Shards of Divinus

The Shards of Divinus are magical crystals capable of granting a range of enchantments to an attuned individual.

## Description

Appearing outwardly as a narrow slither of jagged yellow gemstone, the Shards possess a natural buoyancy to air and water alike, and thus when idle levitate a few inches from the surface beneath them. As such, they are most commonly stored in lead-lined jewellery boxes for safe keeping when not in immediate use, lest they drift oft upon a wayward breeze or likewise.

When utilised by an individual, the Shards of Divinus emit a faint melodic hum, similar to chords being played upon a distant harp. Likewise, the shards themselves generate a small aura of dim light, stretching five feet from the user as they circle the brow of those to which they are attuned. Typically orbiting at a distance of around one foot, the shards are capable of sustaining stable orbits of three times this if necessary before risking disruption.

## Known Shards of Divinus

* Agility **(Very Rare)**. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, to a maximum of 20, while this shard orbits your head.
	+ Recovered from the hoard of the Young Dragon Sharzorgok.
* Fortitude **(Very Rare).** Your Constitution score increases by 2, to a maximum of 20, while this shard orbits your head.
	+ Recovered from the treasure trove at Fort Zruldralbar.
* Historical Knowledge **(Rare).** You gain proficiency in the History skill, or a +1 bonus to checks with that skill if already proficient, while this shard orbits your head.
	+ Discovered within the hoard of the Ancient Dracolich Vitrizkraan.
* Mastery **(Legendary)**. Your proficiency bonus increases by 1 while this shard orbits your head.
	+ In the possession of Ealwant Besculus.
* Self-Preservation **(Rare).** You gain a +1 bonus to Intelligence saving throws while this shard orbits your head.
	+ Discovered within the hoard of the Ancient Green Dragon Acrimos.
* Supreme Intellect **(Rare).** You gain a +1 bonus to Intelligence checks while this faceted sphere orbits your head.
	+ Discovered within the hoard of the Ancient Dracolich Vitrizkraan

## History

While it is speculated that replication of the magic of the Shards of Divinus can be achieved with sufficient arcane prowess, materials of appropriate quality and quantity and time, the supposed source of all known Shards of Divinus is that of the God of Destiny themselves. It is often touted by the Ten Guilds of Magic that they were visited each century by the Three-Eyed Light, whom bestowed his knowledge of the arcane to further the understanding of the Principal Races as to bolster progress and innovation further still. However, the Sovereign of the Nychthemeron also sought stability in the teaching and erudition of magic throughout Ahlus, delighting in those pledging themselves throughout life to the study of their gift.

In recognition of this, it was said that whenever one of the Ten Guilds appointed a new Archmage following the demise of that which came before, Divinus would gift unto the Guild a Shard as acknowledgement of their member's lifelong dedication. In time, the Shards became as much part of the appearance and aura of the Archmages of the Guilds as did their characteristic robes and staffs, though most laymen would surely not acknowledge the significance of the gemstones circling the heads of those oft only seen during grand parades, festivals and masquerades.

In 878AG, shortly after the collapse of the Empire of Raq and during the ongoing chaos that would culminate at the Battle of White Mountain, a large number of Shards of Divinus were stolen from the Guild of the Silver Lotus. With many members of the Guild busy mediating directly or indirectly in the conflicts between Ra-Galthe and Ra-Larara to the west, Nidaynia and Gawylthlan to the south and the Duchies of Tynd attempting to seize control of the Tviatini jungles to the east a pair of individuals known only as The Fox and the Hare vanished with their prize, which has since failed to be recovered. It is speculated that the filched Shards were likely sold within the underground markets of the major cities of Ahlus, although this too remains unconfirmed.