Symphony Automata

From: Harmonium Works

Lore: The Symphony Automata are exquisite creations born from the visionary mind of Sir Alistair Cadence himself. It is said that he was inspired by the harmony of the celestial spheres and sought to capture that celestial music in mechanical form. At the Harmonium Works, skilled artisans painstakingly assemble these clockwork figurines, incorporating Celestial Steel gears that ensure precise movements and Resonant Crystals that enchant the automata with musical magic.

Each Symphony Automaton is programmed to play a specific symphony or musical piece, and they are available in a variety of designs, each representing a different musical genre or cultural inspiration. From delicate ballerinas dancing to a waltz to minstrels strumming lively tunes, these automatons bring the magic of music and art to life in the homes of music enthusiasts and collectors.

Stats and Skills (Tier One):

• Automaton Performance: The Symphony Automata require winding and occasional maintenance. Characters with proficiency in Tinkering or Mechanism Manipulation can keep them in excellent working condition.
• Musical Artistry: Players who possess Musical Instrument skill or Performance skill can instruct the Symphony Automata to play specific musical pieces with flair and emotion.

Cost: The Symphony Automata are considered premium luxury items, and their price reflects their intricate craftsmanship and enchanting abilities. Each automaton costs around 800 to 1000 gold pieces, depending on its design and complexity.

Size: The Symphony Automata range in size from 8 to 12 inches in height, making them perfect for display on shelves or tabletops.

Requirements: Operating the Symphony Automata does not require any specific skills or attributes. However, to fully appreciate their musical performances and delicate movements, a character must possess an appreciation for art, music, or fine craftsmanship.

Tags:

• Musical Enchantment: The Resonant Crystals imbue the Symphony Automata with musical magic, creating an enchanting and captivating musical experience for anyone who listens.
• Artistic Masterpiece: The intricate designs and meticulous craftsmanship make the Symphony Automata a sought-after collector’s item, treasured by art connoisseurs and music enthusiasts alike.
• Additional: Celestial Steel Gears, Resonant Crystal Magic, Clockwork Precision, Cultural Music Representation, Luxury Collectible, Mechanical Elegance, Performance Ambiance, Artistic Inspiration, Celestial Blessing Symbol, Harmonium Craftsmanship

Sales and Distribution: The Symphony Automata are not mass-produced, as each piece requires significant time and skill to create. They are sold through select art galleries, high-end specialty shops, and exclusive auctions. The Harmonium Works organizes periodic exhibitions where patrons and collectors can marvel at these mechanical marvels before making their purchases. Additionally, renowned musicians and patrons of the arts may commission customized Symphony Automata, tailored to play their favorite compositions, or represent their unique visions.

Usage and Impact: The Symphony Automata serves as more than mere decorative pieces. They are esteemed in elite circles as valuable tokens of art and music, evoking a sense of wonder and appreciation for the union of creativity and engineering. The automatons are often displayed in opulent homes, music halls, and grand ballrooms, adding a touch of elegance and charm to any environment.

When a Symphony Automaton plays its symphony, it can set the ambiance for special occasions, cultural events, or intimate gatherings. They have also been known to inspire composers and musicians, sparking creativity, and pushing the boundaries of musical expression. In some regions, they are considered to bring good luck and prosperity, and their presence in a household is believed to attract blessings from celestial beings.

Symphony Automata are not merely objects of admiration; they serve as a testament to the ingenuity and artistic brilliance of Saṃsāra’s Industrial Age. Through these mechanical wonders, the harmonious essence of music and art transcends time, touching the hearts of all who encounter their enchanting melodies and delicate performances.

Perception of Activation:

