Wondrous Item
Rare
When worn, gain 15 temporary hit points after every long rest. The Ildfen Crest Sinwed Ring is an elegant band of iridescent sinwed, its surface polished to a soft sheen that captures and reflects the faintest glimmers of light. Around the circumference of the band, finely engraved Ildfen take flight, their slender forms stretching skyward in a continuous pattern. At the heart of the ring lies a small opal-like gem. This opal shimmers faintly with hues of white and pink.
"The Ildfen is a small, swift bird known for its distinctive pale crest and streamlined body. Measuring approximately 15–18 centimeters in length, the Ildfen possesses a slender, aerodynamic frame, ideally adapted for rapid flight and agile maneuvering. Its plumage is a muted blend of ash-gray and slate blue, with iridescent undertones that catch the light in a faint shimmer. The bird's most striking feature is the creamy-white crest that runs from its crown to the nape of its neck, slightly raised during moments of heightened alertness or courtship displays.
The wings are long and sharply pointed, enabling the bird to sustain remarkable speeds during flight, often observed weaving with uncanny precision through dense vegetation or narrow passages. The Ildfen tail is deeply forked, with central feathers slightly elongated, enhancing its agility in midair. The underside of the bird, from its throat to its vent, is pale with faint streaks of ochre, blending into the muted tones of its environment.
The beak is short and slightly curved, perfectly suited for capturing small insects mid-flight, which make up the majority of its diet. In some regions, the Ildfen has also been observed feeding on nectar and small fruits, supplementing its diet in areas where insects are less abundant. Its feet, though rarely used outside nesting and resting, are equipped with sharp claws, allowing it to cling to vertical surfaces such as tree bark or rocky walls.
The bird's call is a high-pitched trill, described as melodious but fleeting, often heard during dawn and dusk when the Ildfen is most active. These vocalizations serve as both territorial markers and signals to mates, creating a sense of calm in the areas they frequent.
Culturally, the Ildfen is revered in several regions as a symbol of sanctuary and safety. It is said that its presence indicates the absence of malevolent forces, as the bird is believed to avoid areas tainted by corruption or unrest. This association has made it a common motif in protective charms and religious iconography. Despite its reputation as a bringer of peace, the Ildfen is an elusive creature, seldom found.
Nesting primarily in crevices or hollowed-out roots, the Ildfen builds its nests from a blend of moss, lichen, and silk-like threads harvested from spider webs. These nests are small but durable, lined with soft down feathers to protect their clutch of 2–4 eggs. The eggs themselves are pale gray, speckled with flecks of brown and black, camouflaging them within their surroundings."