One would think that a ring with the power to heal wounds just by wearing it would be a fantastic boon to anyone, regardless of profession. When the eccentric mage Jamliso created such a ring in 970 a.S., he was sure to be the talk of the land for decades to come. However, according to some scholars, Jamliso's ring carried an additional property that cursed the mind of the wearer as it also healed physical wounds (either on the bearer or someone else). Nehtorian lore holds that the curse presents itself only to those who don't know how to properly channel the faith of Nehtor, and believe in his divine strength to heal. In other words, say priests of the healing god, the curse strikes unbelievers while healing the faithful. Unfortunately, the question of the ring's curse cannot be solved in present times since the ring hasn't been seen in Sarvonia in well over 200 years.

Appearance. The ring's appearance has been described as being a simple shape, albeit inscribed with intricate spiral designs along the outside edge. According to Jamliso's journal, the ring was forged by the dwarven master craftsman Demtak in 970 a.S. Jamliso claimed the ring was made of a carefully forged mix of silver and mithral that produced a highly polished sheen. Nehtorian lore indicates that upon the inner surface of the ring is written the name of the healing god in delicate Styrásh lettering. It is unlikely that Jamliso ordered Nehtor's name inscribed, as some sages say that there is no evidence that the mage was a faithful follower of the Twelvern. More likely, sages believe, is that once the Nehtorians came into possession of the ring, they had Nehtor's name inscribed in Styrásh, believing the ring was a gift from the god himself. The ring is also said to magically size itself to fit the finger of the wearer.

Pages from Jamliso's own journal describe the ring. This old tome is quite thick and in considerably good condition. It has been kept in the Ximaxian Magical Academy's library for many years after having been purchased from one of Jamliso's descendants in 1306 a.S. The ring is described in the magi's own words:

"The dwarven craftsman's skills are as impressive as ever. The old codger, whom I have known as a friend for many years, is possessed of a keen eye for detail. As I watched, the liquid mithril that boiled in the cup sparkled in the forge fire's light. Demtak carefully poured the contents into a mold and wiped away the excess dribble. Within moments, the mithril solidified and with bated breath, I watched the dwarf turn the mold over as the ring slipped carefully out. I took hold of the circlet with my thumb and forefinger and held it close to my eyes. For several moments, all I could do was behold this creation, an empty band, like a shell destined for an illustrious future."

Image description. The Ring of Jamliso as imagined by an artist bearing the inscription "Healer God" according to Nehtorian accounts. Picture by Seeker.

Usage. It is unclear exactly how the ring channels its healing power. Three theories have emerged over the centuries as to how the ring's power can be channeled. First, Jamliso's writings never put forth any solid knowledge of how the ring works. Sages say he created the ring by accident and the powers the circlet held were unstable (more lore is given below). The only explanation Jamliso gives in his journals is that the healing "just happens". It is interesting to note that while Jamliso's writings are erratic with barely any semblance of organization, his journals take an even further decline in understanding after the ring is made. Scholars attribute this to the ring's curse of causing the mind to become unstable over time.

The second theory comes from the Nehtorians. Their lore holds that a Whitecoat named Jaissa was the first one recorded to have used the ring after the Nehtorians came into possession of it in 980 a.S. The group came to call the ring "Nehtor's Eye" after the god of healing. She led a band of eight humans who roamed the Ximaxian province offering healing and guidance to those who needed it. Her writings were many, and were bound in a book called "The Renewing Soul". This tome is still studied and used in some Nehtorian circles.

"When Nehtor's Eye is worn, the wisdom of the Dancer is gifted upon the bearer. The hand with the ring only need touch the wounded and suffering to bestow the renewing power. Physical wounds are bound closed, the free flow of blood ceases and broken bones reaffirm again. Often, the process may take some minutes while the body heals itself. The bearers' hands must touch all of the wounds to give the ring's power unfettered access. Once done, the suffering begins to end."

The tome "The Renewing Soul" goes on to say that it is faith in the Dancer that enables the ring's power, and that only powerful clerics of Nehtor can wield it. A prayer and faith is all it takes to mend wounds and bones. Interestingly, the supposed curse of the ring is never mentioned by the Nehtorians, and Jaissa went on to live to a ripe old age, having died as one of the most respected members of the Dancer's clergy to this day. The ring went on to become a symbol of Whitecoat authority, to be worn by leaders and clerics of the sect as a status symbol and healing tool.

The third theory of the ring's power comes from scholars in Ximaxian circles. They noted that while Jamliso was not a recognized Ximaxian student, he was a "Gifted", or a mage with powerful knowledge of magic, albeit undisciplined. They believe that this instability of Jamliso's mind along with an accidental healing spell was imbued in the ring. Using the ring required a strong will and extreme focus in order to fight the curse. A feeble, undisciplined soul could easily be overcome by the ring's power and succumb to its devastating affects. Although detailed Ximaxian theories exist as to the nature of the curse, it is beyond the scope of this article to go into each one.

Myth/Lore. Enchanting trinkets is not an uncommon skill among powerful magi. A mithral and silver ring likely cost no small amount of coin to forge, especially when commissioned to the famed dwarven smith Demlak. The period during which the ring was forged was known as Demtak's most creatively inspired age in which he created many wondrous artifacts, weapons and tools (most of which are now lost). Whether Jamliso and Demtak were acquaintances or perhaps the dwarf owed the mage a favour, is not clear. Some sages have said that the Jamliso was a dwarf himself and the two were clan brothers. Their relationship was never clear, but their creation was certainly one of a kind.

Jamliso's living descendants are few, but one of them was found living in the city of Carmalad in the Enthronian province. He spoke of his famous ancestor in this way:

"This ring has drawn interest almost from the day it was made. The reason for this interest is the simple fact that the mage Jamliso kept this ring out of all the enchanted items he crafted. That he kept this ring should not have brought much attention as most mages have some kind of enchanted item, if not several. What probably heightened interest may have been due to the fact he never sold a single enchanted item out of several hundred varying kinds he is purported to have crafted, simply giving them away, except this ring.

It was known Jamliso could use powerful binding magic but then he would use minor enchantments to bind to an object. There were many who said he could not combine the two and only achieved this feat with this ring of healing. Others say he chose not to combine the two preferring the minor enchantments and this ring was no different. Whichever the case, he was certainly killed by someone wishing to possess this ring. Over the years it has occasionally surfaced when someone claimed they had the ring or rumours stated a certain person owned it. In each case the supposed owner was soon found dead and no ring could be found among their possessions. This has caused many to say the ring is cursed. They believe Jamliso, upon his dying breath, cursed this ring and any who would wear it. Others say it is only the greed of man that causes these deaths. In any case the mystery surrounding the ring may never be unraveled until or if it comes into the possession of another mage."

Jamliso's descendants go on to recount stories of the magi's reputed clumsiness and eccentric behaviour. Although it is said he was a "Gifted" mage, he was also unstable in mind, and perhaps this enabled him to create such fascinating items. His journals are detailed, but with disorganized notes and haphazard logic. In some of his notes, Jamliso recounts many instances of wounds and bruises he suffered while working in his lab. One such instance is a fire that burned down Jamliso's house and some of the surrounding forest. Jamliso blamed this accident on himself when he admitted that he left a delicate experiment smoldering in a mixture bowl and during a late night quest for a snack, he stumbled into the experiment thus creating a disaster that resulted in the fire. Such accidents commonly followed Jamliso, nevertheless, most sages agree that his cursed ring was a wondrous accidental creation that yearns to be found and studied further.

11th Singing Bird 1672 a.S. Information provided by Azhira Styralias and Thuja