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Geomantic Anchor & Pulley 107

—

by

Dale
in

From: Lineage 713 of Qosqo Pacha Peak Forged Ascendants

Description: This apparatus is a sophisticated piece of climbing and exploration gear, blending steam power with geomancy. It consists of a central, hand-cranked winch made of interlocking brass gears, which is mounted onto a heavy, fist-sized block of polished granite. This “anchor block” is covered in etched Khipu-Glyph symbols that resonate with earth magic. When Kallpa-Rumi places the block against a stone surface and channels a small amount of their innate geomantic energy into it, the glyphs glow, and the block forms a powerful magical bond with the stone, temporarily fusing to it with immense strength. The winch holds 150 feet of fine, yet incredibly durable, metallic-fiber cord. While the anchor is geomantic, the winch itself can be operated manually for quiet, controlled movement, or engaged with a small, integrated steam-canister (powered by magic) for a rapid, noisy ascent or to quickly haul heavy objects up a sheer cliff or ruin wall.

Lore:

This apparatus is a hallmark of modern, high-tier Andean engineering, a “new-make” item rather than an ancient relic. It was developed by the surveyor-and-artificer guilds of Peakhold for operations in their vertical megacities, deep subterranean caves, and the treacherous, ruin-strewn mountains of the nation. It is a fusion of two distinct Andean specialties: the ancient, geomantic magic of the Stonegrowers and the new, powerful steam-technology of the industrial age.

The Granite “Anchor Block” is the geomantic “heart.” The granite is not common stone; it is “Peak-Stone,” quarried from the highest, most magically-resonant mountain summits. The Khipu-Glyphs etched into it are not just decorative; they are a functioning, durable magical-circuit, a “spell-in-stone” that translates to “Root of the Mountain,” “Hold Fast,” and “Bind to Stone.” This circuit is dormant until “jump-started” by a user’s innate geomantic energy.

The Winch is the steam-tech “muscle.” Its interlocking brass gears are crafted with clockwork precision, a specialty of Andean steam-mechanics. The dual-function crank is a vital design feature. The manual hand-crank is geared for silence and control, allowing for stealthy ascents or the delicate lowering of an injured companion.

The steam-canister is its “burst” mode. It’s a small, detachable, magic-powered boiler. The canister holds a small amount of elemental-water, and when the user engages the winch, a small, embedded magic-crystal (attuned to the user’s energy) flashes to an intense heat, instantly converting the water to high-pressure steam. This steam drives a tiny, powerful piston-engine connected to the winch-gears, resulting in a rapid, deafeningly loud ascent. It is a tool for emergencies, rapid-extractions, or hauling massive loads, not for quiet work.

For a Peak-Forged Ascendant like Kallpa-Rumi, this tool is an extension of her own being. Her innate, volatile geomancy is the perfect “key” to ignite the anchor’s stable, grounding magic. Her knowledge of steam-mechanics allows her to maintain the delicate winch-engine, making her one of the few artisans who can both power and repair this sophisticated apparatus. The durable, metallic-fiber cord is a known, high-cost item, woven with silver and mountain-goat-sinew, prized for its immense strength and resistance to the sharp, fractured-stone edges of the ruins.

Slot: Tool / Apparatus

Tier 1 Stats:

  • Strength: +1
  • Dexterity: +1
  • Constitution: +0
  • Intellect: +2
  • Wisdom: +0
  • Charisma: +0

Skills Gained:

  • Athletics (Climbing): The apparatus is a masterwork tool for ascending and descending, granting a bonus to checks.
  • Steam Mechanics (Utility): The user gains a bonus to maintaining or field-repairing the steam-winch and its delicate gear-work.
  • Geomancy (Knowledge): The user must understand geomantic principles to know what surfaces the Anchor Block will successfully fuse with.

Passive Magics:

  • Lineage Attunement (Peak-Forged Ascendant): The Geomantic Anchor function of the granite block is inert. It requires the specific, innate geomantic charge of a Peak-Forged Ascendant to activate. This attunement unlocks the item’s stat bonuses. To any other user, it is just a very heavy, mundane (and non-anchoring) pulley.
  • Masterwork Gear-Train: The brass gears of the Manual Winch are perfectly balanced and oiled, making them almost completely silent when operated by hand.
  • Metallic-Fiber Cord: The apparatus is spooled with 150 feet of incredibly durable, lightweight, and cut-resistant metallic-fiber cord.

Activatable Magics (Functions):

  • Geomantic Anchor (At-Will): As an action, the wielder can press the granite “anchor block” to a solid surface of stone, packed-earth, or petrified-wood. The wielder channels their magic; the Khipu-Glyphs flare with a soft, amber light, and the block fuses to the surface. It is now magically anchored and can support up to 2,000 lbs. The anchor remains fused for 1 hour or until the wielder uses a bonus action to touch the block and release the magic.
  • Manual Winch (At-Will): As an action, the wielder (or an ally) can turn the manual hand-crank. This retracts or extends the cord by 15 feet. This action is silent.
  • Steam-Winch Ascent (3 uses per long rest): As an action, the wielder can engage the magic-steam-canister. This activation is Loud (a deafening HISS-ROAR-CLANK). The winch engages at high-speed, retracting up to 60 feet of cord. This can be used to rapidly ascend, or to haul an attached object (up to 500 lbs) 60 feet. The canister’s magical-crystal recharges its 3 uses after a long rest (or by being manually recharged by a steam-mechanic).

Tags: Tool, Apparatus, Tier 1, Qosqo-Pacha, Peak-Forged Ascendant, Geomancy, Steam-Powered, Climbing, Utility, Intellect, Lineage-Bound, Bronze, Granite, Khipu-Glyph, Loud, Stealth, Dual-Mode, Hoist, Anchor

The Geomantic Anchor & Pulley (Apparatus 107) is a pinnacle of modern, specialized Andean technology. It is not an ancient relic. Its value is split: it has a high “mundane” value as a masterwork, dual-mode (manual/steam) winch with 150ft of expensive metallic-fiber cord, and an exponentially higher “true” value to a Peak-Forged Ascendant who can actually activate its magical, self-anchoring feature.

