Before Fort Sorrow’s construction, a grove of sentient weeping willows occupied the area. This race of trees was known for their peaceful nature and renowned healing skills. However, taking delight in their suffering, the Vex’Mortem Fey set about felling the grove, and as they did so, they collected their tears. Then, as part of the dedication ceremony of the newly constructed bastion of evil, the Queen Below refined the tears into one large vial, which she entrusted to the lieutenant she placed in charge of Fort Sorrow.
The Diplomat can use the vial with expert efficiency due to his special affinity with it. However, when you attune to it for the first time, you have only Basic Affinity. When you reach certain milestones, your affinity with the chalice grows, increasing its power (must be completed in order).
The ability to grow one’s affinity with the magic item is a powerful mechanic and significantly strengthens the magic item over time. Once a character reaches expert affinity, treat the Tear of the Weeping Willow as a very rare magic item. If a character receives the benefits of both master-level affinity and the set bonus, treat the Tear of the Weeping Willow as a legendary magic item.
A character can only benefit from one instance of master level affinity and two instances of expert-level affinity (including the expert-level affinity required to reach master-level).
A translucent droplet clings to the willow's drooping branch, its surface rippling like liquid glass under moonlight. Veins of pale green pulse faintly within, tracing patterns of twisted roots and falling leaves. As it trembles in the breeze, the air around it grows heavy with the scent of damp earth and silent sorrow.