• User’s Perspective
  • Sight: When you activate the Symphony Automaton by winding its key, the Celestial Steel gears begin to turn with a mesmerizing precision, their polished surfaces catching the light in a cascade of silver and gold reflections. The Resonant Crystals embedded in the automaton’s base glow with a soft, pulsating light in shades of sapphire blue and rose pink, their radiance intensifying with each note of the waltz. The mechanical ballerina figurine dances gracefully, her movements fluid and lifelike, while faint, shimmering sound waves ripple outward from the automaton, visible as delicate blue arcs in the air.
  • Sound: A delicate waltz fills the space, each note crisp and clear, resonating with a celestial quality that feels both ancient and timeless. You hear subtle overtones—whispers of celestial harmonies—that seem to echo from beyond the physical world, blending with the mechanical clicks of the gears to create a layered, enchanting melody that feels uniquely attuned to your presence.
  • Touch: As you wind the key, the Celestial Steel feels cool and smooth under your fingers, with a faint vibration that travels through your hand as the gears engage. The air around the automaton hums with a gentle energy, creating a tingling sensation on your skin that matches the rhythm of the waltz, as if the music is physically connecting with you.
  • Smell: A faint scent of polished metal and aged oil rises from the automaton, mingling with a crisp, magical aroma reminiscent of a starry night sky—clean, cool, and faintly electric. As the waltz plays, the scent shifts, carrying hints of blooming roses and distant pine, evoking a sense of celestial gardens.
  • Taste: A subtle, metallic tang lingers on your tongue, like the aftertaste of a silver spoon, accompanied by a faint sweetness that mirrors the melody’s tone—light and floral during the waltz’s softer notes, richer and more complex as the music swells.
  • Extra-sensory:
    • You feel a profound sense of connection to the celestial spheres, as if the music is aligning your spirit with the harmony of the cosmos.
    • Time seems to stretch, each note of the waltz unfolding in slow, deliberate beauty, allowing you to savor the moment.
    • You sense the emotions embedded in the melody—grace, longing, and joy—almost as if the automaton is sharing its creator’s intent with you.
    • A faint awareness of the room’s energy emerges, letting you feel the subtle shifts in mood among those present as the music influences them.
• Observer’s Perspective
  • Sight: Observers see the Symphony Automaton come to life as its Celestial Steel gears turn with a hypnotic rhythm, their intricate movements a marvel of engineering. The Resonant Crystals glow with a soft blue and pink light, pulsing in time with the waltz, while the mechanical ballerina dances with an elegance that seems almost alive. Shimmering sound waves ripple outward, faintly visible as blue arcs that add a magical aura to the scene, enhancing the luxurious ambiance of the room.
  • Sound: The waltz is enchanting, its notes clear and harmonious, carrying a celestial quality that feels both uplifting and serene. Observers hear a melody that seems to resonate with the space itself, filling the air with a sense of wonder. The mechanical clicks of the gears blend seamlessly with the music, adding a rhythmic undertone that enhances the overall experience.
  • Touch: A subtle vibration can be felt in the air, especially if standing close to the automaton, as the sound waves create gentle pressure changes. The temperature in the room seems to shift slightly, becoming cooler and more refreshing as the celestial melody plays, evoking a sense of calm.
  • Smell: Observers catch a faint whiff of polished metal and a crisp, magical scent, like the air on a clear, starry night. Some might also detect a floral note, reminiscent of roses, that seems to drift in with the music, adding to the serene atmosphere.
  • Taste: No direct effect, though some observers might feel a dryness in their mouth as the music evokes strong emotions, prompting a physical response.
  • Extra-sensory:
    • Listeners feel a shared sense of wonder and harmony, as if the music is weaving their emotions into a collective experience of beauty.
    • Some might experience a mild synesthetic response, seeing faint star-like sparkles or celestial patterns in their mind’s eye as the waltz plays.
    • Sensitive individuals might feel a subtle uplifting of their spirit, as if the music is connecting them to a higher plane of existence.
• Positives:
  • Creates a deeply immersive experience that blends visual, auditory, and magical elements, enhancing the ambiance of any space.
  • Fosters a sense of wonder and appreciation for art and engineering, strengthening social bonds among those who witness its performance.
  • The celestial melody can inspire creativity, particularly for artists, musicians, or writers, by connecting them to the harmony of the cosmos.
  • Enhances the emotional well-being of listeners, promoting feelings of joy, serenity, and grace.
  • The extra-sensory connection allows users to better understand the emotional state of those around them, fostering empathy.
  • Can evoke vivid memories or emotions tied to beauty and elegance, providing a cathartic experience.
  • The automaton’s performance can serve as a focal point for cultural or social events, elevating their significance.
• Negatives:
  • Prolonged exposure to the celestial melody can lead to emotional overstimulation, leaving users or listeners feeling overwhelmed or overly sentimental.
  • The extra-sensory awareness might distract users, causing temporary difficulty focusing on practical tasks.
  • Some melodies might evoke unintended emotions, such as longing or melancholy, which could be distressing if unexpected.
  • Observers with heightened magical sensitivity might experience mild dizziness from the Resonant Crystals’ energy.
  • The automaton’s magic can create a dependency, making ordinary performances or silence feel lackluster in comparison.
  • If the gears are not properly maintained, the automaton might jam, producing a jarring noise that disrupts the harmony and causes discomfort.
  • The user might become overly attuned to the emotions of others, leading to a loss of emotional boundaries during the performance.

