Orb of Golden Death

The Death Orb is a gold sphere five inches in diameter, shaped to resemble a human skull sans lower jaw. Atop

the crown is a raised diadem with depressions, the latter designed to accept four large gems, one representing each element. The Orb has only limited powers without these gems. Its possessor can, at will, Detect spoken lies, Detect thoughts, and Poison with a touch attack (CL 20). The possessor learns directly from The Orb full details of usable powers, but no information about Charisma effects (explained below), potential powers (such as those gained by addition of gems), unfavorable effects, nor the Orb's following protection ability. Neither Zuggtmoy nor luz can harm the possessor of Goldenskull, nor can either be the agent employing another to cause the user harm. If the possessor gazes upon the great throne in the Temple of Elemental Purity, he or she immediately knows how to operate it. The user's Charisma with respect to Chaotic Evil creatures is raised by 6 points. Twice per day, the wielder can invoke a fascinate-like ability, Will save DC 16 to all Chaotic Evil creatures within sight of the wielder. Those failing are stunned into inaction by the mere sight of the possessor, and cannot initiate any action other than physical defense. The effect lasts the entire time the wielder is within sight and for 4 minutes thereafter.

Both Zuggtmoy and luz know the identity and exact location of any person in possession of Yellowskull (their detection ability overpowering any and all protections magical or mundane). The protection of the Death Orb notwithstanding, Zuggtmoy and/or luz can attempt to persuade or coerce the possessor to hand over the Orb (though they cannot take it by force). However, the possessor is forced to react to these Evil beings in a somewhat cooperative manner, as the influence of the orb is corrupting.

Each time the Awe power is used, there is a 5% Cumulative chance that the wielder becomes a willing servant of Iuz and Zuggtmoy.

The Elemental Power Gems

The four gems of the correct size and shape to fit the diadem of the Orb are hidden in the Elemental Nodes connected to the Temple of Elemental Purity. Each gem radiates a strong enchantment.

When one of these gems is placed within its diadem mounting, the possessor gains the following abilities, and immediately realizes (and magically understands the process of) each of the effects.

1. The noted spell power, usable once per week.

2. Travel to and from the corresponding Elemental Plane at will (as if by using the teleport without error spell, but with no chance of error).

3. Comfortable existence in the corresponding element or Elemental Plane, taking no environmental damage.

4. Conjure greater elemental once per week, summoning from the appropriate Plane; however, no mental control is needed as long as the Orb is held (producing an effect much like the druid spells). Note, however, that such summoning is NOT possible while on the same Elemental Plane.

5. Summon and control a demon of the type noted up to 3 times per day, but never more frequently than once per hour. Before the final assault on the Temple by the forces of Good, Zuggtmoy carefully hid the gems in their corresponding Elemental Nodes.

Element Gem Spell Demon

Air Smoky quartz Wind Walk CR 6: Babau

Earth Carnelian Earthquake CR 7-8: Dybbuk, Yochlol

Fire Garnet Flame Strike CR 9: Vrock, Bulezau

Water Aquamarine Wall of Ice CR 10-11: Bebilith, Retriever, Chasme