1. The High-End Expedition Outfitter (Mundane Value)

  • Type of Shop: A professional, guild-certified outfitter that sells top-of-the-line, non-magical (or so they think) gear to explorers, surveyors, airship crews, and wealthy adventurers.
  • Where: A prime storefront in the Surveyor’s Guild district of Peakhold (Qosqo-Suma) or the mountain-expedition hub city of Puna-Qollas.
  • How It Is Sold: The item is displayed as a “Masterwork Dual-Mode Steam-Winch (Model 107).” The proprietor, a retired explorer, would be selling it based on its known, non-lineage-bound properties. They cannot activate the geomantic anchor, so they assume it’s just a heavy, stabilizing granite-base.
  • Sales Pitch: “This is the finest portable hoist on the market. 150 feet of metallic-fiber cord—won’t snap, won’t fray, and won’t be cut on a sharp ruin-edge. The winch is a dual-mode: a silent, manual-crank for delicate, stealthy work, and a magic-steam-canister for a high-speed, 60-foot emergency ascent or for hauling heavy cargo. It’s mounted on a heavy granite block… just wedge that in a crevasse or pile rocks on it, and it’ll serve as a solid anchor. The glyphs? They’re the artisan-guild’s mark, just a bit of flair. It’s a masterpiece of steam-mechanics.”
  • Cost (Mundane Value): The price is high, reflecting a complex, masterwork, steam-powered winch and the very expensive metallic-fiber cord.
    • Cost: 25 Platinum (250 Gold)

2. The Ascendant-Artificer’s Workshop (True Value / Commissioned)

  • Type of Shop: This is not a public shop. It is the private, members-only workshop of the Peak-Forged Ascendant artisans, or a high-security “Special Projects” division of the Surveyor-Engineers Guild. This is where the item is made.
  • Where: A hidden, high-security workshop in the industrial-artisan district of Peakhold.
  • How It Is Sold: It is not sold on an open market. It is commissioned or requisitioned. A Peak-Forged Ascendant (like Kallpa-Rumi) would have to place an order, proving her lineage and her need. The artisans would then craft the apparatus, culminating in a final, geomantic-attunement-ritual where the granite block is keyed to Kallpa-Rumi’s specific magical-resonance. A non-Ascendant would be politely (or forcefully) refused a sale, as this is proprietary, lineage-locked technology.
  • Sales Pitch: (This is an order-confirmation, not a pitch) “The Model 107? Very well, Artisan-Surveyor. The winch-gears and steam-engine are standard-issue, but the Peak-Stone granite-core must be carved and attuned. Your lineage is confirmed. The materials-cost is… 38 Platinum. It will be ready for you to ‘key’ in seven days. Do not let this fall into the hands of the un-blooded; it is Guild-property.”
  • Cost (True Value / Cost-to-Make): This is the “true” price, reflecting the masterwork steam-tech, the rare cord, and the priceless, lineage-locked geomantic-magic.
    • Cost: 38-40 Platinum (380-400 Gold)

3. The Black Market “Guild-Gear” Fence (Stolen Value)

  • Type of Shop: A high-risk, high-reward black market dealer who specializes in fencing stolen, high-end professional and guild-property.
  • Where: A hidden, reinforced steam-tunnel in Peakhold’s undercity, or a secure warehouse in the port of Chay-Uro.
  • How It Is Sold: The item is “hot,” likely stolen from a Guild-Surveyor (possibly a murdered Ascendant). The seller is aware that it’s “more” than just a winch, but cannot use the anchor-function and doesn’t know the secret (“it’s keyed to a specific bloodline”). They are selling its “potential” and its mundane-value, all while trying to move it fast.
  • Sales Pitch: (Whispered) “Psst… you look like a professional. I got something… special. Top-of-the-line Guild-tech, see? Steam-winch, metallic-cord… but look at the anchor. Khipu-Glyphs. It’s supposed to magically fuse to stone. I can’t get it to work—I think the magic is just keyed to a Guild-Master or something. But you… you look smart. Maybe you can figure it out. Even if you can’t, it’s the best steam-winch money can buy. 30 Platinum, cash, and it’s yours. Don’t ask where I got it.”
  • Cost (Stolen Value): The price is between the Mundane and True values. The seller knows it’s worth more, but can’t prove it, and needs to get rid of it.
    • Cost: 30 Platinum (300 Gold)

This apparatus is a sophisticated utility tool, not a direct weapon. Its “offensive” and “defensive” uses are therefore indirect, focusing on environmental control, trap-setting, and emergency extraction or maneuverability.

Environment 1: A Peakhold Vertical Megacity (Urban)

Defensive Application: “The Rapid Egress”

  • Scenario: Kallpa-Rumi is cornered by Guild-Enforcers on a high, stone bridge-plaza. She is out of room and has a 100-foot drop to the terrace-level below.
  • In-Game Roleplay: The player states, “I’m running to the edge of the bridge. I’m using my action to slam the Geomantic Anchor onto the stone balustrade.”
  • How it’s Described: As the Enforcers charge, you slap the granite block onto the stone railing. The Khipu-Glyphs flare with a bright, amber light, and with a THOOM of magic, the block fuses, becoming an immovable part of the bridge. You vault over the edge, out of sight. The Enforcers skid to a halt at the railing, looking down, and see you plunging into the mists below… but then you hit the steam-winch. With a deafening HISS-ROAR-CLANK of high-speed gears, your 100-foot fall becomes a 60-foot, high-speed, controlled drop, landing you safely on a lower terrace in a single, shocking action, while your pursuers are left stranded 100 feet above.

Offensive Application: “The Steam-Powered Snare”

  • Scenario: Kallpa-Rumi is being hunted in the scaffolding-labyrinths of the Undercity. She is on a ledge above the patrol that is searching for her. She spots a heavy cargo-net full of scrap-metal.
  • In-Game Roleplay: The player says, “I’m anchoring the pulley to the ceiling above me (Geomantic Anchor). I’m quietly hooking the cord to that 400-lb cargo-net using the Manual Winch to take up the slack. I wait until the patrol is right underneath it.”
  • How it’s Described: The guards pass below, unaware. You don’t use the winch to lift; you use it to drop. You hit the steam-canister’s release-clutch. With a loud CLANK of disengaging gears, the 400-lb net of scrap-metal instantly drops from the ledge, slamming onto the patrol. It’s a perfect, non-lethal trap, pinning them to the floor as you make your escape.