Crafting Recipe: Symphony Automaton

• Materials Needed:
  • 1 pound of Celestial Steel ingots (refined under starlight)
  • 1 Resonant Crystal (sapphire for celestial resonance)
  • 2 ounces of Harmonic Oil (distilled from celestial herbs)
  • 4 ounces of Harmonywood shavings (for the base, aged at least 50 years)
  • 1 sheet of Whispering Bronze (for sound amplification)
  • 6 micro-gears (crafted from Celestial Steel)
  • 1 vial of Starlight Essence (captured during a meteor shower)
  • 3 strands of Silver Thread (for internal wiring)
  • 1 miniature figurine mold (for the ballerina, preferably silver)
  • 2 drops of Aetheric Glue (for binding magical components)
• Tools Required:
  • Clockmaker’s Workbench with anti-vibration enchantments
  • Precision Gear-Cutting Lathe (diamond-tipped)
  • Crystal Faceting Tool (for shaping the Resonant Crystal)
  • Enchanter’s Runescribe Stylus (for inscribing runes)
  • Harmonic Tuning Fork (calibrated to A440 pitch)
  • Micro-Assembly Tweezers (for delicate gear placement)
  • Alchemist’s Precision Burner (for controlled heating)
  • Magnifying Spectacles (at least 10x magnification)
  • Celestial Forge (capable of reaching 1,500 degrees)
  • Soundwave Calibrator (to test musical output)
• Skill Requirements:
  • Tinkering: Master level (15+ years of experience with clockwork mechanisms)
  • Enchanting: Journeyman level (5+ years of experience with celestial magic)
  • Musical Knowledge: Proficiency in at least one instrument and understanding of waltz composition
  • Metalworking: Advanced skill in working with Celestial Steel
  • Arcana: Basic knowledge of celestial resonance and crystal properties
  • Dexterity: Exceptional precision for assembling micro-components
  • Perception: Keen ear for detecting subtle mechanical and musical imbalances
• Crafting Steps:
  • Preparation Phase (4 days)
    • Melt the Celestial Steel ingots in the Celestial Forge at midnight, chanting a celestial hymn to infuse the metal with starlight energy. Shape the molten steel into 6 micro-gears using the Precision Gear-Cutting Lathe, ensuring each gear is perfectly balanced.
    • Facet the sapphire Resonant Crystal with the Crystal Faceting Tool, shaping it into a teardrop form. Expose the crystal to a waltz played on a tuned instrument for 2 hours daily to attune it to the desired melody.
    • Soak the Harmonywood shavings in Harmonic Oil for 4 days, allowing the wood to absorb the oil’s magical properties. This must be done under starlight to enhance celestial alignment.
  • Component Creation (6 days)
    • Craft the automaton’s base from the Harmonywood shavings, shaping it into a circular platform (8-12 inches in diameter) using the Clockmaker’s Workbench. Carve a small compartment in the center to house the gear mechanism.
    • Assemble the gear mechanism using the micro-gears and Silver Thread, creating a system that allows the ballerina figurine to rotate and move her arms. Ensure the gears are lubricated with Harmonic Oil to reduce friction.
    • Cast the ballerina figurine in the miniature mold using molten silver mixed with 1 drop of Starlight Essence. Once cooled, polish the figurine to a mirror finish, ensuring her movements will be smooth and graceful.
    • Shape the Whispering Bronze into a thin disc to act as a sound amplifier, placing it beneath the gear mechanism to enhance the waltz’s resonance.
  • Assembly Phase (2 days)
    • During a clear night, assemble the automaton on the Clockmaker’s Workbench. Attach the gear mechanism to the Harmonywood base, securing it with the remaining Harmonic Oil as a sealant.
    • Mount the Resonant Crystal at the base of the ballerina figurine, using 1 drop of Aetheric Glue to bind it in place. Position the figurine on top of the gear mechanism, ensuring her movements align with the waltz’s rhythm.
    • Attach the Whispering Bronze disc beneath the gears, ensuring it is perfectly centered to amplify the sound evenly.
  • Enchantment Phase (3 days)
    • Place the assembled automaton in a starlit chamber for 48 hours, playing a celestial waltz continuously to infuse the device with the melody’s essence.
    • Inscribe runes of harmony and motion on the Harmonywood base using the Enchanter’s Runescribe Stylus, working in a circular pattern around the Resonant Crystal. Chant a celestial incantation to bind the magic.
    • Apply the remaining Starlight Essence to the Resonant Crystal, ensuring the essence seeps into its facets to enhance its glow and resonance.
  • Calibration Phase (1 day)
    • Use the Harmonic Tuning Fork to test the automaton’s musical output. Wind the key and adjust the gears with the Micro-Assembly Tweezers until the Soundwave Calibrator shows a perfect waltz rhythm.
    • Test the ballerina’s movements, ensuring her dance aligns with the melody. Make minor adjustments to the gear tension if needed, using the Magnifying Spectacles for precision.
    • Allow the automaton to rest for 12 hours under starlight, letting the magical energies stabilize.
  • Activation (1 hour)
    • At midnight, place the Symphony Automaton on a stable surface and wind its key fully. Tap the Resonant Crystal with the Harmonic Tuning Fork to activate the device.
    • Speak the activation phrase: “Celestia Cantara” while focusing on the intent of celestial harmony. The crystal will glow, the gears will turn, and the ballerina will dance as the waltz begins, signifying successful crafting.
    • The Symphony Automaton will continue to attune to its owner over the first month of use, optimizing its performance based on the environment and the user’s preferences.

