110 Chapter 3: CharaCter OptiOns
The Vestiges of Divergence
During the wars of the Calamity, great destruction rained
across the many lands of the world. Broken remnants of
history speak of battles between gods leveling mountains
and sinking islands. Chosen heroes rose up to accept the
artifacts of their patrons to combat the tide of death their
adversaries harnessed. Powerful archmages harnessed
the surging arcane powers of the war to forge incredible
objects of potent strength and ability, further arming
every side of the conflict.
Relics of the Age of Arcanum were further enhanced,
creating unheard-of magical capabilities. When the battle
climaxed in a wave of aberrant destruction, leaving much
of civilization in ruins, many of these artifacts were buried
among the ashes with their wielders. Others were passed
down through bloodlines for generations, a sign of respect
and importance within their culture. Some were locked
away, the fear of their power giving temples reason to keep
them from mortal hands, while a handful still see use to
this day by great warriors or proven killers. These mighty
echoes of the last great war, and the divine banishment
that followed, are known as the Vestiges of Divergence.
The Vestiges are legendary artifacts that grow in power
with the experience, force of will, and strength of char-
acter of the bearer. Many Vestiges, if sealed away or left
without a worthy attuned individual for a period of time,
will revert to their dormant state. A dormant state still
imbues a modicum of power to the attuned, but with
time, perseverance, and personal growth, the Vestige can
regain access to some of its lost ability in its awakened
state. Eventually, through extreme personal challenge,evolution, and achievement, the Vestige can reach its full
potential in its exalted state. This is the true power of the
Vestige, the state when it was originally utilized in the
Calamity against battle-ready gods.
Keep in mind, the Vestiges of Divergence are very
powerful magical items, so consider the intended power
level of your campaign before including them, and ensure
their discovery and acquisition is treated with the proper
amount of weight and responsibility. To be a bearer of a
Vestige is to be considered a mighty champion, but many
covet the power granted by their enchantment and will
seek out the bearer to take them for themselves.
For a Vestige to progress to a more powerful state (dor-
mant to awakened, or awakened to exalted), consider a
catalyst that is specific to the character attuned to it. It
could be as simple as having it advance when the character
utilizes a class ability a certain number of times, or the relic
could upgrade during a personal story beat where they over-
come a great fear or point of conflict in their life. Consider
something important, impactful, and memorable for the
Vestige to further unveil its power to the wielder.
Following are examples of Vestiges that currently exist
in Tal’Dorei, while many others are scattered throughout
Exandria. The objects below might be lost to time, awaiting
someone to find them among the dust and chains. Others
might be in use by a powerful hero who may impart its power
onto a worthy successor who fights for the proper cause.
Others still may be in the hands of a twisted soul, using its
abilities to terrorize the weak and defenseless. It is the DM’s
choice where these object may be found or earned.