Ruby of Fire
| Ruby of Fire | |
| Wielder(s): | |
|---|---|
The Ruby of Fire was a powerful jewel capable brought to the Green Isle by the Wesfolk, and later to the Great Continent by Prince Haldric. Among other things, the ruby was capable of conjuring fireballs against the wielder's foes. It was also capable of corrupting those subjected to its magical radiance. In a deal between King Haldric II and the Knalgan dwarves, it was sculpted by Thursagan into the Sceptre of Fire.
History
Early usage
| Casting fire is the least of the Ruby's abilities. You are twice a fool, for having failed to plumb more than its most trivial use and for having given it away. |
| —The Lich-Lord Jevyan scolds Prince Haldric for failing to understand the power of the Ruby of Fire. |
The Ruby of Fire originally came from the Old Continent, belonging to the Wesfolk.[1] Though only the size of an apple,[2] it was their most powerful artifact, highly coveted by the Wesfolk's masters, the Lich-Lords.[1] The ruby had various properties, and allowed anyone who wielded it to conjure fireballs as a wepaon.[3] It also had a magical radiance that could be detected by those nearby.[4][5] This radiance, however, would corrupt those who handled it while not in battle.[6]
After losing a war in the Old Continent, the Wesfolk sailed to the Green Isle,[7] bringing with them the ruby.[1] It eventually made itself into the hands of the Lich-Lord Caror, who studied the ruby, documenting his findings in the Book of Fire and Darkness.[8] His control over the ruby did not last forever, as Lenvan managed to take the ruby.[1] Also, during the First Wesfolk War, he was attacked east of Southbay. He and his book were both petrified in stone there by Haldric's people.[8]
Though Lenvan obtained the ruby, he too suffered misfortune during the war. He and the ruby were magically sealed in the catacombs running beneath the Oldwood Forest. There he remained until the Oldwood woses undid the seal, allowing Haldric to descend into the catacombs.[1] A battle ensued between Haldric's forces and Lenvan's undead, but in the end, Lenvan was slain. Haldric found the ruby hidden within a chest, confused as to why Lenvan did not keep it on his person.[2] Nonetheless, he ascended to the surface with the ruby before departing for Clearwater Port, with his refugees from Stormvale, as well as a number of of Wesfolk, all fleeing an orcish invasion. Despite his victory, Haldric still did not know how to use the ruby.[9]
Before setting sail from Clearwater Port, the Wesfolk leader, Lady Jessene, informed Haldric of the Book of Fire and Darkness, suggesting that they make a detour in their journey.[8] They sailed to Fallen Lich Point and advanced upon Caror's fort. Haldric broke the spell binding the undead in stone before his forces slew Caror, seizing the book before hurrying into the Southbay sewers.[10] Therein lived twin magi, Daellyn the Red and Tinry the Red, who had spent much time searching for the ruby. Immediately, they sensed its presence, and attacked Haldric, but without success.[4]
Once the refugees arrived at Southbay, they sought an audience with King Addroran IX. There they decided to remain until spring. Jessene was assigned with the task of translating the Book of Fire and Darkness.[11] Haldric was thus able to study its text and learn how to conjure fireballs. Shortly thereafter, Southbay was besieged by a band of orcs, sent there by Jevyan. Though Jevyan only briefly appeared on the battlefield, he was able to sense the ruby. Despite this, Haldric defeated the orcs then set sail with his refugees east for the Great Continent.[5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 The Oldwood, The Rise of Wesnoth
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Temple in the Deep, The Rise of Wesnoth
- ↑ The Rise of Wesnoth, The Rise of Wesnoth
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Sewer of Southbay, The Rise of Wesnoth
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 A Final Spring, The Rise of Wesnoth
- ↑ Revelations, Legend of Wesmere
- ↑ A Summer of Storms, The Rise of Wesnoth
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Clearwater Port, The Rise of Wesnoth
- ↑ Return to Oldwood, The Rise of Wesnoth
- ↑ Fallen Lich Point, The Rise of Wesnoth
- ↑ Southbay in Winter, The Rise of Wesnoth