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Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider

—

by

Dale
in

Lore: The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider is a cursed artifact that was created by a powerful necromancer. It is said that the necromancer was once a skilled horseman who became obsessed with death and the afterlife. He spent years studying dark magic and eventually crafted the Whispering Bit and Bridle to control undead steeds. The curse of the artifact turned the necromancer into the Dark Rider, a being who rides the undead across the land and brings death wherever he goes.

The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider is a cursed artifact with the following stats:

  • Level: Tier 1
  • Rarity: Artifact
  • Type: Tack
  • Properties: Cursed, Magical, Sentient, Command Word
  • Tags: Necromancer’s Touch, Shadowfell Connection, Eternal Servitude, Unholy Might, Whispers of the Damned, Death’s Embrace, Soul Tether, Corrupted Power, Forbidden Knowledge, Mark of the Necromancer
  • Weight: 1 lb.
  • Cost: N/A

Special Abilities: The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider has several special abilities that can be activated by speaking its command word:

  • Command Undead: When the command word is spoken, the Whispering Bit and Bridle can command any undead mount within 60 feet to come under the control of the wielder. The mount must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or become charmed and willingly submit to the wielder’s commands.
  • Curse of Death: When the command word is spoken, the Whispering Bit and Bridle can curse any living creature within a 60-foot radius. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or suffer 3d6 necrotic damage and become vulnerable to all damage for 1 minute.
  • Necrotic Aura: Once per day, the Whispering Bit and Bridle can emit a necrotic aura that affects all creatures within a 60-foot radius. Creatures must succeed on a constitution saving throw or take 5d6 necrotic damage and have their maximum hit points reduced by the same amount. This effect lasts for 1 minute.

How to Use: To use the Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider, the wielder must be proficient in Animal Handling. The artifact can be used as a standard bit and bridle for a mount, but its special abilities can be activated by speaking its command word. The Whispering Bit and Bridle is sentient and will only allow itself to be wielded by someone who is willing to embrace its curse and bring death and destruction wherever they go.

The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider is a powerful tool for necromancers and other dark riders who ride undead steeds. It can be used to command and control undead mounts in battle, curse living creatures with necrotic damage, and emit a necrotic aura to weaken enemies. However, the artifact’s curse also affects the wielder, making them more vulnerable to death and destruction. The Whispering Bit and Bridle’s sentient nature also allows for interesting roleplaying opportunities, as it may have its own desires and goals that conflict with the wielder’s. But the power of the artifact comes at a great cost, as it will slowly corrupt the wielder and lead them down a path of darkness and death.

Given the nature of the Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider, its sale and purchase would be shrouded in secrecy and danger. Here are some possible avenues for its transaction:

  • Black Markets in Dark Alleys and Shadowy Taverns:
    • Location: Hidden within the bustling cities and towns of Saṃsāra, in the darkest corners where the law struggles to reach. Look for clandestine gatherings in dimly lit taverns, whispers in crowded marketplaces, and coded messages passed in dark alleyways.
    • Shop Type: Makeshift stalls, hidden rooms behind seemingly innocuous shops, or even a discreet exchange under the cover of night.
    • Cost: 500,000 to 1,000,000 gold pieces. The price would be steep due to the artifact’s rarity, power, and the risks involved in its acquisition.
    • Seller Type: Shady figures dealing in illicit goods, members of underground organizations, or even desperate individuals seeking to rid themselves of the cursed artifact.
  • Necromancer Guilds and Cults:
    • Location: Secretive locations, often hidden in plain sight, such as abandoned temples, ancient crypts, or even seemingly respectable manor houses with dark secrets.
    • Shop Type: Hidden chambers within the guild’s headquarters, accessed through secret passages and guarded by loyal members.
    • Cost: Potentially lower than the black market, perhaps 250,000 to 500,000 gold pieces, or even an exchange of services or favors within the necromancer community.
    • Seller Type: High-ranking necromancers, cult leaders, or those tasked with handling the guild’s artifacts.
  • Wandering Merchants and Collectors of the Strange and Forbidden:
    • Location: No fixed location, these individuals travel the world, seeking out rare and unusual items. They might be found in bustling market squares, secluded inns, or even on the outskirts of civilization.
    • Shop Type: A temporary stall, a hidden compartment within their wagon, or a discreet meeting in a private room.
    • Cost: Highly variable, depending on the merchant’s knowledge of the artifact and the buyer’s desperation. Expect a price range of 750,000 to 1,500,000 gold pieces, with the possibility of bartering unique items or services.
    • Seller Type: Enigmatic individuals with a keen interest in the macabre, possessing a network of contacts and a willingness to take risks.
  • Ancient Ruins and Forgotten Tombs:
    • Location: Scattered throughout the world of Saṃsāra, these places hold remnants of past civilizations and forgotten lore.
    • Shop Type: Not a shop in the traditional sense, but the artifact might be discovered within a hidden chamber, guarded by ancient traps and undead guardians.
    • Cost: The cost here is not monetary but measured in the risks taken and the challenges overcome to acquire the artifact.
    • Seller Type: N/A. The artifact is acquired through exploration and delving into dangerous locations.

Important Considerations:

  • Reputation: Acquiring the Whispering Bit and Bridle would likely attract unwanted attention, especially from those opposed to necromancy or those seeking to claim the artifact for themselves.
  • The Artifact’s Sentience: The artifact might choose its wielder, making any transaction difficult if it deems the buyer unworthy.
  • The Curse: The artifact’s curse is a heavy burden, and potential buyers must be aware of the risks involved in wielding such a powerful and corrupting item.

The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider is not an item to be bought and sold lightly. Its acquisition would be a perilous undertaking, fraught with danger and moral implications.

The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider, being a cursed artifact of immense power, offers a unique and multifaceted roleplaying experience, especially in terms of its offensive and defensive capabilities. Here’s how it might be used in different environments:

  • Defense:
    • Urban Environments: In the crowded streets of a city or town, the artifact’s necrotic aura can be a powerful deterrent. With a spoken word, the wielder can unleash a wave of necrotic energy, weakening and damaging any would-be attackers. The curse of death can also be used to inflict grievous wounds on those who dare to come too close. However, the wielder must be mindful of the collateral damage, as innocent bystanders could be caught in the artifact’s destructive power.
    • Wilderness: When traveling through the wilds of Saṃsāra, the artifact’s command undead ability can be used to summon undead creatures to defend the wielder from attacks by wild animals or monstrous creatures. The curse of death can also be used to fend off attackers, while the necrotic aura can provide a temporary shield against swarms of enemies.
    • Underwater: In the depths of the ocean or in underwater cities, the artifact’s necrotic aura can be used to create a barrier of negative energy, warding off aquatic predators or hostile creatures. The command undead ability might also be used to summon undead sea creatures to defend the wielder.
    • Aerial: While soaring through the skies on a griffon or an airship, the artifact’s curse of death can be used to strike down aerial attackers, while the necrotic aura can provide a protective shield against flocks of hostile creatures. The command undead ability might even be used to summon undead flying creatures to aid in aerial combat.
    • Underground: In the deep caves and tunnels beneath the surface, the artifact’s necrotic aura can be used to weaken and damage creatures lurking in the darkness. The command undead ability can summon undead guardians to protect the wielder from ambushes, while the curse of death can be used to eliminate threats in close quarters.
  • Offense:
    • Urban Environments: The artifact’s curse of death can be used to eliminate targets with precision, while the necrotic aura can weaken groups of enemies before engaging them in combat. However, the wielder must be careful not to cause unnecessary destruction or harm to innocent bystanders.
    • Wilderness: The command undead ability can summon undead creatures to attack enemies, while the curse of death and necrotic aura can be used to weaken and damage foes before engaging them in direct combat.
    • Underwater: The artifact’s necrotic aura can be used to weaken and damage aquatic creatures, while the command undead ability can summon undead sea creatures to attack enemies.
    • Aerial: The curse of death can be used to strike down aerial targets, while the necrotic aura can weaken flocks of enemies before engaging them in aerial combat. The command undead ability might also be used to summon undead flying creatures to attack enemies from the air.
    • Underground: The artifact’s necrotic aura can be used to weaken and damage creatures lurking in the darkness, while the command undead ability can summon undead creatures to attack enemies from the shadows. The curse of death can be used to eliminate targets in close-quarters combat.
  • Additional Roleplaying Considerations:
    • Moral Implications: The wielder must grapple with the moral implications of using such a dark and powerful artifact. Will they succumb to its corrupting influence, or will they find a way to use its power for good?
    • The Artifact’s Sentience: The artifact’s sentience adds another layer of complexity to roleplaying. The wielder must learn to communicate with the artifact and understand its desires and motivations. Will they forge a partnership, or will they be forced to contend with a rebellious and malevolent entity?
    • Reputation: The wielder’s reputation will precede them, and they may be feared or shunned by those who know of the artifact’s power. This can lead to interesting social interactions and challenges.

The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider is a powerful and versatile artifact that can be used for both defense and offense in a variety of environments. Its unique properties and roleplaying potential make it a compelling addition to the world of Saṃsāra.

Perception of Activation:

  • User’s Perspective:
    • Sight: The bit and bridle shimmer with a malevolent blue light as the command word is spoken. The air around the artifact distorts and crackles with unholy energy.
    • Sound: A chilling whisper echoes through the wielder’s mind, acknowledging the activation. The sound of ethereal chains rattling can be heard faintly, growing louder as undead creatures are summoned.
    • Touch: A surge of icy power flows through the wielder’s hands as they grasp the artifact. The bit and bridle feel cold and strangely alive, as if pulsing with dark energy.
    • Smell: The scent of grave dust and decay wafts from the artifact, filling the wielder’s nostrils with the stench of death.
    • Taste: A metallic tang floods the wielder’s mouth, leaving a lingering taste of blood and corruption.
    • Extrasensory: A sense of dread and foreboding washes over the wielder, accompanied by a feeling of immense power and control. The whispers of the dead can be heard in the back of their mind, urging them to embrace the darkness.
  • Observer’s Perspective:
    • Sight: The bit and bridle glow with an eerie blue light, casting long, ominous shadows. The surrounding area seems to grow colder and darker as the artifact is activated. If the necrotic aura is activated, observers might see a wave of dark energy emanating from the artifact, causing plants to wither and living creatures to recoil in fear.
    • Sound: An unearthly whisper can be heard by those nearby, sending shivers down their spines. If undead creatures are summoned, the sound of their approaching footsteps or growls will fill the air.
    • Touch: Observers might feel a chill in the air or a sense of unease as the artifact is activated.
    • Smell: A faint scent of decay and death might be detected by those with a keen sense of smell.
    • Extrasensory: A feeling of dread and despair washes over the observers, as if a dark cloud has descended upon them. Some might even experience visions of death or the undead.
  • Positives:
    • User: The wielder feels a surge of power and control, reveling in the artifact’s dark abilities. The whispers of the dead offer guidance and encouragement, bolstering their confidence.
    • Observer: For those who are allied with the wielder, the artifact’s activation might inspire awe and fear in their enemies, giving them a psychological advantage.
  • Negatives:
    • User: The artifact’s corrupting influence slowly seeps into the wielder’s soul, twisting their thoughts and emotions. The whispers of the dead become more insistent and demanding, urging them towards darker deeds.
    • Observer: The artifact’s activation is a terrifying sight, filling observers with dread and despair. The necrotic aura can cause physical harm and weaken those nearby, making them more susceptible to attack.

The activation of the Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider is a sensory experience that is both exhilarating and terrifying. The wielder is granted immense power, but at a great cost. The artifact’s dark influence slowly corrupts their soul, while its mere presence fills those around them with fear and despair.

Crafting Recipe: Replica of the Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider — This recipe outlines the creation of a replica of the Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider. While it captures the appearance and some of the magical essence of the original artifact, it lacks the full potency and sentience of its cursed counterpart.

  • Materials Needed:
    • Base Materials: High-quality leather straps, a bit forged from cold iron, and a bridle adorned with obsidian beads.
    • Magical Reagents: Essence of wraith (extracted from a captured wraith), powdered bone of a necromancer, and a vial of shadowfell essence.
    • Rare Components: A raven’s feather freely given (not taken by force), a petrified scream (a rare crystal found in areas where powerful emotions have been trapped), and a whisper of the void (captured in a specially prepared container).
  • Tools Required:
    • Blacksmithing Tools: Forge, anvil, hammer, tongs.
    • Leatherworking Tools: Awl, needles, leather knife, cutting board.
    • Arcane Tools: Mortar and pestle, alembic, ritual chalice, focusing crystals.
  • Skill Requirements:
    • Blacksmithing: Proficiency in shaping and forging metals, particularly cold iron.
    • Leatherworking: Expertise in crafting and manipulating leather.
    • Arcana: Deep knowledge of magical rituals and handling of dangerous reagents.
    • Necromancy: A basic understanding of necromantic principles and the ability to manipulate the energies of death (optional, but increases the chances of success).
  • Crafting Steps:
    • Preparation: Gather all materials and tools in a secluded and protected location where necromantic energies can be safely contained.
    • Forging the Bit: Heat the cold iron in the forge and shape it into a bit using the blacksmithing tools. While forging, imbue the metal with the essence of wraith, focusing your intent on capturing the chilling power of the undead.
    • Crafting the Bridle: Cut and sew the leather straps into a bridle using the leatherworking tools. Adorn the bridle with obsidian beads, each representing a fragment of trapped darkness.
    • Infusion Ritual: Prepare a ritual circle using the focusing crystals. In the center of the circle, place the forged bit and crafted bridle. Combine the powdered bone of a necromancer, the vial of shadowfell essence, the raven’s feather, the petrified scream, and the whisper of the void in the ritual chalice. Chant the incantations of binding and imbuing, channeling your arcane energy into the chalice.
    • Binding: Pour the mixture from the chalice over the bit and bridle, visualizing the dark energies seeping into the materials. As the final words of the incantation are spoken, the bit and bridle will shimmer with a faint blue light, signifying the successful binding of the magical essence.
    • Cooling and Completion: Allow the bit and bridle to cool and the magic to settle. Once complete, the replica will possess a chilling aura and a faint echo of the original artifact’s power.
  • Important Notes:
    • The replica, while potent, will not be as powerful or sentient as the original artifact. It will lack the command undead ability and the curse of death.
    • The necrotic aura will be significantly weaker, dealing only a fraction of the original’s damage.
    • The replica may still carry a faint corrupting influence, though not as potent as the original.
    • Crafting this replica is a dangerous undertaking, and only skilled artisans with a strong understanding of magic should attempt it.

This crafting recipe provides a way to recreate a semblance of the Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider, offering a taste of its power without the full burden of its curse. It serves as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of those who seek to harness the magic of Saṃsāra, even at great risk.

Tale of the Bit That Whispers and the Reins of Shadow

In the age before ages, when the world was young and shadows stretched long across the land, there lived a rider of great renown. His name was lost to the mists of time, but his legend endures, a chilling whisper carried on the winds of eternity.

This rider, they say, was unmatched in his skill, a master of the equestrian arts. He could tame the wildest steed, conquer the most treacherous terrain, and his arrows found their mark with uncanny precision. But pride, like a venomous serpent, coiled within his heart, whispering promises of power and immortality.

Driven by his insatiable ambition, the rider sought forbidden knowledge, delving into the necromantic arts. He sought to conquer death itself, to command the very spirits of the departed. Through dark rituals and unholy pacts, he forged a bit and bridle of immense power, infused with the essence of the shadowfell.

