Scarlet Gemstone

The Scarlet Gemstone is a cursed artifact that has long fascinated miners and jewelers alike, drawing them with its enigmatic allure. Its true origin remains a subject of intense speculation and debate, as the gemstone's existence defies conventional understanding. Whispers and legends suggest that it might have emerged from realms far beyond the mortal plane, carrying with it a tinge of otherworldly power.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Scarlet Gemstone is its ever-changing appearance. Each gemstone is unique, possessing a mesmerizing blend of vibrant hues and intricate patterns. It can be found as a solitary gem, radiating its captivating aura, or it may mysteriously infect other gemstones, transforming them into Scarlet Gemstones with a touch of its ethereal essence. The gemstone's transformative power is awe-inspiring and lends an air of both wonder and trepidation to those who encounter it.

Miners and jewelers are often drawn to the Scarlet Gemstone, enticed by the promise of its rarity and allure. Many have risked their lives venturing into treacherous mines and uncharted territories in search of these coveted gems, their hearts filled with a mixture of anticipation and caution. The gemstone's unpredictable nature adds an element of suspense to the quest, as miners and jewelers never know what they will uncover when they stumble upon the gemstone's presence.

The allure of the Scarlet Gemstone lies in its ability to restore the magical energy of spellcasters. By using an action, the bearer can drain the gemstone's power and regain one expended spell slot. However, this power comes at a great cost, as the gemstone carries a malevolent curse that gradually transforms the bearer's flesh and bones into living red crystal.

During a long rest, the bearer must roll a 1d100 to determine the extent of the gemstone's effect on their body. The roll represents the percentage of their body that has undergone transmutation into crystal. Only the casting of a Wish spell holds the power to break the curse and reverse the transformation.

The possible outcomes of the transmutation are as follows:

1-20: 10% of the bearer's body has turned into crystal.
21-40: 20% of the bearer's body has turned into crystal.
41-60: 30% of the bearer's body has turned into crystal.
61-80: 50% of the bearer's body has turned into crystal.
81-100: 70% of the bearer's body has turned into crystal.

Once the bearer reaches a total of 100% transmutation, their entire being becomes a living red crystal. This transformation brings about significant changes to the bearer's physiology and capabilities:

• Immunity to poison and disease: The crystalline form renders the bearer impervious to harmful toxins and diseases.
• Vulnerability to bludgeoning damage: The crystalline structure becomes brittle, making the bearer susceptible to bludgeoning attacks.
• Resistance to piercing and slashing damage from non-magical weapons: The crystal body provides some protection against physical attacks, reducing the harm inflicted by non-magical piercing and slashing weapons.
• Inability to heal naturally: The transformation halts the natural healing process, requiring the application of magical healing spells at level 5 or higher to restore lost hit points.
• Elimination of the need for food or sleep: The crystalline nature sustains the bearer, eliminating the need for sustenance and sleep.

The bearer of the Scarlet Gemstone becomes a unique and enigmatic figure, embodying both the allure of power and the tragedy of their crystalline existence. The gemstone serves as a constant reminder of the bearer's fateful encounter with a curse that forever altered their form and connection to the mortal realm.

As rumors and tales spread, the Scarlet Gemstone has become both a fascination and a source of fear. It is whispered that those who possess the gemstone for too long fall under its curse, their lives forever altered. The mysterious powers it possesses can bring both prosperity and ruin, a double-edged sword that tempts the ambitious and ensnares the unwary.