BOOK OF ARTIFACTS

Introduction: What is the Jacinth of Inestimable Beauty?

The Jacinth of Inestimable Beauty is a legendary artifact in the world of Greyhawk, a fantasy setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. It is a huge and exquisite gem that emits brilliant beams of light and can charm anyone who sees it. The Jacinth has many rumored powers, such as detecting traps, casting spells, and causing greed and obsession. The Jacinth also has a mysterious origin and history, as it was supposedly created by the first dwarves or the gods themselves, and passed through the hands of many rulers and adventurers. The Jacinth is one of the most sought-after and coveted items in Greyhawk, as it represents the ultimate expression of beauty, splendor, and wealth.

The Gem That Shines Like the Sun

The Jacinth of Inestimable Beauty is a gem of unparalleled splendor and craftsmanship. It is a flawless orange-red gemstone, about the size of a human fist, that radiates a soft golden light. The Jacinth has a smooth and polished surface, with no visible cracks or imperfections. The Jacinth is shaped like a teardrop, with a pointed end and a rounded base. The Jacinth is warm to the touch, and feels like a living thing in the hand. The Jacinth emits a faint humming sound, like a distant melody, that can be heard by those who attune to it. The Jacinth has a subtle aura of magic, that can be detected by those who have the ability to sense such things. The Jacinth is a gem of wonder and beauty, that captivates and mesmerizes anyone who beholds it.

The History of the Jacinth of Inestimable Beauty

The Jacinth of Inestimable Beauty is a legendary gem of Greyhawk, a world of high fantasy and adventure in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. The Jacinth has a long and fascinating history, that spans across many ages and realms. Here is a timeline of some of the most important events and stories related to the Jacinth:

The Creation of the Jacinth: According to tribal legends, the Jacinth was originally a corundum gem that was found by the first dwarves in the mountain range of their birth. A dwarf named Jojonek, the first craftsman, was inspired by a vision from the gods to cut the gem into a crystal jacinth blossom, linked by gold chains. The gods also gave him four bottles of scented floral oils, which he used to oil the blossom. The Jacinth was a masterpiece of art and magic, and Jojonek was proud of his work.
The Curse of the Jacinth: However, Jojonek soon became arrogant and greedy, and claimed that his artistic ability was the sole reason for the Jacinth’s beauty. The gods were displeased by his boastfulness, and cursed him and the Jacinth. Jojonek became paranoid and obsessed with the Jacinth, and fled from his home with it. He wandered the lands, muttering “It’s mine, mine…”.
The Fate of Jojonek: Jojonek’s fate is unknown, but some say that he was killed by bandits who tried to steal the Jacinth from him. Others say that he died of starvation or madness, clutching the Jacinth to his chest. Some even say that he still lives, hiding in some dark corner of the world, guarding his precious gem.

The Owners of the Jacinth of Inestimable Beauty

The Jacinth of Inestimable Beauty has changed hands many times throughout history, and each owner has had a different experience and relationship with the gem. Here is a timeline of some of the most notable owners of the Jacinth:

Jojonek: Jojonek was the first owner and creator of the Jacinth, as he was the dwarf craftsman who cut the gem into a crystal jacinth blossom, following a vision from the gods. He was gifted with four bottles of scented floral oils, which he used to oil the blossom. However, he became arrogant and greedy, and claimed that his artistic ability was the sole reason for the Jacinth’s beauty. The gods cursed him and the Jacinth, and he became paranoid and obsessed with the gem. He fled from his home with the Jacinth, and his fate is unknown.
Beric: Beric was a human explorer who discovered the Jacinth in a hidden chamber, buried under a pile of bones and dust. He was amazed by its beauty and power, and decided to take it with him. He used the Jacinth for many purposes, such as granting wishes, enhancing spells, creating illusions, and altering reality. He also learned some of its secrets, such as its ability to change its shape and color according to its owner’s mood and desire. He had many adventures with the Jacinth, and became famous and wealthy.
Malik: Malik was a human wizard who was Beric’s most trusted friend and companion. He was secretly jealous of Beric and his Jacinth, and plotted to steal it from him. He waited for an opportunity when Beric was asleep, and tried to take the Jacinth from his pocket. However, the Jacinth sensed his evil intent, and changed its shape into a sharp dagger. Malik stabbed Beric in the heart with the Jacinth, killing him instantly. Malik then took the Jacinth.

