Soulrender Greaves

From: Shroudheart Oni

Stats:

• Level: Tier 1
• Damage Bonus: +2 with unarmed strikes
• Skills: None
• Cost: 250 gold pieces
• Tags: Leg Armor, Unarmed Strikes, Rare, Abyssal, Knockback, Brutality, Spiked, Strength, Demonic, Bonecraft, Combat Mastery, Kicking Power, Flesh Rending

Lore: Forged in the depths of the Abyss and imbued with dark energy, the Soulrender Greaves are a pair of blackened and spiked leg armor crafted specifically for the Shroudheart Oni. Legends say that these greaves were created by a malevolent blacksmith who sought to enhance the creature’s already formidable kicking power. It is rumored that the spikes are made from the bones of fallen heroes and imbued with the essence of tormented souls.

Use: When the Shroudheart Oni wears the Soulrender Greaves, its kicks become incredibly potent and devastating. The greaves provide a +2 bonus to the creature’s damage rolls when it makes unarmed strikes with its kicks, allowing it to deliver more substantial damage in close-quarters combat.

In addition to the increased damage, any target hit by the Shroudheart Oni’s kicks while wearing the Soulrender Greaves must make a Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. The spikes embedded in the greaves tear into the flesh and disrupt the target’s balance, rendering them vulnerable and at a disadvantage against the Shroudheart Oni’s subsequent attacks.

The Soulrender Greaves are highly coveted among warriors, martial artists, and those who seek to overpower their foes in hand-to-hand combat. Their rarity and specialized nature contribute to their value, typically fetching a price of around 250 gold pieces in markets where rare and powerful artifacts are traded. Acquiring the Soulrender Greaves may require delving into treacherous dungeons, defeating powerful adversaries, or striking dark bargains with entities who hold knowledge of forbidden crafting techniques.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Soulrender Greaves are considered rare and potent items, forged with dark energies and coveted by those with martial prowess. These greaves would likely be found in highly specialized shops that cater to adventurers, warriors, or entities with a preference for powerful and dangerous artifacts. Below are descriptions of the types of shops where the Soulrender Greaves might be bought or sold, along with the cost variations in each setting:

• Abyssal Forge
  • Located in shadowy, war-torn regions or within deep, subterranean cities, the Abyssal Forge is known for dealing in infernal weaponry and armor crafted with demonic influences. The blacksmiths here are often rumored to have made pacts with dark entities to create their wares. The Soulrender Greaves might be found here, hanging on chains behind a smoky forge lit with hellfire.
  • Cost: 300 to 400 gold pieces due to the rarity of the materials and dark enchantments. The blacksmiths often inflate the price, considering the danger involved in acquiring such materials.
• Underground Bazaar
  • Hidden beneath the sprawling metropolises or within ancient ruins, the Underground Bazaar is a marketplace for outlaws, renegade sorcerers, and mercenaries seeking powerful and illicit goods. This black market thrives in secrecy, and artifacts like the Soulrender Greaves are sold without questions about their origins. Here, traders might seek to barter with rare items, stolen goods, or dark favors.
  • Cost: 200 to 250 gold pieces. Due to the nature of the black market, the price may be lower, but it comes with the risk of being caught or dealing with unscrupulous vendors.
• Oni-Clan Enclave
  • Deep in remote mountain regions or secluded islands, the Oni-Clan Enclave serves as a hub for the Oni and their allies. Warriors and martial artists frequent these hidden enclaves, where enchanted armors such as the Soulrender Greaves are considered tools of war. These greaves may be sold by the Oni themselves or their allies.
  • Cost: 250 gold pieces (fixed price), as the Oni view these items as essential tools, and thus their cost remains consistent. However, outsiders may have to prove their worth through combat or negotiation to even be allowed a chance to buy.
• Arcane Antiquities Shop
  • In bustling cities filled with magic and scholars, the Arcane Antiquities Shop specializes in rare and powerful magical items. The Soulrender Greaves would be displayed behind a glass case, surrounded by arcane barriers to prevent theft. Shopkeepers, who are usually wise and knowledgeable mages, are likely to trade the greaves as a historic relic rather than for combat, attracting wealthy collectors or powerful spellcasters interested in studying their dark magic.
  • Cost: 400 to 500 gold pieces due to the shop’s clientele being more affluent and the added mystique surrounding the item’s dark origins.
• Warlord’s Vault
  • In regions governed by powerful warlords, particularly those who value strength and combat prowess, the Soulrender Greaves may be found among the prized possessions stored within a Warlord’s Vault. Such vaults are usually located within the warlord’s fortress and are accessible only to those with the warlord’s favor, or those wealthy and brave enough to attempt an acquisition.
  • Cost: 350 gold pieces, though the price may fluctuate based on the warlord’s needs or whims. Sometimes, the greaves might be part of a larger trade for military alliances or favors.
• Shadow Dealer’s Cart
  • A mobile vendor who travels between cities and towns under the cover of darkness, the Shadow Dealer sells rare and dangerous items to those who know where to look. Operating in back alleys and hidden courtyards, the dealer often has access to items like the Soulrender Greaves through secret networks of thieves and adventurers.
  • Cost: 200 to 275 gold pieces, depending on the buyer’s negotiation skills. The Soulrender Greaves may also be traded for other rare goods, services, or information.
• Bloodsport Arena Merchant
  • In places where gladiators and martial artists battle for wealth and fame, a Bloodsport Arena Merchant would specialize in selling combat gear to enhance a fighter’s prowess. The Soulrender Greaves would be a prized item in this setting, coveted by gladiators looking for an edge in brutal combat.
  • Cost: 250 to 350 gold pieces, depending on the demand from fighters. During times of heavy competition, prices may increase as combatants seek to outmatch their opponents.
• Fell Enchanter’s Shop
  • Located in dark, mist-filled forests or in eerie corners of forgotten cities, the Fell Enchanter’s Shop deals in cursed and malevolent items. The enchanters here often craft, trade, and sell items imbued with dark magic, like the Soulrender Greaves. These shops are run by powerful enchanters or warlocks who have harnessed forbidden magic.
  • Cost: 275 to 325 gold pieces. The price is based on the dark energies infused in the item and the risk of the curse being studied or enhanced.

