Tel'kiira

Lore gems ("Kiira") are elven magic items that can only be worn by elves. They are semi-intelligent and act as depositories of knowledge gathered by its wearer. This knowledge is accessible by future wearers of the gem.

They were mostly worn by elven nobles, with their color and clarity acting as a status symbol among Elven Houses. They are not limited to a specific type of gem, but are never larger than an elvish pinky finger. They tend to be polished smooth with a slight mound shape, without any facets. The color of the gem becomes accented and deepens with each new mind-meld. A number of Elder Houses have gems that are nearly black in hue, depicting the vast amount of knowledge the gem contains.

In order to wear one of these gems, one must be an elf and possess an Intelligence score of 15 or greater. If these requirements are not met, the violator is subject to a Feeblemind attack (save at +4 penalty, failure makes the effect permanent). This attack occurs every turn (10 minutes), or until it is removed.

Even those who meet the requirements and wear the gem of their own House do not find it easily controlled. Bearers of the gem must make a number of Intelligence checks equal to 1/3 of their Intelligence. Wearers with higher Intelligence must make greater checks to show how the item is testing their ability to gain access to greater and greater knowledge. With each failed check the subject loses a permanent point of Intelligence.

Lore accessible via the gem is not immediately available to a wearer after surviving the transfer.

It is known that the following elven Houses owned a kiira: Alastrarra, Aunglor, Durothil, Haevault, Iliathor, Neirdre, Nimesin, Orbryn, Raedrimn, Starym, and Ulondarr.

The Alastrarra House's kiira was returned to them in Cormanthor by Elminster in 241 DR.

Kiira n'vaelahr
A kiira n'vaelahr stores memories and magic like a regular kiira, but also facilitates mental communication. In 1374 DR, Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun attached a stone like this to the forehead of Tsarra Chaadren to avoid her mind being overloaded by his thoughts after the pair became linked during a magical explosion.

Selu'kiira
Selu'kiira are high lore gems, made exclusively from rainbow tourmaline, which were long, faceted, and sparkling. This difference in appearance sets them apart from a normal kiira.

A few years before 1379 DR, the drow wizard Q'arlynd Melarn recovered a selu'kiira of his ancestors' house from the Kraanfhaor's Door in the Miyeritari Ruins. Due to his pure Miyeritari origins, Q'arlynd was able to wear the seku'kiira without repercussions. The gem is now possessed by Q'arlynd Melarn as the last living member of the House Melarn.