Sapphire was a rare variety of corundum that occurred in the Realms.[7][8]
Description[]
Sapphire was found in shades of pale blue to deep azure.[7][8] A typical specimen had a base value of 1,000 gp.[2][3][4][5]
Sapphires were considered sacred by followers of Aerdrie Faenya, Deep Duerra, Eldath, Gaerdal Ironhand—appropriate for sacrifice, or to be consecrated for use, or recognized as boons or omens when found. Black sapphires specifically were recognized as a sign of approval from Bane, and sacred to followers of Labelas Enoreth, Laduguer, Lolth, Shargaas, and Vhaeraun.[9]
In most stones, dazzling blue color of sapphires was achieved via exposing them to extremely high temperatures. This process was called "cooking". The color change was permanent, however it did not affect the gem's durability.[10]
Powers[]
A raw sapphire.
Realmslore held that sapphires increased magical skill and strength and therefore they were used in creating magic blades and items that affected the mind, magical prowess, and the element of air.[8][11] However, sapphires had a dampening effect on magically induced fear, rage, despair, or insanity and could partially protect the wearer from these effects. When used as a spell component, sapphires ensured the greatest initial effect (usually damage) upon first impact and the longest possible duration. The most auspicious time of day to use sapphires was midmorn.[8][note 1]
A polished sapphire.
With proper preparation, which included bathing the item in a mixture containing powdered sapphire, mounting a large whole sapphire of at least 5,000 gp value on an item such as a sword gave a better than 50 percent chance that the enchantment bonus would be increased.[note 2] This could be done at the initial enchantment of the item or as a way of possibly improving an already enchanted item.[8]
Sapphires were a required material component for casting some versions of Drawmij's instant summons.[12][13]
Crushed sapphires were a part of ice golem creation. The runes engraved on their bodies were imbued with snow-like lichen and sapphire dust.[14]
Reputation[]
An uncut sapphite from Chult.
Sapphires were considered prized gems among the drow. They especially liked those of darker hues.[15]
Terar-shaped sapphire necklaces were often worn by the noble members of the noble Baldurian patriar families during times of mourning. The precious stones represented the weight they felt after suffering great loss.[16]
Akabar Bel Akash, like many other married Turmishmen, wore a sapphire earing, that indicated his marital status.[17]
The gem dragon sorceress Nyadnar was especially fond of sapphires.[18]
Appendix[]
See Also[]
Notes[]
Gallery[]
photo donated by http://www.pailingemstones.com
photo by GemSelect
used by permission
photo donated by http://www.pailingemstones.com
photo by GemSelect
used by permission
photo donated by http://www.pailingemstones.com
Appearances[]
Novels & Short Stories
Video Games
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.
Sapphire article at the Baldur's Gate 3 Community Wiki, a community wiki for Baldur's Gate 3.- Flawless Sapphire article at the Neverwinter Wiki, a wiki for the Dungeons and Dragons: Neverwinter MMORPG.
- Sapphire article at Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
References[]
- ↑ Aurelio Locsin (October 1982). “Thieves' Cant: A primer for the language of larceny”. In Kim Mohan ed. Dragon #66 (TSR, Inc.), p. 38.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 138. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Ed Greenwood, Eric L. Boyd (1996). Volo's Guide to All Things Magical. (TSR, Inc), p. 127. ISBN 0-7869-0446-1.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 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.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 James Wyatt (June 2008). Dungeon Master's Guide 4th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 124. ISBN 978-0-7869-4880-2.
- ↑ Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford, Christopher Perkins, James Wyatt (2014). Dungeon Master's Guide 5th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 134. ISBN 978-0786965622.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 139. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Ed Greenwood, Eric L. Boyd (1996). Volo's Guide to All Things Magical. (TSR, Inc), p. 48. ISBN 0-7869-0446-1.
- ↑ Sean K. Reynolds (2002-05-04). Deity Do's and Don'ts (Zipped PDF). Web Enhancement for Faiths and Pantheons. Wizards of the Coast. pp. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. Archived from the original on 2016-11-01. Retrieved on 2018-09-08.
- ↑ BioWare (June 2002). Designed by Brent Knowles, James Ohlen. Neverwinter Nights. Atari.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 301. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
- ↑ Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 225. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
- ↑ Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford (2014). Player's Handbook 5th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 235. ISBN 978-0-7869-6560-1.
- ↑ Wolfgang Baur, James Jacobs, George Strayton (September 2004). Frostburn. Edited by Greg Collins. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 138. ISBN 0-7869-2896-4.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (July 1991). The Drow of the Underdark. (TSR, Inc), p. 94. ISBN 1-56076-132-6.
- ↑ Larian Studios (October 2020). Designed by Swen Vincke, et al. Baldur's Gate III. Larian Studios.
- ↑ Jeff Grubb, Kate Novak (October 1988). Azure Bonds. (TSR, Inc.), p. 249. ISBN 0-88038-612-6.
- ↑ Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), pp. 144–145. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.