Leviathan's Embrace: This enchanting artefact is a heart-shaped amulet, about the size of a human fist. It is formed from a unique material known as Leviathan's Azure, a mineral found only within the body of the Leviathan of the Tempest.
The artefact's surface appears like a meld of swirling blue and green hues, echoing the ever-changing colors of the sea. It is encased in a frame of delicate, silver filigree that depicts waves crashing against one another.
At its center, the heart harbors a moving element like a tiny, captive storm. Streaks of white lightning flicker within this storm, providing the only source of light that dances across the surface of the amulet. The lightning illuminates the heart from within, casting a mesmerizing, glow as ethereal as bioluminescence in deep waters.
The back of the amulet is smooth to the touch, cold as a sea stone, and engraved with ancient runes of Aquan, the language of water-based creatures. These runes tell the tale of the Leviathan and hint at the transformative power the amulet holds.
A sturdy chain of silver, dotted with tiny sapphires and emeralds, is attached to the amulet, allowing it to be worn around the neck. The chain is long enough to let the amulet rest against the wearer's chest, a reminder of the ocean's heartbeat they now hold.
Holding the artefact, one can almost hear the distant sound of crashing waves, feel the salt spray on their face, and sense the limitless power of the ocean contained within this seemingly small pendant. This is Leviathan's Embrace, a treasure beyond measure, and a destiny beyond comprehension.
When a character attunes to it, they gain the following benefits and drawbacks:
Stage 1: Ocean's Call (Days 1-30 after attuning)
The attuned character can breathe underwater and gains a swim speed equal to their walking speed.
They gain advantage on Strength (Athletics) checks related to swimming.
The character feels a growing compulsion to be near the sea, which may influence their decisions.
With a successful wisdom check, DC 24, the impacted character can cast the artefact into the ocean and be rid of it. This check can only be attempted once during this stage.
Stage 2: Sea's Embrace (Month 1-3 after attuning)
The character's skin hardens, increasing their natural Armor Class by +2.
They gain resistance to cold damage.
The character's Strength score increases by 2, as they gain the might of the sea.
They begin to feel a deep sense of peace when in the water, growing increasingly restless and agitated when on land.
With a successful wisdom check, DC 28, the impacted character can cast the artefact into the ocean and be rid of it. This check can only be attempted once during this stage.
Stage 3: Tempest's Transformation (Month 4-6 after attuning)
The character grows in size. Their Strength score increases by another 2, and their hit point maximum increases by 20.
They gain the ability to cast 'Control Water' and 'Call Lightning' each once per day.
The character now feels a powerful urge to live within the sea, finding it distressing to be on land for extended periods.
Stage 4: Leviathan's Awakening (Month 7 onwards after attuning)
The character can now use 'Leviathan's Fury', causing a massive storm within a mile radius once per day. This storm lasts for up to an hour.
The character's form begins to change, becoming more akin to the Leviathan, and they become a Large size creature. Their Strength increases by another 2, and their hit point maximum increases by another 30.
They now feel a compulsion to protect the sea and its creatures. Acts of destruction or harm towards the sea or its life can induce a violent rage in them.
Up to this point the transformation is irreversible, except by the use of a 'Wish' spell and a willing individual ready to take on the mantle of the new Leviathan of the Tempest. The Leviathan's Embrace thus serves as a powerful tool but one that comes with great sacrifice and responsibility. The ocean's wrath and protection now live within the character, forever changing their destiny. Beyond this point, there is no known way to stop or reverse the process.
Stage 5: The Second Voice (Year 2-3 after attuning)
The character gains the ability to cast 'Storm of Vengeance' once per day.
The character starts hearing the inner voice of the Leviathan. This second voice assists in decisions, granting advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks.
They grow to Huge size, their Strength score increases by another 2, and their hit point maximum increases by another 40.
The character becomes compelled to stay within the sea at all times, finding land both physically and mentally distressing.
The character is now able to speak, read, and understand Aquan and Primordial if they couldn't already.
Stage 6: The Final Transformation (Year 4 onwards after attuning)
The character gains the 'Leviathan's Wrath' ability, which allows them to summon a maelstrom once per day that functions similarly to the original Leviathan's Maelstrom ability.
The character fully transforms into the Leviathan of the Tempest, developing the second head and other defining physical characteristics of the Leviathan. Their size increases to Gargantuan, their Strength score increases by another 2, and their hit point maximum increases by another 50.
The character's transformation is now complete, and they become an aquatic monstrosity. They lose their previous racial traits and class features, but retain their personality and alignment.
The character now exists to protect the sea and its inhabitants, becoming the guardian of the oceans, and maintaining the eternal balance of the sea and the storm.
The transformation is truly a monumental event, a rebirth in the truest sense. As they emerge from the depths, the new Leviathan of the Tempest roars a challenge to the sky, accepting the mantle of their predecessor, and marking the beginning of a new era of the ocean's guardian.
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