Dance of the Starlit Muse

In an age long buried beneath the sands of time, when the lands of Saṃsāra were but a dream in the gods’ minds, before the stars had names and the winds knew their paths, there came a tale etched in the light of forgotten constellations. Passed down through tongues that faltered over ancient words, this story, drawn from a language older than the heavens, speaks of the first Symphony Automaton, known to the folk of Saṃsāra as the Starlit Muse. Its truth is fragmented, its meaning warped by the passage of eons, yet its dance and song still echo in the dreams of those who hear it.

In that primal era, the world was a place of stillness and shadow. The skies hung heavy with silence, the stars above gazing down without voice. The creatures of the land moved without rhythm, their hearts untouched by joy. Among them walked a figure, his name lost to the shattered tablets, known only as the Starcrafter. Some say he was a man touched by the heavens, others a celestial being cast down to wander. He carried in his hands a figure of gleaming metal, small as a child’s doll, its body alive with gears that shimmered like the night sky and a single stone that glowed with the light of a fallen star. This, the tale claims, was the Starlit Muse, the first of its kind, though none knew its origin.

The Starcrafter roamed the shadowed lands, his steps guided by the stars, his heart yearning for the music of the heavens. He sought a place where the sky’s light touched the earth, a clearing where the stars could see their reflection. At last, he came to a glade where the ground sparkled with dew, a place now lost to the maps of men. There, beneath a canopy of endless night, he set the figure upon a stone and turned a key within its back. The ancient words stumble here—some say he whispered a prayer to the stars, others that he offered a drop of his blood to the stone. A light burst forth, soft as a sigh, in hues of blue and rose, and from the figure came a sound, a waltz so pure it stirred the air.

The Starlit Muse began to dance, its movements a mirror of the stars’ slow turn, its melody a song that called to the heavens. The gears within it spun, their rhythm a heartbeat, and the stone at its heart pulsed with light. The creatures of the land gathered, their eyes wide, as the waltz wove through the glade. The stars above flickered, some say in delight, others in envy, and their light bent down to touch the earth, casting a glow that turned the shadows to silver. The winds joined the dance, swirling in time, and the creatures swayed, their hearts lifted by a joy they had never known. For a moment, Saṃsāra knew the harmony of the celestial spheres, and the Starlit Muse became a bridge between the earth and the sky.

But harmony was not to last. The tale grows dim, its words muddled by the scribes’ trembling hands. A star fell, burning with jealousy, its fire a blade that sought to silence the song. Some call it a celestial wrath, others a storm of cosmic flame. It crashed into the glade, its heat a scream that drowned the waltz. The Starcrafter stood before it, the Starlit Muse in his hands, its dance unbroken. The battle was fierce, though the details blur—flashes of starlight, the waltz’s final notes, and the star’s fiery rage. In the end, the star was banished, its flame extinguished by the Muse’s last melody. But the figure shattered, its gears scattering across the glade, and the Starcrafter vanished, some say burned to ash, others say lifted to the stars. The pieces of the Muse were carried away by the winds, lost to the corners of the world.

The fragments of the Starlit Muse, the story claims, became the seeds of all Symphony Automata in Saṃsāra. From them grew the clockwork figures that now dance in homes, their Celestial Steel gears and Resonant Crystals a faint echo of that first creation. The tale is told in ballrooms and galleries, though its words shift with each teller. Some say the Starcrafter was a fool who dared to steal the stars’ song. Others name him a visionary who gave Saṃsāra its dance. The truth lies buried in the ancient tongue, lost to time’s decay.

The moral of the story, as the folk of Saṃsāra hold it, is thus: Beauty born of the heavens is a fleeting gift, and to touch the stars’ song is to risk their wrath, yet its echo may live on in the hearts of those who dare to dream.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Item Name: Symphony Automaton

