A soul gem,[2] also known as a spirit gem was a specific gem that was used to magically contain the spirit or soul of another living being.[3]
Description[]
Often sculpted in the shape of eggs,[2] these gems shone with a strong radiance that could illuminate darkened spaces.[4] When they released energy stored within, their radiance intensified to the point that it would daze every onlooker within the room it was located.[1]
Soul gems were often incorporated into the physical form of undead—such as liches, demiliches, or dracoliches—whenever they were used to preserve the undead's soul.[2][3][5] On some occasions, they were included as part of a magical item, or attached unto furnishings or decor;[6] other times, they remained suspended in midair, floating above ground.[1]
In some instances, soul gems were encased within a protective force sphere that had to be destroyed before the gem itself could be accessed.[1]
Powers[]
It was possible for the spirits of the dead to use a soul gem to communicate with people on the Prime Material plane, even if their soul had no connection to the gem.[7]
When utilized by undead beings, soul gems acted similarly to phylacteries; the gem's destruction would allow the physical form the undead to be permanently destroyed.[2][3][5]
Uses[]
In addition to their intended use, soul gems could be used to create deadly traps utilizing radiant energy.[1][8] In some instances, these traps actually siphoned the soul from its victim, leaving the dead husk of their body behind.[1]
Notable Spirit Gems[]
- The topaz embedded into the staff of Lady Lord Yanseldara held the spirit of the dracolich Hethcypressarvil, and for a brief time, her own.[3]
- The sword of High Blade Selfaril Uoumdolphin was inlaid with a soul gem that held the soul of his twin brother Rassendyll.[9]
- The white dragon matriarch Icasaracht kept a soul gem within her lair in Wyrm Wyrm iceberg in the Sea of Moving Ice.[10]
- Drawing the void card from the deck of several things trapped the users soul within a soul gem in an unnamed temple of Moloch.[11]
Appendix[]
Appearances[]
Novels & Short Stories
Video Games
Organized Play & Licensed Adventures
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 slade et al. (February 1995). Encyclopedia Magica Volume II. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 528–529.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Andy Collins, Bruce R. Cordell (July 2002). Epic Level Handbook. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 177. ISBN 0-7869-2658-9.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Troy Denning (April 1996). The Veiled Dragon (Paperback, 1996). (TSR, Inc), pp. 243–246. ISBN 0-7869-0482-8.
- ↑ Troy Denning (April 1996). The Veiled Dragon (Paperback, 1996). (TSR, Inc), p. 278. ISBN 0-7869-0482-8.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Troy Denning (April 1996). The Veiled Dragon (Paperback, 1996). (TSR, Inc), p. 299. ISBN 0-7869-0482-8.
- ↑ Bart Carroll (November 11, 2019). Infernal Machine Rebuild. Edited by Scott Fitzgerald Gray. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 23.
- ↑ Troy Denning (April 1996). The Veiled Dragon (Paperback, 1996). (TSR, Inc), p. 296. ISBN 0-7869-0482-8.
- ↑ James Wyatt (June 2008). Dungeon Master's Guide 4th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 93. ISBN 978-0-7869-4880-2.
- ↑ Daniel Helmick (2015-08-01). The Sword of Selfaril (DDEX2-14) (PDF). D&D Adventurers League: Elemental Evil (Wizards of the Coast), p. 5.
- ↑ Black Isle Studios (February 2001). Designed by Chris Avellone, Steve Bokkes, John Deiley, J.E. Sawyer. Icewind Dale: Heart of Winter. Interplay.
- ↑ Bart Carroll (November 11, 2019). Infernal Machine Rebuild. Edited by Scott Fitzgerald Gray. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 50.