From: Aurelians
Lore: The Harmonious Wristguards have a storied history steeped in ancient traditions of martial arts and spiritual harmony. Crafted by skilled artisans and mystics, these wristguards are believed to be a manifestation of the harmonious energy that flows through the universe. Legends tell of wise monks who sought to create a balance between defense and offense, infusing the wristguards with the essence of serenity and resilience. The engravings on the wristguards depict intricate patterns representing the harmony of mind, body, and spirit.
Use: The Harmonious Wristguards serve as a powerful tool for both defense and offense. When worn, the wristguards enhance the creature’s reflexes, allowing them to react swiftly and deftly to incoming attacks. The harmonious energy within the wristguards forms a protective barrier, providing an extra layer of defense against physical blows. Additionally, when the wearer is struck, the wristguards emit a resonating tone, momentarily disorienting their assailants and creating an opening for counterattacks or evasive maneuvers.
Attributes:
- Level: 1
- Stats: +1 Dexterity.
- Skills: None.
- Cost: 600 gold pieces.
Additional Information: The Harmonious Wristguards provide a bonus of +1 to the creature’s Dexterity stat, reflecting their enhancement of reflexes and agility. While they do not grant specific skills, their value lies in their defensive capabilities and the disorienting effect they have on opponents. The resonating tone emitted upon impact momentarily disrupts the assailants’ focus, allowing the wearer to gain a strategic advantage in combat.
Obtaining the Harmonious Wristguards may involve a pilgrimage to a sacred monastery, undergoing rigorous training and trials to prove one’s commitment to balance and harmony, or seeking them from a wise and revered martial arts master who recognizes the wearer’s potential. Due to their spiritual significance and the intricate craftsmanship involved, the wristguards command a price of 600 gold pieces, reflecting their rarity and the advantage they provide in combat situations.
Enchantments: The Harmonious Wristguards are imbued with powerful enchantments that harness the energy of harmony and balance. These enchantments provide the wearer with enhanced reflexes, allowing them to react swiftly to incoming attacks. The wristguards create a harmonious aura around the wearer, forming a protective barrier that reduces the impact of physical blows. The resonating tone emitted when struck serves as a disorienting effect on assailants, momentarily disrupting their focus and creating an opportunity for the wearer to counter or evade.
Protective Aura: The Harmonious Wristguards emanate a subtle protective aura derived from the harmonious energy infused within them. This aura forms a barrier around the wearer, providing an additional layer of defense against physical attacks. While not impervious to harm, the protective aura helps to absorb and disperse the force of incoming blows, reducing their impact and mitigating potential damage.
Significance: The Harmonious Wristguards hold great significance within martial and spiritual circles. They represent the pursuit of harmony and balance in all aspects of life, not just in combat. Wearing the wristguards signifies a deep understanding and commitment to the principles of unity, serenity, and resilience. The wearer is seen as someone who has achieved a level of spiritual and physical harmony, reflecting the embodiment of disciplined training and the pursuit of inner peace.
Symbolism: Symbolically, the Harmonious Wristguards represent the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. The intricately engraved patterns on the wristguards symbolize the delicate balance between strength and gentleness, offense and defense, and action and stillness. The resonating tone emitted when struck serves as a reminder of the power of sound and vibration in disrupting equilibrium. The wristguards symbolize the wearer’s ability to maintain their composure and find strength within themselves even in the face of adversity. They serve as a symbol of resilience, protection, and the pursuit of harmony in all endeavors.
The Harmonious Wristguards not only provide enhanced reflexes and protection but also carry deep spiritual symbolism. They are revered by martial artists, monks, and individuals who seek to embody balance and inner peace. The wristguards act as a reminder to the wearer of their commitment to harmony and serve as a visible symbol of their dedication to a disciplined path.
Tags: Light, Defensive, Resilient, Disorienting, ancient martial arts, spiritual harmony, crafted by artisans and mystics, balance of defense and offense, engraved with patterns of mind, body, spirit, enhances reflexes, protective barrier
In the world of Saṃsāra, where magic and tradition blend seamlessly, the Harmonious Wristguards could be found in various settings, each with its own method of transaction:
- The Monastery of Silent Harmony – Tucked away in the mountains, this monastery isn’t just a place of worship but also a repository of ancient martial arts artifacts. Here, the Harmonious Wristguards would be more of a reward than a purchase.
