Item: Codex Orientum

The downfall of House d'Areyn is a mysterious topic. At some stage, the d'Areyn family was expelled from The Old Hall by forces unknown, and they took shelter with their allies in Wintermoss. The Old Hall is an ancient ruin on a frozen cliff-face, now barely accessible and never visited. Mile therefore grew up in Wintermoss, still living a comfortable life under the protection of House Glenderyn, until misfortune again caught up with the family. 

Perhaps 15 or 20 years ago, under circumstances that are still unclear, there was a fire and the family disappeared. Fleeing under cover of darkness the d'Areyn family took refuge in the Riverlands, living a simple and anonymous existence, with little trace of their former status.

Even before this time however, the records of the family had been systematically purged: Morgenstern suspected that the Iron Crown wanted to remove any threat to their legitimacy, should the House of d'Areyn re-emerge to make some claim to the leadership of Frosthaven. Now, most people in the East believe there are only four Noble Houses (including the extinct House Craven), and official records have all been changed to reflect this: House d'Areyn is not mentioned.

Morgenstern informed Mile that The Iron Crown is now led by Azharul, a rather cruel and unpredictable wizard, who seems intent on gaining influence over the nearby city of Nightfall, leading to his interest in the Kingstaff.

In all of this, the fate of the Dragonbowl, House d'Areyn's powerful artefact, remains unknown.

Despite its name, the Dragonbowl is actually an ornate golden chalice under the ancient protection of House d'Areyn. Perhaps the most powerful of the artifacts of the East, the chalice is said to require complex magical rituals to unlock its powers, but in the right hands allows magical control of dragons.

The Kingstaff is a golden staff bearing the coat of arms of Nightfall (House Andara). It is the symbol of the authority of the ruler of Nightfall, and is said to confer magical powers of leadership and command on the legitimate bearer.

The Winterhelm is an ancient helmet which is said to enable the wearer to predict the intentions and moves of his enemies. With this artefact House Glenderyn has survived for centuries despite being one of the smaller Houses.

It is rumoured that the Stone of Insight gives the leaders of House Vandergeld great wisdom to predict and interpret world events that will have a bearing on trade and commerce.

A number of legends surround the Lost Artefact of House Craven. Some claim that it was an enchanted Tarot, with dark powers. Others believe House Craven owned a magic mirror, which could imprison those who looked upon it. Still others claimed existence of a magic staff that could instantly wither you into old age, or an ancient book of evil magics that would turn the reader insane. In reality, no-one knows the truth of it, and none are brave enough to find out.