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Voidstone Compass

—

by

Dale
in

From: Abysian Bloodline

Values:

  • Level Requirement: Tier 1
  • Stats Modifier: None
  • Skills Gained: None
  • Cost: 70 gold pieces (or the equivalent in currency)
  • Tags: Equipment, Exploration, Detection, Abysium Tracking, Navigation, Scrying, Dowsing, Planar, attunement, Ritual, Occult, Arcane, Curse, Blessing

Lore: The Voidstone Compass is a handheld device crafted from a polished Abysium crystal. The compass was created by skilled artisans who sought to harness the unique properties of Abysium to aid in locating and tracking sources of Abysium energy. These artisans were fascinated by the mystic essence of Abysium and its hidden potential, and they dedicated themselves to crafting tools that could unveil the secrets and powers associated with it.

According to legends, the Voidstone Compass was inspired by ancient maps and artifacts that held traces of Abysium energy. The artisans realized that by utilizing the natural affinity between Abysium and the compass, they could create a device capable of detecting and pointing towards areas rich in Abysium. This led to the creation of the Voidstone Compass, a valuable tool for those seeking to explore and harness the power of Abysium.

Use: The Voidstone Compass has the ability to detect and track sources of Abysium energy within a certain radius. When activated, the compass aligns itself and points towards areas rich in Abysium, aiding the creature in locating hidden caches, ancient artifacts, or potential sources of power associated with Abysium. The compass acts as a guide, leading the user in the direction of Abysium-infused locations or hidden Abysium veins that may otherwise go unnoticed.

The Voidstone Compass is particularly valuable for characters involved in exploration, treasure hunting, or those seeking to harness the power of Abysium. It serves as a reliable tool for locating places of importance, hidden treasures, or areas rich in Abysium energy. Whether it’s uncovering ancient ruins, finding hidden artifacts, or tracking Abysium veins, the Voidstone Compass provides valuable guidance and aids the user in their pursuit of Abysian knowledge and power.

The Voidstone Compass, with its connection to the enigmatic energies of Abysium, would be found in specialized shops catering to those seeking knowledge, power, or treasures linked to this mysterious force. Here are some possibilities:

  • Arcane Emporiums:
    • Location: These shops, often found in the older districts of cities or hidden within secluded enclaves, specialize in items and artifacts infused with magical energies. They are typically run by knowledgeable mages or collectors with a keen interest in the arcane arts.
    • Method: Arcane Emporiums often have a discerning clientele, and acquiring a Voidstone Compass might require demonstrating an understanding of Abysium or proving one’s intent to use it for worthy purposes. Transactions might involve bartering other magical items, exchanging knowledge, or paying a premium price.
    • Cost: Due to its unique properties and connection to Abysium, the Voidstone Compass would likely command a higher price in an Arcane Emporium, possibly reaching 100-150 gold pieces.
  • Abysian Reliquaries:
    • Location: These specialized shops focus solely on items and artifacts related to Abysium. They might be run by scholars, adventurers, or even secret societies dedicated to studying and harnessing the power of Abysium. Reliquaries are often hidden in discreet locations, accessible only to those with the knowledge or connections to find them.
    • Method: Acquiring a Voidstone Compass from an Abysian Reliquary might involve proving one’s dedication to the study of Abysium, undergoing tests of knowledge or skill, or even pledging allegiance to a particular group or cause.
    • Cost: The cost in a Reliquary could vary depending on the seller’s assessment of the buyer’s worthiness and intentions. It could range from 80 gold pieces for a straightforward transaction to a higher price or even an exchange of favors or information.
  • Explorer’s Guildhalls:
    • Location: Guildhalls catering to adventurers and explorers often house a variety of tools and equipment for delving into uncharted territories and uncovering hidden secrets. Voidstone Compasses might be found among their wares, particularly in guilds with a focus on uncovering ancient ruins or tracking down sources of magical energy.
    • Method: Acquiring a compass from a Guildhall might involve membership in the guild, completion of specific tasks or quests, or simply having enough gold to purchase it outright.
    • Cost: The cost in a Guildhall would likely be more standardized, possibly around 70-80 gold pieces, depending on the guild’s markup and any discounts offered to members.
  • Wandering Peddlers:
    • Location: Some traveling merchants specialize in acquiring and selling rare or unusual items, including artifacts like the Voidstone Compass. These peddlers often have connections to various sources, from treasure hunters to secretive collectors, and their wares can be unpredictable and intriguing.
    • Method: Encountering a peddler with a Voidstone Compass might be a matter of chance or require seeking out those who deal in rumors and information. Transactions with peddlers often involve bartering, haggling, or even proving one’s knowledge of the item’s true value.
    • Cost: The cost from a peddler could vary significantly depending on their knowledge of the compass’s properties and the buyer’s ability to negotiate effectively. It could range from 60 gold pieces for a savvy buyer to a higher price if the peddler senses the buyer’s eagerness or lack of knowledge.