- How: One might need to prove their worth through a series of trials or by demonstrating a deep understanding of harmony and balance. The wristguards might be bestowed upon a worthy student or traveler as a symbol of their achievement.
- Cost: Priceless, but if we must quantify, let’s say the equivalent of 600 gold pieces in services, training, or spiritual dedication.
- The Emporium of Arcane Relics – A shop in the bustling city of Skyloft, known for its collection of magical and historical artifacts. Here, the wristguards would be displayed among other enchanted items.
- How: The wristguards would be sold through negotiation, with the shopkeeper, likely an old mage or a collector, valuing both gold and stories.
- Cost: Around 600 gold pieces, but a good story or a promise of future favors might lower the price.
- The Floating Bazaar of the Isles – A market where goods from all over Saṃsāra are traded. The wristguards might be found here, brought by a traveling monk or a merchant with a keen eye for spiritual artifacts.
- How: Trading here involves barter as much as currency. You might trade other magical items, rare ingredients, or even perform a service.
- Cost: 600 gold pieces or equivalent in trade goods.
- The Auction House of the Grand Skyport – A place where the wealthy and influential gather to bid on rare items. The wristguards could appear here, especially if they’ve been rediscovered or if their lore has been recently unearthed.
- How: Bidding would be fierce, with the item going to the highest bidder. The auctioneer might also accept bids in the form of magical services or unique artifacts.
- Cost: Could go well above 600 gold pieces, depending on the interest, potentially reaching into the thousands.
- The Mystic’s Grove – Not a shop per se, but a place where druids, mystics, and spiritualists gather. Here, the wristguards might be offered in exchange for knowledge or as part of a spiritual exchange.
- How: The exchange would be more about spiritual or magical knowledge. One might teach a new form of meditation or share a secret of nature in return for the wristguards.
- Cost: While not in gold, the value would be equivalent to 600 gold pieces in knowledge or spiritual insight.
- The Black Market of the Underwater City – In the depths, where legality is a suggestion, the wristguards might be sold by those who’ve acquired them through less honorable means.
- How: Transactions here are secretive, often involving favors, rare items, or information. The cost would include a promise of silence or future services.
- Cost: Around 600 gold pieces, but the price might include a dangerous task or a vow of secrecy.
In Saṃsāra, the cost of such an item isn’t just in gold but in the stories, services, or knowledge one can offer. Each location reflects the diverse ways in which value is measured, from spiritual worth to the thrill of the auction, making the acquisition of the Harmonious Wristguards a journey as much as a transaction.
The Harmonious Wristguards could be roleplayed in various environments of Saṃsāra for both defense and offense:
- The Monastery of Silent Harmony – A place of peace, yet where one must defend the sanctity of the temple:
- Defense: When an intruder or a rogue spirit enters the monastery, the wearer of the wristguards might use their enhanced reflexes to dodge attacks gracefully, their movements almost dance-like. The resonating tone from the wristguards could disrupt the intruder’s focus, allowing the monks to subdue them without violence.
- Offense: In a scenario where teaching a lesson or demonstrating martial prowess, the wearer might use the wristguards to perform swift, precise strikes, each movement accompanied by the resonating tone that disorients the opponent. This could be part of a training session or a demonstration of martial arts.
- The Emporium of Arcane Relics – A bustling market where theft is not uncommon:
- Defense: If a thief tries to snatch the wristguards or other items, the wearer would react with heightened agility, perhaps catching the thief’s hand mid-grab. The resonating tone would serve to alert others in the market, drawing attention to the thief.
- Offense: Should the wearer need to pursue the thief, the wristguards would aid in navigating through the crowded market swiftly. The disorienting effect could be used to confuse the thief, making escape difficult, or to create an opportunity for a non-lethal takedown.
- The Floating Bazaar of the Isles – A place where negotiation can turn into confrontation:
- Defense: During a heated negotiation, if things turn physical, the wearer could use the wristguards to parry blows or dodge thrown objects. The protective aura might soften the impact of any physical attacks, while the resonating tone could calm the situation by disorienting the aggressor.