In the world of Saṃsāra, acquiring the Soulrender Greaves would often involve navigating dangerous and mysterious paths, requiring either gold, power, or connections to dark entities or rare markets.

The Soulrender Greaves offer significant potential for both offense and defense in roleplay, depending on the environment and the character’s situation. These blackened, spiked leg armor pieces can be used creatively to gain advantages in a variety of scenarios, both in close-quarters combat and in intimidating enemies. Below are examples of how the greaves might be used in different environments for offense and defense.

• Dense Forests or Jungles
  • Offense: In dense forests or jungles, the Soulrender Greaves’ unarmed strike bonuses allow the wearer to use powerful kicks to deliver crushing blows in tight spaces where traditional weapons may be less effective. The greaves’ spikes can be used to hook or tear through the foliage, enabling the wearer to rip apart natural barriers, traps, or even enemies lurking in the underbrush. With the bonus to damage rolls, the wearer could incapacitate enemies quickly by knocking them into trees or down slopes, using the environment’s rough terrain to their advantage.
  • Defense: The greaves provide a tactical advantage when climbing or traversing uneven ground, as the wearer can use the spiked soles to grip roots, rocks, or tree trunks, giving them better mobility. In close quarters, where movement is restricted by trees or thick vegetation, the wearer could use their kicks to knock enemies prone, creating space for escape or counterattack.
• Urban Streets and Rooftops
  • Offense: In the narrow alleys and confined spaces of a city, the Soulrender Greaves allow for rapid, brutal strikes in hand-to-hand combat. Kicking an enemy into walls, breaking through wooden structures, or sending them flying off rooftops becomes an efficient way to neutralize foes. The spiked greaves are excellent for breaking doors or crates, allowing the wearer to make quick escapes or burst into buildings to surprise enemies.
  • Defense: The greaves’ spikes could be used to anchor the wearer on slick rooftops or unstable surfaces, preventing them from being pushed off ledges. If an enemy tries to overpower them with brute force, the wearer can kick their opponent with enough force to disorient them or knock them into the street below, buying time to retreat or take up a more defensive position on higher ground.
• Arena Combat or Gladiatorial Pits
  • Offense: In a gladiatorial arena, the Soulrender Greaves shine as a symbol of raw physical power. They allow the wearer to deliver punishing kicks that draw both blood and cheers from the crowd. With the bonus to unarmed strikes, a character could overwhelm opponents by focusing on brutal knockdowns, driving their enemies into the ground with spiked kicks. The spikes of the greaves can tear into flesh, leaving deep wounds that cause pain and force opponents to fight defensively.
  • Defense: The spikes can serve as a deterrent to grappling, as anyone trying to get close risks impaling themselves. The greaves also provide a psychological advantage—enemies may hesitate to charge in, knowing the wearer can knock them prone with a well-placed kick. The wearer could use the threat of their power to force opponents into a defensive posture, dictating the pace of the battle.
• Mountain Cliffs or High Altitude Environments
  • Offense: In mountainous terrain, the Soulrender Greaves provide offensive utility by delivering powerful kicks to enemies near cliff edges. The wearer can use the environment to their advantage by kicking enemies off narrow ledges or sending them tumbling down rocky slopes. The enhanced unarmed strikes make it easier to quickly overpower foes in treacherous, high-altitude battles where falling could mean certain death.