Important Considerations:

  • Reputation: A buyer’s reputation as an explorer, treasure hunter, or magic user might influence their ability to acquire a Voidstone Compass. Those known for their knowledge of Abysium or their responsible use of magical artifacts might have an easier time finding and purchasing one.
  • Discretion: While not inherently dangerous, the Voidstone Compass’s connection to Abysium might attract unwanted attention from those seeking to control or exploit its power. Buyers and sellers would likely exercise discretion during transactions to avoid attracting unwanted scrutiny.
  • Authenticity: Counterfeit compasses or those with diminished functionality might exist, requiring buyers to be cautious and discerning when making a purchase. Seeking out reputable sellers or having the compass appraised by a knowledgeable individual can help ensure its authenticity.

In the world of Saṃsāra, acquiring a Voidstone Compass would be a journey into the realm of arcane knowledge and exploration, requiring resourcefulness, connections, and a genuine interest in uncovering the secrets of Abysium.

While the Voidstone Compass might seem like a purely utilitarian tool for exploration and discovery, its ability to detect and track Abysium energy can be creatively employed in both defensive and offensive strategies, depending on the environment and the wielder’s ingenuity.

Defensive Applications:

  • Early Warning System: In hostile environments, the compass can act as an early warning system, alerting the wielder to the presence of hidden enemies or traps infused with Abysium energy. This can provide a crucial advantage in anticipating ambushes or navigating treacherous terrain.
    • Roleplay: A cautious explorer might constantly monitor the compass’s needle, their senses heightened as they anticipate potential threats. In a tense dungeon crawl, the sudden twitch of the needle could signal a hidden trap or the approach of a cloaked assassin, allowing the explorer to prepare for combat or take evasive action.
  • Detecting Ambushes: In areas known for Abysium-related activity, the compass can help identify potential ambush points or hidden passages infused with Abysium energy. This allows the wielder to avoid dangerous areas or prepare countermeasures.
    • Roleplay: A group of adventurers traversing a dense forest might use the compass to identify a hidden path leading to a bandit camp. Knowing the location of the bandits in advance allows them to plan a surprise attack or circumvent the camp altogether, minimizing the risk of confrontation.
  • Identifying Safe Havens: The compass can also be used to locate areas with a strong concentration of benign Abysium energy, which might offer protection or healing properties.
    • Roleplay: In a corrupted or tainted landscape, the compass could guide weary travelers to a hidden grove where the concentration of pure Abysium energy provides a temporary sanctuary from the surrounding dangers, allowing them to rest and recuperate.

Offensive Applications:

  • Tracking Targets: If an enemy possesses an object or artifact infused with Abysium energy, the compass can be used to track their movements, providing a significant advantage in pursuit or ambush scenarios.
    • Roleplay: A bounty hunter tasked with capturing a rogue mage might use the compass to follow the trail of Abysium energy left by the mage’s enchanted staff, leading them to their quarry’s hideout.
  • Locating Enemy Strongholds: The compass can help pinpoint locations with a high concentration of Abysium energy, which might indicate the presence of enemy bases, hidden laboratories, or ritual sites.
    • Roleplay: A military scout tasked with infiltrating an enemy fortress might use the compass to identify hidden entrances or weak points in the fortress’s defenses, allowing for a strategic assault or a covert infiltration mission.
  • Disrupting Rituals: If the compass detects a surge of Abysium energy associated with a hostile ritual or magical working, the wielder can use this information to interrupt the ritual or prepare countermeasures.
    • Roleplay: A group of heroes investigating a series of mysterious disappearances might use the compass to track down a cult conducting a dark ritual powered by Abysium energy. By disrupting the ritual, they can save potential victims and prevent the cult from achieving their nefarious goals.

