Skullhorn Helm

From: Shroudheart Oni

Stats:

• Level: Tier 1
• Armor Class Bonus: +1
• Skills: Advantage on Intimidation checks
• Cost: 200 gold pieces
• Tags: Light Armor, Intimidating, Rare, Fearsome, Dark Arts, Conqueror’s Regalia, Psychic Resistance, War Trophy, Vicious, Warlord, Arcane Relic, Heavy Horned, Battle-Scarred

Lore: The Skullhorn Helm is a fearsome and macabre piece of headgear crafted from the skull of a formidable beast. Its twisted horns serve as a reminder of the Shroudheart Oni’s dominance and ferocity. Legends speak of a powerful creature that once terrorized the land, and this helm is said to be fashioned from its remains.

Use: When the Shroudheart Oni dons the Skullhorn Helm, its already terrifying presence becomes even more formidable. The helm enhances the creature’s ability to intimidate others, granting it advantage on Intimidation checks. Its appearance strikes fear into the hearts of those who gaze upon it.

In addition to its intimidation factor, the Skullhorn Helm provides a +1 bonus to the Shroudheart Oni’s Armor Class, offering enhanced protection for its head. The helm is intricately crafted, incorporating magical properties that make it resistant to psychic damage. This resistance allows the Shroudheart Oni to shrug off mental assaults and maintain its focus in the face of mental attacks.

While the Skullhorn Helm is a prized possession among those who revere the dark arts and seek to invoke terror, it is relatively rare and often considered a valuable and sought-after item. It is commonly found in the possession of powerful warlords, vicious conquerors, or those who wish to project an aura of unrelenting intimidation. The helm can be acquired through quests, looting from defeated adversaries, or by trading with individuals who deal in rare and mystical artifacts.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Skullhorn Helm, being a rare and intimidating piece of armor, would be traded in highly specialized and often elusive shops. Below are different types of establishments where it might be bought or sold, along with the cost and methods of transaction in each:

• The Obsidian Vault
  • Location: Hidden within dark and twisting alleyways of major cities, this high-security, underground shop caters to warlords, conquerors, and those seeking powerful relics of dark magic. The Vault is known for its rare, cursed, and legendary artifacts.
  • How Sold: Only to those who can prove their worth through combat trials or by presenting an artifact of equal or greater power. The exchange often involves magical contracts binding the buyer to never reveal the Vault’s location.
  • Cost: 500-700 gold pieces, due to the rarity and the arcane enhancements of the helm, including its resistance to psychic damage.
• Bloodthirst Bazaar
  • Location: Found in chaotic, lawless regions where violence is common, this outdoor market is a haven for mercenaries, bounty hunters, and those who trade in items of power and fear. Its stalls are draped in ominous tapestries, and the atmosphere reeks of danger and deceit.
  • How Sold: Bartered in bloody deals, often involving a blend of gold, rare beast parts, and sometimes blood oaths. The buyer may have to fight to prove their worthiness to purchase an item as coveted as the Skullhorn Helm.
  • Cost: 400-600 gold pieces, with prices negotiable based on personal reputation or combat prowess.
• The Midnight Cloister
  • Location: A shadowy, elite boutique situated in the Floating Cities of the Zephyrstone Islands, accessible only by invitation. The Midnight Cloister caters to wealthy adventurers, assassins, and nobles dabbling in forbidden relics. The shop itself floats on an airship, and its inventory is always in flux.
  • How Sold: Discreetly, through hushed negotiations behind velvet curtains. The shopkeeper may inquire into the buyer’s intentions with such an item. The Skullhorn Helm here may come with a sealed enchantment that only the buyer can unlock after purchase.
  • Cost: 800-1,000 gold pieces, reflecting its status as a luxury artifact among the elite.
• Shrouded Dominion
  • Location: A traveling market run by secretive, masked merchants, the Shrouded Dominion appears in desolate ruins or remote islands. They sell only once every full moon, moving their stalls under the cover of night.
  • How Sold: The buyer must present an offering of knowledge, magical items, or secrets to purchase the Skullhorn Helm. The transaction may involve ancient rites or rituals performed by the merchant.
  • Cost: 600-750 gold pieces, along with an additional rare or magical offering.
• The Warlord’s Hoard
  • Location: Situated in a fortified stronghold, this exclusive shop caters to powerful generals, kings, and warlords. It only deals in relics of battle, often obtained through conquest. The shop’s inventory is presented as trophies, hung from the walls of the fortress.
  • How Sold: Through direct negotiation with the warlord who owns the stronghold. The Skullhorn Helm may only be sold if the buyer can demonstrate their potential for conquest or pledge allegiance to the warlord’s cause.
  • Cost: 900-1,200 gold pieces, often involving a transaction of loyalty or political favor in addition to gold.
• The Necrotic Exchange
  • Location: A decaying temple in the underworld caverns, where necromancers and dark sorcerers trade in cursed and dangerous artifacts. The temple’s walls are adorned with bone relics, and the eerie glow of soul lanterns lights the shop.
  • How Sold: In whispered incantations, the merchant may ask for a soulbound pact or a vial of the buyer’s blood as part of the payment, reflecting the helm’s dark origins.
  • Cost: 300-500 gold pieces, along with a personal token of dark magic, making this shop slightly cheaper but with higher personal risk.