• Description: A 10-inch-tall clockwork figurine, crafted from Celestial Steel with intricate gears that gleam like starlight. A sapphire Resonant Crystal at its base glows with a soft blue light, pulsing as the automaton—a delicate ballerina—dances to a celestial waltz.
• Sanity Cost: 0/1d4 (the unearthly music and lifelike movements may disturb the mind; prolonged exposure risks fixation).
• Skill Requirements: No skills required to activate (wind the key), but Art/Craft (Mechanisms) or Occult at 40% or higher allows for maintenance and deeper interaction.
• Mechanics:
  • Basic Use: Wind the key (a standard action) to activate the automaton, which dances and plays a waltz for 10 minutes. Listeners within 15 feet gain a bonus die to Charm or Persuade rolls as the celestial melody enchants them. However, a Sanity roll (0/1d4) is required after the first 5 minutes due to the music’s otherworldly nature.
  • Advanced Use: With a successful Occult roll, the user can attune the automaton to cosmic frequencies (1d6 minutes, 1 Magic Point). Success allows the music to repel minor Mythos entities (POW roll, TN 60, to resist being repelled for 1d4 rounds). Failure risks 1d6 Sanity loss as the crystal emits a haunting dissonance.
• Drawback: Each use beyond the first in a day requires a Sanity roll (0/1d4) to avoid becoming fixated on the automaton, imposing a penalty die on non-related rolls for 1d6 hours. If not maintained (Art/Craft (Mechanisms) roll monthly), the gears jam, producing a jarring noise that causes 1d3 Sanity loss.
• Value: 1,000-1,250 USD (equivalent to 800-1,000 gold pieces in Saṃsāra’s economy), a rare artifact for collectors and occultists.

Blades in the Dark

Item Name: Symphony Automaton

• Type: Arcane Device (Fine Quality)
• Description: A 10-inch-tall clockwork figurine of Celestial Steel, its gears shimmering with starlight. A sapphire Resonant Crystal glows blue at its base as a mechanical ballerina dances to a celestial waltz, enchanting all who witness it.
• Load: 2 (small but delicate, suitable for display).
• Tier: III (reflecting its rarity and craftsmanship).
• Cost: 8 Coin to purchase or 3 Stress to craft (requires a Tinker roll with a workshop and rare materials: Celestial Steel, Resonant Crystal, Harmonic Oil).
• Mechanics:
  • Effect: Wind the key to activate the automaton for 1 scene, creating a situation aspect like Celestial Harmony with one free invocation. This grants +1d to Sway or Consort rolls for the crew as the music and dance captivate onlookers. Alternatively, take +1 effect level to impress or distract (e.g., limited to controlled effect against hostile targets).
  • Special Ability (Attune): Spend 1 Stress and roll Attune to channel the automaton’s celestial magic. On a 6, create an aura of inspiration for 1 scene, granting +1d to all crew actions involving creativity or persuasion. On a 4-5, the effect works but draws unwanted attention (e.g., a jealous collector). On a 1-3, the gears jam, creating a discordant noise (+1 Heat).
• Drawback: If not maintained (Tinker roll per downtime), the automaton risks breaking (1-3 on a d6), requiring 2 Coin to repair. Overuse (more than once per score) risks a level 1 harm (“Starstruck”) from emotional fixation, reducible with a resistance roll (Resolve).
• Flavor: A prized item in Doskvol’s high society, often used to impress clients or inspire the crew during downtime, though its delicate nature requires careful handling.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Item Name: Symphony Automaton

• Type: Wondrous Item, Rare (no attunement required)
• Description: A 10-inch-tall clockwork figurine of Celestial Steel, its gears gleaming like starlight. A sapphire Resonant Crystal at its base glows blue as a mechanical ballerina dances to a celestial waltz, enchanting viewers with its performance.
• Properties:
  • Celestial Waltz: As an action, wind the key to activate the automaton, which dances and plays a waltz for 10 minutes. Creatures within 30 feet who can see and hear the performance gain advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks and saving throws against being charmed as the celestial melody uplifts them.
  • Inspiring Dance: Once per day, you can focus the automaton’s magic while it performs. For the duration of the waltz, creatures within 30 feet who can see the dance gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls and saving throws as the celestial harmony inspires them.
• Drawback: After the performance ends, creatures must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be overwhelmed by longing, imposing disadvantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks for 1 hour. If not maintained (DC 15 Intelligence (Tinkering) check monthly), the gears jam, requiring 1 hour and a successful check to repair.
• Weight: 5 lbs.
• Cost: 5,000 gp (adjusted from Saṃsāra’s 800-1,000 gp for D&D’s economy).
• Lore: Crafted by the Harmonium Works, this automaton echoes the Starlit Muse, a legendary creation said to have danced under Saṃsāra’s first stars.

