Helm of Brilliance
When discovered, a helm of brilliance appears to be nothing more than an ordinary piece of armor for head protection - a helmet, basinet, sallet, of iron or steel. When worn, it functions only upon utterance of a special command word. When so empowered, the true nature of the helm is visible to all. The helm is actually armor +2. It is made of brilliant silver and polished steel, and set with 10 diamonds, 20 rubies, 30 fire opals, and 40 opals - each stone is of large size and each is magical. When struck by bright light, the helm scintillates and sends forth reflective rays in all directions from the gem-tipped spikes of its crown. The jewels' functions are:
- Diamond: Prismatic Spray.
- Ruby: Wall of Fire.
- Fire Opal: Fireball.
- Opal: Light.
Each gem can perform its ability just once, but the helm may be used once per round. The level of the spell is doubled to obtain the level of the spell with respect to range, duration, and other considerations. Until all of its jewels are magically expended, a helm of brilliance also has the following magical properties when activated:
- It glows with a bluish light when undead are within 30 feet. The light causes pain and d6 points of damage to all such creatures except skeletons and zombies.
- The wearer may command any sword he or she wields to become a sword of flame. This is in addition to any other special properties it may have. This takes one round to take effect.
- The wearer may Produce Flame
- The wearer is protected as if a double-strength fire resistance ring were worn, but this protection cannot be augmented by further magical means.
Once all of its jewels have lost their magic, the helm loses all of its powers, and the gems turn to worthless powder. Removing a jewel destroys it - they may not be recharged. If a creature wearing the helm is attacked by magical fire and fails to save vs. magical fire, another saving throw for the helmet must be attempted, without magical additions. If this fails, the remaining gems on the helm overload and detonate, inflicting on the wearer whatever accumulated effects the gems normally have.