====== The Soulbringer ======

{{ rpd:images:item_BlackSkullOfMastery.png|The Soulbringer }}
The Soulbringer is the alternative name for the Black Skull of Mastery, a unique item in Remixed Dungeon that allows a Necromancer to choose a subclass path.
==== Stats ====
  * **Rarity**: Legendary
  * **Type**: Mastery Item (Artifact)
  * **Actions**: Special (Necromancer_ACSpecial)
  * **Image Index**: 19 in items/artifacts.png sprite sheet

==== Description ====
The Soulbringer (Black Skull of Mastery) is an ancient artifact crafted by first necromancers to collect souls of the fallen ones. It's a powerful necromantic item with significant story importance that allows a Necromancer to transform into a Lich.

==== Acquisition ====
  * Dropped by the Lich boss in the Necropolis (Guts) level
==== Special Properties ====
  * Can be used by the Necromancer class to choose subclass path
  * Offers choice between becoming a [[rpd:lich_subclass|Lich]] or breaking the spell to obtain a regular [[rpd:black_skull_item|Black Skull]]
==== Special Mechanics ====
  * **Spell Protection:** Warded with an old spell that needs to be overcome
  * **Lich Transformation:** Allows becoming a [[rpd:lich_subclass|Lich]] if you manipulate the spell properly
  * **Choice Point:** Presents a choice between becoming a [[rpd:lich_subclass|Lich]] or breaking the spell to get a regular [[rpd:black_skull_item|Black Skull]]
==== The Lich Path ====
When choosing to become a [[rpd:lich_subclass|Lich]]:
  * **Benefits:** Pinnacle of necromantic abilities, enhanced necromancy
  * **Drawbacks:** Reduced Strength (STR) by 2 points and doubled skill points capacity
  * **Trade-off:** Power in necromancy but weakness in physical abilities
  * Available only to the [[rpd:necromancer_class|Necromancer]] class
==== Breaking the Spell ====
When breaking the spell:
  * The Soulbringer is consumed
  * You receive a regular [[rpd:black_skull_item|Black Skull]] artifact instead
  * The Black Skull can eventually awaken after collecting 10 pet deaths

==== Data Sources ====
  * **Java Class**: [[https://github.com/NYRDS/remixed-dungeon/blob/master/RemixedDungeon/src/main/java/com/nyrds/pixeldungeon/items/necropolis/BlackSkullOfMastery.java|com.nyrds.pixeldungeon.items.necropolis.BlackSkullOfMastery]]
  * **Mastery System**: [[https://github.com/NYRDS/remixed-dungeon/blob/master/RemixedDungeon/src/main/java/com/nyrds/pixeldungeon/items/common/MasteryItem.java|MasteryItem base class]]
  * **Sprite Resource**: [[https://github.com/NYRDS/remixed-dungeon/blob/master/RemixedDungeon/src/main/java/com/nyrds/pixeldungeon/items/necropolis/BlackSkullOfMastery.java#L17|image = 19 in items/artifacts.png]]
  * **Time to Use**: [[https://github.com/NYRDS/remixed-dungeon/blob/master/RemixedDungeon/src/main/java/com/nyrds/pixeldungeon/items/necropolis/BlackSkullOfMastery.java#L12|TIME_TO_READ = 10 turns]]

==== String Resources ====
  * English: [[https://github.com/NYRDS/remixed-dungeon/blob/master/RemixedDungeon/src/main/res/values/strings_all.xml#L727-L733|BlackSkullOfMastery strings]] - Name, description, and choice options
  * Russian: [[https://github.com/NYRDS/remixed-dungeon/blob/master/RemixedDungeon/src/main/res/values-ru/strings_all.xml#L726-L732|BlackSkullOfMastery strings]] - Russian localization
  * All languages: [[https://github.com/NYRDS/remixed-dungeon/tree/master/RemixedDungeon/src/main/res/values-*/strings_all.xml|Localized strings]]

<code xml>
<string name="BlackSkullOfMastery_Name">The Soulbringer</string>
<string name="BlackSkullOfMastery_Info">It\'s an ancient artifact, crafted by first necromancers to collect souls of the fallen one\'s. Sensing your necromantic abilities it warded itself with a powerful spell. But since the spell is that of the old times, it\'s primitive structure is fairly easy to break.</string>
<string name="BlackSkullOfMastery_Title">You may break the spell. Or you may manipulate it\'s magical formula in a way, which will allow you to consume powers of both the spell and artifact itself, turning yourself into a Lich.</string>
<string name="BlackSkullOfMastery_Lich">Become a Lich</string>
<string name="BlackSkullOfMastery_Necromancer">Break the spell</string>
<string name="BlackSkullOfMastery_BecomeLichDesc">The _Lich_ is a necromancer who reached pinnacle of his abilities. Existing between life and death _Lich_ excels in necromancy, but his combat skills are greatly lower than those of an ordinary person.</string>
<string name="BlackSkullOfMastery_RemainHumanDesc">Or if you _break the spell_ you\'ll be able to use this artifact as intended.</string>
</code>

==== Related ====
  * [[rpd:necromancer_class|Necromancer]] - The class that can use this item
  * [[rpd:lich_subclass|Lich]] - Advanced subclass achievable through this item
  * [[rpd:black_skull_item|Black Skull]] - Alternative obtained by breaking the spell
  * [[rpd:necromancy|Necromancy]] - The practice this item enables
  * [[rpd:lich_mob|Lich Boss]] - Boss that drops this item
  * [[rpd:subclasses|Subclasses]] - General information about hero subclass system

==== Strategy ====
  * Consider carefully whether to become a [[rpd:lich_subclass|Lich]] or break the spell
  * Evaluate your playstyle: powerful necromancy vs. more balanced abilities
  * Essential for [[rpd:necromancer_class|Necromancer]] players seeking subclass advancement

{{tag> rpd items soulbringer artifact legendary necromancer}}