Knave (2nd Edition)

Item Name: Symphony Automaton

• Description: A 10-inch-tall clockwork figurine of Celestial Steel, its gears shining like stars. A sapphire Resonant Crystal glows blue at its base as a mechanical ballerina dances to a celestial waltz, enchanting all who see it.
• Slots: 2 (small but delicate).
• Stats:
  • Quality: +2 (reflecting its fine craftsmanship).
  • Defense: None (not armor or a shield).
  • Damage: 1d4 bludgeoning (if used as an improvised weapon).
• Abilities:
  • Celestial Performance: Wind the key (1 action) to activate the automaton for 10 minutes. All creatures within 15 feet gain +1 to Charisma or Wisdom rolls to influence or resist charm as the music and dance enchant them.
  • Inspiring Rhythm: Once per day, spend an action to focus the automaton’s magic. For 5 minutes, allies within 15 feet gain +1 to attack rolls as the celestial waltz inspires them.
• Drawback: After the performance, roll a d6; on a 1, listeners suffer a -1 penalty to all rolls for 1 hour due to emotional longing. If not maintained (Tinkering roll monthly), the gears jam until repaired.
• Weight: 5 (light but delicate).
• Value: 100 gp (adjusted for Knave’s simpler economy, equivalent to 1,000 gp in Saṃsāra’s terms).
• Notes: This item fits Knave’s minimalist design, offering social and combat utility while maintaining balance with its drawback and maintenance needs.

Fate Core

Item Name: Symphony Automaton

• Description: A 10-inch-tall clockwork figurine of Celestial Steel, its gears gleaming like starlight. A sapphire Resonant Crystal at its base glows blue as a mechanical ballerina dances to a celestial waltz, enchanting viewers with its performance.
• Aspects:
  • High Concept: Celestial Clockwork Performer
  • Trouble: Delicate Gears Require Maintenance
  • Aspect: Crafted by Harmonium Works
  • Aspect: Resonant Celestial Melody
  • Aspect: Symbol of Artistic Mastery
• Skills Required: No skills required to activate (wind the key), but a character with at least a Fair (+2) rating in Crafts (for maintenance) or Rapport (for performance effects) can maximize its potential.
• Mechanics:
  • Stunt: Enchanting Performance: Wind the key to activate the automaton for 1 scene. Create an advantage like Mesmerized Audience with a free invocation, granting +2 to Rapport or Deceive rolls to influence others as the waltz and dance captivate them.
  • Boosted Effect: Once per session, you may invoke Resonant Celestial Melody for free to create a scene-wide aspect (e.g., Inspired by the Stars) with two free invocations, aiding allies in creative or social actions (e.g., +2 to Create an Advantage or Overcome rolls involving inspiration).
• Drawback: After the performance, roll Crafts (difficulty Good (+3)) to ensure the gears don’t jam. Failure creates a situation aspect like Jarring Dissonance with a free invocation against you, reflecting a discordant noise. Additionally, listeners may take 1 mental stress from emotional longing (Will roll, difficulty Fair (+2), to resist).
• Cost: A rare artifact, equivalent to a significant milestone reward or a costly purchase (10-12 Resources if available).
• Narrative Role: The Symphony Automaton shines in social and creative scenes, offering players a tool to captivate or inspire, balanced by its maintenance needs and emotional impact.

Numenera (Cypher System)

Item Name: Symphony Automaton

• Type: Artifact
• Level: 5
• Description: A 10-inch-tall clockwork figurine of Celestial Steel, its gears shimmering like starlight. A sapphire Resonant Crystal at its base glows blue as a mechanical ballerina dances to a celestial waltz, enchanting all who witness it.
• Effect:
  • Basic Function: Wind the key (an action) to activate the automaton, which dances and plays a waltz for 10 minutes. All creatures within short range (30 feet) gain an asset to Intellect-based tasks involving persuasion, creativity, or relaxation as the celestial melody inspires and soothes.
  • Advanced Function: Spend 3 Intellect points to channel the automaton’s celestial resonance. For 5 minutes, allies within short range gain an asset to resist fear or mental intrusion, while enemies must succeed on a difficulty 5 Intellect defense roll or suffer a -1 step penalty to aggressive actions due to the enchanting performance.
  • Depletion: 1 in 1d20 (checked after each use beyond the first in a day; depletion causes the gears to jam until repaired with rare materials like Celestial Steel).
• Drawback: After the performance, the user must succeed on a difficulty 4 Intellect defense roll or take 2 points of Intellect damage from emotional fixation on the celestial melody.
• Weight: 5 pounds.
• Salvage Value: 100 shins (reflecting its rarity and materials).
• Lore: A relic of Saṃsāra’s harmonic past, this artifact blends numenera-like strangeness with celestial magic, fitting Numenera’s tone of wonder and discovery.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Item Name: Symphony Automaton