Environmental Considerations:

  • Abysium-rich Environments: In areas with a naturally high concentration of Abysium energy, the compass might become overwhelmed or provide less precise readings. The wielder might need to rely on other skills or tools to navigate such environments effectively.
  • Abysium-blocking Materials: Certain materials or magical barriers might interfere with the compass’s ability to detect Abysium energy. The wielder should be aware of these limitations and adapt their strategies accordingly.
  • False Readings: Skilled magic users or deceptive traps might be able to create false sources of Abysium energy to mislead those using the compass. The wielder should exercise caution and critical thinking when interpreting the compass’s readings.

Roleplaying the Voidstone Compass effectively involves:

  • Developing a Sense of Abysium: The wielder should have a basic understanding of Abysium energy and its manifestations in the world. This knowledge can help them interpret the compass’s readings and make informed decisions based on its guidance.
  • Combining with Other Skills: The compass is most effective when used in conjunction with other skills, such as observation, tracking, and magical awareness. A skilled explorer will combine the compass’s readings with their own senses and knowledge to navigate complex environments and anticipate potential threats.
  • Respecting the Unknown: Abysium is a force of mystery and power, and the Voidstone Compass offers a glimpse into its hidden depths. The wielder should approach the compass with a sense of respect and caution, recognizing the potential consequences of meddling with forces beyond their full comprehension.

The Voidstone Compass, while seemingly a simple tool, offers a wealth of roleplaying opportunities, allowing players to explore the mysteries of Abysium, navigate treacherous environments, and engage in both defensive and offensive strategies with a unique and intriguing edge.

Perception of Activation:

  • User’s Perspective:
    • Sight: A faint blue light emanates from the crystal, bathing the surrounding area in a soft, ethereal glow. The compass needle spins rapidly before settling on true north.
    • Hearing: A faint hum or thrumming sound vibrates from the device, growing in intensity as the activation process reaches its peak.
    • Touch: The crystal feels cool and smooth to the touch, but a tingling sensation courses through the user’s fingers as the device activates.
    • Smell: A faint metallic scent, reminiscent of ozone or freshly cut stone, fills the air around the device.
    • Taste: A metallic tang lingers on the user’s tongue, a subtle aftertaste of the activation energy.
    • Extra-sensory: A wave of energy washes over the user, a tingling sensation that extends beyond the physical body. A sense of heightened awareness and focus washes over the mind.
  • Observer’s Perspective:
    • Sight: The observer witnesses the blue light emanating from the device and the rapid movement of the compass needle. They may also notice subtle changes in the user’s expression, such as widened eyes or a furrowed brow.
    • Hearing: The observer may hear the faint hum or thrumming sound coming from the device, but it is likely less noticeable than to the user.
    • Touch: The observer cannot feel the tingling sensation in the user’s fingers, but they may notice the user’s grip tightening on the device.
    • Smell: The observer is unlikely to detect the faint metallic scent unless they are standing very close to the device and the user.
    • Taste: The observer cannot taste the metallic tang on the user’s tongue.
    • Extra-sensory: The observer is unlikely to perceive the extra-sensory energy wave unless they are highly attuned to such energies.
  • Positives:
    • The activation process is visually stimulating and engaging, providing clear feedback to the user that the device is functioning properly.
    • The sensory effects, while subtle, can enhance the user’s sense of focus and connection to the device.
    • The extra-sensory perceptions can provide valuable insights into the nature of the activated device and its potential.
  • Negatives:
    • The activation process can be startling or overwhelming for some users, especially those who are not expecting the sensory and extra-sensory effects.
    • The subtle changes in the user’s expression and grip might betray the activation of the device to careful observers, potentially revealing their intentions or actions.
    • The metallic tang on the tongue might be unpleasant for some users, especially if they are sensitive to such tastes.

Crafting the Voidstone Compass — This recipe guides skilled artisans in replicating the Voidstone Compass, a device capable of detecting and tracking the elusive energies of Abysium.

