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Xyronium Radiant Shield of the Cosmos

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by

Dale
in

From: Xyronium

Lore: The Radiant Shield of the Cosmos is a legendary artifact that carries with it a storied history steeped in celestial lore and heroic deeds. According to ancient tales, the shield was forged in the heart of a fallen star, with Xyronium used to reinforce its structure. The shield is believed to have been crafted by a legendary celestial blacksmith, chosen by divine beings to create a powerful weapon against darkness and malevolent forces.

The shield’s creation is said to have involved rare celestial materials and intricate celestial magic rituals. It is imbued with the essence of cosmic energy, making it a formidable tool in the battle against undead and malevolent creatures. Legends tell of its use by valiant heroes who vanquished hordes of the undead and protected innocent lives.

Use: The Radiant Shield of the Cosmos serves as both a formidable defensive tool and a weapon against the forces of darkness. When wielded, it provides exceptional protection to the user, capable of deflecting even the most powerful blows. Additionally, the shield projects a radiant aura that weakens and repels undead creatures and malevolent beings, making it a potent asset in battles against such adversaries.

Tier One Stats:

  • Defense: The Radiant Shield of the Cosmos provides a +2 bonus to the wielder’s Armor Class (AC), granting superior protection against attacks.
  • Radiant Aura: When an undead creature or malevolent being enters a 10-foot radius around the wielder, the shield emits a radiant aura that weakens their attacks. This imposes a -1 penalty to the attack rolls and saving throws of such creatures while they remain within the aura.
  • Undead Repellent: The radiant aura of the shield repels undead creatures, causing them to have disadvantage on attack rolls against the wielder while they are within the aura.
  • Weight: Moderate.

Skills: The Radiant Shield of the Cosmos is well-suited for characters who prioritize defense and combating undead or malevolent creatures. Proficiency in shields and the ability to wield heavy armor would complement the use of this shield. Skills such as Athletics and Religion, representing physical prowess and knowledge of celestial lore, respectively, would be useful when utilizing the shield’s capabilities.

Preparation:
Creating the Radiant Shield of the Cosmos is a complex and sacred process, requiring the involvement of skilled celestial blacksmiths and access to celestial materials. The preparation involves the following steps:

  • Celestial Materials: The shield’s core is forged using Xyronium, a powerful magical metal known for its affinity to celestial energies. The celestial blacksmiths carefully shape and reinforce the shield, ensuring it can withstand powerful blows and channel celestial magic.
  • Celestial Blessing: To infuse the shield with celestial energy, the celestial blacksmiths perform rituals under the guidance of celestial entities. These rituals may involve exposure to celestial alignments, the recitation of ancient hymns, and the anointing of the shield with sacred oils or substances associated with celestial realms.
  • Starlight Charge: The shield is charged with radiant energy by exposing it to the light of celestial bodies, such as the stars or the moon. The celestial blacksmiths perform this process during rare celestial events or within sacred locations aligned with celestial forces.

Cost: Due to its legendary status and the rarity of celestial materials, the Radiant Shield of the Cosmos commands a high price in the market. The cost may range from 10,000 to 15,000 gold pieces or more, depending on the availability of Xyronium, the expertise of celestial blacksmiths, and the demand for powerful defensive artifacts in the game world.

Tags:

  • Legendary: The Radiant Shield of the Cosmos is a legendary artifact with a rich history and incredible power, sought after by heroes and collectors alike.
  • Celestial: The shield is closely associated with celestial forces, its creation involving celestial materials and rituals.
  • Undead Bane: The shield’s radiant aura weakens and repels undead creatures, making it an effective tool against the forces of darkness.
  • Protective: The shield provides exceptional defense, granting a bonus to the wielder’s Armor Class and mitigating incoming damage.
  • Additional: Radiant, Divine Artifact, Celestial Forged, Undead Repellent, Defensive Aura, Legendary Relic, Starlight Infused, Ethereal Protection, Holy Ward, Cosmic Energy

