Dragon Orbs

In the Material Plane, Dragon Orbs are legendary and near-mythical relics, spoken of in hushed tones among arcanists, planar scholars, and treasure hunters. They are rare crystalline spheres, each one infused with the essence of a primordial dragon’s breath and soul fragment, imbued during the early shaping of the Outer Planes.

Material World Research Summary: Dragon Orbs

Name: Dragon Orbs
Category: Planar Artifact / Currency / Arcane Relic
Rarity: Artifact (Legendary)
Known Origins: Believed to be gifts—or tests—left behind by Asgorath, the World Shaper (and creator of everything).

Purpose & Uses (as Known in the Material Realm)

1. Planar Currency:
   Dragon Orbs are used as currency in the Outer Planes, far exceeding the value of any material coin. Each orb color denotes a level of power and exchange value, with Gold, Silver, Red, and Crystal being the most commonly recognized. Black Orbs are infamous and feared, believed to be tied to infernal or draconic rites.
2. Arcane Keys & Seals:
   Some ruins, especially ancient dragon temples or planar gates, respond only to the presence of Dragon Orbs. When placed in specific altars or mechanisms, the orbs unlock dimensional doors, summon guardians, or even temporarily stabilize planar rifts.
3. Divine or Draconic Favor:
   It is whispered that presenting a Dragon Orb to a god, demigod, or ancient dragon may grant the bearer a single favor or wish—though such gifts often come with a heavy price.
4. Train Passage:
   Occult circles and bardic tales speak of mythic trains—like the Astral Odyssey—that travel between the planes, accepting Dragon Orbs as their only fare. The Black Orb is especially sinister, said to be a one-way token to realms of torment or destruction.

Appearance (as Recorded in Tomes & Recovered Fragments)

Each orb is a smooth, glass-like sphere (approx. 4–6 inches in diameter), glowing faintly with its color:

• Gold Orb: Radiates soft divine warmth; almost too bright to look at directly.
• Silver Orb: Emits a cool, pulsing light, like moonlight on still water.
• Red Orb: Flickers with internal flames, sometimes giving off heat.
• Crystal Orb: Clear with shimmering internal motes—like stars suspended in glass.
• Black Orb: Absorbs light; some claim to hear whispers when holding it. Dangerous and cursed.

Known Sources of Study on Dragon Orbs

1. The Arcane College of Alagaësia (Wickbar Region)
   Home to planar mages and artificers, this institution is known for its research into ancient relics, extraplanar gateways, and magical transportation systems. A hidden vault in the College stores a fragmented Red Orb.
2. The Library of Purgatory (Outer Planes)
   Known as the Codex Sanctum, it holds the Law of the Planes and the Records of the Dead. Maintained by Burrowguard archivists, the Library houses rare transcripts detailing the use of Dragon Orbs in the balance of cosmic judgment.
3. The Obelisk Quarter Archives (Cairo, Sapphire Region)
   A public yet heavily protected archive with celestial ties, containing scrolls and prophecy tablets that mention the Orbs as “the keys to the divine circuits.”
4. The Vaults of the Monastery of the Ashen Scale (Velkrax)
   An ancient and heretical dragon cult preserves dangerous knowledge about Black Orbs and their role in summoning or binding planar dragons.
5. The Great Library of Azure (Soteropolis Region, Avalon)
   A sprawling marble edifice built into the cliffside overlooking the Silver Sea. It is said to be blessed by Bahamut and guarded by constructs of living sapphire. Its inner sanctum, known as the Hall of Echoes, holds the Treatise of Scales, an ancient tome detailing the origin, color hierarchy, and barter system of the Dragon Orbs. Access requires a divine writ or sponsorship from a member of the King's Circle.

Dragon Orbs Currency System (Outer Planes Standard)

• The Abyss
• The Nine Hells
• Velkrax, the Plane of Evil Dragons
  Each Black Orb allows one-way passage to one of these locations. Cannot be purchased, only earned through infernal contracts, condemned rituals, or soul-brokered exchanges. Extremely dangerous to carry.

Material Plane to Outer Plane Exchange Rates

If mortals wish to buy Dragon Orbs with Material Plane currency, they must do so at sanctioned exchange posts at Gate Towns or train platforms. Due to economic inflation and risk of corruption:

Note: Attempts to counterfeit or smuggle coins are met with swift punishment by the Burrowguard, Celestial Justiciars, or Planar Wardens.

Optional Use: Merchant Pricing Examples in the Outer Planes

• Spell Scroll (Level 7+): 1 Gold Orb
• Astral Aurora Luxury Suite Ticket: 1 Silver Orb
• Full Month’s Guild Fee in Sigil: 2 Red Orbs
• Planar Translation Tome: 1 Crystal Orb
• One-way train ticket to the Nine Hells: 1 Black Orb