- Offense: In a scenario where one must prove their worth or defend their honor, the wearer might engage in a non-lethal duel. The wristguards would allow for quick, precise movements, showcasing martial skill, with the tone serving as a psychological weapon to unnerve opponents.
- The Auction House of the Grand Skyport – Where high stakes can lead to desperate measures:
- Defense: If an altercation breaks out over a bid, the wristguards would help the wearer dodge thrown objects or fend off an attacker. The protective aura could absorb the shock of being pushed or shoved, while the resonating tone might disrupt any spellcasting aimed at them.
- Offense: In a more subtle form of offense, the wearer could use the wristguards to intimidate or outmaneuver rivals in the bidding process, using their enhanced reflexes to quickly signal bids or to appear unflappable, which might unnerve competitors.
- The Mystic’s Grove – Where spiritual battles might occur:
- Defense: Against spiritual or magical attacks, the wristguards could provide a barrier against curses or hexes, their harmonious energy countering dark magic. The resonating tone might harmonize with the natural energies of the grove, creating a shield of sound.
- Offense: In a ritual or a test of spiritual strength, the wearer could use the wristguards to channel their inner energy, striking at spiritual entities or disrupting magical constructs with precise, energy-infused movements.
- The Black Market of the Underwater City – Where danger lurks in every corner:
- Defense: In a place where trust is scarce, the wristguards would be invaluable for dodging underwater attacks or escaping traps. The resonating tone underwater could create confusing ripples, disorienting pursuers.
- Offense: If a deal goes south, the wearer might use the wristguards to swiftly disarm or incapacitate opponents, their movements fluid and unpredictable in the water, with the tone causing underwater vibrations that could disrupt an opponent’s balance or concentration.
In each environment, the Harmonious Wristguards not only serve as a tool for physical combat but also as a symbol of balance and harmony, influencing how conflicts are resolved, often favoring non-violent solutions or demonstrations of skill over brute force.

Perception of Activation:
- Sight: Upon activation, the Harmonious Wristguards might emit a soft, pulsating glow, like the gentle light of dawn breaking through the mist. The engravings on the wristguards would seem to come alive, shimmering with a serene light that outlines the patterns of harmony.
- Description: A calming, almost ethereal light that suggests the presence of a protective aura.
- Positives: Visually signals the wristguards’ readiness for use, enhancing the wearer’s presence.
- Negatives: Could be a beacon in dark or stealthy situations, potentially revealing the wearer’s position.
- Sound: The activation would be accompanied by a harmonious chime, a single note that resonates with the frequency of balance, not loud but clear, like a bell in a quiet temple.
- Description: A soothing chime that resonates with the essence of harmony.
- Positives: Can be used to signal allies or to create a moment of calm in tense situations.
- Negatives: Might alert enemies to the activation, especially in silent environments.
- Smell: There might be a subtle scent, reminiscent of incense or fresh mountain air, as if the wristguards are channeling the purity of nature itself.
- Description: A clean, refreshing scent that evokes tranquility.
- Positives: Could have a calming effect on the wearer and those nearby.
- Negatives: Might be overpowering or distracting in certain scenarios.
- Touch: The wristguards would feel warm and smooth, as if they’ve absorbed the sun’s warmth, yet without the heat that would burn. This warmth might spread slightly up the wearer’s arms, comforting and energizing.
- Description: A comforting warmth that reassures the wearer of the wristguards’ protective nature.
- Positives: Provides a physical sensation of safety and readiness.
- Negatives: Could be misleading if the situation calls for a cold, calculated response.
- Taste: While not directly applicable, the sensation might be akin to the taste of fresh air or the tang of a mountain stream, a subtle, refreshing sensation at the back of the throat.
- Description: A clean, invigorating taste that complements the other senses.
- Positives: Enhances the sensory experience of activation, making it more immersive.
- Negatives: Might be unexpected or slightly off-putting if not anticipated.
- Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
- Aura Perception: The wearer might feel a shift in their aura, a sense of balance and harmony that extends beyond the physical, making them feel more in tune with their surroundings.
- Description: A feeling of being in sync with the world, enhancing intuition.
- Positives: Improved awareness of magical or spiritual energies.
- Negatives: Could be overwhelming in highly magical or chaotic environments.
