-kings through worship of their deity, Set. In return they were allowed to live in the Caldera of the volcano and build their cities there.
It was, however, too late for the serpent men, a degenerate and dying race, lacking the genetic diversity to continue. They found themselves coupling with snakes and lesser reptiles in the hope of preserving their species but as time passed, they lost all hope of survival and instead, preyed for bitter revenge upon the races.
They crafted a staff with their ancient magics and summoned a presence via the trapezohedron, to inhabit the staff and lead the Giant-kings to their downfall.
If they must die, they would take as many with them as possible and most especially, the cursed children of humankind.
This is one of the artefacts required to create the keystone that can be used to remove the slave bracelet.
==Notes==
* The Shining Trapezohedron is obtained by killing The Degenerate who is the boss in the Well of Skelos.
* This is one of the six Artefacts required to create the Keystone that can be used to remove the slave bracelet.
* The Shining Trapezohedron is a reference to H. P. Lovecraft's short story "The Haunter of the Dark". In this story, it is used to summon Nyarlathotep, who would then reveal arcane knowledge in exchange for human sacrifices.
** According to the story, this stone was originally created on the planet Yuggoth. It was brought down to Earth by the Old Ones prior to humanity's existence. It has been associated with both Atlantis and the Ancient Egyptians, with the stone being last recovered from the Tomb of Nephren-Ka.
** Though it doesn't appear in any of Robert E. Howard's official Conan works, the inclusion of this object in the game is a definite nod to the collaborations Howard often had with H. P. Lovecraft.
*On the Isle of Siptah, the trapezohedron is gifted by the "Gods of the Outer Dark" to the Elder Races to protect the island from human invasion. It's revealed that the Serpent Men stole it to bring to the Well of Skelos. After the betrayal, the remaining Elder Races collaborated under instructions from the Gods of the Outer Dark to create a new one, but it was flawed and endangered them all, forcing them to seek shelter in Elder Vaults. When Siptah came to the island (after studying numerous materials and writings), he was determined to recreate the artifact, one he was sure would be flawless, and sought to ascend a mysteious tower to control the Maelstrom himself. 
**In the short story by L. Sprague de Camp and Lin Carter, "The Gem in the Tower", Conan visits the Isle of Siptah, with a crew of pirates, in search of Siptah's "crystal", after hearing rumors of his death. Conan and the pirates are attacked by a demonic bat, which they are unable to fend off before it slays the captain and some crewmembers. Conan climbs the tower and finds Siptah's lifeless body, though the wizard appears physically unharmed. Conan only identifies the trapezohedron as a topaz, and inadvertently smashes it while fighting off the bat, which is banished as the crystal shatters.
Category:Materials
Category:Quest items
Category:Stubs