The Radiant Shield of the Cosmos, being a legendary artifact with immense power, would not be readily available for sale in conventional marketplaces. Instead, its acquisition would likely involve epic quests, ancient prophecies, and encounters with celestial beings. Here are some possibilities for obtaining or interacting with the Radiant Shield of the Cosmos:

  • Celestial Temples: Sacred temples dedicated to celestial deities or celestial-aligned organizations would be the most likely places to find the Radiant Shield of the Cosmos. These temples serve as sanctuaries of celestial power and wisdom, and they may safeguard the shield as a cherished relic. Obtaining the shield may require proving oneself worthy through trials, demonstrating exceptional devotion, or fulfilling a prophecy foretold by the celestial beings.
  • Astral Quests: The path to acquiring the Radiant Shield of the Cosmos may involve embarking on a perilous quest across the astral plane or other celestial realms. This could require traversing dangerous celestial landscapes, battling celestial guardians, and navigating celestial puzzles or trials. Celestial beings or powerful allies encountered along the way may guide the heroes towards their ultimate goal.
  • Divine Intervention: The acquisition of the Radiant Shield of the Cosmos could come through direct divine intervention. A celestial entity, recognizing the hero’s noble cause or inherent goodness, may gift the shield as a token of their favor. This could occur during a pivotal moment of need, such as when facing a powerful undead or malevolent force that threatens the world.
  • Celestial Prophets or Oracles: Prophets or oracles who possess the ability to commune with celestial beings might hold the key to obtaining the shield. They may provide cryptic clues or visions that guide the heroes towards hidden celestial locations or unveil the steps needed to unlock the shield’s true potential.

Environment and Usage:
The Radiant Shield of the Cosmos is primarily used in environments that are infested with undead creatures or plagued by malevolent forces. Here are some scenarios in which the shield can be employed:

  • Battles Against Undead: The shield’s primary purpose is to provide exceptional protection against undead creatures. It can be used by the wielder as a defensive tool to block and deflect attacks, nullifying the undead’s attempts to harm the hero or their allies. The radiant aura projected by the shield weakens the undead, making it easier for the wielder to land decisive blows against them.
  • Sacred Ceremonies: The Radiant Shield of the Cosmos may find its use in sacred ceremonies or rituals that involve celestial or divine entities. The shield’s radiance can act as a beacon, attracting the attention of celestial beings and facilitating communication or communion with them. It could be utilized during rituals that strengthen the celestial connection or invoke the aid of celestial powers.
  • Warding Against Malevolent Forces: The shield’s radiant aura not only repels undead creatures but also acts as a deterrent to other malevolent forces. It can be employed as a protective barrier to keep malevolent entities at bay or weaken their attacks. In environments where malevolent beings are prevalent, the shield becomes an invaluable asset for the wielder and their allies.

The acquisition of Radiant Shield of the Cosmos and its subsequent use would likely have far-reaching consequences in the world. It may draw the attention of undead lords, evil necromancers, or malevolent entities seeking to neutralize its power. The shield’s radiant nature may also attract the admiration and respect of celestial beings, leading to alliances, quests, or further divine blessings bestowed upon the wielder.

Tale of the Star-Kissed Protector

Long ago, in the days when the skies sang with fire and light, a great star wept its final tears upon the earth. These tears, not of sorrow but of resolve, hardened into a radiant metal known to the ancient ones as Xyronium. Seeing the fall of the celestial gift, the guardians of the heavens called forth their most skilled smith, Caeltharos, whose hammer rang with divine purpose. The gods spoke to him in dreams, commanding him to forge a shield to guard against the creeping dark.

In the heart of a mountain bathed in starlight, Caeltharos toiled. He bound the metal with cosmic light and whispers of divine hymns, engraving the shield with the constellations of the first dawn. The shield gleamed with the fury of the sun and the serenity of the moon. When finished, it pulsed as if alive, exhaling a radiant aura that caused the shadow-born to recoil in fear. The gods, pleased with this creation, named it Aureliar, the Shield of Radiance.

Many sought the shield, but it chose its bearer. When the land was overrun by the army of the Undying, led by the necromancer kings, a simple shepherd named Kyrion was guided by a celestial light to the shrine of Aureliar. Unworthy in his own eyes but brave of heart, he reached for the shield, and it answered his touch. Armed with Aureliar, Kyrion rallied the scattered defenders of the land. Under the shield’s glow, the undead faltered, their strength sapped by its holy light.