- Harmonic Resonance: There might be a perception of vibrations or waves of energy aligning, a sense of everything falling into place, which could be felt as a deep, internal resonance.
- Description: A feeling of everything being in its right place, enhancing focus and calm.
- Positives: Boosts mental clarity and decision-making in combat or negotiation.
- Negatives: Might make the wearer overly confident or complacent.
- Kinesthetic Awareness: The wristguards could enhance the wearer’s sense of their body in space, making movements feel more fluid and precise, almost as if guided by an unseen hand.
- Description: An enhanced sense of body control and movement.
- Positives: Improved combat effectiveness and agility.
- Negatives: Could lead to over-reliance on the wristguards’ enhancements.
- Spiritual Connection: There might be a sense of connection to the ancient monks or the spiritual essence of the wristguards, providing a feeling of guidance or ancestral presence.
- Description: A feeling of being watched over or guided by past masters.
- Positives: Provides moral or spiritual support in dire situations.
- Negatives: Could be distracting or unsettling if the wearer is not spiritually inclined.
- Aura Perception: The wearer might feel a shift in their aura, a sense of balance and harmony that extends beyond the physical, making them feel more in tune with their surroundings.
The Harmonious Wristguards thus engage the wearer on multiple levels, providing not just physical defense but also a sensory and spiritual experience that enhances their interaction with the world around them, with both beneficial and potentially challenging aspects.
Crafting Recipe: Harmonious Wristguards
- Materials Needed:
- Harmonious Wood – From a tree that has grown in a place of great spiritual energy, known for its resilience and flexibility. (1 plank)
- Silver Thread – Woven with magic to conduct harmonious energy. (100 yards)
- Crystal of Clarity – A gem that resonates with the frequency of balance, often found in ancient, untouched places. (1 piece)
- Essence of Harmony – A rare liquid distilled from the air of a sacred grove or temple, capturing the essence of balance. (1 vial)
- Leather of the Wise – Leather from an animal that has lived a long, peaceful life, imbued with wisdom. (Enough to cover the wristguards)
- Enchanted Ink – Ink made from rare herbs and magical components, used for the engravings. (Small vial)
- Tools Required:
- Crafting Hammer – Enchanted to resonate with the materials, ensuring they harmonize.
- Fine Engraving Tools – For intricate designs that channel the energy.
- Sewing Kit – Enchanted needles and thread for binding the materials.
- Alchemical Cauldron – For brewing the Essence of Harmony.
- Amulet of Concentration – To maintain focus during the crafting process.
- Skill Requirements:
- Carpentry – Master level for shaping the Harmonious Wood without disrupting its energy.
- Leatherworking – Expert level for crafting the leather components with precision.
- Enchantment – Master level to infuse the wristguards with protective and offensive properties.
- Alchemy – Advanced knowledge for creating the Essence of Harmony.
- Meditation – To maintain spiritual balance during the crafting, ensuring the item’s harmony.
- Crafting Steps:
- Preparation of Materials:
- Wood Shaping: Use the Crafting Hammer to shape the Harmonious Wood into the basic form of the wristguards. The wood must be treated gently to preserve its natural energy.
- Leather Cutting: Cut the Leather of the Wise to fit around the wood, ensuring it’s supple and ready for enchantment.
- Engraving:
- With the Fine Engraving Tools, carve the patterns of harmony onto the wood. These engravings are not just decorative but serve as conduits for the magical energy. Use the Enchanted Ink to fill the engravings, enhancing their magical properties.
- Assembly:
- Binding: Use the Silver Thread to bind the leather to the wood. Each stitch must be done with intent, focusing on the balance of defense and offense.
- Crystal Placement: Embed the Crystal of Clarity at the center of each wristguard. This crystal will act as the focal point for the resonating tone.
- Enchantment:
- Infuse the wristguards with the Essence of Harmony using the Alchemical Cauldron. Meditate while channeling the energy into the wristguards, ensuring they resonate with balance and tranquility.
- Use enchantment spells to create the protective aura and the disorienting resonating tone upon impact. The enchantments should be woven into the materials, not just layered on top.
- Final Touches:
- Wear the Amulet of Concentration and inspect the wristguards for any imperfections or imbalances. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure perfect harmony.
- The final step is to imbue the wristguards with the creator’s intention and dedication to balance. This involves a final meditation, offering the wristguards to the universe and seeking its blessing.
- Preparation of Materials:
Crafting the Harmonious Wristguards is not a task to be taken lightly. It requires not only technical skill but also spiritual awareness and a dedication to the principles of balance and harmony. The resulting item is not just a weapon or a piece of armor, but a testament to the craftsman’s commitment to a balanced path.
Tale of the Wristguards that Echoed Balance
In an age long forgotten, when the whispers of ancient tongues still echoed through the valleys and mountains, there lived a warrior known as Silentia, the Silent Striker. Though skilled in combat, she was troubled by the discord she felt in her heart, a dissonance between the serenity she sought and the violence she wielded.
Seeking guidance, she ventured to the secluded mountain monastery of Shanti-Dhara, where wise monks practiced the ancient arts of harmony and balance. There, she trained under the tutelage of the grandmaster Tenzin, a man whose movements flowed like water, yet held the strength of a mountain.
Tenzin observed Silentia’s inner conflict and presented her with a pair of wristguards, their surface etched with intricate patterns that shimmered like sunlight on a still pond. “These,” he said, “are the Harmonious Wristguards, forged in the crucible of ancient wisdom. They will aid you not just in battle, but in finding the balance you seek.”
Silentia donned the wristguards and felt a surge of tranquility wash over her. As she trained, her movements became fluid, her strikes precise, and her defense unyielding. But most importantly, a sense of peace settled in her heart. The resonating chime that echoed with each strike, like a whisper of serenity, calmed her spirit and even disoriented her opponents, giving her an advantage without resorting to unnecessary force.
One day, a band of marauders attacked the monastery, seeking its hidden treasures. Silentia, armed with the Harmonious Wristguards, stood her ground. Her movements were a symphony of grace and power, each strike resonating with the chime of balance. The marauders, disoriented and overwhelmed, soon retreated, leaving the monastery unharmed.
From that day forth, Silentia became known as the Harmonious Guardian, her legend spreading far and wide. The Harmonious Wristguards, symbols of her journey towards inner peace and unwavering defense, became treasured artifacts, passed down through generations, reminding all who wore them of the power of balance and the serenity that can be found even in the midst of conflict.
Moral: True strength lies not in brute force, but in the harmony of mind, body, and spirit. Even in the face of adversity, one can find peace and balance, and in doing so, achieve victory without sacrificing one’s true self.
Suggested conversions to other systems:
Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)
Name: Harmonious Wristguards
- Type: Magical Artifact
- Description: Ancient wristguards etched with intricate patterns, emitting a subtle, calming aura.
- Skills: Dexterity +1
- Effect:
- When worn, the investigator gains a +1 bonus to Dexterity.
- Upon being struck in combat, the wristguards emit a resonating tone, causing the attacker to make a Luck roll. If failed, they are shaken for one round.
- The wristguards provide a sense of calm and focus, granting the wearer a +1 bonus to resist any Fear or Sanity loss caused by witnessing or experiencing unnatural events.
- Sanity Loss: 1/1D4 Sanity points upon first encountering the wristguards and realizing their supernatural nature.
- Notes:
- The resonating tone can only affect one attacker per round.
- The sanity bonus only applies while the wristguards are worn.
Blades in the Dark
Name: Harmonious Wristguards
- Type: Gear
- Description: Ornate wristguards said to channel ancient spiritual energy.
- Effect:
- +1 Effect when acting with Finesse or Prowess.
- When defending against an attack, roll +1d. On a success, the attacker is disoriented and cannot act for their next turn.
- When resisting stress, the wearer can roll +1d.
- Special: The wristguards can be used as a ritual component for certain arcane rituals.
- Load: 1
- Quality: 2 (Expensive)
Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)
Name: Harmonious Wristguards
- Type: Wondrous Item, Rare
- Description: Ancient wristguards etched with symbols of balance and serenity.
- Rarity: Rare
- Attunement: Yes
- Properties:
- While wearing these wristguards, you gain a +1 bonus to Dexterity.
- When you are hit by an attack, the wristguards emit a resonating chime. The attacker must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be stunned until the end of their next turn.