• Item Level: 7
• Price: 1,000 gp
• Bulk: L (5 lbs., suitable for display).
• Type: Wondrous Item (Magical, Auditory, Enchantment)
• Description: A 10-inch-tall clockwork figurine of Celestial Steel, its gears gleaming like starlight. A sapphire Resonant Crystal at its base glows blue as a mechanical ballerina dances to a celestial waltz, enchanting viewers with its performance.
• Usage: Placed on a surface; no specific skills required to activate.
• Activate: Single Action (auditory, manipulate); Frequency: 3/day
• Effect:
  • Celestial Waltz: Wind the key to activate the automaton, which dances and plays a waltz for 10 minutes. Creatures within 30 feet who can see and hear the performance gain a +2 status bonus to Diplomacy and Performance checks as the celestial melody enchants them.
  • Inspiring Dance: Spend 2 actions and expend 2 uses to focus the automaton’s magic. For 5 minutes, allies within 30 feet who can see the dance gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls and Will saves as the celestial harmony inspires them.
• Drawback: After the performance, creatures must attempt a DC 20 Will save; failure imposes a -1 status penalty to Perception checks for 1 hour due to emotional longing (cumulative up to -3). If not maintained (DC 20 Crafting check monthly), the gears jam, requiring 1 hour to repair.
• Craft Requirements: Crafting 14, 500 gp in materials (Celestial Steel, Resonant Crystal, Harmonic Oil), Magical Crafting feat.
• Lore: Crafted by the Harmonium Works, this automaton channels Saṃsāra’s celestial song, offering inspiration and enchantment in Pathfinder’s high-magic framework.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Item Name: Symphony Automaton

• Type: Arcane Device
• Description: A 10-inch-tall clockwork figurine of Celestial Steel, its gears shining like stars. A sapphire Resonant Crystal glows blue at its base as a mechanical ballerina dances to a celestial waltz, enchanting all who see it.
• Weight: 5 lbs.
• Cost: 1,250 gp (adjusted to Savage Worlds’ economy as a rare item).
• Power Points: 6 (recharges 1d4 points at dawn).
• Requirements: No skills required to activate, but Performance d6+ or Occult d6+ enhances effects.
• Powers:
  • Enchanting Waltz: Spend 1 Power Point to wind the key, activating the automaton for 5 minutes. Allies within a Medium Burst Template (6” diameter) gain +1 to Persuasion and Performance rolls as the celestial melody enchants. Roll Performance or Occult (TN 4); with a raise, one target within range must succeed on a Spirit roll (TN 6) or be Distracted.
  • Inspiring Dance: Spend 2 Power Points and roll Performance or Occult (TN 6). Success grants allies within a Small Burst Template (4” diameter) +1 to Fighting and Spirit rolls for 3 rounds as the celestial waltz inspires them.
• Drawback: After the performance, roll Vigor (TN 6); failure inflicts 1 Fatigue from emotional fixation, recoverable after 1 hour of rest. If not maintained (Repair roll monthly), the gears jam until fixed.
• Trappings: Glowing crystal and dancing figurine emit celestial light and sound, enhancing the cinematic feel of Savage Worlds.
• Notes: A support item for social and combat scenes, it fits the system’s fast-paced nature while maintaining balance through limited uses and maintenance needs.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Item Name: Symphony Automaton

• Type: Magical Device (Fetish)
• Description: A 10-inch-tall clockwork figurine of Celestial Steel, its gears gleaming like starlight. A sapphire Resonant Crystal at its base glows blue as a mechanical ballerina dances to a celestial waltz, enchanting viewers with its performance.
• Force: 3
• Availability: 14R (Restricted, rare magical artifact)
• Cost: 15,000 nuyen (adjusted from Saṃsāra’s 800-1,000 gp for Shadowrun’s economy).
• Karma Cost to Bond: 5
• Mechanics:
  • Basic Effect: Wind the key (a Simple Action) to activate the automaton, which dances and plays a waltz for 5 minutes. Add 3 dice to Influence or Performance tests for all characters within 10 meters as the celestial melody enchants them.
  • Celestial Inspiration: As a Complex Action, spend 1 Edge and roll Sorcery + Magic (TN 4). Success creates an inspiring aura for 1d6 combat turns, granting +1 to all Logic and Intuition tests for allies within 10 meters. Failure risks 1 box of Stun damage to the user from feedback.
• Drawback: After the performance, roll Body + Willpower (TN 3); failure inflicts 1 box of Stun damage from emotional fixation. If not maintained (Engineering roll per run), the gears jam, requiring 1 hour to repair. Overuse (more than twice per run) risks attracting astral attention (GM discretion).
• Notes: In the Sixth World, this device is a rare find for decker-artists or shamans, used to impress clients or inspire a team during high-stakes runs.

