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Ioun stones were rare but renowned magical stones and gems that orbited their owner's heads and bestowed a wide variety of powers and enhancements according to their shape, color, and composition. They could only be crafted by experienced spellcasters well-versed in the creation of magical items. Only certain gems could be used, known collectively as "the nine secrets", though there were at least ten. Some unique ioun stones carried essences and souls from once-living beings, which gave them their power.

They were first created in the year −3462 DR by the precocious young Netherese arcanist Congenio Ioun, marking him as one of the greatest arcanists of his age. By the 14 century, ioun stones were much desired and highly valued, though Congenio Ioun himself had been long-forgotten, with only his name surviving in his creation. Great collections were found in Athalantar, on the Wyvern Crown of Cormyr, and around the head of the mighty lich Larloch, the Shadow King of Warlock's Crypt. (Archive | Read more...)