Environment 2: A Deep, Unstable Ruin (Cavern)

Defensive Application: “The Emergency Extraction”

  • Scenario: An ally has failed a climb, fallen 50 feet, and landed on a crumbling, unstable ledge, breaking their leg. Worse, the vibration of their fall has awakened a nest of skittering, cave-dwelling monsters.
  • In-Game Roleplay: The player says, “I’m anchoring the pulley to the solid-rock lip of the chasm (Geomantic Anchor). I’m throwing the hook down and shouting ‘Grab the cord!’”
  • How it’s Described: Your ally, fending off the first of the creatures, grabs the metallic-fiber-cord hook. You don’t have time for the manual-crank. You hit the Steam-Winch Ascent. With a sound like a steam-engine exploding—a deafening HISS-ROAR that echoes through the entire cave-system—the winch engages at full power. Your 180-lb ally is violently yanked 50 feet straight up into the air, clearing the ledge and the monsters, and lands in a heap at your feet in one single action. The sound has just alerted everything within a mile… but your ally is safe.

Offensive Application: “The Improvised Demolition”

  • Scenario: A massive, ancient, and top-heavy stone golem (a pre-Rockfall construct) is guarding a doorway. It’s too strong to fight, but Kallpa-Rumi’s Fracture-Pick has identified that its ‘head’ is unstable.
  • In-Game Roleplay: The player says, “I’m climbing the wall (using my boots/gauntlets) to the ceiling above the golem. I’m anchoring the pulley to the ceiling (Geomantic Anchor), right over its head. I’m quietly lowering the cord with the Manual Winch and using my action to try and loop the hook around its ‘head’.”
  • How it’s Described: You successfully snag the construct’s head. It hasn’t noticed. You then brace yourself and hit the Steam-Winch Ascent. The HISS-ROAR-CLANK erupts. The winch instantly applies 500-lbs of vertical, “yanking” force to the golem’s unstable head. With a groan of stressed, ancient-stone, the construct’s head is ripped clean-off, and its body topples backward with a crash, neutralized without a single “weapon” being used.

Environment 3: An Open Mountain-Pass (Wilderness)

Defensive Application: “The Silent Ascent”

  • Scenario: Kallpa-Rumi is fleeing a rival exploration-team. She has reached a sheer, 90-foot cliff-face. She could use the Steam-Winch, but the noise would give away her exact position.
  • In-Game Roleplay: The player says, “I need to get up, but I need to be quiet. I’m activating the Geomantic Anchor against the cliff-base. I’m attaching the hook to my harness, and I’m using the Manual Winch.”
  • How it’s Described: You anchor the block. It fuses to the stone. You then begin to hand-crank the pulley. It is hard, physical work (represented by multiple, successive “Use an Item” actions), but the masterwork brass-gears are perfectly silent. You describe yourself “walking” up the sheer-cliff-face, 15-feet-per-action, as the pulley silently retracts the cord, lifting you to the top. Your pursuers arrive at the base of the cliff, see the anchor-block, and look up, but you are already gone, having vanished without a sound.

Offensive Application: “The Rockslide Trap”

  • Scenario: The rival team (from the previous scenario) is now following her. They are on a narrow path below her, and she is on a ledge above them. She sees a large, precariously-perched, 2,000-lb boulder just above their path.
  • In-Game Roleplay: The player says, “This is perfect. I’m anchoring the Geomantic Anchor to the solid-ground I am on. I’m running the metallic-fiber-cord down and looping it around that unstable boulder. Now… I’m engaging the Steam-Winch Ascent.”
  • How it’s Described: You hit the steam-canister. The winch roars to life. The cord goes taut. The 500-lbs of pull is not enough to lift the 2,000-lb boulder, but it is more than enough to dislodge it from its unstable perch. With a horrible groan of grinding-stone, the massive boulder tips, breaks-free, and crashes down the mountainside, creating a man-made rockslide that completely obliterates the path below, and the rivals on it.

Perception of Activation:

For Geomantic Anchor (The “Fuse”)

  • User’s Perspective:
    • Tactile (Primary): The user presses the granite block to the stone surface. As they channel their innate magic, they feel a profound feeling of fusion, a magical lurch as the block and the surface become one. It is a deeply satisfying, grounding sensation, as if her hand and the block have become an immovable part of the mountain’s root.
    • Auditory: The user perceives a deep, resonant, subsonic THOOM, a sound felt in the bones of their arm and chest rather than heard with their ears.
    • Extra-Sensory (Mind’s Eye): The user perceives their own magical energy flowing from their palm, into the granite block, and seeing the Khipu-Glyphs “light up” in their mind’s eye. They then perceive a “root-system” of amber-colored magic instantly spreading from the block and “fusing” it into the target stone, locking it in place.
  • Observer’s Perspective:
    • Visual: An observer sees the user press the granite block to the surface. The Khipu-Glyphs etched into the granite flare with a steady, amber light for one second, then dim, leaving the block “stuck” to the surface with no visible support.
    • Auditory: A dull, low-pitched VMMM or THOOM sound is audible to anyone nearby, like a massive tuning fork being struck once.

For Manual Winch (The “Silent Crank”)

  • User’s Perspective:
    • Tactile: This is a purely physical activation. The user feels the cold, brassy-feel of the hand-crank. As they turn it, they feel the smooth, even resistance and the satisfying, subtle, oiled-click of the masterwork brass gears meshing perfectly.
    • Auditory: The winch is almost perfectly silent, emitting only a faint, oiled whir or shk-shk-shk of the gears.
    • Extra-Sensory: None. This is a mundane, mechanical action.
  • Observer’s Perspective:
    • Visual: An observer sees the user physically turning the crank. The cord retracts or extends slowly and steadily.
    • Auditory: This activation is almost silent. The only sound is the faint scrape of the metallic-fiber-cord as it spools.

For Steam-Winch Ascent (The “Loud Pull”)

  • User’s Senses:
    • Tactile (Primary): The user engages the mechanism. There is a violent, mechanical jolt as the steam-engine engages. This is immediately followed by a high-frequency, tooth-rattling vibration from the tiny, high-speed gears. A sudden blast of clean, hot steam (not scalding) erupts from the canister, bathing their hand in warmth.
    • Auditory (Primary): This is a deafening, two-part sound*. First, a sharp, high-pressure HSSSS as the magic-crystal flash-boils the water. This is immediately followed by the loud, CLANK-CLANK-ROAR of the gears turning at a high-speed whine.
    • Olfactory: A strong, sharp, clean smell of hot metal (bronze) and elemental steam (clean, like ozone or a hot iron, not sulfurous).
    • Extra-Sensory (Mind’s Eye): The user perceives this as a “dumb” action. They feel a tiny ‘spark’ of their own magic (like striking a match) as they engage the canister, which then ignites a physical (not magical) reaction. Their Mind’s Eye perceives a “flash” of heat, followed by the chaotic, non-magical “noise” of a powerful machine.
  • Observer’s Perspective:
    • Visual: An observer sees a loud plume of white, pressurized steam erupt from the side of the apparatus. The cord violently and rapidly retracts, yanking the user (or object) at an incredible speed.
    • Auditory: This activation is deafeningly loud. The HISS-ROAR-CLANK is an unmistakable, mechanical sound that will echo in a ruin or canyon, alerting everyone in a large area.
    • Olfactory: The smell of hot metal and steam fills the air.

Positives

  • Clear, Distinct Modes: The user has two very different modes of operation. The Manual Winch is perfectly stealthy, while the Steam-Winch is incredibly fast.
  • Unambiguous Feedback: The Geomantic Anchor’s amber-flare and THOOM provide a clear, “locked-in” signal. The Steam-Winch’s roar is an unmistakable “activation.”
  • Secure: The Geomantic Anchor’s “rooting” sensation gives the user immense confidence and a feeling of absolute stability.
  • Non-Magical Power: The Steam-Winch is mechanical. It cannot be counterspelled or dispelled. It is a brute-force, physical-world solution.

Negatives

  • Anchor is Stationary: Activating the Geomantic Anchor requires the user to be stationary and in physical contact, a potentially vulnerable action.
  • Manual is SLOW: The Manual Winch is silent, but it is slow. The user is a stationary, cranking target for the entire duration of the ascent/descent.
  • Steam-Winch is CATASTROPHICALLY LOUD: The Steam-Winch is the opposite of stealth. It is a beacon. Using it once announces the user’s exact position to every creature, guard, and rival-explorer in the entire area.
  • Steam-Winch is a JOLT: The activation is violent. It is not a smooth ride. Using it to “rescue” a critically-injured ally (or a delicate artifact) might cause further damage, as they are yanked 60-feet in a single, lurching action.

Recipe: Guild-Standard Geomantic Winch (Model 107)

Description: A masterwork-level recipe to construct a sophisticated, dual-mode climbing and hoisting apparatus. This device combines a high-precision, steam-powered mechanical winch with a geomantically-attuned anchor-block. The anchor-function is lineage-bound and will not activate for an “un-keyed” user.

Materials Needed:

  • Anchor Block:
    • 1x Resonant Granite Billet (fist-sized, flawless, quarried from a ‘Peak-Stone’ source).
  • Winch & Gearbox:
    • 1x Bronze Winch-Chassis (milled).
    • 1x Brass Gear-Stock (for crafting the dual-train gearbox).
    • 1x Manual Hand-Crank Assembly (brass and petrified-wood).
  • Steam-Engine Assembly:
    • 1x Miniature Bronze Steam-Canister (pressure-rated).
    • 1x Miniature Steel Piston & Drive-Rod.
    • 1x Attunement-Crystal (e.g., a small, uncut ‘Fire-Quartz’).
    • 1x Vial of Elemental Water (for the canister).
  • Cord & Fittings:
    • 1x 150-foot Spool of Metallic-Fiber Cord.
    • 1x Bronze Mounting-Plate (to join the winch to the anchor).
    • 1x Hardened-Steel Hook-Clasp.
    • 1x Set of Brass Screws, Gaskets, and Rivets.
    • 1x Jar of Alchemical Insulating Resin (for sealing the engine).

Tools Required:

  • Steam-Mechanic’s Toolkit (Masterwork): Absolutely essential for milling and setting the high-precision, dual-train gearbox and the steam-piston.
  • Stonecarver’s Kit: For shaping, polishing, and etching the granite anchor-block.
  • Artificer’s Lens/Goggles: For the fine-detail work on the gears and crystal-setting.
  • Artisan’s Kit (Magic Circuitry): For setting the Attunement-Crystal and linking it to the canister-engagement.
  • Geomantic Focus: (A personal staff, amulet, or crystal) Required for the final attunement.

Skill Requirements:

  • Artisan (Steam-Mechanics/Tinkering): Journeyman Level. The core skill. Required to build the complex, dual-mode (silent-manual and high-speed-steam) gearbox and the steam-piston engine.
  • Geomancy (Knowledge): Journeyman Level. Required to select the correct Resonant Granite Billet, correctly etch the Khipu-Glyphs, and (most importantly) perform the final Geomantic Attunement.
  • Artisan (Stonecrafting): Apprentice Level. Required to shape and polish the granite block without fracturing its magical resonance.
  • Artisan (Magic Circuitry): Apprentice Level. Required to safely install the Fire-Quartz crystal as a “flash-boiler” (heat source) for the steam-canister.

Crafting Steps:

  1. Block Preparation & Etching: The crafter begins by shaping and polishing the Resonant Granite Billet into its final, fist-sized, smooth form. Then, using the Stonecarver’s Kit and Geomantic Focus, they meticulously etch the Khipu-Glyphs (“Root of the Mountain,” “Hold Fast”) onto its surface. This “carves” the potential for the spell, but it remains inert.
  2. Gearbox-Milling (The “Dual-Train”): This is the most complex mechanical step. Using the Masterwork Steam-Mechanic’s Toolkit, the crafter mills the Brass Gear-Stock to create two interconnected gear-trains within the Bronze Winch-Chassis:
    • The ‘Manual-Train’: A high-torque, low-speed, silent gear-set that connects to the Hand-Crank.
    • The ‘Power-Train’: A high-speed, low-torque gear-set that will be connected to the steam-piston. A clutch-mechanism must be built to switch between the two.
  3. Engine Assembly: The crafter assembles the miniature steam-engine. The Fire-Quartz crystal is installed at the base of the Steam-Canister (using the Magic Circuitry tools). The Miniature Piston is built and connected to the Power-Train’s clutch. The canister is sealed with Insulating Resin and filled with the Elemental Water.
  4. Final Assembly: The finished Winch-Chassis (with its engine) is bolted onto the Bronze Mounting-Plate. This entire assembly is then securely riveted onto the top of the Granite Anchor Block. The Metallic-Fiber Cord is spooled onto the winch’s drum, and the Steel Hook-Clasp is attached. The apparatus is now physically complete.
  5. Geomantic Attunement (The “Keying”): The apparatus is inert. It is a mundane, non-anchoring, (and very heavy) steam-winch. A Peak-Forged Ascendant must perform this final step. The crafter must place the apparatus against a solid-stone surface, place their hand on the granite block, and (using their Geomantic Focus) channel their innate, lineage-bound magic into the glyphs.
    • Success: A successful Geomancy (Knowledge) check. The Khipu-Glyphs flash with a steady, amber light and let out a deep, subsonic THOOM. The Geomantic Anchor function is now “awakened” and keyed to that Ascendant’s magical signature.
    • Failure: The check fails. The glyphs do not activate. The item remains a mundane (though high-quality) steam-winch.
    • Critical Failure: The chaotic, “shattered” geomantic energy is rejected. It feeds back into the nearest magical component—the Fire-Quartz crystal—shattering it and rendering the Steam-Winch Ascent function permanently broken.

Tale of Two-Path-Winch
(This is a story from the Guild-Tinkers, who said it was knotted in a bad-khipu, one that got wet. The words are… stiff.)

It is known. In the new-age, after the great-mountain-fell (the Rockfall), the people-of-the-crack (the Peak-Forged) built their houses in the sky. The cities were vertical. The ruins were deep. To walk was to climb. But climbing was slow. And climbing was death. A bad-piton. A “sick-stone.” A slip. Death.

There was an artisan. A Gear-Spinner. A Glyph-Knower. She looked at her hands. One hand knew the old-magic, the song-of-the-stone (geomancy). The other hand knew the new-magic, the song-of-the-steam (mechanics). She said, “My old-magic is slow-and-strong. My new-magic is fast-and-loud. I need… both. I will build a choice.”

She went to the Peak-Stone-Quarry. She took a fist-of-granite, one that hummed with the root-song. She carved the Holding-Glyphs (Khipu-Glyphs) into it. “This is my Anchor,” she said. “It will taste my blood-magic (lineage-magic) and marry the wall.”

She went to the Market. She bought the silver-string (metallic-fiber cord). One-hundred-fifty-feet of no-break.

She went to her shop. She took brass-gears. She built the winch. This was her great-cleverness. She built two-paths for the gears. Path-One: The Mouse-Path. Connected to a hand-crank. “This one is silent,” she whispered. “This one is for the shadow.” Path-Two: The Griffon-Path. Connected to a steam-box (canister) and a magic-fire-crystal (the heat-source). “This one is loud,” she shouted. “This one is for the sky-fall!”

She took her Two-Path-Winch to the Great-Wall of the Undercity. First, the Anchor. She pressed the glyph-stone to the wall. She pushed her Ascendant-magic into it. The glyphs flashed amber! A deep, slow THOOM! The Anchor was fused. It was one-with-the-stone. It held.

Now, the choice. She needed to climb the 90-foot wall to spy on the Steam-Barons. She chose Path-One. The Mouse-Path. She turned the hand-crank. shk… shk… shk… The gears were oiled-silk. Silent. She walked-up-the-wall, 15-feet at a time. The Barons below drank their wine. They heard-nothing. They saw-nothing. She was a spider. She was safe.

Later. She was on the wall. A rival-scout saw her! He cut her other-rope! Her partner! Her partner fell! He was 60-feet below, dangling, in the open! The scouts aimed their guns! No-time-for-Mouse! She slammed the clutch. She chose Path-Two. The Griffon-Path! She ignited the steam-box! HSSSS-ROAR-CLANK! The sound was deafening! A shout-of-steam! The winch screamed! The silver-string blurred! Her partner was yanked 60-feet up in one-second, a fish-on-a-line, and crashed onto the ledge! He was bruised. He was alive. The noise was terrible. Every-guard in the city was now running to the sound. But they were safe.

The artisan, she smiled. Her Two-Path-Winch was good.

The Moral of the Story: The wise artisan does not just build a tool. They build a choice. And the wisest-hand knows when to be the shadow (Mouse-Path), and when to be the thunder (Griffon-Path).

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Geomantic Anchor-Winch Wondrous Item, Rare (Requires Attunement by a creature of the Peak-Forged Ascendant lineage)

This apparatus is a sophisticated piece of climbing gear, consisting of a brass winch and a 150-foot spool of metallic-fiber cord, all mounted on a heavy, fist-sized block of polished granite etched with Khipu-Glyphs.