Across Saṃsāra, the Skullhorn Helm is not easily found, and its cost varies significantly based on the rarity of the shop, the difficulty of acquisition, and the buyer’s standing within the darker and more dangerous circles of society.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Skullhorn Helm plays a pivotal role in both defense and offense, with its fearsome appearance, magical enhancements, and intimidating aura shaping the way it is used in different environments. Here’s how it might be utilized for defense and offense across various settings:

• In a War-Torn Battlefield
  • Defense: In the chaos of war, the Skullhorn Helm provides the wearer with enhanced protection in the form of a +1 bonus to Armor Class. Its thick, hardened structure, crafted from the skull of a mighty beast, helps deflect blows from swords, maces, and even arrows. The helm’s psychic resistance is particularly valuable against magical attacks aimed at demoralizing or mentally crippling the wearer, allowing them to withstand spells that might otherwise incapacitate them.
    • Roleplay: As the Shroudheart Oni stands firm amidst the clash of steel and the roar of war cries, the dark energy emanating from the helm deters enemy spellcasters from attempting psychic or mind-altering attacks. The Oni’s aura of terror spreads to nearby enemies, causing hesitation or outright retreat from those too fearful to engage in direct combat.
  • Offense: The Skullhorn Helm’s horns can be used as a weapon in close combat. The wearer might charge at enemies, using the helm to gore and disorient opponents. Additionally, the helm enhances the wearer’s ability to intimidate, causing enemy morale to falter, which can lead to outright surrender or disorganization on the battlefield.
    • Roleplay: With a terrifying battle cry, the wearer charges into enemy lines, their twisted horns gleaming under the sun. Soldiers who see the Skullhorn Helm remember the stories of its creation and the legend behind it, causing many to falter or flee. Those who dare stand their ground are swiftly brought down by both the horns and the Shroudheart Oni’s overwhelming presence.
• In a Dark, Enchanted Forest
  • Defense: In dense, magical forests where ambushes and sudden attacks are frequent, the Skullhorn Helm offers both physical and mental protection. Psychic creatures like fae, dryads, or other forest spirits may attempt to mentally manipulate intruders. The wearer of the helm is shielded against these influences, allowing them to move through the woods with their mind intact.
    • Roleplay: As the forest closes in, whispers of enchantment creep into the minds of those who enter. The wearer of the Skullhorn Helm, however, remains unaffected, their mind shielded from manipulation. As illusions and mental tricks fail, the fae withdraw, knowing they cannot break the will of one who wears the helm of a feared beast.
  • Offense: In the close confines of a forest, the helm’s horns can be used in conjunction with surprise attacks or ambushes. The wearer can intimidate forest dwellers, forcing creatures to reveal themselves or flee, and then use the terrain to corner their enemies.
    • Roleplay: Lurking in the shadows of the dense forest, the wearer of the Skullhorn Helm steps into a clearing where hidden creatures lie in wait. A flash of the helm’s dark visage and the display of its massive horns is enough to startle them into action, exposing themselves to an ambush. The wearer ruthlessly charges, the horns of the helm slicing through the dense foliage, making short work of those too slow to escape.
• In the Depths of a Dungeon
  • Defense: In the claustrophobic and dangerous environment of a dungeon, where traps and monstrous creatures lurk, the Skullhorn Helm serves as both a psychological and physical shield. It protects against surprise psychic attacks from entities such as mind flayers, shadows, and other dungeon-dwelling horrors.
    • Roleplay: As the Shroudheart Oni descends deeper into the dungeon, the air grows thick with dark magic and malevolent presences. Where others might feel their resolve weaken, the helm’s wearer moves forward without hesitation. Creatures that rely on fear and mental domination find their powers nullified against the Oni’s psychic resistance, leaving them vulnerable to direct combat.
