[WIP] Objects of Power

[Snargles]

I am bringing a conversation here for more detailed talk of mechanics and ideas. As I mention in the Associated thread from the Universe Forums I am working on an object of power. The object I am currently working on happens to be a holy symbol of the temple. I have not yet worked out the history of the Item nor its overall affect. That said I am interested to know if anyone else has integrated any Objects of Power into their campaigns. I would like to compile a list of what is out there so we can all compare notes if you will.
I am anxious to see what you have come up with.

Thank you!!!!

[Iris]

In the official scenarios & books, there is

• The book of Jalan, in the Monastery of Tuath
• the brooch of Lyriell of the Finery, Book 2, p. 160

Some other may appear in "Ghost stories"...


Hoping it may help you...

[Val]

There is also :

- Amro's necklace in Dearg episode 1, a cursed Tarish stone
- "World Memory" ? (I don't know the proper translation), a book dealing with amber and old legends which is owned by Alban in Red Fall (prologue)

Val

[Pierstoval]

There's also a "Cursed Ogham" I'm probably one of the few persons who have the scenario

[Arthus]

Which one? The oghams in "blood feathers"?

[Pierstoval]

Which one? The oghams in "blood feathers"?

Nope, the Ogham in "The Cursed Ogham", played first in 2011

[Val]

I believe there is also a mention in book 2 - travels concerning a cursed necklace found by the Reizhite explorer Lenmar in a grave from the carmine chasm. This necklace should create a mental bond between the bearer and the strange "thing in the depth" (which seems to be prisonner of the chasm).

[Gary]

Don't forget the Holy Shards of the Temple and their almost identical cursed imitations. These can also be used as Objects. As with most things like this in the game, the effects are often a little vague, which I rather like.
I find if you make stats or precise details for something or someone, your players WILL break it/kill it/use it for themselves. Vague is good.

[Fafi06]

Just a warning: cursed means evil against good. What is curse and what is a link/influence ?
What I mean is just something cursed for a magientist could be holy for a unicist...
The only thing you can mention is the influence of the artefact. If it tends to alter the owner "against" his will, changing/manipulating him, probably you can say it's cursed, but everyone could deny it...

And after all, some power object could be without any real influence

And if you are really nasty, you could put an "artefact" in the hands of your players and push them to believe it's a power object where in reality there's is just nothing except external matters

[StripelessTiger]

The Objects of Power are all cursed and particularly detrimental to a character's sanity, particularly those with the Fault of Influence.

Jalan's Book (Monestary of Tuath, pg. 35)
Joderine's Dagger (Black Moon Handbook, pg. 54)
The Vulture's Mask (Black Moon Handbook, pg. 63)

You should have the NPCs make a check to see if the the Object influences their sanity and actions.

Using the official ones as reference we can assume:

• A Mental Resistance check at a particular frequency.
• The item should give a bonus equivalent to the side-effect.

My suggested chart:

Item Bonus | Mental Resistance Check | Frequency
+1, Complicated (14), Weekly
+2, Difficult (17), Monthly
+3, Very Difficult (20), Monthly to Yearly
+4, Exceptional (25), Yearly

Frequency could also be a trigger that causes the object to 'activate' and force the check, such as putting it on, being in a certain location, or even in the presence of certain events.

As for the drawbacks, they could be stat related, but I like the idea that they take over the character's mind, making him do things he wouldn't otherwise.

A Lesser Object of Power could make someone engage in activities that go against their Conviction, gambling, drinking, having sex, or alternatively hoarding money, being less/more talkative (and the penalties associated with it). It is almost like a Crisis.

A Greater Object of Power could make someone commit murder, steal, get into brawls that put their health or reputation in danger, or even making the character try to kill himself.