  • Materials Needed:
    • Voidstone Crystal: A flawless crystal of Voidstone, mined from the depths of Abysium. This rare material resonates with the energies of the plane, making it ideal for channeling and detecting Abysium. (Quantity: 1)
    • Silver Filigree: Fine silver wire, intricately woven into a delicate framework to hold the Voidstone Crystal and enhance its conductivity. (Quantity: 1 spool)
    • Lodestone Dust: Finely ground Lodestone, a naturally magnetic mineral, used to amplify the compass’s directional sensitivity. (Quantity: 1 vial)
    • Aetherium Solution: A liquid solution of Aetherium, a rare and volatile substance that enhances magical conductivity and strengthens the connection to Abysium. (Quantity: 1 vial)
  • Tools Required:
    • Crystal Shaping Tools: Specialized tools for cutting, polishing, and shaping delicate crystals without damaging their internal structure.
    • Jeweler’s Loupe: A magnifying glass used for intricate work and precise alignment of components.
    • Silverworking Tools: An assortment of hammers, pliers, and anvils for shaping and manipulating silver filigree.
    • Alchemist’s Kit: Tools for handling and mixing volatile substances, including Aetherium Solution.
    • Enchanting Table: A dedicated workspace for imbuing objects with magical properties.
  • Skill Requirements:
    • Crystalworking: Master level proficiency in shaping and polishing delicate crystals.
    • Silverworking: Expert level proficiency in creating intricate silverwork and delicate filigree.
    • Alchemy: Journeyman level proficiency in handling and mixing volatile alchemical substances.
    • Enchanting: Apprentice level proficiency in imbuing objects with magical properties.
  • Crafting Steps:
    • Prepare the Voidstone Crystal:
      • Carefully shape the Voidstone Crystal into a perfect sphere using crystal shaping tools.
      • Polish the sphere to a flawless finish, ensuring its surface is smooth and reflective.
    • Create the Silver Casing:
      • Using silverworking tools, craft a delicate filigree casing to encase the Voidstone sphere.
      • The casing should be intricate and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the craftsmanship of the artisan.
    • Infuse with Lodestone Dust:
      • Carefully apply a thin layer of Lodestone Dust to the inner surface of the silver casing.
      • This will enhance the compass’s directional sensitivity and ensure accurate readings.
    • Apply Aetherium Solution:
      • Using an Alchemist’s Kit, carefully apply a thin layer of Aetherium Solution to the Voidstone sphere.
      • This will enhance the crystal’s connection to Abysium and amplify its ability to detect Abysium energy.
    • Enchant the Compass:
      • Place the assembled compass on an Enchanting Table.
      • Focus your mind and channel your magical energy into the compass, imbuing it with the ability to detect and track Abysium.
      • Inscribe the compass with runes or symbols that resonate with Abysium energy, further enhancing its functionality.
    • Calibration and Testing:
      • Once the enchanting process is complete, calibrate the compass by exposing it to a known source of Abysium energy.
      • Test the compass in various environments to ensure its accuracy and sensitivity.
    • Completion:
      • Upon completion, the Voidstone Compass will be capable of detecting and tracking sources of Abysium energy, aiding the user in exploration, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge and power.
      • The compass will be a testament to the artisan’s skill and dedication, a valuable tool for those who seek to unravel the mysteries of Abysium and harness its potential.

Tale of the Guiding Stone

From a weathered scroll found clutched in the skeletal hand of a long-dead explorer, translated from a language lost to the ages.

In the time of the First Awakening, when the world was still shrouded in mists and mysteries, the people of Abysium, wise beyond measure, sought to understand the currents of magic that flowed through the land. They delved into the earth, seeking the source of this power, and unearthed a crystal that pulsed with the very essence of Abysium.

This crystal, they called it Voidstone, for it seemed to hold within it the emptiness of the void and the fullness of creation. They crafted it into a compass, a guide to navigate the hidden pathways of magic that crisscrossed the world.

The first compass, it is said, was held by a young explorer named Lyra. She was driven by a thirst for knowledge, a desire to map the uncharted territories and unravel the secrets of Abysium. With the Voidstone Compass as her guide, she ventured into the unknown, charting hidden pathways, discovering lost cities, and facing dangers untold.

Lyra’s journeys took her to the farthest corners of the world, across treacherous mountains, through dense forests, and over vast oceans. The compass always pointed the way, leading her to sources of Abysium energy, to places of power and wonder.

But the compass was more than just a guide. It was a teacher, revealing to Lyra the interconnectedness of all things, the delicate balance between the forces of creation and destruction. It showed her the hidden patterns of magic, the ebb and flow of energy that shaped the world.

Lyra, through her journeys and the wisdom imparted by the compass, became a beacon of knowledge, her maps and tales guiding generations of explorers. She learned to harness the power of Abysium, not for conquest or control, but for understanding and harmony.