For seven days and seven nights, Kyrion fought, leading the final charge into the heart of the necromancers’ fortress. With a great surge of energy, the shield unleashed its stored light, cleansing the land of the blight. Yet, in that moment of triumph, Kyrion disappeared, his fate lost to the stars. The shield, now bereft of its bearer, returned to its shrine, awaiting the next soul bold enough to take up its light.

It is said that when the shadows grow long and hope wanes, Aureliar will choose again, for its mission is eternal, its purpose undying.

Moral of the Story: True strength is not in the armor or the weapon but in the heart that wields it with courage and selflessness. Only those who act for the good of all may call upon the light of the cosmos.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Radiant Shield of the Cosmos

  • Type: Legendary Artifact
  • Function: Provides +20% to Dodge rolls when defending against attacks by Mythos entities.
  • Special Ability:
    • Radiant Aura: Once per day, the shield can emit a radiant pulse, forcing all nearby Mythos creatures (within a 10-foot radius) to make a POW roll (Hard success required). Failure results in disorientation for 1d6 rounds (penalty die on actions).
    • Undead Repulsion: Mythos entities and undead cannot approach within 5 feet of the shield unless they succeed in a POW roll against the user’s POW +20.

Blades in the Dark

Radiant Shield of the Cosmos

  • Item Slots: 2 (Heavy Gear)
  • Abilities:
    • Radiant Aura: Provides +1d when protecting against supernatural threats, including ghosts and spirits.
    • Undead Bane: When confronting undead or spectral entities, the user gains potency on actions involving resistance or offense.
    • Special Activation: By expending 1 stress, the shield projects an aura that grants +1 effect to nearby allies on defensive rolls for one engagement.

Dungeons & Dragons (5e)

Radiant Shield of the Cosmos

  • Type: Legendary Shield (Requires Attunement)
  • Armor Class (AC): +2
  • Special Properties:
    • Radiant Aura: Undead creatures within 10 feet of the wielder have disadvantage on attack rolls and saving throws.
    • Radiant Pulse (1/Day): As an action, the shield can release a pulse of radiant energy. All undead within 30 feet must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 4d10 radiant damage (half damage on success).
    • Light of the Stars: The shield sheds bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light for an additional 20 feet.

Knave

Radiant Shield of the Cosmos

  • Defense Bonus: +2
  • Encumbrance: 2 slots
  • Special Abilities:
    • Radiant Aura: Undead and spectral entities have disadvantage on attacks within 10 feet of the shield.
    • Light Burst (Once per day): Releases a burst of light (30-foot radius) that forces all enemies to make a Will save. On a failure, they are blinded for 1d4 rounds.
    • Eternal Glow: The shield emits a constant soft light, eliminating darkness within a 10-foot radius.

Fate

Radiant Shield of the Cosmos

  • Aspects:
    • “Forged in the Heart of a Star”
    • “Beacon of Celestial Radiance”
  • Function:
    • Grants a +2 bonus when defending against undead or supernatural threats.
    • Once per scene, the wielder can invoke the shield to create a radiant aura, forcing all nearby enemies with a connection to darkness or the undead to reroll a successful attack.
  • Extras:
    • Radiant Aura: Spend a Fate Point to project a blinding light, compelling undead or malevolent creatures in the zone to take an action penalty for the remainder of the scene.

