The Graven Rings
The Graven Rings is an excerpt from Chapter Four: Graven Curses, in the book "Melish’s Malevolent Magicks," by Hans Melish.
"Graven" began as a local term used to describe cursed items of unusual cruelty and permanence. The phrase arose from the legend of the thirteen cursed Graven Rings, though it has since broadened to include any items bound by similar malevolent magicks. A "Graven Curse," therefore is one which resists removal through ordinary means, whether arcane or divine in nature. These artifacts cling to their bearers, and facilitate terrible change.
The thirteen rings of the Graven family form the origin and most infamous example of this phenomenon. While dozens of scholars have written on this subject, few agree on the truth. I have collected every credible testimony, confession, and Arcane Collective record, but much remains speculation.
Origin of a Graven Curse
"Graven" began as a local term used to describe cursed items of unusual cruelty and permanence. The phrase arose from the legend of the thirteen cursed Graven Rings, though it has since broadened to include any items bound by similar malevolent magicks. A "Graven Curse," therefore is one which resists removal through ordinary means, whether arcane or divine in nature. These artifacts cling to their bearers, and facilitate terrible change.
The Graven Rings
The thirteen rings of the Graven family form the origin and most infamous example of this phenomenon. While dozens of scholars have written on this subject, few agree on the truth. I have collected every credible testimony, confession, and Arcane Collective record, but much remains speculation.
The Gravens
The Graven family ruled over the import and timber industry along the Bloodborn Moors and Morden Woods in the northeastern Tritos Dominion. They were well respected stewards of the coastal city of Kantier. Their house fell in 5,922 DA under the shadow of deception. Official accounts speak of civil unrest and plague. My research suggests otherwise.What Really Happened?
Fragments of information have been recovered from Song Stones and witness records tell of shapeshifters from the sea. Those who have been identified were pirates, infiltrating as emissaries of the Tritos Dominion. These imposters struck quickly, murdering the Gravens and replacing them with copies using stolen bands of polymorph, taken from the vaults of Lainathia. Under their false rule, trade routes became controlled by corruption and violence, sealing Kantier from outside aid. Three servants, loyal to the Gravens, discovered the deception. They took the information to Winston Graven who was unchanged. He gathered those still faithful and conspired to strike back through a ritual of vengeance. Each participant brought forth a ring symbolic of their connection to House Graven. The rings were placed within one another in a circle, thirteen unique variations in all, and through the combined effort of those present, the ritual birthed a sentient malediction known as the Curse Carrier. The shapeshifters were destroyed by the power of the curse. Yet the Carrier's fury did not cease. It turned upon all who bore the Graven name, slaughtering both imposters and family alike. Those who lived, sought to divide and contain the power they had summoned. Each reclaimed a ring, now unholy and cursed. The individuals and the families who took the objects back would themselves go on to die, losing the rings in the process.(Hans continues the history through the details of each ring, which may be found in their entry.)
Graven Rings
