Star of Chaos
by WingofCootDescription: The artifact is a gem 2" in diameter, although its color and appearance changes randomly (roll 1d4 each day):
1: Star Ruby
2: Citrine
3: Emerald
4: Star Sapphire
Magnitude: Lesser artifact.
Sphere: Energy
Suggested Powers (PP 245)
A4 Polymorph Other (45)
C3 Growth of Animal (20)
D2 Memorize +8 bonus spell levels (80)
D5 Prismatic Wall (100)
Activation: The artifact is active when found. It will reveal its powers telepathically.
If its finder is a Chaotic spell caster (including an Avenger), all powers are immediately revealed.
Otherwise, only the Growth of Animal power is revealed at first. Other powers can be revealed by a Lore spell (or a Wish spell cast for the same purpose), one power per spell, in order of PP cost.
Use of Powers: As long as the Star is in contact with the user's skin, all powers operate by mental command.
Adverse Effects
Handicaps (2)
1. When first used - Saving Throw Penalty: -4 on saving throws against polymorph or petrification
2. When Prismatic Wall power is first used - Alignment changes to Chaotic; if already Chaotic, becomes intensely devoted to defeating Law
Penalties (3)
1. Spell effect: Artifact Creates Magical Monsters, immediately hostile to user
2. Spell effect: Polymorph Other affects user (saving throw suffers the penalty from handicap A)
3. Wounded: The Prismatic Wall power drains 2d8 hp from the user.
Special Effect: If the artifact is left unattended for at least one year, its Growth of Animals and Polymorph Other powers begin to activate on their own. Ordinary animals nearby will grow to giant size or be Polymorphed into various monsters, and will be hostile to all intruders.
History: The Star of Chaos is a very ancient artifact of Energy and Chaos whose creator is not known, probably an Immortal who either no longer exists or is no longer involved with Mystara or nearby worlds. Some Immortals speculate that it even predates the current organization of the multiverse and the Immortal hierarchy as it now exists.
The artifact is known to have been present on Mystara (occasionally appearing on Patera as well) from primordial times, appearing and disappearing throughout history. The last known holder of the artifact was the Alphatian wizard Alinor, who used it during his attempt to build a kingdom in Norwold centuries ago. It is believed that this is the artifact Rathanos quested for and obtained as part of his Paragon Path. It was apparently used in the creation of gator-men by a powerful wizard of early Thonia, whose magical powers were greatly enhanced by it. It was used to devastating effect by Thanatos' corrupted forces during the Burrower Wars; before even that, it was held by several notable Carnifex spellcasters.
Current Location: The Star of Chaos could turn up in any dungeon or monster-haunted wilderness location, but rumors suggest that it may lie in the hoard of one of the major red dragons of the Wyrmsteeth Range of Norwold, who seeks to use its power in the Ceremony of Sublimation.