Arm 35 of the Artisans Touch

Lore: Crafted from the heartwood of a thousand-year-old oak, this sleeve bears the intricate carvings of a master woodcarver. Each swirling line and delicate knot tells a story of the forest, the tree’s life, and the artisan’s dedication. It is said that the sleeve whispers ancient secrets of woodworking to those who wear it, guiding their hands to create works of both beauty and function.

Color: Rich, earthy brown with streaks of amber and deep green.

Slot: Arm (Left or Right)

Tier: 1

Skills:

• Woodworking Expertise: Proficiency in all woodworking tools and techniques.
• Nature’s Lore: Knowledge of trees, their properties, and their uses.

Passive Magic:

• Steady Hand: Grants a +2 bonus to all woodworking and carving checks.
• Timber’s Resilience: Grants a +1 bonus to AC.
• Forest’s Embrace: Grants advantage on saving throws against poison and disease.

Active Magic (Recharge on a Short Rest):

• Whittling Ward: Creates a temporary wooden shield that grants a +2 bonus to AC for one round.
• Entangling Roots: Summons roots from the ground to entangle a target creature, restraining it for one round.

Tags: Woodworking, Nature, Protection, Control

The Arm 35 of the Artisan’s Touch would likely be found in a small, unassuming woodworking shop tucked away on a quiet side street. The shop’s exterior would be adorned with intricate carvings, showcasing the owner’s skill and passion for their craft. Inside, the air would be filled with the scent of sawdust and wood polish, and the walls lined with tools and finished pieces, each bearing the unique touch of the artisan.

The shopkeeper, likely a seasoned woodcarver themselves, would understand the value of this unique item. They might regale potential buyers with tales of the sleeve’s origins and the legendary craftsmanship it embodies. They would emphasize its practical benefits for woodworking, as well as its potential for magical enhancements.

The sleeve would not be displayed openly; instead, it might be kept in a locked cabinet or hidden drawer, reserved for discerning customers who appreciate its true worth. The shopkeeper would likely engage in a conversation with interested buyers to gauge their understanding and appreciation of woodworking before revealing the sleeve.

Given its common rarity and tier 1 status, the Arm 35 of the Artisan’s Touch could be purchased for a modest sum, perhaps 10-20 gold pieces, depending on the buyer’s haggling skills and the shopkeeper’s shrewdness. The transaction would likely involve a lively exchange of stories and insights about the craft of woodworking, fostering a sense of camaraderie between the artisan and the new owner of this extraordinary sleeve.

Roleplay in different environments:

• Defense:
  • In a bustling marketplace: As a thief attempts to pickpocket the wearer, the sleeve’s Timber’s Resilience grants a subtle shift in the arm’s position, making the theft more difficult. When the thief persists, the wearer can activate Whittling Ward, creating a small wooden barrier between themselves and the would-be pickpocket.
  • Facing a wild beast in the forest: The sleeve’s Forest’s Embrace strengthens the wearer’s connection to nature, enhancing their resistance to the beast’s venom or disease. They might activate Entangling Roots to hinder the creature’s movements, giving them time to escape or prepare for a counterattack.
  • Defending against a bandit attack: The wearer’s Woodworking Expertise allows them to quickly assess the situation and improvise a defense using nearby wooden objects. They might channel the sleeve’s Steady Hand to craft a makeshift shield or barricade, providing cover for themselves and their allies.
• Offense:
  • Dueling a rival woodcarver: The sleeve’s Steady Hand grants the wearer an advantage in a carving competition, allowing them to create more intricate and precise designs. They might subtly use Entangling Roots to distract their opponent, hindering their ability to focus on their work.
  • In a tavern brawl: The wearer can activate Whittling Ward to protect themselves from incoming blows, using the sleeve’s Timber’s Resilience to deflect attacks. They might use their Woodworking Expertise to disarm an opponent or break a chair into improvised weapons.
  • Confronting a corrupt official: The wearer can use their Nature’s Lore to subtly manipulate the environment, causing a nearby tree to drop a branch or a vine to trip the official. They might activate Entangling Roots to restrain the official, preventing them from escaping justice.

Perception of Activation: Arm 35 of the Artisan’s Touch

• Sight:
  • Whittling Ward: A translucent, shimmering barrier of wood appears around the wearer’s arm, seemingly woven from thin strands of wood and leaves. It pulsates with a faint green light.
    • Positive: The shield is beautiful and inspiring.
    • Negative: It may briefly distract the wearer with its intricate patterns.
  • Entangling Roots: Thick, gnarled roots erupt from the ground, coiling around the target creature’s legs with surprising speed. The roots pulse with a dim, earthy glow.
    • Positive: The display of nature’s power can be intimidating to foes.
    • Negative: The sight of the roots might be unsettling for some.
• Sound:
  • Whittling Ward: A soft rustling of leaves and the creak of wood bending as the shield forms.
    • Positive: The sounds are calming and reassuring.
    • Negative: They may momentarily distract the wearer.
  • Entangling Roots: The cracking of earth and the groan of wood as the roots burst forth and coil around the target.
    • Positive: The sounds are powerful and can be disorienting to foes.
    • Negative: They may alert nearby creatures.
• Touch:
  • Whittling Ward: A tingling sensation in the arm as the shield forms, followed by a feeling of warmth and protection.
    • Positive: The sensation is comforting and reassuring.
    • Negative: None.
  • Entangling Roots: A slight tremor in the ground as the roots erupt, followed by a sense of connection to the earth.
    • Positive: The feeling of connection can be empowering.
    • Negative: None.
• Smell:
  • Whittling Ward: The scent of fresh sawdust and the crispness of leaves.
    • Positive: The smell is invigorating and pleasant.
    • Negative: None.
  • Entangling Roots: The earthy aroma of damp soil and decaying leaves.
    • Positive: The smell is grounding and familiar.
    • Negative: Some might find it unpleasant.
• Taste:
  • Whittling Ward and Entangling Roots: No distinct taste.
• Extra-Sensory Perception:
  • Druids and Rangers: A surge of natural energy emanating from the sleeve as the magic activates, a feeling of interconnectedness with the surrounding plant life.
  • Clerics of Nature Deities: A sense of divine approval and the presence of their deity as the natural magic is channeled.
  • Those with heightened magical senses: A shimmering aura surrounding the wearer’s arm as the sleeve’s enchantments take effect.

The activation of the Arm 35 of the Artisan’s Touch is a multi-sensory experience that evokes the power and beauty of nature, providing a sense of protection, empowerment, and connection to the surrounding environment.

Crafting Recipe: Arm 35 of the Artisan’s Touch

• Materials Needed:
  • Heartwood from a thousand-year-old oak tree
  • Sap from a willow tree
  • Vine from a strangler fig
  • Dust of a rare earth element (such as yttrium or cerium)
• Tools Required:
  • Woodcarving knife set
  • Chisel set
  • Hammer
  • Saw
  • Sandpaper
  • Mortar and pestle
  • Small cauldron
• Skill Requirements:
  • Woodworking Expertise (Proficient)
  • Nature’s Lore (Knowledgeable)
  • Enchanting (Apprentice)
• Crafting Steps:
  • Preparation: Carefully select a piece of heartwood from the thousand-year-old oak tree. It should be large enough to cover the entire arm from wrist to armpit and free of any defects.
  • Carving: Using the woodcarving knife set, meticulously carve intricate patterns into the heartwood. The designs should reflect the beauty of nature, the tree’s life, and the artisan’s personal touch.
  • Infusion: In the small cauldron, combine the willow sap, strangler fig vine, and rare earth element dust. Heat the mixture over a low flame until it forms a thick paste.
  • Application: Carefully apply the paste to the carved heartwood, ensuring it fills all the crevices and details of the carvings.
  • Enchanting: While the paste is still wet, perform a simple enchanting ritual to imbue the sleeve with the desired magical properties. This may involve chanting incantations, drawing symbols on the wood, or focusing one’s will on the desired effects.
  • Drying: Allow the sleeve to dry completely in a well-ventilated area. This may take several days, depending on the climate and humidity.
  • Finishing: Once the sleeve is dry, use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges and apply a coat of wood polish to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty.

