Version 1.3
Gem Socketing
Arcane gems are small gems, crystals, or similar objects that imbue weapons, rings, armor or shields with additional magical effects. They make magic item selection more flexible by allowing characters to change enhancements as they advance in level and face different challenges.
Before a gem can be socketed into a socketable item it must first be refined, cut to fit the gem socket, and imbued with magic to reveal its innate magical properties.
Cutting a Gem
A gem needs to be cut into a very precise form to allow arcane imbibement. Cutting the gem requires the use of Jeweler's Tools. If you have proficiency with Jeweler's Tools you can add your proficiency bonus to the check. Failing the DC to cut the gem fractures it, making it unusable to socket, but still valuable to sell.
| Rarity | Condition | Skill | DC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Rare | Raw | Dexterity | 20 |
| Rare | Raw | Dexterity | 15 |
| Uncommon | Raw | Dexterity | 10 |
Imbuing a Cut Gem
A properly cut gem can be imbued with power by casting powerful magic on it for a length of time dependant on the rarity of the gem. The caster must spend a spell slot of the appropriate level each day for the duration as listed in the table below. If the caster misses a day during this process, then the total duration is increased by one day.
| Rarity | Condition | Spell Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Rare | Cut | 9th | 6 weeks |
| Rare | Cut | 6th | 4 weeks |
| Uncommon | Cut | 3rd | 2 weeks |
Socketing an Arcane Gem
Socketing or unsocketing an arcane gem requires the use of Jeweler's Tools. Make a DC 15 Dexterity (Jeweler's Tools) check. On a success, you socket or unsocket the gem.
Gem items
Weapons, armor, and rings capable of housing arcane gems can only be crafted by master artisans practiced in the arcane arts or working with a powerful arcane caster.
Equipment made to house arcane gems must possess equally precise indentations, requiring specialized tools and expertise in manipulating magical energy. A magical item cannot be made socketable.
Gem Ring
Ring, rare (requires attunement)
You can increase the magical properties of this ring by adding an imbued arcane gem into a single arcane socket atop the ring.
Gem Armor
Armor (varies), rarity varies (requires attunement)
You have a +1 bonus to AC while wearing this armor. You can increase the magical properties of this armor by adding imbued arcane gems into arcane sockets etched into the armor. The number of arcane slots depends on the rarity of the armor, as listed in the table below.
| Rarity | Sockets |
|---|---|
| Uncommon | 1 |
| Rare | 2 |
| Very Rare | 3 |
Gem Shield
Shield, rarity varies (requires attunement)
You have a +1 bonus to AC while wielding this shield. You can increase the magical properties of this shield by adding imbued arcane gems into arcane sockets etched into the shield. The number of arcane slots depends on the rarity of the shield, as listed in the table below.
| Rarity | Sockets |
|---|---|
| Uncommon | 1 |
| Rare | 2 |
| Very Rare | 3 |
Gem Gauntlet
Gauntlet, rarity varies (requires attunement)
While wearing this gauntlet your unarmed strikes made using the gauntlet have a +1 bonus to attack rolls and damages rolls. You can increase the magical properties of this gauntlet by adding imbued arcane gems into arcane sockets etched into the gauntlet. The number of arcane slots depends on the rarity of the gauntelt, as listed in the table below.
| Rarity | Sockets |
|---|---|
| Uncommon | 1 |
| Rare | 2 |
| Very Rare | 3 |
Gem Weapon
Weapon (varies), rarity varies (requires attunement)
You have a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this weapon. You can increase the magical properties of this weapon by adding imbued arcane gems into arcane sockets etched into the weapon. The number of arcane slots depends on the rarity of the weapon, as listed in the table below.
| Rarity | Sockets |
|---|---|
| Uncommon | 1 |
| Rare | 2 |
| Very Rare | 3 |
Ability Gem
Gem, uncommon (500 gp)
You gain a +1 bonus to ability checks associated with the gem as list in the table below while the gem is socketed into an item you are wearing or wielding.
| Gem | Skill |
|---|---|
| Agate | Perception |
| Alexandrite | Performance |
| Amethyst | Arcana |
| Aquamarine | Medicine |
| Carnelian | Investigation |
| Citrine | History |
| Garnet | Survival |
| Glass | Insight |
| Jade | Nature |
| Moonstone | Animal Handling |
| Malachite | Athletics |
| Jasper | Persuasion |
| Obsidian | Intimidation |
| Onyx | Stealth |
| Peridot | Initiative |
| Spinel | Sleight of Hand |
| Topaz | Religion |
| Tourmaline | Acrobatics |
| Zircon | Deception |
Energy Gem
Gem, rare (3,000 gp)
An item socketed with the gems listed in the table below gain the following benefits:
- Armor or Shield. While you are wearing armor or wielding a shield with a gem socketed into it, you gain resistance to the damage type associated with the gem.
- Weapon. While you are wielding a weapon with a gem socketed into it, your attacks made using the weapon gain a bonus 1d6 damage of the type associated with the gem.
- Ring or Gauntlet. While you are wearing a ring or gauntlet with a gem socketed into it, your unarmed strikes gain a bonus 1d6 damage of the type associated with the gem.
| Gem | Damage Type |
|---|---|
| Amber | Lightning |
| Black Pearl | Necrotic |
| Emerald | Acid |
| Opal | Psychic |
| Pearl | Radiant |
| Quartz | Thunder |
| Ruby | Fire |
| Sapphire | Cold |
Critical Gem
Gem, rare (3,000 gp)
An item socketed with this bloodstone gem gains the following benefits:
- Armor or Shield. While you are wearing armor or wielding a shield with this gem socketed into it, any critical hit against you becomes a normal hit.
- Weapon. While you are wielding a weapon with this gem socketed into it, your attacks made using the weapon score a critical hit on a roll of 19 or 20.
- Ring or Gauntlet. While you are wearing a ring or gauntlet with this gem socketed into it, your unarmed strikes score a critical hit on a roll of 19 or 20.
Vicious Gem
Gem, very rare (15,000 gp)
When you force a creature to make a saving throw while wearing or wielding an item with this jacinth gem socketed into it, the DC of the saving throw increases by 1. An item can only support one vicious gem socketed into it at a time.
Protection Gem
Gem, very rare (15,000 gp)
You gain a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws while wearing or wielding an item with this diamond gem socketed into it. An item can only support one protection gem socketed into it at a time.
Battle Gem
Gem, rare (3,000 gp)
Armor or weapons socketed with this lodestone gem gain the following benefits:
- Armor or Shield. While you are wearing armor or wielding a shield with this gem socketed into it, your AC increases by 1.
- Weapon. While you are wielding a weapon with this gem socketed into it, your attacks made using the weapon gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls.