Melancholic Elixir

From: Accursed Rune of Desolation

Lore: The Melancholic Elixir is a recipe shrouded in ancient legends and whispered tales. According to the lore, it is said to have been first concocted by an apprentice mage who sought solace in the depths of Shadowthorn forest. Guided by the ethereal whispers of the forest itself, the mage discovered the recipe hidden within a forgotten tome, rumored to be written by Maelis, the Weeping Sorcerer. The Accursed Rune of Desolation is a key ingredient, representing the deep sorrow that permeates the forest. Tears of a Grieving Spirit, obtained from sorrowful apparitions that haunt the forest, are added to evoke the essence of profound sadness. The Essence of Shadowthorn Flower captures the desolate beauty of the forest’s flora, while Moonlit Dew, collected under the light of a full moon, enhances the elixir’s magical properties.

Use: The Melancholic Elixir harnesses the essence of the Accursed Rune of Desolation, infusing the concoction with its melancholic power. When consumed, the elixir temporarily bestows the imbiber with resistance against psychic damage, fortifying their mind and shielding them from mental assaults. Additionally, it enhances the imbiber’s spellcasting abilities, granting them a +1 bonus to spell attack rolls and spell save DC for a limited duration. This allows spellcasters to cast their spells with increased accuracy and potency, tapping into the sorrowful energy of the rune.

However, the elixir also has a downside. The melancholic state inflicted upon the consumer brings forth a wave of sorrow, causing a temporary emotional downturn. This can manifest as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or even mild depression, which may affect the imbiber’s interactions and decision-making during the elixir’s duration.

Tier One Stats:

• Temporary Resistance against Psychic Damage: Grants advantage on saving throws against psychic damage for 1 hour.
• Enhanced Spellcasting: +1 bonus to spell attack rolls and spell save DC for 1 hour.

Skills gained:

• Spellcasting: The Melancholic Elixir enhances the imbiber’s spellcasting abilities, improving their accuracy and spell effectiveness.

Preparation: To prepare the Melancholic Elixir, the following steps are required:

• Combine the Accursed Rune of Desolation, Tears of a Grieving Spirit, Essence of Shadowthorn Flower, and Moonlit Dew in a cauldron or a special brewing vessel.
• Apply gentle heat and simmer the mixture, allowing the ingredients to infuse together for a precise duration.
• Once the concoction reaches the desired consistency and potency, carefully strain the elixir and transfer it into small vials or bottles for storage and consumption.

Cost: The cost of the Melancholic Elixir can vary depending on the availability and rarity of the ingredients. Given the inclusion of the Accursed Rune of Desolation, Tears of a Grieving Spirit, and the unique Essence of Shadowthorn Flower, the elixir is considered relatively expensive for a level one character, potentially ranging from 50 to 100 gold pieces per vial.

Process Tags:

• Magic Potion: The Melancholic Elixir falls under the category of magical potions, harnessing the rune’s essence and the power of the ingredients to create its effects.
• Consumable: The elixir is a consumable item that can be ingested by characters to gain its temporary benefits.
• Additional: Sorrowful, Ethereal, Potent, Mystical, Enigmatic, Occult, Bittersweet

The Melancholic Elixir serves as a potent tool for spellcasters seeking to augment their magical abilities, providing temporary resistance against psychic damage and boosting their spellcasting prowess. However, the imbiber must also be prepared to navigate the melancholic state that accompanies its use, which may influence their emotions and decisions throughout the elixir’s duration.

The Melancholic Elixir, due to its unique and potent effects, is not readily available in common marketplaces. Instead, it can often be found in specialized magical apothecaries, alchemical guilds, or secretive enclaves of experienced spellcasters. These establishments cater to adventurers, arcane scholars, and those seeking the benefits of magical elixirs.

The recipe itself is usually a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations within magical orders or acquired through rare and perilous quests. It is not commonly sold openly but may be obtainable through connections, favors, or trade with renowned alchemists or individuals knowledgeable about the Accursed Rune of Desolation and its associated lore.

The environment in which the Melancholic Elixir is sold typically reflects a mystical or occult atmosphere. These establishments are often located in secluded areas, hidden within bustling city districts, or situated in remote places such as ancient forests or mystical realms. Some magical apothecaries may even exist within pocket dimensions accessible only through arcane means.

The end results of using the Melancholic Elixir vary depending on the individual consuming it. Spellcasters, particularly those attuned to psychic or emotion-based magic, often seek out the elixir to enhance their spellcasting abilities during critical encounters or when delving into dangerous magical realms. It is commonly employed by those who face adversaries with potent psychic attacks or need an edge in manipulating emotions.

Adventurers and scholars who delve into ancient ruins, haunted places, or shadow-infested realms may find the Melancholic Elixir invaluable in their quests. It offers a temporary shield against psychic threats and empowers their spellcasting capabilities, allowing them to navigate and combat the supernatural forces they encounter with greater confidence.

The elixir’s melancholic state can also have applications beyond combat. Characters skilled in manipulation, diplomacy, or empathetic endeavors may purposefully consume the elixir to tap into its sorrowful influence, using it to their advantage when seeking to evoke empathy, connect with grieving spirits, or navigate emotionally charged situations.

Melancholic Elixir is sought after by those who understand its unique benefits and are willing to endure the melancholic state it induces. It is a tool of both practicality and risk, employed by those who navigate the realms of magic and emotion with skill and foresight.

A Drink-Sad-Strong of Shadow-Wood

Long, long ago, when moon was… uh… closer, they tell of… apprentice.  Young-magic-learner.  He live in… uh… wood.  Dark-wood. Shadow-Wood, they call.  Trees… they… whisper there.  But… not happy whisper.  Sad whisper.  He… apprentice… he…  listen.  He want… learn.

One day, he find… old, old book.  In… uh… tree-heart.  Hidden.  Book… it talk of… Weep-Man.  Sor-row-maker, they call him.  Maelis.  Yes. He make…  drink.  Drink-Sad-Strong. He… put… uh…  tear-of-ghost in it. He put… uh… flower-dark-smell in it.  He put… moon-water in it. He write… uh…  rune on it. Bad-rune. Rune-Hurt-Make.

Apprentice… he want… try.  He…  feel… drawn to… uh… sad. He want… understand. He go… deep, deep in Shadow-Wood. He find… ghost.  Sad ghost.  He… uh…  polite. He ask for… tear.  Ghost… cry.  He catch.

He find… flower.  Shadow-flower.  Smell like… uh… lost-hope.  He pick. He find… water.  Under moon-full.  He take. He…  find…  Rune-Hurt-Make. He… copy.

He go… home. He…  mix, mix, mix.  He make… Drink-Sad-Strong.  He… look at it.  It…  uh… look back. It…  whisper. Like… trees in Shadow-Wood.

He… drink.

He… feel…  cold.  But…  strong-mind.  Magic-hurt… not hurt so much.  He… cast…  better magic.  Stronger magic.  But… he…  also… feel…  sad.  Very sad.  Like…  world-sad. He… cry.  But… magic… strong. He… smile, but it is a very small smile.

He… use… Drink-Sad-Strong.  He…  fight… uh…  bad-things. He win. He… uh…  talk to…  sad-spirits.  He…  learn much. But… he…  always… sad.

He…  become… like… Shadow-Wood.  Dark.  Silent.  Powerful.  But…  alone.  He…  forget… happy.  He…  only… remember…  sad.  Drink… it…  make him…  strong.  But…  it…  also…  make him…  empty.

He…  gone now.  Some say…  he…  still in Shadow-Wood.  A…  uh…  shadow-man.  Still…  drinking… Drink-Sad-Strong.  Still…  learning.  Still…  sad.  The book… it…  gone, too.  Maybe.  Or…  maybe…  waiting.  In…  uh…  tree-heart.  Waiting for…  another…  apprentice.  To…  uh…  find it.  To…  drink.  To…  learn the strong-sad. To learn that some power is not worth the price you pay. Some knowledge is too heavy to hold.

Moral of Story: Sad-strong… is…  still sad.  Power…  not always…  good.  Shadow-Wood…  whisper…  true things.  But…  cold things.  Lonely things.  Drink-Sad-Strong…  make you…  uh…  shield-mind.  Make magic…  big.  But…  make heart…  small.  And…  dark.  And… empty. Beware the gifts of the Weep-Man. He gives only what he has, and he has only sorrow. Beware the book in the tree-heart. It reads you as much as you read it. Beware the Drink-Sad-Strong. For it… uh… drinks you, too. It drinks your happy. It drinks your hope. And leaves only…  shadow. This is a story from the old time, a story from the Shadow-Wood, a story from the tears of a ghost. Remember it, and remember that even the strongest magic cannot fill an empty heart. Only make it…  uh…  emptier. Remember…  happy is better than…  strong-sad. Even a little happy. Even a… very little happy.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Melancholic Elixir

• Sanity Loss: 1/1d4 +1
• Effect: Upon consuming the elixir, the investigator gains resistance to psychic damage (halves damage taken from psychic sources) for 1 hour. They also gain a bonus die on any rolls related to spellcasting, as the magic is fueled by their sorrow. However, they must immediately make a Sanity roll, suffering the listed Sanity loss. If the user has the skill Occult above 50% they may reduce the sanity loss by half (rounded down). For the duration of the effect, the character is also more susceptible to the influence of the GM. The GM may spend 1 point of luck to force the player to reroll any one die.
• Dosage: A single vial is one dose.
• Suggested Adaptation Notes: In Call of Cthulhu, the elixir offers enhanced magical ability and psychic defense, but at a significant cost to one’s Sanity. The bonus die on spellcasting rolls represents the power gained from tapping into the rune’s sorrowful energy. The forced reroll represents the user’s increased susceptibility to outside influence. This aligns with the game’s themes of dangerous knowledge and the fragility of the human psyche.

Blades in the Dark

Melancholic Elixir

• Item Type: Alchemical, Melancholy
• Effect: When you consume the Melancholic Elixir, you gain potency to rolls involving spellcasting for one scene. Additionally, you gain resistance to psychic harm for the remainder of the score. However, your character also becomes withdrawn and sorrowful. While under the effects, take -1d to Consort or Sway rolls. The GM may also introduce a complication related to your character’s melancholic state, such as attracting unwanted attention or making a difficult choice due to overwhelming sadness.
• Usage: A single vial is one dose.
• Quality: The quality of the elixir can affect the magnitude of the bonuses or the severity of the social penalty and complication, determined by the roll to acquire or concoct it.
• Tier: Add the tier level to all rolls involving spellcasting for the duration of one scene.
• Suggested Adaptation Notes: In Blades in the Dark, the elixir grants increased magical potency and psychic protection, but hinders social interaction and introduces narrative complications. This fits well with the game’s focus on difficult choices and the consequences of one’s actions. The potency on spellcasting rolls is a powerful advantage, but the social penalty and potential complication encourage players to use the elixir strategically.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Melancholic Elixir

• Item Type: Potion, rare
• Effect: When consumed, the Melancholic Elixir grants the imbiber resistance to psychic damage for 1 hour. Additionally, for the same duration, they gain a +1 bonus to spell attack rolls and spell save DC. However, the imbiber also suffers disadvantage on all Charisma saving throws and ability checks for the duration of the effect, as they are overcome by a wave of sorrow.
• Charges: The potion is a single-use item.
• Tier: Add the tier level to all saving throws.
• Suggested Adaptation Notes: In D&D 5e, the elixir provides a clear trade-off: enhanced spellcasting and psychic defense for social and mental vulnerability. The resistance to psychic damage and the bonus to spell attack rolls and DC are significant benefits for spellcasters. However, the disadvantage on Charisma checks and saves represents the emotional toll of the elixir, making the imbiber more susceptible to manipulation and less effective in social situations.

Knave

Melancholic Elixir

• Item Type: Consumable, Melancholy
• Effect: Upon consumption, the Melancholic Elixir grants the imbiber +4 to their WIL saves against psychic damage for 1 hour. Additionally, for the same duration, they gain a +1 bonus to spell attack rolls and spell save DC. However, the imbiber also suffers disadvantage on all Charisma rolls for the duration of the effect as they are filled with sorrow.
• Charges: The potion is a single-use item.
• Tier: Add the tier level to all rolls.
• Suggested Adaptation Notes: In Knave, the elixir enhances magical ability and psychic defense at the cost of social interaction. The bonus to WIL saves against psychic damage is a strong defense. The bonus to spell attack rolls and DC increases offensive and control capabilities. The disadvantage on Charisma rolls represents the emotional weight of the elixir. This creates a clear trade-off that aligns with Knave’s focus on simple, impactful choices.

Fate (Core)

Melancholic Elixir

• Aspect: Bittersweet Draught of Sorrowful Power
• Permission: Requires the Alchemy or Magic aspect and a suitable narrative justification to consume.
• Effect: When a character consumes the Melancholic Elixir, they may invoke the Bittersweet Draught of Sorrowful Power aspect twice for free: once to gain a +2 bonus to any roll involving spellcasting or resisting psychic damage, and once to add +1 to their spell DC until the end of the scene. However, the GM can also compel this aspect to introduce complications related to the imbiber’s melancholic state, such as attracting unwanted attention from spirits of sorrow or making rash decisions due to overwhelming sadness. The imbiber must also immediately take on a new aspect such as Weighed Down by Sorrow, or Marked by Maelis.
• Tier: Add the tier level to the bonus to any roll involving spellcasting or resisting psychic damage.
• Suggested Adaptation Notes: In Fate, the elixir’s power is represented by the ability to invoke its aspect for significant bonuses, while the potential for GM compels highlights the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the concoction. The forced new aspect represents the lasting impact of the elixir’s sorrowful influence.

Numenera & Cypher System

Melancholic Elixir

• Type: Cypher (Consumable)
• Level: 1d6+2 (adjust based on tier of the creator)
• Form: A small vial of shimmering, bluish-gray liquid.
• Effect: Upon consumption, the imbiber gains a +4 bonus to their Intellect Edge for the purpose of casting spells for the next hour. They also add +1 to their spell DC. In addition, they gain an asset on all defense rolls against psychic attacks for the same duration. However, they also suffer a -4 penalty to their Might Edge for any tasks involving social interaction, as they are overcome by melancholy. This effect lasts for one hour.
• Tier: Add the tier level to the bonus for the purpose of casting spells.
• Suggested Adaptation Notes: In Numenera, the elixir provides a significant boost to spellcasting ability and psychic defense, but at the cost of social interaction. The bonus to Intellect Edge for spellcasting and the asset on defense rolls against psychic attacks represent the elixir’s power, while the penalty to Might Edge for social tasks reflects the imbiber’s melancholic state.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Melancholic Elixir

• Item Type: Consumable, Alchemical Elixir
• Level: 3 (adjust based on tier of the creator)
• Usage: Held in 1 hand; Bulk L
• Activate: Interact (Consumable)
• Effect: Upon consumption, the Melancholic Elixir grants the imbiber a +1 item bonus to spell attack rolls and spell save DCs for 1 hour. They also gain a +2 status bonus to saves against psychic damage for the same duration. However, the imbiber also takes a -2 status penalty on Charisma-based skill checks for the duration of the effect, as they are afflicted by a wave of sorrow.
• Craft Requirements: Supply tears of a grieving spirit, essence of shadowthorn flower, and magical inks, with a total value of at least 12 gp.
• Tier: Add half the tier level (rounded down) to the item bonus to spell attack rolls and spell save DCs.
• Suggested Adaptation Notes: In Pathfinder 2e, the elixir provides a clear trade-off: enhanced spellcasting and psychic defense for social vulnerability. The item bonus to spell attack rolls and DCs is a significant benefit for spellcasters, while the status bonus to saves against psychic damage provides valuable protection. The penalty to Charisma-based checks represents the emotional toll of the elixir.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Melancholic Elixir

• Item Type: Consumable, Special
• Effect: When a character consumes the Melancholic Elixir, they gain a +1 bonus to all Spellcasting rolls and a +2 bonus to resist any effect that would cause psychic damage for one hour. However, they also suffer a -2 penalty to all Charisma rolls for the same duration, as they are filled with sorrow.
• Tier: Add the tier level to all Spellcasting rolls.
• Suggested Adaptation Notes: In Savage Worlds, the elixir enhances spellcasting ability and psychic defense at the cost of social interaction. The bonus to Spellcasting rolls and resistance to psychic damage are valuable benefits, while the penalty to Charisma rolls represents the emotional weight of the elixir. This creates a clear trade-off that aligns with the system’s focus on fast-paced action and dramatic choices.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Melancholic Elixir

• Type: Magical Consumable (Fetish)
• Effect: Upon consumption, the user gains a +2 dice pool bonus to all Spellcasting tests and a +2 dice pool bonus to resist psychic damage for one hour. However, they also suffer a -3 dice pool penalty on all Charisma-based tests for the same duration, as they are overcome by sorrow. Additionally, the emotional weight of the elixir may attract unwanted attention from spirits or other entities sensitive to strong emotions (GM’s discretion).
• Availability: 12R (Restricted)
• Cost: 500¥
• Street Index: x2
• Tier: Add the tier level to all Spellcasting tests.
• Suggested Adaptation Notes: In Shadowrun, the elixir enhances spellcasting and provides psychic defense, but at a significant social cost. The bonus dice pools are valuable for mages, while the Charisma penalty reflects the imbiber’s melancholic state. The potential for attracting unwanted attention adds a narrative element that aligns with the setting’s supernatural aspects.

Starfinder (2nd Edition)

Melancholic Elixir

• Item Type: Hybrid Item (Consumable)
• Level: 3 (adjust based on tier of the creator)
• Price: 100 credits
• Effect: When consumed, the Melancholic Elixir grants the imbiber a +1 bonus to spell attack rolls and spell save DCs for 1 hour. They also gain a +2 insight bonus to saves against psychic damage for the same duration. However, the imbiber also takes a -4 penalty on Charisma-based skill checks for the duration of the effect, as they are afflicted by a wave of sorrow.
• Bulk: L
• Capacity: 1 use
• Tier: Add half the tier level (rounded down) to the bonus to spell attack rolls and spell save DCs.
• Suggested Adaptation Notes: In Starfinder, the elixir provides a clear trade-off: enhanced spellcasting and psychic defense for social vulnerability. The bonus to spell attack rolls and DCs is valuable for spellcasters, while the insight bonus to saves against psychic damage provides protection. The penalty to Charisma-based checks represents the emotional toll of the elixir.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Melancholic Elixir

• Item Type: Consumable (Drug)
• Effect: Upon consuming the Melancholic Elixir, the Traveller gains a +1 DM to all Psionic skill checks and a +2 DM to resist any effect that would cause psychic damage for one hour. However, they also suffer a -3 DM to all Charisma checks for the same duration, as they are filled with sorrow.
• Availability: 7+ (Uncommon)
• Cost: Cr100
• Legality Class: 2 (May be restricted in some jurisdictions)
• Tier: Add the tier level to all Psionic skill checks.
• Suggested Adaptation Notes: In Traveller, the elixir enhances psionic abilities and psychic defense at the cost of social interaction. The bonus DM to Psionic checks and resistance to psychic damage are valuable benefits, while the penalty to Charisma checks represents the emotional weight of the elixir. This creates a clear trade-off.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Melancholic Elixir

• Item Type: Potion
• Rarity: Rare
• Effect: When consumed, the Melancholic Elixir grants the imbiber a +20 bonus to all Magical Skill Tests. Additionally, they gain a +20 bonus to any tests to resist psychic damage for one hour. However, they also suffer a -30 penalty to all Fellowship Tests for the same duration, as they are overcome by sorrow.
• Encumbrance: 0
• Availability: Hard (-20)
• Tier: Add 10 times the tier level to all Magical Skill Tests.
• Suggested Adaptation Notes: In Warhammer, the elixir significantly enhances magical ability and psychic defense, but at a severe social cost. The bonus to Magical Skill Tests and resistance to psychic damage are powerful benefits, while the penalty to Fellowship Tests represents the profound impact of the elixir’s melancholic influence. The rarity, availability, bonuses, and test penalties can be adjusted for balance.