  • Offense: The helm’s intimidating presence becomes even more potent in confined spaces. The wearer can terrorize weaker monsters into retreat, while larger creatures may hesitate before attacking, giving the Oni the chance to exploit openings. Its horns can also be used to charge through tight corridors, impaling foes and breaking down barriers.
    • Roleplay: In the flickering torchlight, the shadows lengthen, but the fearsome silhouette of the Skullhorn Helm strikes dread into lurking enemies. As the Oni steps forward, the skittering creatures of the dungeon retreat into the darkness. When a larger beast lunges out from the gloom, the wearer ducks low and rams upward, driving the horns of the helm deep into the creature’s chest before finishing it off with a quick, brutal strike.
• In a Noble’s Court or Political Arena
  • Defense: While less physically dangerous than battlefields or dungeons, the noble courts of Saṃsāra are rife with intrigue, manipulation, and mental contests. Here, the Skullhorn Helm’s psychic resistance provides a valuable shield against magical attempts at mind control or enchantment by court sorcerers or diplomats seeking to influence the Oni’s decisions.
    • Roleplay: In the candlelit halls of a noble’s palace, the Shroudheart Oni stands among the scheming courtiers, the Skullhorn Helm resting ominously on their head. Courtiers and diplomats who may otherwise attempt subtle charms or manipulations find their spells fizzling before they even take effect. The Oni’s mental fortitude makes them an unyielding force, immune to the usual political machinations of the court.
  • Offense: The presence of the Skullhorn Helm in a courtly setting is a stark display of power and intimidation. While it may not physically harm others in such an environment, its aura of terror can be used to coerce or intimidate rivals, forcing them to reconsider their strategies or yield in negotiations.
    • Roleplay: As the Oni rises to speak, the courtiers fall silent, their gazes drawn to the ominous helm. The twisted horns and dark legacy of the item send a clear message: the wearer is not one to be trifled with. When negotiations begin, the Oni’s voice carries an undercurrent of menace, and opponents quickly fold, unwilling to challenge someone who commands such a presence.
• In the Shadow of a Siege
  • Defense: During a siege, whether laying one or defending against it, the Skullhorn Helm serves as a reliable defense. The helm’s thick material and magical properties provide extra protection from attacks during long periods of battle, particularly from siege magic or mental fatigue caused by prolonged assaults.
    • Roleplay: As the siege wears on, with bombardments shaking the walls and constant assaults against the mind and body, the Oni remains standing on the battlements. The Skullhorn Helm allows them to keep focus, shrugging off spells and the mental strain that would cripple most defenders or attackers. Their presence alone raises the morale of their troops.
  • Offense: The helm’s ability to intimidate becomes a psychological weapon in siege warfare. The sight of a warrior wearing the Skullhorn Helm striding confidently through the chaos of war can break the spirit of defenders or attackers, leading to surrender or retreat.
    • Roleplay: As the gates of the besieged city crumble, the Oni marches forward, the Skullhorn Helm gleaming in the twilight. The defenders, exhausted and on the brink of collapse, see the horns of the helm and hear the tales of its fearsome power. With one final roar, the Oni steps into the fray, and the city’s will to fight breaks, leaving it ripe for conquest.

The Skullhorn Helm is more than just armor—its dark legacy and fearsome appearance turn it into a powerful tool for psychological and magical dominance in nearly any situation. Whether defending against mental assaults or using its intimidation to dominate others, the helm’s wearer stands as a terrifying and relentless force.

Perception of Activation: Skullhorn Helm

• User’s Perspective: When the Skullhorn Helm is activated, the user experiences a powerful surge of energy coursing through their body.
  • Sight: The world around the user dims slightly as if shadows are deepening, focusing attention on the opponent. A dark aura, faintly shimmering in violet and black, emanates from the helm, giving the user the impression of being encased in an intimidating shroud. Their peripheral vision sharpens, heightening their awareness of nearby threats, as enemies seem to shrink in stature under the helm’s influence.
  • Sound: A low, resonating hum fills the user’s ears, like the distant roar of a beast. It reverberates through their skull, steadying their mind and drowning out distractions. Battle sounds, like the clashing of steel and the cries of combat, seem distant, allowing focus on specific targets.
  • Touch: The helm feels heavier but more secure on the user’s head, as if the bone material has tightened its grip. A cold, tingling sensation runs down their spine, energizing their muscles. The horns of the helm feel as though they are extending outward, although this is a perception rather than physical change.
  • Taste: A metallic tang floods the user’s mouth, reminiscent of blood, as the magic within the helm resonates with their intent to intimidate or dominate the battlefield.
  • Smell: The air around the user becomes thick with the scent of charred bone and ash, as though the user is standing in the aftermath of a great battle.
  • Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
    • Psychic Resistance: The user can feel a tangible wall surrounding their mind, blocking any attempts to influence or manipulate their thoughts. They become acutely aware of spells or mental assaults bouncing off this barrier.
    • Aura of Fear: A heightened awareness of how their presence affects others. The user senses the creeping dread that spreads among enemies within range, feeling their anxiety and fear like a ripple in the air.
  • Positives:
    • Enhanced awareness of surroundings and potential threats.
    • Confidence, focus, and resilience against fear or mind-altering spells.
    • The user feels empowered, almost invincible, knowing that enemies are intimidated.
  • Negatives:
    • The surge of energy can feel overwhelming, leading to aggression or recklessness.
    • The weight of the helm can cause discomfort or fatigue over time.
    • The dark, oppressive atmosphere around the user may dull their perception of allies’ emotions, potentially causing overconfidence or alienation.
• Observer’s Perspective: From the outside, the activation of the Skullhorn Helm creates a terrifying scene for onlookers.
  • Sight: Observers see a black and violet aura envelop the wearer, making them appear larger and more imposing. The helm’s horns seem to pulse with dark energy, and the user’s eyes may glow faintly with an unnatural light. The shadows around the user seem to deepen, and even bright daylight appears dim in their presence. Enemies see their worst fears reflected in the wearer’s stance, as though they are facing a monstrous beast rather than a humanoid figure.
  • Sound: A deep, guttural rumble, like the growl of an ancient beast, emanates from the user. To nearby observers, it sounds like the distant approach of a storm. Combat sounds are muffled in the presence of the user, giving the impression that the battle is farther away, though it’s happening right in front of them.
  • Touch: Nearby enemies may feel the temperature drop, their skin prickling as though they’ve entered the shadow of death. For allies, a subtle but palpable unease creeps over them, as if standing too close to the wearer of the Skullhorn Helm causes a sensation of pressure or heaviness.
  • Taste: Observers may experience a dry mouth or the faint metallic taste of fear, particularly if they are on the receiving end of the user’s intimidation.
  • Smell: An acrid, smoky scent, like burning bones or a battlefield after slaughter, seems to fill the air around the wearer, adding to their menacing presence.
  • Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
    • Aura of Fear: Those sensitive to magic or psychic forces feel an oppressive wave of dread radiating from the helm. The fear may manifest as a tightening in the chest, sudden hesitation, or a need to flee.
    • Psychic Repulsion: Attempting to invade the wearer’s mind feels like running into a solid wall. For those trying to cast mind-affecting spells, the feedback is jarring and can even cause mild disorientation.
  • Positives:
    • Allies find themselves emboldened by the overwhelming intimidation the user projects onto enemies.
    • The fear generated can break enemy morale, causing confusion or retreat.
    • The aura draws attention away from allies, allowing them to operate with less direct threat.
  • Negatives:
    • Some allies, especially those of weaker will or lesser mental fortitude, may feel uncomfortable or uneasy being near the wearer, leading to feelings of distrust or alienation.
    • Enemies that overcome the fear may grow more enraged or desperate, leading to reckless but dangerous attacks.
    • The overwhelming dark energy may attract unwanted attention from creatures or entities drawn to powerful dark magic.

The Skullhorn Helm, when activated, creates a powerful and terrifying presence both for the wearer and those around them, making it a potent tool in combat and intimidation but with significant mental and social consequences.

Crafting Recipe: Skullhorn Helm of Dread

• Materials Needed:
  • Beast Skull (Large): From a fearsome creature known for its strength and ferocity. The skull must be intact and free of damage, often sourced from powerful monsters like ogres, minotaurs, or dire beasts.
  • Twisted Horns (2): Horns from a similar or more dangerous creature. Preferably from creatures with a legacy of battle or fearsome reputation (e.g., a Shroudheart Oni, demonic beast, or wyvern).
  • Darksteel Ingots (3): Magical metal, infused with shadow energy to enhance durability and reinforce the helm.
  • Bone Resin (1 vial): A magical adhesive made from powdered bones and enchanted resin to fuse the skull and horns seamlessly.
  • Nightshade Powder (1 ounce): Used to imbue the helm with dark energy and grant psychic resistance properties.
  • Enchanted Obsidian Shard (1): Acts as a conduit for the psychic resistance enchantment, placed within the crown of the helm.
  • Beast’s Blood (1 pint): Collected from the slain creature whose skull is used in the crafting. This blood is necessary to bind the wearer’s life force to the helm, enabling the intimidation aura.
• Tools Required:
  • Bone Carver’s Kit: Tools specialized for carving, shaping, and smoothing bone material.
  • Blacksmith’s Forge: For melting and shaping Darksteel Ingots and fusing them to the bone.
  • Runic Engraving Set: A set of fine tools designed for inscribing magical runes and symbols onto the bone and horns.
  • Enchantment Pedestal: A magical apparatus for binding the psychic resistance and fear aura enchantments into the helm.
  • Alchemical Cauldron: To properly mix and prepare the Bone Resin and Nightshade Powder.
  • Leatherworking Kit: For adding padding or straps to the helm for comfort and wearability.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Bonecrafting: Adept level, for shaping the skull and horns into a functional and formidable piece of armor.
  • Blacksmithing: Adept level, for forging and reinforcing the helm with Darksteel and properly fusing the materials.
  • Runecrafting: Proficient level, for engraving magical runes to enhance the helm’s abilities and infuse psychic resistance.
  • Enchanting: Master level, to bind the dark magic and aura of fear into the helm, ensuring it functions as intended.
  • Alchemy: Proficient level, to mix the Bone Resin and Nightshade Powder for the proper magical enhancements.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Preparation of the Beast Skull and Horns:
    • Clean the skull thoroughly, removing all flesh and impurities without damaging the bone. The skull must be sanded and shaped to ensure the edges and jawline are smooth and sharp.
    • Using the Bone Carver’s Kit, shape the skull into a form that fits a humanoid head, leaving space for the attachment of the horns.
    • Carve out deep grooves on either side of the skull where the horns will be attached.
  • Attaching the Horns:
    • Use the Bone Resin to fuse the Twisted Horns to the sides of the skull. Hold them in place and let the resin harden over several hours, allowing the magical properties of the resin to bind the bones seamlessly. The horns should feel solid, as if they were naturally part of the skull.
  • Reinforcing with Darksteel:
    • Melt the Darksteel Ingots in a forge and carefully shape them into thin strips to cover the helm’s weak points. Focus reinforcement around the brow, jaw, and the back of the skull for added protection.
    • Using blacksmithing tools, attach the Darksteel strips to the skull by riveting or fusing them with the bone. This step also helps secure the horns in place and adds a dark, metallic sheen to the helm.
  • Inscribing the Magical Runes:
    • With the Runic Engraving Set, inscribe runes of fear and protection along the horns and the inner side of the skull. Focus on symbols that represent terror, dominance, and mental fortitude.
    • Be precise in the engraving, as poorly drawn runes can cause instability in the enchantments.
  • Infusing the Nightshade Powder and Beast’s Blood:
    • In the Alchemical Cauldron, mix the Nightshade Powder and the Beast’s Blood to create a dark, thick liquid. Carefully apply this mixture to the interior and exterior of the helm, ensuring full coverage. The combination imbues the helm with dark magic, enhancing its fear-inducing properties.
    • Let the mixture soak into the bone over the course of a day, allowing it to fuse with the helm’s material.
  • Embedding the Enchanted Obsidian Shard:
    • Carefully place the Enchanted Obsidian Shard into a carved socket inside the crown of the skull. The shard will act as the helm’s core, granting its wearer psychic resistance.
    • Secure the shard with Bone Resin, ensuring it remains embedded even under stress or combat.
  • Enchantment and Activation:
    • Place the helm on the Enchantment Pedestal. Begin the process of channeling magical energy into the helm, focusing on binding the aura of fear and psychic resistance.
    • Use incantations to finalize the enchantment, ensuring the runes glow faintly as the magic takes hold.
    • Let the helm rest for an additional 24 hours to stabilize the enchantment and allow the dark energy to fully integrate with the helm’s materials.
  • Final Touches:
    • Add any necessary straps or padding using the Leatherworking Kit to ensure the helm can be worn comfortably in battle.
    • Polish the surface of the horns and the skull to give it a menacing yet battle-worn appearance.

