The Astral Veil of the God-Kings

Also commonly called the Astral Crown of the God-Kings, this is a legendary item said to be one of the many treasures lost in the Ancient Forest of Diath. Adventurers pass on tales of its incredible might all over the world. Although the stories all take on their own flair as they pass from town to town, the core generally remains the same: ancient, powerful elven magicians from the eternal forest of Diath, called the God-Kings, combined the greatest of their magics and infused them into the veil. It is said that whoever wears the veil upon their head will be infused not only with great mastery of magical forces both known and obscure, but (in many tales) they will also be bestowed with eternal youth and beauty.

There are many popular anecdotes about the veil. Some common powers it is said to bestow are:

• Invisibility
• Flight
• Command of natural forces, such as causing mountains to rise, or stone to turn to water
• Underwater breathing
• Geas
• Mastery of all languages, including those of animals
• Divination, especially far sight

And many more.

Truly, some believe the veil's power to be near godlike, and still others believe that whoever bears the veil will have the direct attention of the gods.

Stories even tell of some (un)lucky souls who were able to find the crown. Usually, they know not with which powers they dabble and end up unwittingly losing it. No matter how the process happens, the veil always finds its way back to Diath, usually through mysterious or magical means.

These legends definitely spark the attentions of many an adventurer, compelling quite a few expeditions over the years into Diath. The Eternal Forest, however, remains enigmatic. The officials of Falorum have deemed it “too dangerous” for its armies to enter.

There are powerful enchantments protecting the depths of the wood, and for as long as anyone can remember, and to this day, one of two things happens to those who enter Diath: either they get lost and turned around, only come back out having found nothing of note, no matter how prepared and well-oriented they are, or they never return from the forest at all.

Still, this ominous sign does not deter very many adventurers or proud warriors and wizards. Indeed, some don't see this as ominous at all: some take it as a good sign. There are many treasures and wonders said to be hidden deep within Diath. Some would contend that perhaps there are so many spectacular and fantastical things to behold that one would not want to leave even if they had to. Others simply seek their fame and fortune, and don't think some old forest can conquer them so easily!

To this day, the Astral Veil of the God-Kings' location and even veracity remain unknown.