  • Attunement: While you are attuned to this item, you gain a +1 bonus to your Strength score, a +1 bonus to your Dexterity score, and a +2 bonus to your Intelligence score (to a maximum of 20 for each).
  • Skill Attunement: You gain proficiency with Athletics and Tinker’s Tools.
  • Metallic-Fiber Cord: The 150-foot cord is a magic item. It has 30 Hit Points, an AC of 18, and can be burst with a DC 25 Strength (Athletics) check.
  • Geomantic Anchor (Lineage-Bound): As an action, you can press the granite block to a solid surface of stone, packed earth, or petrified wood. The Khipu-Glyphs flare with a soft, amber light, and the block magically fuses to the surface. It can support up to 2,000 pounds. It remains fused for 1 hour or until you use a bonus action to touch the block and release it. This ability can only be used by an attuned Peak-Forged Ascendant.
  • Manual Winch (At-Will): As an action, you can silently operate the manual hand-crank. This retracts or extends the cord up to 15 feet. Any creature or object attached (up to 500 lbs) is moved accordingly.
  • Steam-Winch Ascent (3/Day): As an action, you can engage the magic-steam-canister. This activation is deafeningly loud (audible out to 300 feet). The winch retracts the cord up to 60 feet. Any creature or object attached (up to 500 lbs) is rapidly pulled to the winch’s location. The winch regains 1d3 expended charges daily at dawn.

Blades in the Dark

Ascendant’s Guild-Hoist Special Item, 2 Load

A heavy, complex, and masterwork-quality apparatus of brass gears, a granite anchor-block, and a spool of 150 feet of metallic-fiber rope. It features both a silent manual-crank and a loud, rapid-use steam-canister.

  • Lineage-Bound: Requires the Peak-Forged Ascendant heritage. To all others, this is a non-magical Heavy Hoist (3 Load) that must be anchored manually (a Setup action with Potency issues).
  • Masterwork Tool: This item counts as Fine Rigging Tools (for climbing/hoisting) and Fine Tinker’s Tools (for its own steam-engine).
  • Geomantic Anchor (Lineage-Bound): When you Rig this hoist, you can suffer 1 Stress to activate the geomantic anchor on a stone surface. You do not need to roll; the anchor is perfectly secure.
  • Dual-Mode Winch: You can choose your mode of operation:
    • Manual-Crank: Your Rig or Prowl action (if climbing) is Quiet (does not create alerts), but it is slow (you move at half-speed, or it takes 2-3 ticks on a clock where the steam-winch would take 1).
    • Steam-Winch (3/Score): Your action is Loud (immediately creates an Alert or ticks a relevant clock). However, you gain Potency for speed. You can cross a 60-foot vertical or horizontal gap in a single action, rescue a teammate, or hoist a heavy object as a Setup action with +1 Effect.

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Geomantic Hoist (Apparatus 107) Artifact (Esoteric Technology)

A heavy (15 lb.) apparatus of polished granite, brass gears, and petrified wood. It is spooled with 150 feet (50 yards) of metallic-fiber cord. It features a manual-crank and a small, magic-powered steam-canister.

  • SAN Cost: Identifying this as a fusion of pre-cataclysm (Rockfall) geomancy and modern steam-tech costs 0/1d2 SAN.
  • Lineage-Bound: The Geomantic Anchor function can only be activated by an Investigator with the Peak-Forged Ascendant background. To all others, it is a high-tech (but mundane) steam-winch that must be anchored manually.
  • Skills: The apparatus grants a Bonus Die (one 10-sided die) on all Climb and Mechanical Repair (for its own steam-engine) rolls.
  • Geomantic Anchor (Lineage-Bound): As an action, the wielder can spend 1 Magic Point and make a Hard POW roll. On a success, the granite block magically fuses to an adjacent stone surface and can hold 2,000 lbs. It remains fused for 1 hour or until the wielder spends another action to release it.
  • Manual Winch (At-Will): As an action, the wielder can silently retract or extend the cord by 5 yards (15 feet).
  • Steam-Winch Ascent (3/Day): As an action, the wielder can engage the steam-canister. This is deafeningly Loud (all creatures within 20 yards, including the user, must make a CON roll or be deafened for 1d10 rounds). The winch retracts the cord up to 20 yards (60 feet) in one action. This ability does not require Magic Points to use, as the steam-canister is self-powered.

Knave (2nd Edition)

Anchor-Winch of the Ascendant Tool (Relic)

  • Inventory Slots: 2 (Heavy, bulky, takes up a Tool slot and an additional slot).
  • Relic: This item is magical and cannot be repaired by mundane means.
  • Lineage-Bound: The Geomantic Anchor and Attunement abilities only function for a character with the Peak-Forged Ascendant Virtue. To all others, this is a non-magical Steam-Winch (see below) that must be anchored manually (a STR save to secure).
  • Attunement (Lineage-Bound): You gain a +1 bonus to your STR defense, a +1 bonus to your DEX defense, and a +2 bonus to your INT defense.
  • Properties (Passive):
    • Contains 150 feet of metallic-fiber cord. This cord has Armor Points 4 and 20 HP.
    • You have advantage on STR (Athletics) saves to climb when using this winch, and advantage on INT (Tinker) saves to repair its steam-engine.
  • Active (Geomantic Anchor – At Will):
    • As an action, you can touch the granite-block to a stone surface and activate its anchor. It fuses to the stone and can hold up to 2,000 lbs. It remains fused until you use an action to release it.
  • Active (Manual Winch – At Will):
    • As an action, you can silently retract or extend the cord 15 feet.
  • Active (Steam-Winch Ascent – 3/Day):
    • As an action, you can engage the steam-canister. This is Loud (alerts all nearby creatures). You rapidly retract or extend the cord 60 feet.

Fate (Fate Core)

Guild-Hoist of the Ascendant A heavy, sophisticated, dual-mode winch fused to a geomantic anchor-block.

Item Aspect: Geomantic Anchor & Steam-Winch (Model 107) You can Invoke this Aspect for a +2 or a reroll when:

  • You are climbing or rappelling with the hoist.
  • You are performing a feat of precise, steam-age engineering.
  • You are attempting to magically anchor the hoist to stone.

An enemy can Compel this Aspect (for a Fate Point) when:

  • The Geomantic Anchor fails to bond (or “key”) to a non-stone surface (like wood or metal).
  • The Steam-Winch’s deafening roar (Loud) attracts unwanted attention.
  • The Manual-Winch is too slow in a high-pressure situation.

Lineage-Bound: The following Stunts are only active for a character with the Peak-Forged Ascendant Aspect.