  • Defense: In this environment, the spikes of the greaves can dig into rocky surfaces, giving the wearer stability when climbing steep cliffs or navigating narrow mountain paths. If they find themselves in a precarious position, the spikes can anchor them securely, preventing falls. Additionally, when fighting on unstable or narrow terrain, knocking an enemy prone with a kick could send them rolling off a cliff, allowing the wearer to avoid prolonged combat and conserve their strength.
• Swamp or Marshlands
  • Offense: In muddy or marshy environments, the Soulrender Greaves can help the wearer gain offensive momentum despite the unstable ground. The spikes can be used to deal devastating kicks that take advantage of the slick terrain to send enemies sliding or tripping into the muck. The additional damage from the unarmed strikes allows the wearer to punish enemies who are struggling to maintain balance or who are already hindered by the terrain.
  • Defense: The greaves offer defensive benefits in swamp environments where footing is treacherous. The wearer can dig their spiked greaves into the ground to maintain balance, even when the swampy terrain would otherwise cause them to slip or fall. In hand-to-hand combat, the wearer can knock enemies prone, sending them face-first into the muck, disorienting them and giving the wearer time to reposition or escape.
• Underground Caverns or Dungeons
  • Offense: In the tight confines of underground caverns or dungeons, the wearer of the Soulrender Greaves can rely on the enhanced power of their kicks to deal significant damage in close-quarters combat. The enclosed space amplifies the impact of each strike, allowing the wearer to smash enemies into walls or cave in weakened dungeon structures to trap or crush their foes. The spikes on the greaves make it easier to shred through armor or pierce through the hides of subterranean creatures.
  • Defense: In these environments, the spikes of the greaves can also be used to scale walls, anchor the wearer on slippery cave floors, or gain better leverage when fighting on uneven or crumbling ground. The ability to knock enemies prone is especially useful in dungeons where traps or environmental hazards can be exploited. After knocking an enemy down, the wearer can push them into pits, spikes, or other deadly traps that are common in such locations.
• Desert or Wastelands
  • Offense: In barren desert environments, where battles often involve maneuvering on shifting sands, the Soulrender Greaves allow the wearer to maintain mobility and deliver powerful kicks to disrupt enemy movement. The spikes could be used to drag enemies to the ground, kicking up clouds of dust that further disorient them. The increased damage from unarmed strikes gives the wearer the upper hand in battles where traditional weapons may overheat or be less effective.
  • Defense: The spikes of the greaves can help stabilize the wearer in loose sand or rocky terrain, preventing them from being swept away by sandstorms or pushed by aggressive enemies. Kicking enemies down into the sand can disable them temporarily, forcing them to scramble back to their feet while the wearer either escapes or prepares the next attack.

In all these environments, the Soulrender Greaves allow the wearer to combine raw power with tactical ingenuity. Their offensive capabilities are heightened by the ability to deal additional damage with unarmed strikes, while defensively, the greaves’ spikes and the ability to knock opponents prone offer strategic advantages, particularly in environments where mobility and terrain play a crucial role.