The Skullhorn Helm of Dread is now complete. This item is now ready to be wielded in combat, granting the wearer enhanced protection, intimidation prowess, and psychic resistance.

Tale of the Beast and the Horned Protector

Long long time ago, before the age of the moons’ rising, when sky was no color and land was stone-bare, there was a beast. A beast born from the angry earth, with horns twisted like the mountain’s shadow and teeth sharp as night. It lived in a deep place, where light was not strong, and its roar made rivers to change their path. All who saw it feared its step, for the ground would tremble like leaves in storm, and the winds would run far away.

In those days, the people had no names, for names had not yet been told to them. They lived beneath the sky-bones and the high cold rocks, speaking with hands, not mouths. When the beast came from its cave to hunt, they hid in silent caves, waiting for its hunger to sleep. The beast, with its twisted horns, would crush the trees as it passed, and no one was safe from its anger.

But one man, not like the others, had a heart that did not shake. He was the protector of his people, a leader with no fear. They called him One-Who-Faces. He looked at the beast and saw it not with terror, but with the fire of defiance in his eyes. One-Who-Faces went alone to the dark mountain where the beast slept in shadows thick like wool.

With no words to guide him, he brought only his spear and his strength. He climbed high, where the air was sharp and thin, and there he found the beast sitting by the edge of the world, its eyes two moons of fire, its breath colder than the deep water. One-Who-Faces challenged the beast with no sound but his steps, his spear raised as if to pierce the sky.

They fought for many days—long days, without sleep or sun—each strike of claw against spear shaking the very bones of the earth. The beast’s horns clashed against the stones, and its roars became thunder across the hills. But One-Who-Faces did not fall. He knew the beast’s weakness was not its horns or its teeth, but its mind, clouded with old hate.

At the end, when strength had drained from both man and beast, One-Who-Faces did the unthinkable. He took the beast’s skull in his hands and spoke the first word ever to be heard by the people. “Enough.” His voice was the voice of stone, the voice of wind, the voice of earth and sky. And the beast, hearing its own silence, laid down its head and was no more.

The people, seeing what had been done, gathered the bones of the beast and made from them a helm. The skull was set upon the leader’s head, the twisted horns still stained with battle, and the helm was given life by the words of One-Who-Faces. It held the memory of the great fight, the beast’s rage trapped inside, so that no one who wore it would ever know fear.

The skull-helm was passed from leader to leader, each wearing it in times of darkness when the shadows grew long and the earth shivered with fear. But each leader, too, would hear the voice of the beast whisper in their dreams, for though its body was broken, its spirit lived within the helm.

Moral of the Story: Even the mightiest beast, when faced with true courage, will know defeat. But victory carries the shadow of what was conquered, and the weight of what was won can never truly be laid down.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Skullhorn Helm

• Type: Artifact
• Description: A fearsome helmet made from the skull of a beast with twisted horns, granting the wearer a menacing presence and partial protection against mental assaults.
• Effects:
  • Intimidate Bonus: Grants a +20% bonus to Intimidate checks.
  • Armor: Provides 1 point of armor to the head, reducing physical damage received.
  • Psychic Resistance: Reduces Sanity loss from witnessing Mythos entities or supernatural phenomena by 1 point per exposure (does not stack with other effects).
  • Drawback: The helm’s influence comes with a risk. Each time the helm is worn, roll a Luck check. On failure, the wearer suffers 1D4 points of Sanity loss as they are haunted by visions of the original beast.
  • Magic Resistance: Adds +1 to all Power (POW) rolls made to resist psychic or mind-altering attacks.
  • Cost/Availability: Highly rare and usually found in cursed temples or guarded by cults worshipping ancient entities.