Stunts:

  • Geomantic Anchor: (Requires Peak-Forged Ascendant Aspect) Once per scene, as an action, you can magically fuse the granite anchor-block to an adjacent stone, earth, or petrified-wood surface. This automatically creates a Situation Aspect of Magically Anchored with two free invocations, which can be used to defend against any attempt to dislodge it.
  • Masterwork Engineering: Because this is a masterwork apparatus, you gain a +2 bonus to Craft rolls made to repair steam-mechanics (like itself) and to Athletics rolls made to climb or hoist using the winch. (This stunt represents its +1 STR, +1 DEX, +2 INT stats).
  • Dual-Mode Winch: When you use the hoist to Overcome a vertical or horizontal gap, you can choose your method:
    • Manual-Crank: You Overcome the obstacle Stealthily. If you succeed, you can create the Silent Ascent boost for free.
    • Steam-Winch (3/Session): You Overcome the obstacle Flashily. This is Loud. You (or an ally) are moved one full zone (up to 60 feet) instantly.

Numenera & Cypher System

Geomantic Anchor-Winch Level: 6 Form: A heavy, book-sized granite block fused with a complex, brass, dual-mode (manual/steam) winch, spooled with 150 feet (45 m) of metallic-fiber cord. Artifact

Lineage-Bound: This artifact is keyed to the Peak-Forged Ascendant Descriptor. If the user does not have this descriptor, the Geomantic Anchor function is inert, and the artifact provides none of its passive attunement bonuses. It functions only as a mundane (Level 5) steam-winch.

Effect (Passive, Attuned):

  • Attunement: The artifact’s complex engineering and grounding magic attunes to the wearer. The wearer gains +1 to their Might Pool, +1 to their Speed Pool, and +1 to their Intellect Edge.
  • Masterwork Tool: All tasks related to climbing or to repairing steam-mechanics are eased by one step.
  • Cord: The 150-foot (45 m) metallic-fiber cord is Level 7 (Hardness 7).

Effect (Action, Geomantic Anchor):

  • The wearer presses the granite block to a stone, earth, or petrified-wood surface. It magically fuses. It can hold up to 2,000 lbs (approx. 900 kg) and remains fused for 1 hour or until released (another action).

Effect (Action, Manual Winch):

  • The wearer uses an action to silently retract or extend the cord 15 feet (5 m).

Effect (Action, Steam-Winch Ascent):

  • The wearer uses an action to engage the steam-canister. This is Loud (audible to a very long distance). The winch rapidly retracts the cord 60 feet (18 m).
  • Depletion: 1-2 on a d20 (Check for depletion only when the Steam-Winch Ascent is used. This represents the 3/day charge).

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Anchor-Winch of the Ascendant Item 6 [Rare] [Magical] [Evocation] [Geomancy] [Qosqo-Pacha] Prerequisites: You must have the Peak-Forged Ascendant heritage to invest this item. Usage: Held in 2 hands (to operate); Bulk: 2

This apparatus is a sophisticated piece of climbing gear, blending a masterwork steam-winch with a magically-attuned granite anchor-block. It includes 150 feet of Metallic-Fiber Cord.

Invested (Passive):

  • Attunement: The apparatus’s complex, grounding magic attunes to you. You gain a +1 item bonus to your Strength and Dexterity ability scores, and a +2 item bonus to your Intelligence ability score.
  • Skills: You gain a +1 item bonus to Athletics checks (for climbing) and Crafting checks (for steam-mechanics).
  • Cord: The Metallic-Fiber Cord has Hardness 8, HP 32, and a BT of 16.

Activation [one-action] (Evocation, Geomancy, Interact) Geomantic Anchor

  • Frequency: At-Will
  • Effect: You press the granite block to a solid surface of stone, packed-earth, or petrified-wood. The Khipu-Glyphs flare with amber light, and the block magically fuses to the surface. It can support up to 2,000 pounds and remains fused for 1 hour or until you Interact with it again to release it.

Activation [one-action] (Interact, Manipulate) Manual Winch

  • Frequency: At-Will
  • Effect: You silently turn the manual hand-crank. This retracts or extends the cord 15 feet.

Activation [one-action] (Interact, Manipulate, Auditory) Steam-Winch Ascent

  • Frequency: Three times per day
  • Effect: You engage the magic-steam-canister. This is deafeningly Loud (audible to 300 feet). The winch rapidly retracts the cord 60 feet.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Ascendant’s Geomantic Hoist Magic Item (Tool)

Weight: 20 Notes: Magic, Lineage-Bound (requires Peak-Forged Ascendant Lineage Edge). This item is inert and functions only as a mundane (and very heavy) winch to all other users.

Powers (Lineage-Bound):

  • Attunement (Passive): The hoist’s complex attunement enhances the wielder. The wielder’s Strength, Agility, and Smarts attributes are increased by one die type (max d12).
  • Masterwork Tool (Passive): The hoist is a masterwork tool. The wielder gains a +1 bonus to all Athletics (Climbing) and Repair (for steam-tech) rolls.
  • Cord (Passive): Contains 150 feet (25″) of Metallic-Fiber Cord (Hardness 10).
  • Geomantic Anchor (Action):
    • Frequency: At-Will
    • Effect: As an action, the wielder can press the granite block to a stone, earth, or petrified-wood surface. It magically fuses and can hold 2,000 lbs. It remains fused until released (a free action).
  • Manual Winch (Action):
    • Frequency: At-Will
    • Effect: As an action, the wielder can silently retract or extend the cord 15 feet (2″).
  • Steam-Winch Ascent (Action):
    • Frequency: 3/Day
    • Effect: As an action, the wielder engages the steam-canister. This is Loud (alerts all nearby creatures). The winch rapidly retracts the cord 60 feet (10″) in one action. This can be used to pull the wielder, an ally, or an object (up to 500 lbs).

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

PFA Guild-Hoist (Model 107) Magical/Technological Gear (Artifact)

This apparatus is a heavy, complex winch system mounted on a glyph-etched granite block. It combines a magical geomantic anchor with a dual-mode (manual/steam) winch, spooled with 50 meters (150ft) of metallic-fiber cable.