Perception of Activation:

• User’s Perspective
  • Upon activating the Soulrender Greaves, the user experiences an overwhelming surge of dark energy coursing through their legs, as if a torrent of raw power has been unleashed. The five senses respond as follows:
  • Sight: The world around the user dims slightly, as shadows seem to deepen and elongate. The greaves themselves emit a faint, eerie glow from the spikes, with wisps of ghostly light swirling around the feet. The user’s vision sharpens, focusing on enemies and surroundings with a predatory intensity.
  • Sound: A low, distant hum fills the user’s ears, like a deep rumbling echo from beneath the earth. There is also the unsettling sound of cracking bones, as if the spikes are being fed by tormented souls.
  • Touch: The greaves tighten slightly around the legs, giving a sense of reinforced protection, but also an unnerving chill runs up the spine. The spikes feel like extensions of the user’s body, ready to tear through anything. The metal feels heavy, but it also feels as though it lightens as the user prepares to strike.
  • Smell: A faint scent of scorched earth and iron fills the air, mingled with a hint of decaying matter, as if the greaves channel the essence of the Abyss.
  • Taste: A coppery tang of blood lingers in the mouth, seemingly out of nowhere, adding to the feeling of being deeply connected to the brutal nature of the Soulrender Greaves.
  • Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
    • Aura Sense: The user can feel a powerful dark aura emanating from the greaves, as if they are wrapped in an ethereal shroud of malevolent energy. It feels like there is a presence just beyond perception—spirits or souls trapped within the spikes themselves, subtly influencing the user’s actions.
    • Kinetic Awareness: The user becomes hyper-aware of the force and trajectory of their kicks, feeling as though every motion is magnified in strength and precision. There is an intuitive understanding of the best angles to attack and exploit weaknesses in their opponents.
    • Soul Feedback: Each time the user lands a strike, they feel a strange but exhilarating pull, as if siphoning a sliver of vitality or essence from their opponent.
• Observer’s Perspective
  • From the outside, when the greaves are activated, the observer notices distinct changes:
  • Sight: Shadows seem to cling to the wearer, and a faint, unnatural glow emanates from the spikes on the greaves. Their movement becomes more deliberate and ferocious. Every kick appears to leave afterimages of the spikes, as though tearing through space itself.
  • Sound: Observers hear the resonating clash of metal, accompanied by unsettling, ghostly wails as the user strikes. Each impact carries the sound of bones snapping or souls howling in pain.
  • Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
    • Terror Aura: Observers with any sensitivity to magical or spiritual energies feel an aura of dread emanating from the wearer. The air feels heavy, and it seems as though the ground around the user darkens. Some may sense a hunger for destruction, as if the greaves are pushing the user to be more aggressive and violent.
    • Distorted Reality: Those attuned to higher realms of perception might notice slight distortions in space around the greaves, as if reality itself bends to the power of the dark magic embedded in them.
• Positives
  • Enhanced Strength and Precision: The user gains enhanced strength and accuracy with their kicks, making their strikes faster, deadlier, and more effective in combat.
  • Knockback Ability: The user can knock down or disorient foes with increased ease, disrupting enemy formations and gaining the upper hand in close-quarters combat.
  • Dark Aura Protection: The greaves create an aura of intimidation, often causing weaker-willed enemies to hesitate or flee, which can turn the tide of battle.
  • Connection to Dark Energies: The user taps into abyssal power, potentially granting a boost in vitality or stamina as they fight, especially when knocking foes prone or causing severe damage.
• Negatives
  • Diminished Emotional Control: The user may experience a sense of bloodlust or heightened aggression. The souls trapped within the spikes can subtly influence the user’s decisions, pushing them to fight more viciously or recklessly.
  • Sensory Overload: The combination of heightened perceptions—both physical and extra-sensory—can lead to disorientation or sensory overload, especially if the user is not accustomed to handling such power.
  • Moral Corruption: Prolonged use may taint the user’s moral compass. The connection to the tormented souls and dark energies in the greaves might begin to erode the user’s empathy, making them more susceptible to acts of cruelty or indifference.
  • Physical Strain: The dark energy coursing through the legs, while empowering, can lead to a draining sensation after extended use. The greaves may sap the user’s stamina, leaving them vulnerable once the adrenaline rush fades.
  • Aura Visibility: To those sensitive to magic, the user’s dark aura makes them more noticeable, potentially attracting unwanted attention from powerful enemies or entities that feed on or are drawn to dark energy.

