Darkskulls

"Whomever made these things had to have been a novice attempting their first enchanted object. It's interesting, but useless."

— Imbri, Imperial Arcanist.

It is not uncommon to find magical items designed for a particular purpose, nor is it too out-of-place for there to be an item with only one apparent function. Instilling enchantments into objects is difficult enough, and layering different ones into the same object can be nigh impossible for the unskilled. But the darkskulls are an example of something more interesting, as they have a relatively simple purpose and yet a deeper use has been discovered by those who study these magical objects.

Physically these objects live up to the name, as they are carved from a dark stone material and are an almost perfect representation of a skull. There have been many variations, depicting various types of skulls from human to elven - and even draconic. There are no flaws in the carving which cannot be explained outside of a flaw in the model used to make them, and there are only a few small arcane markings etched into the surface. These are obviously the source of the item's enchantment, which also follows from the name.

Initially, a person who possesses a darkskull can command it to do one thing: snuff out all light sources within fifty feet. This magical effect is only present for a relatively short time, and starting another light within the affected area works as normal. Some find this effect useful, but largely it has been regarded as a strange choice to bother enchanting in an object.

"Oh no... I was wrong, this is- I don't understand how they did it, but this is intricate. I need to make sure there aren't others like this in the world."

— Imbri, Imperial Arcanist

Arcanists who have worked with a darkskull to investigate the enchantment have found another layer hidden under the original enchantment. Accessing it is difficult, as it requires a second enchanted object to act as a 'key' to unlock this deeper layer. Activating the darkskull's darkness and then a 'charm' spell against a being whose species matches the skull creates a permanent bond which cannot be broken without considerably stronger magic than usual. Someone affected in this manner is bound to serve the holder of the darkskull until the spell is broken, or the charmed individual dies. Killing the holder of the darkskull or putting it in the care of another owner does not cancel the effect, only transfers the charm effect's owner.

It should be noted there are numerous darkskulls which have been made by more recent artisans, which have the single effect and no 'underlayer'. This indicates someone in previous generations created a series of darkskulls specifically to have this effect. Attempts to track down the original creator have failed, and it is unknown how many 'original' darkskulls are still in the world. The only way to be sure about a darkskull being original or a reproduction is to attempt to invoke the layered effect. It goes without saying this is not advisable for anyone to attempt, as it can have serious repercussions.

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Item type

Magical

Rarity

Uncommon (Standard)
Very Rare (Extended)

Weight

1 lb

Dimensions

Roughly 6in cubic area

Base Price

4,200 gp (Standard)
42,000 gp (Extended)