With this cursed artifact, the rider gained dominion over the dead, summoning skeletal steeds and wraithlike mounts to serve his will. He became a harbinger of darkness, his presence casting a pall over the land. But the power he wielded came at a terrible cost.

The artifact, infused with the whispers of the damned, slowly twisted his soul, corrupting his thoughts and desires. His once noble features grew gaunt and pale, his eyes burning with an unholy light. He became known as the Dark Rider, a specter of death haunting the mortal realm.

The Dark Rider’s reign of terror lasted for centuries, his name spoken in hushed tones, a legend whispered around campfires to frighten children. But even the darkest shadows eventually fade, and the rider’s power began to wane. The artifact, hungry for souls, demanded more and more sacrifices, draining the life from the land.

In the end, the Dark Rider was consumed by his own creation, his body transformed into a skeletal husk, his spirit forever bound to the bit and bridle. He became a prisoner of his own ambition, doomed to ride the realms of shadow for eternity.

Moral of the Story:  Beware the whispers of pride and the allure of forbidden power. For the pursuit of immortality can lead to a fate worse than death, a soul forever trapped in the shadows.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

  • Overview: The Whispering Bit and Bridle would be a potent artifact, likely tied to a powerful malevolent entity or a long-forgotten necromantic ritual. Its use would come at a significant cost to the investigator’s sanity, potentially inflicting indefinite insanity or attracting the attention of dangerous creatures.
  • Stat Block:
    • The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider
  • Artifact
    • SAN Loss: 1d10/1d100 on first encounter, 1d6/1d20 on subsequent uses
    • Skills: Animal Handling (Hard), Occult (Hard)
    • Command Undead: Spend 1 Magic Point and make a Hard Occult roll. On success, the undead creature within 20 yards must make a POW roll against the user’s POW. If the creature fails, it is commanded for 1d6 rounds.
    • Curse of Death: Spend 1d3 Magic Points and make a Hard Occult roll. On success, the living target within 20 yards must make a CON roll against the user’s POW. If the target fails, they take 2d6 damage and are vulnerable to all damage for 1d4 rounds.
    • Necrotic Aura: Once per day, spend 3 Magic Points and make a Hard Occult roll. On success, all creatures within a 20-yard radius must make a CON roll against the user’s POW. If they fail, they take 3d6 damage and have their maximum hit points reduced by the same amount for 1d4 rounds.

Blades in the Dark

  • Overview: This artifact would be a powerful tool for a Scoundrel crew, particularly those involved in the Cult or Shadow factions. It could be used to enhance their criminal activities, but its use would likely attract unwanted attention from the Bluecoats, the Spirit Wardens, or other factions.
  • Stat Block:
    • The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider
  • Tier: III or IV
    • Effect: When used to ride an undead steed, reduce the Hunt and Prowl difficulties by two steps.
    • Command Undead: When used in a Ritual, reduce the Summoning difficulty by two steps.
    • Curse of Death: When used in an Attune action, inflict 2 Stress on a target.
    • Necrotic Aura: Once per score, when used in a Clash action, inflict 3 Stress on all enemies within a short distance.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

  • Overview: This artifact would be a powerful magic item, likely requiring attunement by a character with proficiency in Animal Handling and possibly the Necromancy subclass. Its use could have significant consequences in the game world, potentially attracting the attention of powerful NPCs or organizations.
  • Stat Block:
    • The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider
    • Wondrous item, artifact (requires attunement by a creature proficient in Animal Handling)
    • Cursed: This artifact is cursed. While attuned to it, you have disadvantage on saving throws against spells and effects created by undead creatures.
    • Command Undead: You can use an action to speak the command word and attempt to command any undead mount within 60 feet. The mount must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, it becomes charmed by you and obeys your commands for 1 hour or until you use this ability again.
    • Curse of Death: You can use an action to speak the command word and curse a creature you can see within 60 feet. The target must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, it takes 3d6 necrotic damage and becomes vulnerable to all damage for 1 minute.
    • Necrotic Aura: Once per day, you can use an action to speak the command word and emit a necrotic aura in a 60-foot radius sphere centered on you. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 5d6 necrotic damage and has its hit point maximum reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the creature finishes a long rest. The creature dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.  

