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Onyx was part of the agate family of ornamental stones but was considered a semi-precious stone when found in pure black, pure white, or in straight bands of both colors.[5][6]

Description[]

This semi-precious stone was carved for jewelry and decorative housewares and was hard enough to wear well. It was often used for sculpting figurines (including the magic onyx dog).[5][6] A typical specimen had a base value of 50 gp.[1][2][3]

Powers[]

There were "nine secrets" that could be enchanted to become an ioun stone and onyx was one of them. Physical contact with onyx helped reduce complications and pain during childbirth.[6] Onyx gems were used by wizards to animate dead as zombies or other undead servants.[7][8]

Usages[]

  • Onyx was a common stone among the drow, a gem worn by drow of average station, albeit they used only black ones.[9]
  • Within the tomb of King Haedrak II stood an onyx statue of the ruler.[10]

Rumors and Legends[]

Unenchanted onyx was believed to cause bad luck when worn or carried. Elminster has confirmed this suspicion.[6]

The lesser drow deity Vhaeraun was known to occasionally send onyx to show his favour or disfavour to his followers.[11][12] Similarly, black onyx was sacred to the Chultan demigod Eshowdow, and he valued unholy items made of it.[13]

It was a common tale that when Shar stepped on Toril, she left onyx stones as her tracks.[14]

Appendix[]

See Also[]

Gallery[]

External Links[]

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the following links do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki, nor does any lore presented necessarily adhere to established canon.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 134. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Ed Greenwood, Eric L. Boyd (1996). Volo's Guide to All Things Magical. (TSR, Inc), p. 126. ISBN 0-7869-0446-1.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 300. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  4. Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford, Christopher Perkins, James Wyatt (2014). Dungeon Master's Guide 5th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 134. ISBN 978-0786965622.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 135. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Ed Greenwood, Eric L. Boyd (1996). Volo's Guide to All Things Magical. (TSR, Inc), p. 46. ISBN 0-7869-0446-1.
  7. Philip Athans (October 2005). Whisper of Waves. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 59. ISBN 0-7869-3237-6.
  8. Philip Athans (October 2005). Whisper of Waves. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 68. ISBN 0-7869-3237-6.
  9. Ed Greenwood (July 1991). The Drow of the Underdark. (TSR, Inc), p. 93. ISBN 1-56076-132-6.
  10. Ed Greenwood (July 2000). Volo's Guide to Baldur's Gate II. Edited by Duane Maxwell, David Noonan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 97. ISBN 0-7869-1626-5.
  11. Eric L. Boyd (November 1998). Demihuman Deities. Edited by Julia Martin. (TSR, Inc.), p. 37. ISBN 0-7869-1239-1.
  12. Sean K. Reynolds (2002-05-04). Deity Do's and Don'ts (Zipped PDF). Web Enhancement for Faiths and Pantheons. Wizards of the Coast. p. 15. Archived from the original on 2016-11-01. Retrieved on 2018-09-08.
  13. Eric L. Boyd (September 1997). Powers & Pantheons. Edited by Julia Martin. (TSR, Inc.), p. 81. ISBN 978-0786906574.
  14. Larian Studios (October 2020). Designed by Swen Vincke, et al. Baldur's Gate III. Larian Studios.
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