Magehold of the Sunscorch - Magic Item (Storytelling Exists) (Patreon)

Part 1: Darkness on the Horizon 

🏰🔥🗡️ Across the bustling tavern, a hush falls as an elder, cloaked in worn robes, stands by the fireside. "Friends," he begins, his voice trembling yet insistent, "a great danger approaches our lands. The dark mummy lord, believed to be a mere tale to scare children, is very real. I've seen the signs - crops withering, animals fleeing, and the sun dimming. Our world is on the edge, threatened by this ancient evil." He leans closer, and you can see the worry lines etched deep in his face. "But there's hope. Old stories, ones we thought were just fables, may hold the key to defending our homes. We need brave souls to uncover these tales and find the power hidden within them." The elder’s eyes scan the room, searching for a sign of commitment among the gathered crowd. There’s a palpable tension as the patrons exchange uneasy glances. Among the murmurs, a minstrel in the corner strums a somber tune, adding to the weight of the moment. “You might wonder why I've chosen this place to share such news,” the elder continues. “It's because among you are those with the heart and courage needed for this quest. The old seers spoke of a group, diverse in skills but united in purpose, who would rise when the land's need is greatest.” He slowly pulls out a tattered map from the folds of his robe and spreads it on a nearby table. “This,” he says, pointing to various marks and annotations, “is a map of the last known places where the tales were told. Each location holds a piece of the puzzle, a fragment of the story that can help us counter the mummy lord’s power.” An armored warrior at the back raises her hand, “And what if we retrieve these tales? How do we use them against such an adversary?” The elder nods, acknowledging the question. “That, brave one, is where our journey begins. These tales are not mere stories; they are memories, remnants of a time when magic was pure and intentions clear. By understanding them, we can tap into the strength of the past and bring forth a force that might just balance the scales.” A rogue, leaning against a shadowed wall, smirks, “And what's in it for us?” The elder chuckles softly, “Apart from the gratitude of a world saved from darkness? Riches, artifacts of power, and knowledge lost to time. But more than that, a place in history as the heroes who stood tall when all seemed lost.” With a deep breath, he adds, “The road will be perilous, and challenges many. But if you choose to walk this path, know that you do so with the hope and faith of every living soul behind you. Will you embark on this quest and uncover the forgotten tales?” From a darkened corner of the tavern, a voice, raspy and deep, speaks out. All eyes turn to see a Dragonborn, scales glinting dimly in the firelight, step forward. "Who is this mummy lord you speak of?" he asks, his voice filled with both curiosity and caution. "And why has he returned now, after all these years?" The elder, recognizing the importance of the question, takes a moment before replying. "Ah, an excellent query. The mummy lord was once a mighty pharaoh, known for his insatiable hunger for power and dominion over the living and the dead. Legends say he was betrayed by his closest advisors and sealed away, his spirit trapped for eternity." The Dragonborn nods, "But that doesn't answer why he's returned." The elder sighs, "It's believed that every few centuries, the seals binding him weaken, and his influence begins to seep into the world. His agents, loyal followers from ages past, work in the shadows to prepare for his return. This isn't the first time he's threatened our lands, but previous generations managed to strengthen the seals and push him back." He leans in, "This time, however, something's different. There are whispers that a powerful artifact, one that could permanently release the mummy lord from his bonds, has resurfaced. If he gets his hands on it, there may be no stopping him."

Part 2: Embarking on the Quest 

After a thorough discussion, weighing the risks against the potential rewards, you and your party unanimously agree to take on the challenge. Accepting the quest, you turn to the elder, determination in your collective gaze. Gratitude evident in his eyes, the elder nods, "Very well. You've chosen a noble path, one filled with peril but also hope." Without wasting any time, he begins leading you and your party to a secluded room in the back of the tavern. Here, he unfurls an ancient map, marked with cryptic symbols and locations. "This map," he says, "will be your guide. It points to the places where the tales and artifacts connected to the mummy lord are said to be hidden. Each location holds a piece of the puzzle, and together they might just give us a fighting chance against the looming threat." As you lean in to study the map, the elder's hand hovers over a glowing symbol, resembling a fiery blade against a tower's silhouette. "Ah, the Mageholds of the Sunscorch," he begins with a hint of reverence. "These are very rare artifacts of immense power, each forged for a different wizard who once battled against the mummy lord. Their fiery essence is said to exploit the vulnerabilities of the undead, especially the mummy lords." He points to the first marked location, a dense forest depicted with twisted trees and an enigmatic, looming fog. "In these woods is where their tale begins. Within the heart of this enchanted forest lies a glade, a place where the original wielders of the Mageholds first harnessed their power. Yet, be cautious; the woods are treacherous, and many have been ensnared by its illusions." His finger then traces a path to jagged mountains touching the heavens. "It is said that atop its highest summit, there exists an ancient temple. Rumor has it that within its walls lies knowledge of the Magehold's forging, and perhaps even clues to their current whereabouts." Handing over a travel-friendly version of the map, the elder intently advises, "The Mageholds of the Sunscorch are key to tipping the scales in your favor against the mummy lord. Their fiery might could be the world's salvation. Find them, and you might stand a chance." With the importance of these very rare artifacts clear and the map to guide you, you and your companions prepare for the journey ahead, hoping to uncover the Mageholds of the Sunscorch and face the impending darkness. 🏰🔥🗡️

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Magehold of the Sunscorch

Weapon (shortsword), very rare (requires attunement by a sorcerer or wizard)

A blade that radiates with the heat of flowing magma, embraced by a dragonscaled hilt as dark as obsidian, adorned with time-worn citadel designs, as flames play a silent waltz from its guard.

You gain a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls made against undead. Additionally, you gain a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls for spells dealing fire damage, and you can use this shortsword as a spellcasting focus.

Once attuned to this weapon, you learn the scorching ray spell if you didn't already know it. While attuned, scorching ray becomes a cantrip for you and can't be cast using a 2nd-level spell slot or higher. When casting it as a cantrip, use its normal effects for a 2nd-level spell.