Upon completion, the Arm 35 of the Artisan’s Touch will be ready for use, granting its wearer enhanced skills, protection, and a connection to the natural world.

Saga of the Hand-Arm-Wood-Oak

Hearken, tale-teller, of wood-wrap, old as time’s first turn. Not cloth, no, but tree-flesh, from Oak that saw moons rise thrice thousand times. Not just any tree, this Oak was chosen. Roots deep in earth-mother’s heart, leaves kissed by sun-father’s light.

One who carved, no mere whittler, but soul sang in wood-song. Hands knew grain like lover’s face, tools like breath itself. This one, touched by forest spirits, Oak whispered secrets to. Not words we know, but patterns, flow of life in every knot, every twist of grain.

Long was the crafting, not days, but seasons turning. Each cut a prayer, each smoothing a thanks to Oak’s sacrifice. Willow wept sap, gift of flexibility, vine of Strangler gave strength, like holding onto dear life. Even earth’s dust, rare, like starlight made solid, added to brew. Not magic we fling like fireballs, but deep magic, slow, like roots seeking water.

When done, not mere sleeve, but second skin of power. Not for fighting like sword-swingers, but defense like bark on tree. When danger near, wood whispered, guided hand to parry, to shield. Roots from earth answered wearer’s call, tripping foes, holding them like babe in swaddling.

But greatest gift, not in battle. When hand held tool, it was like tree itself guided cuts. Masterpieces born, not of skill alone, but partnership with Oak’s spirit. Even simple chair held forest’s strength, cradle sang of leaves rustling.

Passed down this Hand-Arm-Wood-Oak, not to strongest, but to one whose heart beat with tree-rhythm. Some kings wore it, some humble carpenters. Always the tale told, of the origin, the magic slow but sure.

Moral is this, young ones with ears sharp: Power not in iron, not in loud spells. True power in knowing, in respecting what gives. Oak gave life to become protector, crafter in turn honored gift. So too, must we find our Oak, our gift, and make it sing.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Name: Artisan’s Sleeve of Whispers

• Type: Magical Artifact
• Description: A carved wooden sleeve imbued with the spirit of an ancient oak.
• Skills: +2 to Craft (Woodworking), +1 to Occult
• Effect: Grants a +1 bonus to Sanity rolls when resisting the influence of the Mythos, as the wearer feels a connection to the natural world. Additionally, the wearer may spend 1 Luck point to reroll a failed Craft (Woodworking) roll.

Blades in the Dark

Name: Carved Oak Armguard

• Type: Gear
• Description: A carved wooden armguard that grants the wearer a +1 bonus to Tinker actions and a +1 bonus to Resist when facing supernatural threats.
• Special: When used in a Flashback, the wearer may spend 1 stress to gain an additional Tier in the Tinker action.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Name: Arm 35 of the Artisan’s Touch (Common)

• Type: Wondrous Item, Rare
• Armor Class: +1
• Skills: +2 to Nature and Woodcarver’s Tools checks
• Passives: Advantage on saving throws against being poisoned and resistance to poison damage.
• Active (Recharge on a Short Rest): Cast Entangle (spell save DC 13) or Barkskin (1st level spell slot).

Knave

Name: Woodcarver’s Bracer

• Type: Armor (Arm)
• Description: A carved wooden bracer that grants the wearer a +1 bonus to Armor and a +1 bonus to any skill check related to woodcarving or nature. The wearer also gains advantage on saving throws against poison and disease.
• Special: Once per day, the wearer may choose to either entangle a nearby creature with roots or create a temporary wooden shield for one round.