Crafting Recipe: Soulrender Greaves

• Materials Needed:
  • Abyssal Iron (10 lbs): This dark metal, mined from the Abyss, is known for its durability and natural affinity for dark magic.
  • Bone of a Fallen Hero (2 large fragments): The essence of a fallen hero must be captured within the bone, used to forge the spikes. These bones can only be harvested from sanctified crypts or battlefields where powerful warriors have perished.
  • Soul Essence Crystal (1 medium shard): A rare crystal capable of storing the souls of the tormented, used to imbue the greaves with spiritual energy. Found in the deep caverns where ancient souls linger.
  • Infernal Leather (2 sheets): Fire-resistant leather, used for the inner padding, taken from abyssal beasts.
  • Demonic Blood (1 vial): Blood from a demon, necessary to bind the dark energy into the metal during the forging process.
  • Spiritweave Thread (2 spools): Thread imbued with magical properties, used to sew the inner layers and bind the soul essence into the greaves.
• Tools Required:
  • Abyssal Forge: A forge fueled by dark fire, essential for working the Abyssal Iron and bonding demonic energies into the greaves.
  • Soulbinding Hammer: A hammer enchanted to merge physical and spiritual elements together, crucial for attaching the soul essence to the greaves.
  • Bone Carving Knife: A precision tool used to carve the bone spikes, allowing for the essence to flow through.
  • Enchanter’s Needle: A magically enhanced needle needed to stitch the Spiritweave Thread into the leather lining, preserving the power of the souls within.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Blacksmithing (Advanced): Required for shaping the Abyssal Iron and bone into a usable form for the greaves.
  • Bonecrafting (Intermediate): Needed to properly carve and prepare the bone of the fallen hero.
  • Soulbinding (Expert): The ability to transfer and bind soul essence into an object is essential for recreating the magical properties of the greaves.
  • Leatherworking (Intermediate): Required for shaping the Infernal Leather into a form that will endure both physical and magical strain.
  • Runecrafting (Basic): Basic knowledge of runes to inscribe minor protective wards and enhance the flow of dark energy through the greaves.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Preparation of Materials:
    • Begin by smelting the Abyssal Iron in the Abyssal Forge. Ensure the temperature remains stable, as the iron must retain its dark properties without becoming brittle.
    • While the iron is being heated, carefully carve the Bone of the Fallen Hero using the Bone Carving Knife. The spikes must be sharp and hollowed in specific places to allow the flow of soul energy. Infuse the carved spikes with Demonic Blood by dipping them in the vial for one hour.
  • Forging the Greaves:
    • Once the Abyssal Iron reaches a molten state, pour it into the greave molds and begin hammering with the Soulbinding Hammer. This step requires focus, as the dark magic within the forge must merge with the iron during this process. Hammer the iron into the desired leg armor shape, ensuring the thigh and calf sections are reinforced for durability.
    • Before the iron cools, embed the prepared bone spikes into the knee and shin areas. Use the Soulbinding Hammer to carefully tap them into place, ensuring they remain secure while the iron hardens around them.
  • Binding the Soul Essence:
    • Once the structure is forged, take the Soul Essence Crystal and place it within the inner hollow chamber of the greaves. Use a runic inscription along the inner sides of the greaves, utilizing Runecrafting to draw the soul energy into the metal. The crystal should slowly disintegrate, infusing the greaves with its trapped souls.
  • Shaping the Leather Lining:
    • While the greaves cool, shape the Infernal Leather to match the inner dimensions of the armor. Sew the Spiritweave Thread into the leather using the Enchanter’s Needle, ensuring that the stitch pattern aligns with the soul runes etched earlier.
    • Insert the leather lining into the greaves and carefully bond the edges using heat from the Abyssal Forge, allowing the leather to fit snugly while preserving its fire resistance and durability.
  • Final Enchantment and Testing:
    • With the greaves complete, they must undergo the final soulbinding ritual. Using the Soulbinding Hammer, strike the greaves three times while chanting the words of power to ensure the soul energy is fully locked into the armor. The wearer should feel a faint pull as the souls connect with the spikes.
    • Test the greaves by performing a series of unarmed strikes. If the crafting was successful, the spikes will glow faintly when activated, and the user will feel the enhanced strength in their kicks.
• Completion Time: 3 to 5 days, depending on the availability of materials and the skill of the crafter.

