Astendar Orb

Description:

Forged through a pact between the Astendar bloodline and an ancient storm spirit, each orb is created when a new family member comes of age or inherits the legacy. Each Astendar Orb is unique in size and shape based on the will of its wielder, but always appears as a translucent sphere with a perpetual storm swirling inside — forks of lightning flash and vanish into mist, thunderheads churn in silence.

While primarily used as an arcane focus, the orb is infused with immense latent power, capable of responding instinctively to lightning and thunder.

Passive Abilities

• Stormward Bound. While attuned to the orb, the wielder can use the orb to cast Absorb Elements (3rd level) 3/short rest Additionally, when a spell or effect targets only the wielder with lightning or thunder damage, the wielder may use their reaction to redirect the spell to a new target within 60 feet (2/short rest).

• Stormcaller's Presence. You gain resistance to the Deafened condition, and your voice can always be heard clearly through natural thunder or magical wind effects.

• Storm Pulse. When casting a spell that deals lightning or thunder damage, you may add your proficiency bonus to one of the damage rolls once per turn.

Astendar Convergence

“The storm does not divide its strength—it gives it all.”

When a creature possesses and absorbs multiple Astendar Orbs, they awaken deeper, ancient powers sealed within the storm spirit’s legacy. This is a permanent transformation and the orbs are destroyed in the process, consumed by the force of the union.

Permanent Effects per Orb Absorbed:

• The creature’s ability scores each increase by 1 (to a maximum of 30).

• The creature gains a +1 bonus to all lightning and thunder damage dealt.

• For each orb absorbed, the creature gains a stacking benefit:

  • If they have absorbed 2 or more orbs, they ignore resistance to lightning and thunder damage.

  • If they have absorbed 3 or more orbs, they may ignore immunity to lightning or thunder damage once per long rest.

Final Command: Elemental Rebirth

Upon the attuned user’s death, they may choose to shatter the Astendar Orb as their final act. Doing so summons a Stormbound Lightning Elemental (see stat block) at their place of death. Before dying, the user may mentally issue a single command the elemental will follow — such as defending an ally, slaying a foe, or completing a final mission.

Once this command is fulfilled or the elemental is slain, the magic binding it dissipates, and the orb is permanently destroyed.

Rarity & Creation

• Rarity: Artifact

• Origin: The orbs are created through a ritual pact with the storm spirit, a process long-guarded by the Astendar family and impossible to replicate outside their bloodline. Each orb is unique and cannot be duplicated through any known means.

• Destruction: An Astendar Orb can only be destroyed by its bearer’s death through non-magical means, or if it is willingly shattered to release its elemental.

Notes: Can only be Fully Attuned to the Astendar it was created for upon birth