Fate (Accelerated/Core)

Name: Artisan’s Wovenwood Armguard

• Description: A masterfully carved wooden armguard imbued with nature spirits.
• Aspect: “Oakheart’s Guidance”
• Skills: +2 to Crafts, +1 to Physique
• Stunts:
  • Whittling Ward: Once per scene, spend a Fate Point to activate a magical shield that absorbs a physical attack or stress.
  • Entangling Roots: Once per scene, spend a Fate Point to create a zone of difficult terrain for your opponents, hindering their movement.
  • Artisan’s Cunning: When using your Crafts skill to create or repair an item, you may use an additional free invocation on that roll.

Numenera/Cypher System

Name: Whispering Oakwood Armlet

• Level: 1
• Form: Wearable
• Effect: Grants +1 to Might Pool and Intellect Pool while wearing. Once per day, may spend 1 Might Point to activate one of the following effects:
• Defensive Stance: Gain 2 Armor for one round.
• Entangling Grasp: Create difficult terrain in a small area for one round.

Pathfinder (Second Edition)

Name: Bracers of the Whispering Oak

• Item Level: 1
• Price: 15 gp
• Type: Bracers (wondrous item)
• Usage: worn;
• Bulk: L
• Properties:
  • When you roll for initiative and are wearing these bracers, you gain a +1 item bonus.
  • You gain a +1 item bonus to saving throws against being poisoned.
  • You have resistance to poison damage.
  • Activate [one-action] Interact; Requirements: You are wearing this magic item; Effect: You channel the magic of the bracers to create one of the following effects:
    • Whittling Ward: Choose one creature you can see within 30 feet. The target must succeed at a DC 13 Fortitude save or take 1d4 piercing damage and 1d4 slashing damage.
    • Entangling Roots: You target one square within 30 feet of you. Until the end of your next turn, the ground in that space becomes difficult terrain for creatures other than you.

Savage Worlds

Name: Artisan’s Carved Sleeve

• Type: Arcane Background (Woodsman) Edge
• Description: A wooden sleeve imbued with the spirit of a wise oak.
• Skills: +2 Survival, +1 Notice, +1 Fighting
• Powers:
  • Oakheart’s Resilience: +1 Toughness.
  • Nature’s Grasp: Spend a Benny to entangle a foe (Strength roll vs. target’s Agility, success means they are Shaken for one round).
  • Whittling Ward: Spend a Benny to create a temporary barrier (+2 Parry for one round).

Shadowrun (Sixth World)

Name: Spiritwood Armguard

• Type: Focus (Rating 1)
• Description: A carved wooden armguard imbued with the essence of an ancient tree spirit.
• Skills: +2 to Enchanting and Assensing tests
• Active Skills:
  • Spirit Ward: Activating this power creates a barrier of spirit energy that adds +2 dice to the next defense roll.
  • Root Snare: The armguard calls forth roots to entangle a target, requiring them to make a Strength + Athletics Test (3 successes) to break free.

Starfinder (First Edition)

Name: Verdant Armbrace

• Level: 1
• Price: 400 credits
• Bulk: L
• Description: A wooden armguard etched with symbols of growth and nature.
• Activation: Standard action
• Effect: The wearer gains a +1 item bonus to AC and on saving throws against poisons and diseases. Once per day, the wearer can cast entangle as a spell-like ability (caster level 1st).

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Name: Artisan’s Armlet

• Skill: +1 to any one skill chosen by the wearer (e.g., Craft, Recon, Melee (Unarmed))
• Special: The wearer gains a +1 DM to Endurance rolls to resist poison and disease. Once per day, the wearer can activate the armlet to create a temporary barrier that provides 1 point of Armour for one round.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Name: Bracer of the Forest Guardian

• Description: A wooden armguard carved with intricate symbols representing nature’s protection.
• Skills: +10 to Craft (Woodworking) and Lore (Nature)
• Special Rules:
  • Grants a +1 bonus to Armor.
  • Grants a +10 bonus to resist Poison and Disease.
  • Once per day, the wearer can cast The Dwellers Below (from the Lore of Beasts) as a Signature Spell with a Casting Number of 15.