Numenera & Cypher System

Radiant Shield of the Cosmos

  • Level: 7 Artifact
  • Effect:
    • Provides +2 to Speed Defense rolls against attacks from undead or creatures with a dark or malevolent nature.
    • Radiant Aura: All undead and shadowy creatures within short range must make an Intellect defense roll (Difficulty 5) or suffer a penalty to their actions for 10 minutes.
    • Light Pulse (1 Use Per Day): Emits a pulse of celestial light in a 30-foot radius. Affected targets take 10 points of radiant damage and are blinded for 1d6 rounds.
  • Depletion: 1 in 1d20

Pathfinder (2e)

Radiant Shield of the Cosmos

  • Item Level: 14
  • Price: 8,500 gp
  • AC Bonus: +2
  • Traits: Rare, Artifact, Divine, Light, Positive Energy
  • Activation:
    • Radiant Aura (Free Action): Undead and fiends within a 10-foot radius take a -1 status penalty to attack rolls and saving throws.
    • Radiant Blast (1 Action; Once per Day): Releases a wave of radiant energy (30-foot radius). All undead must make a DC 30 Fortitude save or take 8d6 positive energy damage (half on a success). Creatures critically failing the save are blinded for 1 round.
    • Passive Effect: Constantly sheds bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light for another 20 feet.

Savage Worlds

Radiant Shield of the Cosmos

  • Type: Legendary Gear
  • Traits:
    • Provides +2 Parry and +2 Toughness when used.
    • Radiant Aura: Undead or demonic creatures within a Medium Burst Template radius suffer a -2 penalty to all Trait rolls while in the aura.
    • Holy Flash (1/Session): Emits a flash of radiant energy. All undead within a Large Burst Template radius must make a Spirit roll at -2 or suffer a level of Fatigue and become Shaken.
  • Weight: 10 lbs.

Shadowrun

Radiant Shield of the Cosmos

  • Type: Artifact (Magical Item)
  • Attributes:
    • Provides +2 to Armor Rating against physical and magical attacks.
    • Radiant Aura: Creates a 5-meter radius field that imposes a -2 penalty on attack rolls made by spirits, infected, and creatures with negative auras.
    • Light Pulse (1/Day): Emits a burst of radiant energy. All spirits and infected within a 10-meter radius must resist 6P damage (modified by Willpower).
  • Availability: 15F
  • Cost: 150,000¥
  • Special: Wielding the shield requires a Magic attribute of 4 or higher.

Starfinder

Radiant Shield of the Cosmos

  • Level: 12
  • Price: 38,000 credits
  • Armor Bonus: +2 AC (when used as a shield)
  • Abilities:
    • Radiant Aura (Constant): Undead and evil outsiders within a 15-foot radius take a -2 penalty to attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks.
    • Radiant Burst (1/Day): As a standard action, emit a 30-foot radius blast of holy energy. Undead and evil outsiders must succeed at a DC 21 Reflex save or take 10d6 radiant damage (half damage on a success).
    • Glorious Shielding: Grants resistance 10 to negative energy effects and immunity to fear.
  • Bulk: 2

Traveller

Radiant Shield of the Cosmos

  • Tech Level (TL): 14 (Ancient Artifact)
  • Traits:
    • Armor Enhancement: Provides +2 to the wearer’s melee armor defense.
    • Radiant Pulse (Once Per Day): Emits a wave of energy in a 10-meter radius, forcing all hostile creatures to make an END check (DM-2) or suffer 2d6 energy damage and a -1 DM on all actions for the next 10 minutes.
    • Radiant Aura: Constantly emits soft light in a 5-meter radius, which disrupts undead and shadow-like entities, imposing a -2 penalty to their attack rolls.
  • Value: Cr150,000
  • Encumbrance: 4

Warhammer 40k (Wrath & Glory)

Radiant Shield of the Cosmos

  • Type: Relic (Shield)
  • Keywords: Artifact, Celestial, Defensive
  • Defense: Grants +2 Resilience and +2 Defense when equipped.
  • Abilities:
    • Radiant Aura: All Daemons, Psykers, and Chaos-aligned entities within 10 meters suffer a -2 penalty to all actions due to the shield’s holy aura.
    • Blinding Pulse (1/Session): Unleash a pulse of radiant energy in a 15-meter radius. All enemies must pass a DN 4 Willpower test or suffer 1d6 Mortal Wounds and become Blinded for 1 round.
    • Sacred Light: The shield glows constantly, creating bright light in a 20-meter radius. This light disrupts shadow-based effects and nullifies invisibility within the area.
  • Weight: 8 kg
  • Unique Condition: The shield cannot be used by individuals with Corruption above 1.