Long, long ago in the beginning ot the ages, when the worlds of the multiverse were still quite young, I walked the prime material plane. Sent by The Holy One (blessed be he!) to survey his creation and offer whatever assistance I was permitted to in order to make the Iives of the multitudes a little easier. As the races struggled to survive in the hostile new worlds, you must keep in mind that this is not a simple feat. Seeing as The Holy One (blessed be he!) created everything, (good, neutral, and evil), but this was before the lesser gods became involved with this new creation ot life and started the rivalries between the alignments.

Well, I saw how the hostile forces of nature threatened the existence of the prime sentient races; humans, demihumans, and humanoids. Why The Holy one didn't create homes, but made sure that all the races started life completely nomadic, I know not, nor would I dare ask. So I formed (several) for each race on each world what I call:

"The Nomad's Hearth"

From the depth of an active volcano I took obsidian glass which I shaped into smooth pyramids with three-inch edges, I engraved on their sides command gestures so that any creature with some intelligence (with or without a language at that time), could use this device. I imparted the following spell-like powers upon this device: Endure heat/cold, resist fire/resist cold, produce flame, control temperature and sunray, heat metal, affect normal fires, and continual heat spell.

Then I carved from the heft of a glacial cube with four inch sides, and carved out an inverted pyramid inide the cube so that the point ot the pyramid would sit inside the cube so that the pyrumids would be flush with the top of the cube. Now on this cube I engraved command gestures and imparted the following spell like powers upon this item: Endure heat and cold, chill metal, resist fire, resist cold, control temperature and fog/cloud. When these are not in use they neither radiate heat or cold so that if the pyramid is a flame set in the cube, the cube could be picked up and moved without harm to the user or any two being done to each object, when one is used while touching the other and they can be used together.

When the pyramid is inside the cube, it can be used to produce a flame that is adjustable from small enough to roast a tiny animal, to as high and as hot as a bonfire to roast a bison, or if the right form ot crucible can be found, it can produce a flameless heat sufficient enough to melt up to a pound ot metal. But none of the races ever figured that out before they lost the hearths.

When the pyramid sitting on top the cube it can be used as a type of flameless space heater. In addition to this, if inside a cave, it can shine a sumbeam on the ceiling to illuminate the inside of the cave as if in daylight, but this effect can be stopped at any time.

Now the cube can be wed to lower the temperature, like an ancient air conditioner of sorts. When the pyramid is dominant, the cube can adjust the temperature of water and even freeze gallons of water into solid blocks of ice to help preserve foods. The cube provides a small defense as it can put forth a fog cloud to cover an escape. It must be noted that the two items must be touching in order for one or both to work. It is impossible to use them as weapors, they simply will not work.

What I like tho most is the ability to use the cube and pyramid togother. By using the fog in conjunction with the space heater aspect, you can create a steam bath for the Shamans on the mystic quest to find a connection to The Holy One (blessed be he!). One of the aspects, which is not indicated in any way, and only be discovered by experimenting, or a Legond Lore spell cast for 1d10 days. Several days of fasting in this steam can impart the spell abilities and powers of the druids (starting at level one with the ability to advance in levels as in the PHB). This is where the origin of the druids came from. This will only work on a human or demihuman of no class who is then limited by the rules in the PHB. It will also work on a human ranger, without penalty to weapon use, or ranger class, status or skills.

The last wonderful thing about the Hearth is, not only can the steam be used to condensate water to drink, but if in a waterless, freezing environmont, with the use of the steam, heat, and light, an enclosed area, like a cave, can be used to create a tropical greenhouse effect so that medicinal plants and food can be grown, providod you have the soil needed.

May your wits and weapons edges always be razor sharpl

Rau, Mystic Keeper of the Holy Armoury.

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