Chedae's Tear

Chedae's Tear is an ornate piece of jewelry forged around a pristine, tear-shaped opal. It was comissioned from dwarven master smiths by Johanna, Shieldmaiden of Endor, early in the Fifth Age. Currently, it is on display in the Dawi Zakhaz, the Hall of Dwarf Kings in Endor, the First Mountain.
Due to its connections to Johanna and to Chedae, The Heaven's Light, it is considered an item of great holy significance. The formation of Chedae's Tear is covered in the stylized story, "The Fate of Johanna".

Description

The core of Chedae's Tear is a large, tear-shaped opal, said to be a real Dragon tear shed by Chedae during her ascension. The opal is pristine and colored a platinum white. It seems to shine with its own internal light.
The setting for the opal is a large platinum collar in the shape of a Dragon, with the head on display on the wearer's chest and the Dragon's wings extending over the wearer's shoulders. It is expertly crafted and is nearly weightless. The scales of the Dragon are fine reliefs etched into the metal, showing an exquisite level of master detailing. The eye of the Dragon houses the tear-shaped opal, which faces forward in the center of the collar.
The platinum metal of the collar is extremely reflective, so much so that it shines " so brightly it hurt the eyes of onlookers to stare at directly". However, in sunlight, the light captured and reflected from within the tear opal itself shines with an overwhelming radiance.

"To them she brought Chedae's Tear and had them fashion a large platinum collar in the shape of a dragon and in its eye they placed Chedae's Tear. The dwarves made it to be weightless and not cumbersome and in a style that either a man or woman could wear it with pride and honor. It was truly a work of art. Each of Chedae's beautiful scales was expertly etched into the metal with great care. In the sunlight the metal shimmered so brightly it hurt the eyes of onlookers to stare at directly. But in the light of the sun the radiance of Chedae's Tear knew no equal. This Johanna wore like armor... around her neck and over her heart."

- The Fate of Johanna

History

The Fourth Age: The Age of Shadow

On 31 Jeran 4A 997, Chedae, The Heaven's Light, witnessed by the Zenethian Heroes, ascended to Zenethia, the Plane of Light, succeeding her father as the next Dragon Deity of Zenethia and starting the Fifth Age.
It is said that during this ascension, Chedae shed great tears that formed many large opals, one of which is believed to have been claimed by Johanna, Shieldmaiden of Endor.

The Fifth Age: The Age of Beginnings

Early in the Fifth Age, Johanna returned to Endor, the First Mountain, and continued her service as Shieldmaiden of High King Thorik Oathenhammer. During this time, she created Chedae's Tear with the help of several master dwarf crafters.
In 5A 029, Johanna wore Chedae's Tear during her battle in the Endor Tournaments against Reinhart of Medal Island.
In early 5A 030, Johanna died in childbirth, and High King Thorik Oathenhammer took possession of Chedae's Tear. It was believed he would keep this item until such a time that Johanna's daughter, Eramine might earn the right to wear it. It is unknown why Chedae's Tear was never claimed by her.
By 5A 057, Chedae's Tear was placed on display within the Dawi Zakhaz, the Hall of Dwarf Kings in Endor, the First Mountain.
During Dragonrise on 31 Jeran 5A 057, Gertrude Oathenhammer was brought by her father to see Chedae's Tear when she was five-years-old. Chedae granted her a vision and spoke to her.

Item type

Jewelry / Valuable

Creation Date

Early Fifth Age

Known Wielders
Johanna, Shieldmaiden of Endor
High King Thorik Oathenhammer