1) When and how was the Dark Lens created and for what purpose?
2) Is the Dark Lens destructible and if so how?
3) Has the Dark Lens been involved in any major events in Athas (apart from the creation of champions of Rajaat and the sorceror kings [but even about that I know little])?
4) Is the Dark Lens in any way related to lifeshaping? Due to its ability to transform, which I surmise from the creation of the champions of Rajaat and the sorceror kings, I would even postulate that it is a lifeshaping artifact.
5) Where is the Dark Sun currently located?
6) What is the connection (if any - but there appears to be one) between the Dark Lens and the Sun)?
7) Are there any mechanical rules (crunch rather than fluff) regarding the Dark Lens, its transformative effects and its other powers (if any) and if so what are these rules?
Thanks a lot!
I have several questions about the Dark Lens and since my knowledge of the Dark Sun is not very extensive, I thought some of the Dark Sun gurus on this board might know more: (these questions are similar to questions I have asked about the Pristine Tower before)
The best source the Prism Pentad series, really, but to be more specific:
1) When and how was the Dark Lens created and for what purpose?
AFAIK there isn't a definitive answer to this, although I'm pretty sure it's assumed that it was created by the Life Shapers: Since it is a component of the Pristine Tower that allows for full physical transformations such as those that occurred during the Rebirth, I don't see why it'd be an "after thought" thing. On the other hand I've also heard opinions that Rajaat may have created it, or found it after-the-fact.
2) Is the Dark Lens destructible and if so how?
Possibly, depending on the source and your opinion. There's a debate as to whether or not it was destroyed at the end of the Prism Pentad series by being tossed into a lake of magma. For whatever reason I can't remember at the moment what my opinion on this is. :P
3) Has the Dark Lens been involved in any major events in Athas (apart from the creation of champions of Rajaat and the sorceror kings [but even about that I know little])?
A lot - read the Prism Pentad series of books by Troy Denning. The Wanderer's Chronicle history section gives a brief overview of some of the things it was used for, both "prior" to that series as well as during the course of it.
4) Is the Dark Lens in any way related to lifeshaping? Due to its ability to transform, which I surmise from the creation of the champions of Rajaat and the sorceror kings, I would even postulate that it is a lifeshaping artifact.
Possibly. See question #1.
5) Where is the Dark Sun currently located?
As of FY 13(?) it's sitting at the bottom of a lake of magma in the valley of Dust and Fire.
6) What is the connection (if any - but there appears to be one) between the Dark Lens and the Sun?
It harnesses the sun's power - it's sort of an "energy gateway" between the life-changing powers of the sun and whoever is currently using the artifact.
7) Are there any mechanical rules (crunch rather than fluff) regarding the Dark Lens, its transformative effects and its other powers (if any) and if so what are these rules?
I think someone on the boards have re-written the 2e version of the artifact, so there's a couple rules for it out there.
(I wouldn't be surprised if I'm off on some of these answers...but that's what the forums are for, eh?)
The Dark Lens is an ancient artifact thought to have been created by Rajaat as the Time of Magic was coming to an end.
The Dark Lens is tied so closely with the fate of Athas and the sorcerer-kings that it may not be possible to destroy the item until either the sorcerer-kings achieve a final victory, or are cast from the face of Athas.
By using the Dark Lens Rajaat created other powerful artifacts - such as Silencer, Scorcher, and Scourge.
... the disciples of Rajaat took the Dark Lens and used its power to imprison their master in a place called the Hollow.- [INDENT]Seems that no and has no need to have any, for its ability to amplify magic is more than sufficient. V. 7.[/INDENT]
... Sadira of Tyr cast the Dark Lens into the lava of the Ring of Fire.
- [INDENT]V. 4.[/INDENT]
The Dark Lens contains 500 PSPs which can be used to activate its psionic powers. These points are regained every 24 hours after the first use. Should the lens’ psionic points become exhausted, the possessor can use his or her own PSPs to operate the device. All powers used in conjunction with the Dark Lens are at 20th level of effect.
The Dark Lens acts as a rod of absorption upon command, converting magical energy directly into PSPs, five points per level of the spell cast. The user of the lens must declare this intent after the spell is cast, and it requires complete concentration to preform.
The lens also allows the possessor access at will to any psionic science or devotion that they have learned, witnessed, or intently studied. A minimal amount study is needed to duplicate most psionic powers with the Dark Lens. Effects such as telekinesis and disintegrate are easily imitated by observation, but powers like ESP or mindwipe may require extensive research. The time of research is up to the Dungeon Master, but a minimum of one game month per psionic devotion and three months per science is suggested.
The Dark Lens is also a focus for magical power. Any wizard spell cast with the aid of the lens is greatly enhanced. The area of effect, duration, range, damage or other effects produced by the spell are augmented by a factor of 10. Saving throws made against these augmented spells suffer a -3 penalty.
With the Dark Lens, a psionicist can create temporary physical constructs of creatures they envision. The creation can be any beast or humanoid previously encountered by the user, or a new creature drawn from the wielder’s dark imagination. The construct cannot have more hit dice than the possessor. These mental fabrications are physical only, having no spell-like or psionic power possessed by the actual creature (a defiler construct would not be able to cast spells, an undead creature would have no special abilities, etc.) THAC0, and all other physical abilities remain the same. This power can be used up to three times per day, and the creation has physical form for up to one hour.
The power of the Dark Lens can also alter the shape of the user. Four times per day the possessor of this artifact can alter his form as per a polymorph self spell. This spell lasts until the user wishes it to end or until the effect is dispelled. Should contact with the Dark Lens be severed, the user returns to their original form immediately.
The Dark Lens also confers the following powers to the user: while traveling upon the Silt Sea possessor will never be attacked by monsters, user will never be attacked by undead, and the owner is under the effects of a mind blank spell at 20th level of ability, whenever in contact with the device.
There's a debate as to whether or not it was destroyed at the end of the Prism Pentad series by being tossed into a lake of magma. For whatever reason I can't remember at the moment what my opinion on this is. :P
You sly dog! That is some pretty good backing there, nice job ;)
Good to have you back, Alex and Nathan.
So, the dead have started to march out of the Deadlands already, heh?
Good to have you back, Alex and Nathan.
That is right! It was foretold that the Flayers return to the Tablelands would be heralded in by the dead! Beware fools… your doom is upon you!
Also, finding the Dark Lens will cause you to glare smugly while your eyes radiate an unearthly glow. At least, that's what happened to me......
I have no Dark Sun, or even D&D, group for me at the moment, so I am safe from that... though I much rather wouldn't be.
You sly dog! That is some pretty good backing there, nice job ;)
...the really sad thing is that I actually can't remember my opinion on that subject: I'm pretty sure I think that it *wasn't* destroyed, but it's been so long since the thread where we were picking apart quotes from the Cerlulean Storm that I'm starting to wonder if maybe I changed my mind by the end of that debate. :D
That is right! It was foretold that the Flayers return to the Tablelands would be heralded in by the dead! Beware fools… your doom is upon you!
