Black Gem of Vaul

Lore & Background

Possession of such an item requires immense willpower, for the gem resonates with the soul of the bearer. Many Runesmiths have attempted to harness its power to create artifacts of great might, but few survive the process without being consumed by the raw magic within. It is said that if the gem were ever fully activated, it could repair any Dwarf artifact or forge a new weapon capable of slaying dragons.

In Their Own Story

The air in the deep vault smelled of ozone and cold stone. Master Runesmith Grombrindal's apprentice held the gem aloft, its surface drinking the torchlight. It hummed, a low vibration that rattled teeth in skulls long turned to dust. 'Do not touch it,' the old Dwarf whispered, his beard trembling. 'Vaul did not make this for hands like ours.' The gem pulsed once, black as the void between stars, and the shadows in the corner of the room lengthened toward it.

Reader's Guide

The Black Gem functions as a battery for Runesmithing magic. When inscribed with runes, it amplifies their effect exponentially but risks instability. Originating from Vaul's personal forge, its creation predates the War against Chaos. Only the most skilled Runelords can safely channel its energy without suffering magical backlash. Historically, no single Dwarf King is confirmed to have wielded it, though legends suggest it was hidden before the Doom of the Dwarfs. Using it requires a ritual of binding to prevent the gem's dark resonance from corrupting the user's mind.

Did You Know?

• The gem is said to be one of the few items Vaul created that does not require fuel or fire to operate.
• Some scholars believe the Black Gem was hidden within the Great Book of Grudges for safekeeping.
• Its dark color indicates it has absorbed significant magical energy over millennia.