Knave

  • Overview: This artifact would be a formidable item in Knave, likely with a high cost and potentially dangerous side effects. Its abilities would be potent in combat and exploration, but the GM would need to carefully consider its impact on the game’s balance.
  • Stat Block:
    • The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider
    • Armor: 1
    • Weight: 1
    • Cost: 10,000 gold
  • Effect:
    • Command Undead: When you wear this bridle and hold the bit, you can command any undead mount within 60′. The mount must make a Save vs. Magic or be compelled to obey your commands.
    • Curse of Death: Once per day, you can curse a creature within 60′. The target must make a Save vs. Magic or take 3d6 damage and be vulnerable to all damage for 1d4 rounds.
    • Necrotic Aura: Once per week, you can unleash a necrotic aura in a 60′ radius. Each creature in the area must make a Save vs. Magic or take 5d6 damage.

FATE (Core System)

  • Overview: The Whispering Bit and Bridle would be represented as an aspect with several invokes, reflecting its powers. It might also have a consequence that represents its curse, such as “Corrupted by Whispers” or “Haunted by the Dead.”
  • Stat Block:
    • Aspect: Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider
  • Invokes:
    • Command Undead: Compel an undead creature to obey your commands.
    • Curse of Death: Inflict a minor consequence on a target, representing weakness or vulnerability.
    • Necrotic Aura: Create an advantage that hinders enemies in a zone.
    • Consequence: Haunted by the Dead (Mild, Physical)

Numenera & Cypher System

  • Overview: This artifact would be a powerful cypher, perhaps a level 6 or 7 artifact with a depletion roll. Its abilities would be potent against creatures with a connection to the dead or negative energy.
  • Stat Block:
    • The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider
    • Level: 6
    • Form: Artifact (worn)
    • Depletion: 1 in 1d6
  • Effect:
    • Command Undead: Command an undead creature within long range.
    • Curse of Death: Inflict 5 points of damage and Weaken a creature within short range.
    • Necrotic Aura: Emit an aura of negative energy in a short radius, dealing 3 points of damage to all creatures in the area and reducing their Speed for one round.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

  • Overview: This artifact would be a cursed item, likely requiring a high level character to attune to it. Its abilities would be potent, but the GM would need to carefully consider its impact on the game’s balance and the consequences of its curse.
  • Stat Block:
    • The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider
    • Item Level: 15th
    • Price: —
    • Usage: worn; requires attunement
    • Curse: This artifact is cursed. While attuned to it, you take a –2 status penalty to all saving throws against necromancy spells and effects.
    • Activate: Command (one action)
    • Frequency: once per day
    • Effect: You can command an undead mount within 120 feet. The mount must attempt a DC 25 Will save. On a failed save, it is affected as if by dominate animal for 1 hour.
    • Curse of Death: You can curse a creature you can see within 120 feet. The target must attempt a DC 25 Will save. On a failed save, it takes 3d6 negative damage and is vulnerable to all damage for 1 round.
    • Necrotic Aura: You emit an aura of negative energy in a 60-foot-radius emanation. Each living creature in that area must attempt a DC 25 Fortitude save. On a failed save, a creature takes 5d6 negative damage and its Hit Point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its Hit Point maximum to 0.  