Blades in the Dark

Skullhorn Helm

• Item Load: 2 (Heavy)
• Description: A helmet forged from the bones of a powerful beast, granting the wearer a terrifying presence that unsettles foes.
• Mechanics:
  • Intimidation: When using Command or any action to intimidate, the wearer gains +1d to their roll, as the skull’s aura of terror enhances their threats.
  • Armor: The helm provides light protection (counts as 1 armor tick for the head). It may absorb damage from a direct hit to the head.
  • Psychic Fortitude: The wearer gains +1d when resisting mind-altering effects, supernatural whispers, or psychic harm.
  • Devil’s Bargain: Using the helm in a desperate situation can invoke the spirit of the beast. Take +1 stress in exchange for gaining an additional +1 effect on any action involving intimidation, causing greater fear or compliance from targets.
  • Downside: Wearing the helm for long periods can attract unwanted attention from spirit entities or stir the wrath of powerful supernatural forces.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Skullhorn Helm

• Wondrous Item, Rare (requires attunement)
• Armor Class Bonus: While wearing the Skullhorn Helm, you gain a +1 bonus to AC.
• Intimidation Advantage: You have advantage on all Intimidation checks.
• Psychic Resistance: You gain resistance to psychic damage while wearing the helm.
• Curse: The Skullhorn Helm carries a latent curse. After each long rest, make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, you experience vivid nightmares of the beast from which the skull was taken. You gain 1 level of exhaustion due to the lack of restful sleep.
• Charge Attack: If you move at least 10 feet straight toward a creature and hit it with a melee attack, you can deal an extra 1D6 piercing damage from the helm’s horns.
• Attunement Requirement: The helm requires attunement by a creature with a Strength score of 13 or higher.

Knave

Skullhorn Helm

• Type: Armor (Heavy, Helm)
• Defense: The Skullhorn Helm provides +1 Defense when worn.
• Intimidation: The wearer can add +2 to any roll made to intimidate, threaten, or coerce others.
• Mind Shield: The helm grants the wearer a mental barrier, giving +2 to any saves made against mind-control, illusions, or fear effects.
• Drawback: Every time the helm is worn, roll 1D20. On a result of 1-3, the wearer suffers from disturbing visions or hallucinations tied to the beast’s ancient memories, imposing a -2 penalty to their next mental-related roll (Wisdom/Willpower).
• Special: The horns may be used in melee attacks, dealing 1D6 damage on a successful strike, but this requires a roll of 15+ to hit due to the awkward nature of the attack.

Fate Core

Skullhorn Helm

• Type: Relic/Artifact
• Aspects:
• Twisted Horns of Terror
• Psychic Resistance of the Beast
• Legacy of Fear
• Mechanical Effects:
  • Intimidation Bonus: The wearer gains a +2 bonus when using the Intimidate skill.
  • Armor: The Skullhorn Helm provides a 1-shift reduction in physical stress when taking a hit to the head.
  • Psychic Resistance: When defending against mental attacks or mind-control effects, the wearer can invoke the helm’s aspect (Psychic Resistance of the Beast) for free once per session, allowing them to reroll or gain a +2 bonus on the defense roll.
  • Compel: The GM can compel the Legacy of Fear aspect, causing the wearer to suffer visions of the beast’s past, leading to complications or hindering their actions (e.g., penalties in social interactions or strategy due to the hallucinations).

Numenera & Cypher System

Skullhorn Helm

• Level: 5
• Type: Artifact
• Effect:
  • Armor Bonus: The helm provides 1 point of armor to the wearer, specifically for the head.
  • Intimidation Boost: The wearer gains an Asset to any Intimidation or Persuasion task when attempting to frighten or coerce an opponent.
  • Mental Defense: The helm grants +1 Armor against Intellect damage from mental attacks or psychic effects.
  • Depletion: Roll 1d20. On a 1, the helm loses its powers and becomes a simple skull with no magical effect.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Skullhorn Helm

• Worn Item 4
• Price: 800 gp
• Bulk: 1
• Armor Bonus: +1 item bonus to AC (head protection)
• Traits: Magical, Cursed, Fear, Mental
• Activation:
  • Intimidation Boost: While wearing the Skullhorn Helm, you gain a +2 item bonus to Intimidation checks.
  • Psychic Resistance: You gain resistance 5 to mental damage.
  • Charge Attack: When you move at least 10 feet toward a creature and hit with a melee attack, the creature takes an extra 1d6 piercing damage from the helm’s horns.
  • Curse: Each day after a long rest, roll a DC 20 Will save. On failure, you are haunted by the beast’s visions, taking a -1 penalty on Will saves for 24 hours.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Skullhorn Helm