Tale of the Bone-Spiked Greaves of Shroudheart

Long before all things now, when the skies were darker and earth trembled, there lived a mighty creature of shadows, Shroudheart Oni by the name. In those days, when fire spoke and stone listened, there was a blacksmith most wicked, whose hammer fell like thunder upon the bones of forgotten warriors. This blacksmith, whose name none remember, sought the craft which none dared seek, to build greaves from what was not of this world.

It was told he wandered deep, where no light is known, into the Abyss that swallows time and souls alike. There, where the breath of life is silent, he found what he sought—the bones of the long-fallen, heroes of the old age, who fought till even their shadows broke. And with these bones, brittle and cursed, he began to craft.

With iron not of the ground, but from the Abyss itself, and with the souls of the perished woven into the spikes, the blacksmith worked day and night, not resting, not eating. The flames of his forge burned with no wood nor coal, but with the cries of the forgotten, which gave strength to his work. His hammer, heavy with sin, struck down upon the iron and bone, shaping greaves as black as the heart of the void, with spikes as sharp as broken promises.

Shroudheart Oni came from far and wide, drawn to the sound that broke even the silence of the Abyss. He watched as the blacksmith’s hands moved with dark intent, crafting what no mortal nor god had seen. When the greaves were finished, Shroudheart Oni, with eyes like the deepest night, took them as his own. The blacksmith, now hollow from the making, spoke no more, for his soul had been bound to the very spikes he forged.

And so it was, Shroudheart Oni walked the world, his steps shaking the mountains, his kicks tearing even the wind. With each strike, the ground wept, for the spikes of bone carried the sorrow of those who fell long ago. All who crossed his path fell not by sword or spear, but by the crushing power of his greaves. The souls trapped within the spikes would wail, and their agony would weaken those who stood against him.

It was said that none could stop him, for he wore the greaves of the forgotten and struck with the strength of a thousand lost battles. But as time marched onward, as it always does, even Shroudheart Oni began to feel the weight of what he wore. The souls within the greaves whispered not only to his enemies but also to him. They spoke of betrayal, of endless torment, and of how the blacksmith’s hammer never rested.

On a night when the moon hid its face, Shroudheart Oni, no longer as mighty, walked into the mists and was seen no more. Some say the weight of the souls finally crushed him. Others whisper that the greaves, alive with the power of those who had died, claimed him in the end.

Moral of the Story: No power taken from the forgotten ever brings peace, for in the end, it is the living who bear the weight of the dead.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Item: Soulrender Greaves

• Type: Artifact
• Description: A pair of dark, spiked greaves forged from Abyssal iron and bones of fallen heroes. They are imbued with dark energy and linked to tormented souls.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Unarmed Strike Bonus: When wearing the greaves, the user deals an additional +1D6 damage with unarmed kicks.
  • Knockdown Effect: Upon a successful unarmed strike, the target must make a DEX Roll or be knocked prone.
  • Sanity Loss: Each use of the greaves requires a SAN roll (1/1D4 loss). The more the greaves are used, the more the user’s mind becomes entangled with the souls trapped within.
  • Cursed Influence: After 5 successful attacks using the greaves, the user begins hearing whispers of the trapped souls. After 10 attacks, the user must make a POW roll or lose control, attacking the nearest creature regardless of intention.
• Cost: 10 Magic Points per use (to control the tormented souls).

Blades in the Dark

Item: Soulrender Greaves

• Type: Heavy Armor (Rare)
• Description: A menacing pair of spiked greaves made from the bones of fallen heroes, forged in the Abyss. Used by martial combatants to deliver brutal, soul-infused strikes.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Heavy Strike: When the wearer performs a hand-to-hand combat action, they gain +1D to the roll when kicking. If successful, the target is knocked back or prone.
  • Soulbound: The wearer can activate the greaves to gain increased potency on a Skirmish roll. However, after each use, the player marks 1 stress due to the soul-draining nature of the item.
  • Cursed Object: The greaves attract the attention of the spirit world. Any critical failure while wearing the greaves may summon nearby vengeful spirits or provoke a ghostly attack.
• Load: 3
• Stress Cost: 1 per activation.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Item: Soulrender Greaves

