N is for Nyx Lotus

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alphabet (n)Nyx is the night sky of Theros, and the home of the Gods. In essence, it is a paranormal realm associated with dreams and the subconscious, it is a literal and proverbial night sky where the gods dwell. Nyx is so closely tied to the plane’s deities that, whenever they manifest, where they should be shadowed they instead display the glorious starlight of the night sky. Dreams are seen as gifts from the gods, and so are enchantments, due to their connection with this realm; whenever mortals sleep, they are said to be «visiting Nyx». Tales of the gods can be seen played out in the constellations.

“The most brilliant stars are not born of Nyx.”
—Rhexenor, Akroan flamespeaker

Besides the Gods, Nymphs are also formed/dwell in Nyx, as do some Archons and celestial versions of earthly creatures like Elks and Crabs. All dwellers of Nyx are living enchantments, formed from the collective subconscious and by the divine will of the gods. Creatures born in Nyx are referred as Nyxborn, and their numbers have increased in recent years, as the boundaries between the night sky and the living world decreased.

Nyxborn are beings born of the gods minds in Theros’ starry domain: the Nyx. A Nyxborn is like a fragment of divinity, an idea or a dream that is incarnate.

The Nyxborn began to appear in the mortal world, after the Satyr Planeswalker Xenagos began a series of mystical rituals to propel himself to godhood. These rituals had an unanticipated side effect that they blurred of the lines between the realm of the gods and everyday existence.

Nyx Lotus (2)In Dungeons & Dragons

In MtG, mana is the energy required to cast spells. Dungeons & Dragons have a somewhat similar mechanic with psionic points, but such mechanic is not available in 5e. In order to make them relevant to spellcasting, we decided its power to be helping power up spells. And given that most spell in MtG are summoning creatures, what better than to affect that kind of spell in D&D too?

Nyx Lotus
Rare wondrous item

When using the Nyx Lotus as spellcasting focus, it adds additional effects to the spell, depending on its school:

  • Enchantment spells are cast as if a one-higher-level slot was used, gaining the benefits of doing so.
  • Summoned creatures are considered Nyxborn creatures in addition to their other types, and gain one trait from the following table, originally from Mythic Odysseys of Theros:
    1. Magic Resistance. The creature’s Nyxborn nature gives it advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
    2. Light Sensitivity. A creature of the night sky, the Nyxborn has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight, while it is in bright light.
    3. Immutable Form. The Nyxborn creature is the philosophical ideal of its kind. It is immune to any spell or effect that would alter its form.
    4. Magic Weapons. The Nyxborn creature’s weapon attacks are magical.
    5. Nyx Step. The Nyxborn can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.
    6. Starlight Form. The Nyxborn glows with the soft light of the night sky, shedding dim light in a 15-foot radius.

In Eberron

Being related to the dreamscape, the Nyx Lotus’ place to be in Eberron is somewhere linked to Dal Quor. Deep within Sarlona, the Inspired use Nyx Lotuses to focus their spellcasting abilities. They are uusally grown and kept close to the mysterious monoliths in that region.


How are you planning to incorporate the Nyx Lotus in your campaign? Is your DM planning a dreamscape campaign? Have you played one? Wake up and tell us all about it!

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