SCARAB OF ARADROS
Illus. by J. Nelson
The Scarab of Aradros was forged in ancient days The Scarab of Aradros when the world was difprotected its noble wearer ferent, and races more LEGACY in ancient times primal than those alive RITUALS Two rituals are required to today stalked its primordial darks. Humans were all but unknown, and unlock all the abilities of the Scarab of Aradros. elves were numerous. Several mighty clans of elves Quest of Far Jourbattled each other for supremacy over lands since neys: You are required to fallen beneath the waves. One of these great elven journey from whatever locale houses was named Aradros, and the Scarab of Aradros takes its moniker from that lineage. (DC 17) you currently inhabit and spend at In the time primeval, the water-bounded dominion least one week traveling. During that week, you must of Aradros grew strong and influential. Neighboring journey at least one hundred miles from where you began and end up in a place you have never visited. realms, on nearby isles and the distant mainland, began to have their doubts about the house. Other Cost: 2,500 gp. Feat Granted: Least Legacy (Scarab of Aradros). clans started to fear that the magically inclined Dalwin’s Lament: You must pay special homage scions of Aradros wished to expand their influence to Dalwin on any shoreline of a great ocean or more significantly and at the expense of other sea, the words and form of which are revealed as domains. Perhaps this fear was justified, because part of the successful Knowledge (history) check. it was during the reign of Aradros VI that the Cost: 13,500 gp. Feat Granted: Lesser Legacy (Scarab Scarab of Aradros was secretly forged and given to an agent of the crown—the prince himself. Prince of Aradros). Dalwin, who was charged with reconnoitering the surrounding isles, used the scarab to protect WIELDER REQUIREMENTS Arcane spellcasters derive the most benefit from the himself during his quest in unfriendly lands. (DC Scarab of Aradros. Wizards and sorcerers are the most 19; Quest of Far Journeys) common users, but discovering the scarab’s mysteries Prince Dalwin of Aradros was known as an is also rewarding for a bard. accomplished thaumaturge, despite his relative youth. When he journeyed forth from the land of his birth, he did so in the company of magical familiars Scarab of Aradros Wielder Requirements Ability to cast 2nd-level arcane spells and under the cloak of a sorcerous guise, one that Knowledge (arcana) 3 ranks would protect him from notice by those he wished
CHAPTER 3
HISTORY
ITEMS OF LEGACY
The Scarab of Aradros is a golden medallion shaped like a beetle, ringed with ancient arcane runes. Nonlegacy Game Statistics: Scarab of resistance +1; Cost 1,500 gp. You also gain a +1 bonus on caster level checks made to dispel or counter a spell. Omen: If you are capable of casting arcane spells and wear the scarab for at least 1 hour, it grows warm and the beetle occasionally twitches and chirps (audible only to the wearer).
to observe. However, despite the secrecy of his quest and the supernatural disguises he created, Aradros’s enemies discovered the prince’s quest. They engineered an ambush. When Prince Dalwin made landfall at the third island kingdom on his itinerary, a magical conflagration slew everyone in his company, but the protective forces of the Scarab of Aradros saved him. The prince barely escaped inland, burned but alive, all alone in a nation alerted to his presence and certain of his evil intent. Dalwin was overcome despite several heroic stands, including the Clash at Umandil, the Battle of Uyn, and the Stand at Sea’s Edge. The Scarab of Aradros was lost and its power forgotten. (DC 27; Dalwin’s Lament)
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