• Type: Wondrous Item (Rare)
• Attunement: Requires attunement by a character with proficiency in martial weapons.
• Description: A set of Abyssal-forged greaves imbued with the essence of tormented souls. These spiked greaves augment the wearer’s unarmed strikes with dark power.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Unarmed Strike Bonus: The wearer’s unarmed strikes with their legs deal an additional +2 damage.
  • Knockback: When the wearer hits a target with an unarmed strike, the target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
  • Soulbound Curse: Each time the wearer knocks a creature prone, they must make a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, they hear the whispers of trapped souls, suffering 1 level of exhaustion after combat ends.
  • Dark Aura: While attuned to the greaves, the wearer has an aura of menace. Creatures within 10 feet that are hostile to the wearer must make a DC 13 Charisma saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute.
• Weight: 5 lbs
• Cost: 250 gold pieces.

Knave

Item: Soulrender Greaves

• Type: Magic Armor (Rare)
• Description: A set of cursed greaves forged in the Abyss from bone and iron, designed to enhance unarmed combat at a cost to the user’s soul.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage Boost: Adds +2 damage to any unarmed kick attack.
  • Knockdown: Enemies hit with a successful unarmed attack must succeed on a STR Save or be knocked prone.
  • Soulbound Curse: Every time the greaves are used to knock down an enemy, the wearer must succeed on a WIS Save or suffer a -1 to their WIS as the trapped souls begin to influence their mind.
  • Aura of Fear: Enemies within 10 feet of the wearer must succeed on a WIL Save or suffer a -2 penalty to attacks against the wearer due to the unsettling presence of the greaves.
• Cost: 250 coins
• Weight: 2 slots.

Fate Core

Item: Soulrender Greaves

• Type: Artifact
• Aspect: “Leg Armor of Tormented Souls”
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invoke: The wearer can invoke the aspect of the Soulrender Greaves to gain a +2 bonus to Fight rolls when delivering kicks or unarmed strikes. The wearer can also invoke the greaves for intimidation purposes when facing enemies.
  • Compel: The trapped souls within the greaves can compel the user into reckless aggression or bloodlust. The GM can offer a fate point to have the wearer act on the souls’ influence, attacking recklessly or without regard for allies.
  • Stunt: Soulbound Strikes: Once per scene, the user may deliver a powerful kick that knocks an opponent prone, creating an advantage called “Prone and Vulnerable” that the user or allies can exploit.
• Drawback: The wearer gains the Trouble aspect “Whispers of the Damned”, making them susceptible to mental strain and manipulation by dark forces.

Numenera & Cypher System

Item: Soulrender Greaves

• Type: Artifact (Level 5)
• Description: A set of spiked greaves imbued with dark power and bound to tormented souls.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Effect: The Soulrender Greaves increase the wearer’s unarmed attacks by adding 5 points of damage when using kicks.
  • Special Effect: On a successful hit, the target must make a Might Defense roll or be knocked prone. Failure means they take 2 additional points of damage from the spikes and are knocked down.
  • Depletion: 1 in 1D10: After prolonged use, the greaves may lose their connection to the soul energy trapped within them.
• Curse: The wearer experiences hallucinations or whispers from the souls trapped in the spikes. This may increase the difficulty of Intellect Defense rolls when resisting mental effects or interacting with spirits.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Item: Soulrender Greaves

• Type: Wondrous Item (Rare, Magical)
• Price: 350 gp
• Bulk: 2
• Requirements: Attunement by a character proficient in unarmed strikes or martial arts.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage Bonus: The greaves provide a +2 bonus to damage rolls made with unarmed strikes (kicks).
  • Knockdown: When the wearer successfully hits an opponent with an unarmed kick, the target must succeed on a DC 18 Reflex save or be knocked prone.
  • Cursed Whispers: Every time the wearer knocks an enemy prone, they must make a DC 15 Will save or suffer from Frightened 1 as the trapped souls whisper terrifying thoughts into their mind.
  • Aura of Menace: Enemies within 10 feet of the wearer who attempt to attack them must succeed on a DC 16 Will save or suffer a -1 status penalty to attacks for 1 round.
  • Activation: Automatic on attacks.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Item: Soulrender Greaves

