There’s an artifact in the 2e supplement the Book of Artifacts. It’s backstory is somewhat interesting despite the not-so-creative name and I’m wondering if it’s appeared anywhere else? Most sources point out that it’s a FR artifact.
Apparently a “far-distant eastern cult that worshiped a great salamander of the river” was terrorizing local folks with foul rituals. One peasant woman who had lost her sons to the cult took up the sword and was visited for “five nights by the five judges of men” to bring her some inspiration. She killed the fiend and cut out its heart which became this rock.
I’m getting some ancient god vibes here like a Borem or Tyranthraxus with the lizard. Or maybe even an unknown lesser avatar of a Sarrukh deity?
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I'm sure I've seen somewhere that the Death Rock was categorised as a Kara Tur artefact.
I however can see no link to it being Kara Tur other than it being located in the east.
After reading AlQadim stuff lately I'm certain it should be associated with zakhara. The ruined kingdoms has weird animal river god worship where Nog used to be and an evil necromancer cult that took hold in the region.
Of course nothing to stop you associating it with Faerun.
Far eastern could be relative. Wasn't there some fire god involved with Thay? If it was far enough back, that could be a "far eastern cult" if it happened before the "discovery" of Kara Tur.
"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."
I like these theories. I’m curious if there is anything else at all about it in published writing. I wonder if this is something Ed would answer. Because I can seriously find nothing else but what was written in the Book of Artifacts.
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I like these theories. I’m curious if there is anything else at all about it in published writing. I wonder if this is something Ed would answer. Because I can seriously find nothing else but what was written in the Book of Artifacts.
The death rock is currently in a vault at the Darkhold (pg 58 with 5e stats on pg 74) per Darkhold: Secrets of the Zhentarim.
It is also on pg 95 of VGtATM. It is there that it is said to be from Kara Tur.
"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."
Death Rock
Posted - 20 Apr 2022 : 03:16:02