• Type: Magic Item (Artifact)
• Armor: The helm provides a +1 bonus to Toughness due to its durable, bone-crafted structure.
• Intimidation Bonus: Grants the wearer a +2 bonus to Intimidation rolls, making it easier to scare or demoralize opponents.
• Psychic Resistance: Provides +2 to Spirit rolls when resisting fear, mind-control, or other psychic attacks.
• Curse: The wearer must make a Vigor roll (–2) after every long battle or extended use of the helm. Failure results in one level of Fatigue as nightmares or mental stress from the helm begin to wear down the user’s will.
• Horn Charge: The wearer may attempt a Horn Charge attack in combat. This counts as an Unarmed Attack and deals Str+d6 damage, but the wearer incurs a –1 penalty to Parry for one round after the attack due to the momentum needed to strike with the horns.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Skullhorn Helm

• Type: Magical Artifact
• Armor: +1 Impact Armor (Head)
• Effects:
  • Intimidation Bonus: The wearer gains a +2 dice pool bonus to Intimidation tests due to the helm’s terrifying presence.
  • Psychic Resistance: The wearer has +1 to Willpower checks against Mental Manipulation or fear-based spells, as the dark energies within the helm shield the mind.
  • Mystic Defense: If the wearer is targeted by a hostile spell, they receive +1 to their Mystic Armor for resisting the effect.
  • Drain: The Skullhorn Helm has an inherent cost for use. After a long, sustained use (more than 4 hours), the wearer must resist 2 points of Stun damage (Willpower + Body) as the dark energies attempt to drain their life force.

Starfinder

Skullhorn Helm

• Item Level: 6
• Price: 4,200 credits
• Bulk: 1
• Armor Bonus: Grants a +1 enhancement bonus to AC (Head slot).
• Intimidation Boost: Grants a +2 bonus to Intimidate checks, making the wearer’s threats seem more terrifying.
• Mental Defense: The wearer gains +2 to Will saves against mind-affecting effects (such as fear, charm, and compulsion).
• Special Ability – Horn Charge: Once per day, the wearer can charge an opponent with the helm’s horns, dealing 1d6 piercing damage. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Reflex saving throw or be knocked prone.
• Curse: Each day, roll a DC 18 Will save or suffer from unsettling visions of the beast the skull once belonged to, resulting in the wearer being shaken for 1d4 hours (no save).

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Skullhorn Helm

• Type: Artifact
• TL: 11
• Armor: Provides +2 to Protection for the head.
• Intimidation Modifier: Grants a +1 DM to Social Standing (Intimidation) checks, as the helm invokes fear and dread among those who encounter it.
• Mental Defense: Provides +2 to Endurance checks against psionic or mental attacks, protecting the wearer from psychic influence.
• Drawback: After a full day of wearing the Skullhorn Helm, the user must roll Endurance (8+). On failure, they suffer a -1 DM on all Int checks for the next 24 hours due to disturbing hallucinations.
• Special Feature: In a combat situation, the wearer can make a Headbutt attack with the helm’s horns, dealing 1D damage. This attack counts as unarmed combat.

Warhammer (Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition)

Skullhorn Helm

• Category: Magical Armor
• Encumbrance: 1
• Effects:
  • Armor Points: Provides +1 Armor Point to the Head location.
  • Terrifying Presence: The wearer gains +10% to Intimidate tests due to the helm’s monstrous appearance.
  • Psychic Defense: The wearer gains +1 to Cool checks when resisting fear, panic, or terror effects, as well as any spell affecting the mind (e.g., domination, charm).
  • Curse: At the end of each session in which the Skullhorn Helm is worn for an extended period, roll a Challenging (Average) Cool Test. On a failure, the wearer begins to experience vivid nightmares related to the beast’s death, suffering a -10 penalty to Willpower checks for the following day due to exhaustion.
  • Horn Charge: The wearer may use the horns as a weapon in combat, dealing SB+2 Damage (Strength Bonus) on a successful hit.