• Type: Heavy Armor (Artifact)
• Game Mechanics:
  • Armor: +2 Armor (Legs only). Provides limited protection against attacks directed at the legs.
  • Damage: Unarmed kicks deal +2 damage.
  • Knockback: On a successful Fighting roll using the greaves, the wearer can attempt a Push maneuver. The target is pushed back 1 inch per raise on the attack roll and must succeed on an Agility roll or be knocked prone.
  • Fear: Anyone within 6 inches of the wearer must make a Spirit roll or become Shaken from the dark energy emanating from the greaves.
  • Curse: Each time the greaves are used to knock down or incapacitate an opponent, the user gains a -1 penalty to Spirit rolls for the next hour due to the influence of the trapped souls.
• Weight: 6 lbs
• Cost: 400 silver pieces.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Item: Soulrender Greaves

• Type: Magical Armor (Restricted)
• Description: Abyssal iron greaves with bone spikes, designed to amplify unarmed combat and imbued with dark magical energy.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Armor Rating: +2 to Impact Armor (Legs only).
  • Unarmed Strike Bonus: Adds +2 DV to unarmed kicks.
  • Knockdown: When delivering a successful unarmed strike, the target must resist a Strength + Body Test (Threshold 3) or be knocked prone.
  • Essence Drain: Each time the greaves are used to knock an opponent prone, the user suffers 0.2 Essence loss, representing the toll the bound souls take on the user.
  • Aura of Fear: Characters within 10 meters must make a Willpower + Intuition Test (Threshold 2) or suffer a -1 penalty on actions for the next turn due to the disturbing aura of the greaves.
• Cost: 100,000¥
• Availability: Restricted (10R)

Starfinder

Item: Soulrender Greaves

• Level: 5
• Type: Hybrid Item (Magic and Technology)
• Description: Spiked greaves forged from Abyssal metals, channeling both dark magic and enhanced technological force to increase the wearer’s combat abilities.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage Bonus: Adds +2 damage to unarmed strikes (kicks).
  • Knockdown Effect: Targets hit by a successful unarmed strike must make a DC 15 Reflex save or be knocked prone.
  • Fear Aura: Once per day, the greaves can emit a fear effect. All creatures within a 15-foot radius must make a DC 14 Will save or be shaken for 1 round.
  • Cursed Effect: Each time the greaves are used to knock a target prone, the user must succeed on a DC 14 Will save or suffer 1 point of Resolve Drain as the souls within siphon their energy.
• Price: 3,500 credits
• Bulk: 1
• Capacity: 20 charges (for the fear aura). Rechargeable with solar energy or magical infusion.

Traveller

Item: Soulrender Greaves

• Type: Personal Armor (Artifact)
• Tech Level: 14
• Game Mechanics:
  • Armor: Provides +3 to Leg Armor. The spikes make the greaves particularly durable.
  • Unarmed Combat Enhancement: Kicks performed with the greaves grant +2 DM to unarmed combat rolls.
  • Knockdown: A successful kick requires the target to make an Endurance check (8+) or be knocked prone.
  • Psychic Disruption: Each time the user knocks an opponent prone, they must make a Psionic Strength check (7+). On a failure, the user suffers a -1 penalty to all Psionic tasks for the next hour, as the souls within the greaves interfere with their mental faculties.
• Cost: 250,000 Credits
• Weight: 6 kg

Warhammer 40,000 (Wrath & Glory)

Item: Soulrender Greaves

• Type: Artifact (Unique)
• Game Mechanics:
  • Armor: The greaves grant +2 Resilience (Legs only).
  • Unarmed Strike Damage: Adds +2 ED to unarmed strike damage rolls made with kicks.
  • Knockdown: When a critical hit is scored with an unarmed attack, the target must make a DN 4 Strength Test or be knocked prone.
  • Fear (2): The greaves radiate an aura of dread. Enemies within 6 meters of the wearer must make a Willpower Test (DN 3) or suffer Fear (2).
  • Cursed Souls: Each time a killing blow is delivered with the greaves, the wearer must pass a Corruption Test (DN 5) or gain 1 point of Corruption, as the souls trapped within the spikes subtly influence the wearer toward more violent, darker tendencies.
• Price: Priceless (Artifact)
• Availability: Unique, only obtained through story events or high-level negotiations with dark forces.