  • Availability: 18F
  • Cost: 95,000 Nuyen
  • Lineage-Bound (Artifact): This device can only be bonded (Attuned) by a character with the (custom) Peak-Forged Ascendant Quality. A bonded wielder gains the following attribute bonuses, which are extremely rare for gear: +1 Strength, +1 Agility, +2 Logic. (This reflects the +1 STR, +1 DEX, +2 INT).
  • Cord: 50m of Metallic-Fiber Cable (Structure 12, Armor 12).
  • Skills: The attribute bonuses provide dice-pool increases to Athletics (Climbing) (STR/AGI), Engineering (Steam-Mechanics) (LOG), and Arcana (Geomancy) (LOG).
  • Geomantic Anchor (Lineage-Bound): As a Simple Action, a bonded user can press the granite block to a stone, concrete, or earth surface and make a Magic + Willpower [5] test. On a success, the block magically fuses to the surface and can hold 1,000 kg. It remains fused for 1 hour or until released (a Simple Action).
  • Manual Winch (At-Will): As a Complex Action, the user can silently turn the manual crank, retracting or extending the cable 5 meters (15 ft). This action is Silent (adds +2 to Stealth tests).
  • Steam-Winch Ascent (3/Day): As a Simple Action, the user can engage the steam-canister. This activation is Loud (-4) (as per weapon quality). The winch rapidly retracts the cable 20 meters (60 ft). This recharges daily.

Starfinder (1st Edition)

Ascendant’s Anchor-Winch Hybrid Item (Worn Item)

Level: 7 Price: 6,800 credits Bulk: 2

This sophisticated apparatus is a granite anchor-block fused to a complex, dual-mode (manual/steam) winch, spooled with 150 feet of dura-cable.

  • Lineage-Bound (Peak-Forged Ascendant Species): This item’s full power can only be accessed by a creature of this species. An attuned wielder gains the following insight bonuses: +1 to Strength, +1 to Dexterity, and +2 to Intelligence.
  • Cord: 150ft of Dura-Cable (Hardness 15, HP 40).
  • Skills: The wielder gains a +5 circumstance bonus to Athletics checks (for climbing) and Engineering checks (for steam-mechanics).
  • Geomantic Anchor (Standard Action, At-Will, Lineage-Bound): The attuned wielder can press the granite block to a stone, packed-earth, or concrete surface. The Khipu-Glyphs flare with amber light as it magically fuses, supporting up to 2,000 lbs. It remains fused for 1 hour or until released (a move action).
  • Manual Winch (Standard Action, At-Will): The wielder silently cranks the winch, retracting or extending the cord 15 feet. This action is silent.
  • Steam-Winch Ascent (Standard Action, 3/Day): The wielder engages the magic-steam-canister. This activation is Loud (as per the weapon special property, audible to 300ft). The winch rapidly retracts the cord 60 feet. The charges replenish daily.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Ascendant-Keyed Hoist (Artifact) Magical Artifact (TL 5)

This apparatus is a heavy (5 kg) block of etched granite, fused to a complex, dual-mode (manual/steam-powered) winch mechanism. It is spooled with 50m of advanced metallic-fiber cord.

  • Tech Level: 5 (Artifact)
  • Mass: 5 kg
  • Cost: Cr 110,000 (Artifact Price)
  • Lineage-Bound (Peak-Forged Ascendant Trait): This device’s attunement and anchor-function are keyed to a specific magical/genetic trait. An attuned wielder gains:
    • Attunement: The wielder gains DM+1 on all Strength, Dexterity, and Intellect checks.
    • Skills: The wielder gains DM+2 on all Athletics (Climb) and Mechanic (Steam-Engines) checks.
  • Cord: 50m of Metallic-Fiber Cord (TL 7, Strength 10, can hold 1,000 kg).
  • Geomantic Anchor (Significant Action, At-Will, Lineage-Bound): The attuned wielder can press the granite block to a stone or earth surface and make a Magic (or Psionics) check (Difficulty 8+). On a success, the block magically fuses to the surface. It remains fused for 1 hour or until released (a Significant Action).
  • Manual Winch (Significant Action, At-Will): The wielder silently cranks the winch, retracting or extending the cord 5 meters (15 ft).
  • Steam-Winch Ascent (Significant Action, 3/Day): The wielder engages the steam-canister. This is Loud (imposes DM-4 on all Stealth checks in the area). The winch rapidly retracts the cord 20 meters (60 ft). This recharges daily.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Geomantic Guild-Hoist Magical Item (Tool)

This is a heavy, complex apparatus of brass gears and a 50-yard spool of metallic-fiber cord, all mounted on a fist-sized, polished-granite block etched with Khipu-Glyphs.

  • ENC: 150 (Heavy)
  • Availability: Unique
  • Qualities: Magical, Lineage-Bound, Tool, Durable
  • Lineage-Bound (Peak-Forged Ascendant Bloodline): This item can only be attuned by a character with this bloodline. An attuned wielder gains:
    • Attunement: The wielder gains +10 to their Strength, +10 to their Agility, and +20 to their Intelligence Characteristics. (This is exceptionally powerful, reflecting the prompt’s stats, and marks it as a legendary artifact. A GM may reduce this to +5/+5/+10 for balance).
  • Skills: The wielder gains a +10 bonus to all Climb Tests and Trade (Engineer) Tests.
  • Cord: 50 yards of Metallic-Fiber Cord (Toughness 10, Wounds 5).
  • Geomantic Anchor (Full Action, At-Will, Lineage-Bound): The attuned wielder can press the granite block to a stone, earth, or petrified-wood surface and make an Average (+20) Channelling (Geomancy) Test. On a success, the block magically fuses to the surface, holding up to 2,000 lbs. It remains fused for 1 hour or until released (a Full Action).
  • Manual Winch (Full Action, At-Will): The wielder cranks the winch. This is a Silent action. The cord is retracted or extended by 5 yards (15 ft).
  • Steam-Winch Ascent (Full Action, 3/Day): The wielder engages the steam-canister. This is a Loud action, deafening all within 10 yards. The cord is rapidly retracted by 20 yards (60 ft). This recharges at sunrise.