- You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
- Notes:
- The resonating chime can only affect one creature per round.
Knave
Name: Harmonious Wristguards
- Type: Armor
- Description: Ornate wristguards etched with calming symbols.
- Armor Bonus: +1
- Special:
- When hit by an attack, the attacker must roll a Save vs. Stun. On a failure, they are stunned for one round.
- Advantage on Saves vs. Fear.
Fate
Name: Harmonious Wristguards
- Type: Artifact
- Description: Ornate wristguards said to enhance reflexes and channel spiritual energy.
- Aspect: +2 to actions involving quick reflexes or dodging.
- Invoke: Spend a Fate point to reduce the severity of an incoming physical attack by one step.
- Compel: The wristguards’ calming aura might compel the character to act with restraint or hesitation in violent situations.
Numenera & Cypher System
Name: Harmonious Wristguards
- Type: Artifact
- Level: 1
- Form: Worn
- Effect:
- The wearer gains +1 to Speed defense.
- Once per day, when the wearer is hit by an attack, they can expend 1 point of Might to unleash a disorienting pulse. All creatures within short range must succeed on a difficulty 2 Intellect defense roll or be stunned for one round.
- Depletion: 1 in 1d20
Pathfinder (2nd Edition)
Name: Harmonious Wristguards
- Aura: Faint abjuration and enchantment
- Level: 1
- Price: 600 gp
- Activation: None; constant effect
- Category: Armor (wrist)
- Bulk: L
- Description: These ancient wristguards are etched with patterns that evoke a sense of tranquility. While wearing them, you gain a +1 item bonus to Dexterity. In addition, when a creature hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction to force the creature to attempt a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is stunned for 1 round. You can use this reaction a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Savage Worlds
Name: Harmonious Wristguards
- Description: Ancient wristguards that enhance reflexes and disrupt attackers.
- Cost: 600
- Weight: Light
- Traits:
- Agility +1
- When hit by an attack, the attacker must make a Vigor roll at -2. On a failure, they are shaken for one round.
Shadowrun (Sixth World)
Name: Harmonious Wristguards
- Type: Artifact (Rating 2)
- Availability: 8
- Cost: 12,000 nuyen
- Description: Ancient wristguards adorned with intricate designs, capable of enhancing reflexes and emitting a disorienting aura.
- Effects:
- +1 to Reaction
- When attacked in melee, the attacker must make a Willpower + Intuition (3) Test. If failed, they are stunned for one Combat Turn.
- Once per Scene, the wearer can activate the wristguards to gain +2 dice on a Dodge Test or a Willpower Test to resist a mental attack.
Starfinder
Name: Harmonious Wristguards
- Level: 1
- Price: 600 credits
- Bulk: L
- Category: Armor Upgrades (any light armor)
- Description: Ancient wristguards etched with symbols of balance, emitting a subtle glow.
- Armor Bonus: +1
- Enhancement Bonus: +1 Dex
- Special Properties:
- Reactive Chime: When hit by a melee attack, the attacker must succeed at a DC 13 Will save or be stunned for 1 round.
- Inner Peace: The wearer gains a +2 bonus to saving throws against fear effects.
Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)
Name: Harmonious Wristguards
- Type: Personal Armour (Light)
- Cost: 600 Credits
- Description: Ancient wristguards said to enhance reflexes and disrupt attackers.
- Armour: 1 point
- Effects:
- +1 DM to DEX-based rolls (including Initiative)
- Once per combat round, when hit by a melee attack, the attacker must make an END Test at -2 DM. On a failure, they are stunned for one round.
Warhammer 40,000 (Wrath & Glory)
Name: Harmonious Wristguards
- Type: Archeotech Relic
- Keywords: -, -, Melee
- Description: Ancient wristguards adorned with intricate, pre-Imperial symbols, emitting a subtle aura of serenity.
- To Hit: +1
- Damage: –
- Penetration: –
- Special Rules:
- Reactive Harmony: When targeted by a melee attack, the attacker must make a Willpower Test at +2 DN. On a failure, they suffer 1 level of Fatigue.
- Inner Focus: The wearer gains a +1 bonus to Willpower Tests to resist psychic powers or fear effects.
