Ring of Anax

Story/Ring, artifact (requires attunement by a creature that worships Purphoros, doesn’t require attunement if the creature is attuned to the Ring of Cymede)

This ring belongs to Anax, king of Akros, and remains in Anax’s possession unless he has died or is no longer mortal. You gain the following attributes when wearing the ring:

Hardened by War. You have resistance to bludgeoning, slashing, and piercing damage.

Inspirational Warrior. Allies within 30 feet of you gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls when attacking with a weapon.

Frontline Commander. While you wear the ring, you gain a +1 bonus to your damage for each ally who successfully hit a target since the end of your last turn.

Destroying the Ring

You can’t destroy the ring so long as Anax or his spirit survives, but Anax takes the ring from you if you help him reunite with Cymede. In return, you receive the Ring of Promised Reunion.

Story

Unlike the descriptions for the items in this supplement, this section is intended for the DM’s eyes only. Potential spoilers follow for players. In Magic: The Gathering lore, Anax ruled Akros with his wife, Queen Cymede. Both were celebrated champions who jointly built the city up to the stature it enjoys in the present day. Though Anax started as a fierce warrior and worshiper of Iroas, god of victory, he matured with his city and came to value building and creating, shifting his allegiance to Purphoros, god of the forge. Cymede, on the other hand, was a steadfast devotee of Keranos, god of storms. She was a talented wielder of elemental magic, drawing the admiration of the god himself, and in her youth, a lightning strike granted her a limited ability to see the future. Such a gift was a mixed blessing, as the visions Keranos shared couldn’t be changed. Eventually, a great war broke out and an army laid siege to Akros. Anax was gravely injured defending the city, and seeing no other option, Cymede pledged herself to Keranos in exchange for his intervention. A pillar of fire consumed Cymede, taking her into Nyx to be by Keranos’ side. In exchange for her sacrifice, the god sent a tidal wave that saved Anax and broke the siege.

The peace Cymede bought was short-lived, however, as a war between the gods broke out shortly afterward. Each of the major deities chose a mortal hero as their champion, transforming them into demigods at the cost of their individuality. Anax became the champion of Purphoros and lost all free will, his mind consumed only with victory. However, those who face him and survive report that despite his single- minded ferocity, he constantly repeats one word: “Cymede.” Your campaign may take place at any point in this timeline or deviate from the story altogether, but if you wish to use elements of the tale, the Rings of Anax and Cymede provide you a way to bring their story to a happier conclusion.

Source: The Gray Merchant of Asphodel