Unearthed from the ash-filled Thassilonian chambers beneath Sandpoint Cathedral, the artifact known as the Hellstorm Focus is a potent relic from Runelord Alaznist’s reign. Initially, its purpose was shrouded in mystery, but through diligent research and perilous exploration, its true nature is becoming clearer.
Local sage Brodert Quink first confirmed its Thassilonian origin, associating it with the dreaded Hellstorm flumes – devastating siege weapons rather than simple lighthouses. The Old Light itself is one such ruined Flume, and this Focus appears to be intrinsically linked to it.
Further investigation revealed that the standing stones in the Cathedral’s courtyard, long venerated by Varisians, were in fact part of the Flume’s control mechanism. They acted as an external array to activate, aim, and focus the Flume’s fiery destructive power. The magic lingering within these stones, though faint, still maintains a tenuous connection to the Old Light.
However, the Hellstorm Focus was more than just a weapon’s trigger. Notes recovered from Runelord Karzoug’s spies (found in the upper levels of the Pit) indicate it also served a secondary, crucial function: a teleportation circle. Alaznist likely used this to move swiftly between her domain and key strategic points like the Flume.
While the original destination of this portal is likely destroyed or hopelessly inactive, the Focus retains the potential to be realigned. Instead of channeling evocation magic to power the Flume (a catastrophic prospect now, as an uncontrolled blast would incinerate Sandpoint), its energies could theoretically be shifted towards conjuration. This would allow it to link with other dormant Thassilonian teleportation circles, such as those discovered within the deeper levels of the Pit.