The Orb of Dragonkind

Lore & Background

In recent centuries, the Orb became the holy grail of the Cult of the Dragon, an organization obsessed with birthing a new age of dragon worship. Their ultimate ambition: to harness the artifact's power to breach the Wall of Heaven and summon Tiamat herself, or to raise a legion of enslaved chromatic dragons to conquer Faerûn. The Orb's influence is so pervasive that its mere existence acts as a beacon, drawing the gaze of dark deities and causing chromatic dragons miles away to feel a phantom leash tighten around their minds. Legends whisper that prolonged exposure corrupts not only the beast it binds but also the human who holds it, twisting noble ambition into a singular, ravenous hunger for draconic dominion.

In Their Own Story

The cavern air turned thick with sulfur and the metallic tang of old blood. High above, a red dragon circled, its eyes wide not with rage, but with a terrifying confusion. Below, a robed figure raised the sphere; it pulsed with a sickly violet light that seemed to swallow the roar of the wind and the drip of water. The dragon's thunderous cry died in its throat, replaced by a low, submissive whine. It descended, claws scraping stone, and bowed its massive head toward the tiny human. 'Rise,' the figure commanded, his voice trembling not from fear, but from the intoxicating rush of absolute authority. The beast obeyed instantly, its ancient mind reduced to a hollow vessel waiting for orders.

Reader's Guide

The Orb of Dragonkind is the ultimate instrument of draconic subjugation. Upon activation, it radiates a magical aura that compels any dragon within range to submit utterly to the holder's will. This effect pierces standard resistances, turning even the most proud and ancient chromatic dragons into loyal servants. Beyond simple control, the artifact can summon specific dragon types or channel their innate breath weapons for devastating attacks. Wielding the Orb demands ironclad mental fortitude. The artifact feeds on ambition, slowly eroding the user's humanity until they are consumed by an obsession with dragonkind. Historically, it has been the catalyst for cults and dark wizards seeking sky-dominion. In game terms, it is a cursed item of immense power that exacts a terrible toll. Finding the Orb is a quest reserved for the desperate or the wicked. Hidden in deep vaults, lost in the Underdark, or guarded by those who fear its return, it requires a wielder with profound knowledge of draconic psychology and the strength to resist its corrupting whisper. Without such resolve, the wielder risks becoming the first slave the Orb ever claims.

Did You Know?

• The Orb is often associated with the Cult of the Dragon, who have sought it for centuries to facilitate the return of Tiamat.
• Some legends suggest that the Orb was originally created by dragons themselves before being stolen by Netherese mages.
• The artifact's influence can sometimes be detected by dragons even when they are miles away, causing them distress or madness.
• In various adventures, the Orb has been shattered and reformed, with each iteration potentially holding different levels of power.