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

  • Overview: This artifact would be a powerful arcane background edge, perhaps with a high cost in Power Points and a potential backlash. Its abilities would be potent in combat and when dealing with undead creatures.
  • Stat Block:
    • The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider
    • Arcane Background (Edge)
    • Rank: Novice
    • Power Points: 15
    • Trappings: Ancient bit and bridle, whispers of the dead, shadowy aura
  • Powers:
    • Command Undead: Spend 1 Power Point. Make a Spirit roll opposed by the undead creature’s Smarts. On a success, you can command the creature for 1d4 rounds.
    • Curse of Death: Spend 2 Power Points. Make a Spirit roll opposed by the target’s Spirit. On a success, the target takes 2d6 damage and is Shaken.
    • Necrotic Aura: Spend 3 Power Points. All creatures within a Medium Burst Template must make a Vigor roll. On a failure, they take 2d6 damage.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

  • Overview: In Shadowrun, the Whispering Bit and Bridle would be a powerful magical focus, perhaps with a high Force rating and a negative Resonance. Its abilities would be useful for Shadowrunners involved in summoning or controlling undead spirits, but its use could attract the attention of dangerous entities or organizations.
  • Stat Block:
    • The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider
    • Focus (Tack)
    • Force: 6
    • Resonance: –2 (Corrupted)
  • Powers:
    • Command Spirit (Undead): When used to summon or control an undead spirit, the user gains a +2 dice pool bonus.
    • Death Touch: Inflicts an additional +2 damage when used to attack a living creature with a necromantic spell.
    • Aura of Decay: Creates a zone of negative energy that inflicts 1S damage per turn to living creatures within 2 meters.

Starfinder (First Edition)

  • Overview: In Starfinder, this artifact could be a potent technological/magical hybrid item, perhaps with a negative level and a drawback. Its abilities would be useful for characters with the mystic or technomancer classes, but its use could have unforeseen consequences.
  • Stat Block:
    • The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider
    • Item Level: 15th
    • Price: —
    • Mystical/Technological Item
    • Level: –2
    • Activation: Standard action
    • Frequency: once per day
  • Effect:
    • Command Undead: You can command an undead creature within 120 feet. The creature must attempt a DC 25 Will save. On a failed save, it is affected as if by dominate monster for 1 hour.
    • Curse of Death: You can curse a creature you can see within 120 feet. The target must attempt a DC 25 Will save. On a failed save, it takes 3d6 negative energy damage and is vulnerable to all damage for 1 round.
    • Necrotic Aura: You emit an aura of negative energy in a 60-foot-radius emanation. Each living creature in that area must attempt a DC 25 Fortitude save. On a failed save, a creature takes 5d6 negative energy damage and its Hit Point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its Hit Point maximum to 0.  
    • Drawback: While attuned to this item, you take a –2 penalty to saving throws against necromancy effects.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

  • Overview: In Traveller, this artifact could be a rare piece of advanced technology or a relic from a long-lost civilization with unique properties. Its abilities would be useful for characters involved in exploration or combat, but its use could attract unwanted attention.
  • Stat Block:
    • The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider
    • TL: 15
    • Rarity: 3
  • Effect:
    • Command Undead: When used on an undead creature, allows the user to make a Command skill check with a +2 DM modifier.
    • Curse of Death: Inflicts 2d6 damage on a living target.
    • Necrotic Aura: Creates a zone of negative energy that inflicts 1d6 damage per round to living creatures within a 10-meter radius.

Warhammer 40,000 (Wrath & Glory)

  • Overview: In Warhammer 40,000, this artifact would be a Chaos-tainted relic, likely with a high Corruption rating and a dangerous drawback. Its use would be restricted to characters aligned with Chaos or those willing to risk their souls for power.
  • Stat Block:
    • The Whispering Bit and Bridle of the Dark Rider
    • Warp Taint: 3
    • Corruption: +2 per use
  • Effect:
    • Command Daemon (Undivided): When used to summon or control a Daemon of Undivided Chaos, the psyker gains a +2 bonus to their Psychic Mastery.
    • Curse of Death: Inflicts 1d3 Mortal Wounds on a living target.
    • Necrotic Aura: Creates a zone of unholy energy that inflicts 1d6 damage per round to all creatures within 3 meters.
    • Drawback: On a roll of 96+ on any check using this artifact, the character is possessed by a Daemon of Undivided Chaos.