In her final days, Lyra returned to Abysium, offering the compass back to the earth, a symbol of her gratitude and respect for the knowledge it had bestowed upon her. The compass, it is said, remains there still, a silent guardian of the land, waiting for the next explorer worthy of its guidance.

Moral of the Story: The true journey is not about reaching a destination, but about the wisdom gained along the way. Seek knowledge not for power, but for understanding. Let the compass guide you, not just to hidden places, but to a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Item: Voidstone Compass

  • Type: Arcane Tool
  • Stats: When used to navigate or locate a source of Abysium energy, the Voidstone Compass grants a +20% bonus to the user’s Navigation or Occult skill roll, respectively. However, prolonged use of the compass might attract the attention of entities dwelling in Abysium, requiring a SAN roll (0/1d4) after each extended period of use (Keeper’s discretion).

Blades in the Dark

Item: Abyssal Lodestone

  • Type: Special Gear
  • Effect: When used during a score to locate a place or object connected to Abysium, the Abyssal Lodestone grants the crew 1 additional die to their roll. It can also be used to reduce the effect of a failed roll related to navigating or finding something by one step (e.g., from a “bad outcome” to a “mixed outcome”).

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Item: Voidstone Compass

  • Rarity: Uncommon
  • Stats: This compass always points towards the nearest source of significant Abysium energy within 1 mile. While holding this compass, you gain advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks to navigate in areas infused with Abysium energy.

Knave

Item: Voidstone Tracker

  • Stats: When used to locate a source of Abysium energy, add +3 to your roll. The GM may also use this device to determine the proximity and direction of significant sources of Abysium energy in the game world.

Fate Core/Condensed

Item: Voidstone Compass

  • Aspect: Attuned to the Flow of Abysium
  • Invoke: Spend a Fate Point to gain a +2 bonus to any roll related to navigating, tracking, or locating something connected to Abysium.
  • Compel: The GM may compel the Attuned to the Flow of Abysium aspect to introduce complications, such as the compass malfunctioning in areas of conflicting magical energies or drawing unwanted attention from entities sensitive to Abysium.

Numenera & Cypher System

Item: Abyssal Wayfinder

  • Level: 1
  • Effect: When used to navigate or locate a source of Abysium, reduce the difficulty of the task by one step.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Item: Voidstone Compass

  • Rarity: Common
  • Price: 70 gp
  • Aura: faint divination
  • Activation: —
  • Effect: This compass always points towards the strongest source of Abysium energy within 6 miles. You gain a +1 item bonus to Survival checks made to navigate in areas warped by Abysium energy.

Savage Worlds

Item: Voidstone Guide

  • Trappings: A compass crafted from a polished black crystal that glows faintly when pointed towards Abysium.
  • Effect: When used to track a source of Abysium or navigate in an area infused with Abysium energy, the user gains a +2 bonus to their Survival or Notice rolls, respectively.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Item: Voidstone Compass

  • Availability: 6R
  • Cost: 700 nuyen
  • Essence: 0.1
  • Capacity: 1
  • Effect: When activated (a Free Action), the compass points towards the strongest source of Abysium energy within 1 kilometer. Additionally, the user can make an Intuition + Occult test (2 hits) to gain a vague sense of the nature of the Abysium source (e.g., its power level, potential dangers).

Starfinder

Item: Abyssal Locator

  • Level: 2
  • Price: 700 credits
  • Bulk: L
  • Effect: This device acts as a compass, but instead of pointing north, it points towards the nearest significant source of Abysium energy within 1 mile. While holding this compass, you gain a +1 item bonus to Survival checks to navigate in areas infused with Abysium energy.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Item: Voidstone Tracker

  • TL: 7
  • Law Level: 2
  • Cost: 700 Cr
  • Weight: 0.5 kg
  • Effect: This compass points towards the strongest source of Abysium energy within a 10-kilometer radius. The user can also make an INT check to gain a basic understanding of the nature of the Abysium source (e.g., whether it is natural or artificial, its approximate strength).

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Item: Abysium Lodestone

  • Rarity: Common
  • Availability: Arcane shops, Explorers’ Guilds
  • Cost: 70 gold crowns
  • Effect: This compass points towards the nearest source of Abysium energy within 3 miles. The user can also make an Intelligence test to discern the general nature of the Abysium source (e.g., whether it is a natural deposit, an artifact, or a place of magical power).