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Sphere of Annihilation

Sphere Of Annihilation

Wondrous Item, Legendary This 2 -foot-diameter black sphere is a hole in the multiverse, hovering in space and stabilized by a magical field surrounding it. The sphere obliterates all matter it passes through and all matter that passes through it. Artifacts are the exception. Unless an Artifact is susceptible to damage from a Sphere of Annihilation, it passes through the sphere unscathed. Anything else that touches the sphere but isn't wholly engulfed and obliterated by it takes 8d10 Force damage. Controlling the Sphere. A Sphere of Annihilation is stationary until someone takes control of it. If you are within 60 feet of a sphere, you can take a Magic action to make a DC 25 Intelligence (Arcana) check. On a successful check, you control the sphere until the start of your next turn, and if it was under another creature's control, that creature loses control of the sphere. On a failed check, the sphere moves 10 feet toward you in a straight line. While in control of the sphere, you can take a Bonus Action to cause it to move in one direction of your choice, up to a number of feet equal to 5 times your Intelligence modifier (minimum 5 feet). Any creature whose space the sphere enters must succeed on a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or be touched by it, taking 8d10 Force damage. A creature reduced to 0 Hit Points by this damage is obliterated, leaving its possessions behind but no other physical remains. Sphere Interactions. If the sphere comes into contact with a planar portal (such as that created by the Gate spell) or an extradimensional space (such as that within a Portable Hole), the GM determines randomly what happens using the following table.

1d100 Result 01-50 The sphere is destroyed. 51-85 The sphere moves through the portal or into the extradimensional space. 86-00 A spatial rift sends the sphere and each creature and object within 180 feet of the sphere to a random plane of existence.

Tactical Applications

Ultimate Destruction: Creates a 2-foot sphere that obliterates all matter it touches with legendary-level destructive power. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS - can destroy characters, equipment, and environments with no saving throw for complete contact.

Class Synergies:

  • ** HIGH-LEVEL ONLY:** Only viable for characters with legendary-level intelligence and arcane control capabilities
  • Arcane Masters: Characters with maximum Intelligence and Arcana expertise for control attempts
  • Siege Specialists: Extremely dangerous but potentially useful for ultimate barrier destruction
  • ** NOT RECOMMENDED:** This item can easily kill characters and destroy campaigns if misused

Build Considerations: EXTREME CAUTION REQUIRED - Legendary item with world-ending potential. Should only be introduced with careful consideration and safety measures.

Acquisition Methods

Crafting Requirements: CANNOT BE CRAFTED - These are cosmic anomalies or artifacts of unimaginable power. No known creation method exists.

Common Sources:

  • EXTREMELY RARE: Ancient vaults of cosmic entities and reality-shaping artifacts
  • Results of catastrophic magical experiments or planar accidents
  • HEAVILY GUARDED: Collections of legendary archmages with ultimate security measures
  • Found in locations of cosmic significance or reality tears
  • COSMIC EVENTS: Sometimes appear during planar convergences or reality-altering phenomena

Alternative Acquisition: LEGENDARY QUEST ONLY - Typically requires epic-level adventures and cosmic intervention.

Value & Trade

Estimated Value: BEYOND ECONOMICS - Priceless and too dangerous for normal trade. Equivalent to world-changing artifacts.

Trade Considerations: NO LEGITIMATE TRADE - Responsible entities will not trade such dangerous items. Only cosmic entities or extremely powerful beings would consider it.

Character Integration

Roleplay Elements: Suggests involvement in cosmic events, reality manipulation, or catastrophic magical research requiring ultimate caution.

Character Concepts:

  • LEGENDARY ARCHMAGE: Only characters with cosmic-level power and responsibility should interact with spheres
  • COSMIC GUARDIAN: Character tasked with containing or controlling dangerous cosmic artifacts
  • REALITY RESEARCHER: Extremely high-level character studying cosmic phenomena with ultimate safety protocols
  • ** CAUTIONARY TALE:** Character who has witnessed the sphere's destructive power and warns others

Adventure Hooks

The Containment Crisis: Epic scenarios where sphere control determines cosmic stability and reality preservation.

The Ultimate Weapon: World-threatening situations where sphere power might be the only solution to cosmic threats.

The Cosmic Accident: Adventures dealing with sphere-related disasters and reality damage requiring legendary intervention.

The Responsibility Test: Epic quests exploring themes of ultimate power and the responsibility that comes with cosmic-level capabilities.

Variants & Customization

Controlled Annihilation Sphere (Cosmic Artifact): Enhanced with safety mechanisms and controllable activation.

Sphere of Selective Annihilation (Cosmic Artifact): Programmed to target specific materials while sparing others.

Contained Cosmic Sphere (Cosmic Artifact): Housed within ultimate magical containment with multiple safety systems.

Specialized Variants:

  • ** ALL VARIANTS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS:** Any modification requires cosmic-level magical expertise
  • Planar Breach Sphere: Connected to specific planes for controlled destruction or transportation
  • Reality Anchor Sphere: Stabilized version for controlled reality manipulation

Lore & History

Origins: Cosmic anomalies representing tears in reality itself, possibly created by gods or cosmic forces beyond mortal understanding.

Historical Significance: These spheres have been responsible for legendary destructions and the elimination of entire locations from existence.

Cultural Impact: Represent the ultimate expression of destructive power and the cosmic forces beyond mortal comprehension.

Magical Craft: BEYOND MORTAL UNDERSTANDING - These items transcend normal magical crafting and represent cosmic forces.

Balancing Notes

Introduction Timing: EPIC LEVELS ONLY (17-20) - Should only appear in campaigns dealing with cosmic threats and world-ending scenarios.

Campaign Impact: GAME-CHANGING POTENTIAL - Can fundamentally alter or destroy campaign settings if not carefully managed.

Cosmic Focus: EXTREME CAUTION REQUIRED - Only suitable for campaigns specifically designed to handle cosmic-level threats and consequences.

Encounter Design

Recommended Challenges:

  • EPIC COSMIC SCENARIOS where sphere power addresses threats to reality itself
  • CONTAINMENT OPERATIONS where controlling the sphere prevents cosmic disasters
  • ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY encounters exploring the moral implications of wielding ultimate destructive power
  • ** SAFETY PROTOCOLS ESSENTIAL** - All encounters must account for the sphere's lethal potential

Sphere Adjustments: FUNDAMENTAL CAMPAIGN CHANGES - The presence of a sphere can eliminate entire encounter types and locations.

Cosmic Items: EXTREMELY RARE - Other artifacts that deal with reality manipulation and cosmic forces.

Containment Equipment:

  • LEGENDARY REQUIRED: Items capable of containing or controlling cosmic-level destructive forces
  • Equipment for reality stabilization and cosmic threat management
  • Tools for planar research and cosmic phenomenon study

Complementary Equipment: SAFETY GEAR ESSENTIAL - Items that provide protection against reality-altering effects and cosmic dangers.

Roleplay Opportunities

Cosmic Responsibility: Characters explore themes of ultimate power and the moral implications of wielding world-ending capabilities.

Reality Guardianship: Sphere interaction creates opportunities for cosmic-level responsibility and reality protection missions.

Ultimate Caution: Sphere presence enables exploration of themes related to the careful handling of ultimate power and cosmic responsibility.

** CREATOR'S WARNING: This item is intentionally extremely dangerous and should only be used in epic-level campaigns with experienced players who understand the cosmic-level consequences. Always ensure multiple safety measures and reality protection protocols are in place.**