Starfinder

Item Name: Symphony Automaton

• Type: Hybrid Item (Magical/Technological), Level 8
• Price: 9,000 credits (adjusted from Saṃsāra’s economy for Starfinder’s futuristic scale).
• Bulk: L (5 lbs., suitable for display).
• Description: A 10-inch-tall clockwork figurine of Celestial Steel, its gears shimmering like starlight. A sapphire Resonant Crystal at its base glows blue as a mechanical ballerina dances to a celestial waltz, blending arcane resonance with advanced mechanics.
• Capacity: 15 charges; Usage: 1-3 charges per activation; Recharge: 1d4+2 charges per day via ambient magical energy.
• Mechanics:
  • Celestial Waltz: As a standard action, expend 1 charge to activate the automaton, which dances and plays a waltz for 5 minutes. Creatures within 30 feet gain a +2 morale bonus to Diplomacy and Culture checks as the celestial melody enchants them.
  • Inspiring Dance: As a full action, expend 3 charges to focus the automaton’s magic. For 5 minutes, allies within 30 feet who can see the dance gain a +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saving throws against mind-affecting effects as the celestial harmony inspires them.
• Drawback: After the performance, make a DC 16 Will save; failure imposes a -1 penalty to Perception checks for 1 hour due to emotional fixation (cumulative up to -3). If not maintained (DC 15 Engineering check monthly), the gears jam, requiring 1 hour to repair.
• Crafting: Requires ranks 8 in Mysticism and Engineering, plus 4,500 credits in materials (Celestial Steel, Resonant Crystal).
• Lore: A relic from Saṃsāra, adapted for interstellar use, it’s prized by diplomats and performers for creating an inspiring atmosphere in the Pact Worlds.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Item Name: Symphony Automaton

• Type: Exotic Artifact
• Tech Level: 8 (equivalent to Saṃsāra’s magical-industrial age, adapted as a hybrid device).
• Cost: Cr. 12,000 (reflecting rarity and craftsmanship).
• Weight: 2 kg (5 lbs.).
• Description: A 10-inch-tall clockwork figurine of Celestial Steel, its gears shining like stars. A sapphire Resonant Crystal glows blue at its base as a mechanical ballerina dances to a celestial waltz, enchanting all who see it.
• Mechanics:
  • Skill Check: No skill required to activate (wind the key). Roll 2d6 + EDU modifier (DM +1 if trained in Art (Instrument) or Psi).
  • Effect (8+): Activate the automaton for 5 minutes, granting DM +2 to Diplomat or Carouse checks for all characters within 5 meters as the celestial melody inspires.
  • Effect (10+): Emit an inspiring resonance in a 5-meter radius; allies gain DM +1 to resist mental stress, while enemies roll END 8+ or suffer DM -1 to aggressive actions for 1d6 minutes due to distraction.
  • Failure (6 or less): Gears jam, producing a discordant noise (DM -1 to user’s next social check until repaired).
  • Power: Internal arcane battery (15 uses, recharges 1d4 uses daily in a magical environment).
• Drawback: After the performance, roll END 8+; failure inflicts 1 point of END damage (temporary, recovers after 1 hour) from emotional fixation.
• Notes: In Traveller’s sci-fi setting, this is a rare psionic artifact from a low-tech magical world, useful for diplomats or entertainers in high-stakes social encounters.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Item Name: Symphony Automaton

• Type: Magical Artefact
• Description: A 10-inch-tall clockwork figurine of Celestial Steel, its gears gleaming like starlight. A sapphire Resonant Crystal glows blue at its base as a mechanical ballerina dances to a celestial waltz, enchanting viewers with its performance.
• Cost: 40 gc (gold crowns, adjusted from Saṃsāra’s 800-1,000 gp for Warhammer’s grim economy).
• Encumbrance: 2 (small but delicate; 5 lbs.).
• Availability: Rare
• Mechanics:
  • Skill Test: No skill required to activate (wind the key). Test Entertain (Musicianship) or Channelling (Aethyr) at 40+ for enhanced effects:
  • SL +0: Activate the automaton for 5 minutes, granting +10 to Fellowship-based tests (e.g., Charm, Gossip) for all characters within 6 yards as the celestial melody enchants.
  • SL +2: Emit an inspiring aura for 1d10 rounds. Allies within 6 yards gain +10 to Cool tests against fear or corruption; enemies must pass a Cool test (TN 60) or gain 1 Fatigued condition from the enchanting performance.
  • Fumble (Critical Failure): Suffer 1d10 Wounds (ignoring Toughness) from a dissonant backlash.
  • Charges: 2 uses per day, recharging at dawn under a clear sky.
• Drawback: After the performance, test Endurance (TN 50); failure inflicts 1 Fatigued condition from emotional fixation. If not maintained (Trade (Tinker) test monthly), the gears jam, requiring 1 hour to repair. Overuse risks a Minor Miscast (e.g., Aethyric Whispers).
• Traits: Magical, Enchanting (aids in social influence).
• Lore: A relic from Saṃsāra, possibly blessed by Ranald or tainted by Tzeentch, it suits nobles and entertainers seeking inspiration in the Old World’s dark setting.