The Powers and Curse of the Jacinth of Inestimable Beauty

The Jacinth of Inestimable Beauty also has a dark side, as it can corrupt and manipulate those who seek to use it for their own ends. Here are some of the powers and curse of the Jacinth:

Constant Power: Contact with the flower adds 5 points to the user’s Charisma (max. of 21). This means that the user becomes more attractive, persuasive, and charismatic, and can influence others more easily.
Invoked Powers: The user can specify a floral scent while holding and smelling deeply of the crystalline Jacinth. This releases the fragrance along with the appropriate power. The user can choose from three scents: violet, lavender, and rose. Each scent has a different effect and a limited number of uses per day. The effects are as follows:
- Violet: Charm person (2/day). This power allows the user to charm one humanoid creature within 30 feet, making it friendly and loyal to the user for one hour per level of the user.
- Lavender: Suggestion (3/day, cast at 20th level). This power allows the user to influence one or more creatures within 30 feet by uttering a short phrase or sentence. The creatures must succeed on a Will saving throw or follow the suggestion for up to one hour per level of the user.
- Rose: 1 from Table 25: Major Spell-Like Powers Jacinth 1 from Table 22: Fate and Fortune. This power grants the user one random major spell-like power and one random fate and fortune effect from the tables in the Book of Artifacts. The major spell-like powers are powerful spells that can have various effects, such as creating fireballs, summoning monsters, or teleporting. The fate and fortune effects are events that can alter the course of the user’s destiny, such as gaining or losing levels, finding or losing items, or changing alignment.
Curse: The user suffers the effects of chaotic sleep (no saving throw) for as long as the Jacinth is possessed. This means that the user has trouble sleeping and resting, and suffers from nightmares and hallucinations. When the ratio of sleeplessness to sleep reaches 2 to 1, the user becomes incoherent and sluggish (all attributes reduced by 1 point). Upon reaching 3 to 1, the user becomes paranoid (reaction rolls are required for each encounter with -6 penalties). This curse can drive the user to madness or death, unless the Jacinth is removed or destroyed.

The Powers and Curse of the Jacinth of Inestimable Beauty in Other D&D Editions

The powers and curse of the Jacinth vary depending on the edition of Dungeons & Dragons that is used. Here are some examples of how the Jacinth works in other editions:

D&D 3.0: The Jacinth is an artifact that can be worn as a necklace. It grants a +3 enhancement bonus to Fortitude, Reflex, and Will saves, and a +5 item bonus to Charisma-based skill checks. It also has two powers that can be activated by specifying a floral scent: charm person (2/day) and suggestion (3/day, cast at 20th level). The curse of the Jacinth is that the wearer suffers from chaotic sleep (no saving throw), which causes nightmares, hallucinations, and insomnia. When the ratio of sleeplessness to sleep reaches 2 to 1, the wearer becomes incoherent and sluggish (all attributes reduced by 1 point). Upon reaching 3 to 1, the wearer becomes paranoid (reaction rolls are required for each encounter with -6 penalties).
D&D 4e: The Jacinth is an artifact that can be worn as a neck slot item. It grants a +3 item bonus to Fortitude, Reflex, and Will defenses, and a +5 item bonus to Charisma-based skill checks. It also has three powers that can be activated by specifying a floral scent: charm person (2/day), suggestion (3/day), and one random major spell-like power from the Book of Artifacts.. The curse of the Jacinth is that the wearer suffers from chaotic sleep (no saving throw), which causes nightmares, hallucinations, and insomnia. When the ratio of sleeplessness to sleep reaches 2 to 1, the wearer becomes incoherent and sluggish (all attributes reduced by 1 point). Upon reaching 3 to 1, the wearer becomes paranoid (reaction rolls are required for each encounter with -6 penalties).
D&D 5e: The Jacinth is an artifact that can be worn as a necklace. It grants a +3 bonus to saving throws, and advantage on Charisma checks. It also has three powers that can be activated by specifying a floral scent: charm person (2/day), suggestion (3/day), and one random fate and fortune effect from the Book of Artifacts.. The curse of the Jacinth is that the wearer suffers from chaotic sleep (no saving throw), which causes nightmares, hallucinations, and insomnia. When the ratio of sleeplessness to sleep reaches 2 to 1, the wearer becomes incoherent and sluggish (all attributes reduced by 1 point). Upon reaching 3 to 1, the wearer becomes paranoid (disadvantage on all ability checks and attack rolls).

The Destruction of the Jacinth of Inestimable Beauty

The Jacinth is an artifact that is very difficult to destroy, as it has a strong will and resistance to harm. However, there is a way to destroy the Jacinth, according to the Book of Artifacts. The method is as follows:

The Jacinth must be bathed in a mixture of pollen from every kind of blossom. This means that the Jacinth must be exposed to the essence of all the flowers that exist in the world, which is a daunting task. The pollen must be collected from natural sources, not artificial or magical ones. The pollen must be mixed in a large container, such as a basin or a cauldron, and the Jacinth must be submerged in it for at least one hour.
The Jacinth must be consumed by someone with no sense of smell. This means that the person who eats the Jacinth must have lost their olfactory sense, either by birth, injury, disease, or magic. The person must swallow the Jacinth whole, without chewing or breaking it. The person must also have no other magical or supernatural abilities or protections, such as spells, items, or divine favor. The person who consumes the Jacinth will die instantly, as the gem will explode inside their body. The explosion will also destroy the Jacinth, along with any traces of its power and curse. The explosion will not harm anyone else nearby, unless they are directly touching the person who consumed the Jacinth.

This is the only known way to destroy the Jacinth of Inestimable Beauty, according to the Book of Artifacts. However, this method has never been tested or verified, and it may have unforeseen consequences or complications. Therefore, anyone who attempts to destroy the Jacinth should do so with extreme caution and care.

Book of Artifacts on DrivethruRpg