Helms of brilliance were jeweled magical helmets that granted their wearer a variety of powerful abilities. Set with Evocation-laced diamonds, rubies, fire opals, and opals, each gem tied to a specific magical effect that the helms could produce. Removing or destroying the gems caused them to crumble into dust, and once the last gem was gone, the helms lost all magic.
The helms allowed their wearer to expend gems to cast Spells, respectively invoking potent sprays of prismatic energy, walls of fire, fireballs, and magical light. Additional properties were tied to the presence of certain gems: diamonds caused the helm to glow near undead and burn them with radiant energy, rubies gave the wearer resistance to fire, and fire opals could be used to wreathe a weapon in flames that burned enemies with every strike. These effects remained as long as the relevant gems were intact, making the preservation and use of the helm’s jewels a matter of strategy.
Despite their incredibly benefits, wearers of the helms carried significant risk. If hit by magical fire, there was a chance the helm’s gems would flare and unleash beams of light against all nearby creatures. The resulting radiant blast could not only cause immense harm, it also destroyed the helm and all its jewels in the process. Because of this, helms of brilliance were at once a strong weapon, a powerful piece of protection, and a dangerous gamble, rewarding careful use but punishing recklessness.