Ballad 317 of the Swiftest Streams

Verse 1:
In the heart of Samsara, beneath sky’s endless dome,
Lived a hero, swift as wind, through high magic realms he’d roam.
With feet that danced on water’s edge, so light and full of grace,
He raced the morning sun, in every wild, untamed space.

Verse 2:
His strength unmatched, in fields and woods, he’d leap and bound so high,
Scaling cliffs and mountains vast, nearly touching the sky.
In contests of might and speed, his name would echo loud,
For in the realm of Athletics, he stood alone, unbowed.

Verse 3:
Across the rivers wide, he’d sprint, on currents swift and clear,
No beast nor bird could match his pace, they watched in awe and fear.
Through misty vales and thunderous falls, his spirit never dimmed,
For in his heart, a fire burned, by no waters quenched or trimmed.

Verse 4:
He faced the ancient wyverns, in caves where shadows dwell,
With agility he’d weave and dodge, their fiery breath he’d quell.
In battles fierce, his prowess shone, a dance of strength and will,
And when the dawn broke clear and bright, his foes lay cold and still.

Verse 5:
In tournaments of valor, where champions vie for glory,
His feats of strength and speed were sung, in every bard’s story.
He lifted stones of ages past, and hurled them through the air,
While crowds in silence watched, none could his might compare.

Verse 6:
With every challenge faced, his legend only grew,
For there was naught he couldn’t scale, nor distance he couldn’t pursue.
He swam against the mightiest currents, with power pure and rare,
And emerged on distant shores, with not a breath to spare.

Verse 7:
The people of Samsara, in villages and towns,
Would gather to behold his trials, his victories and crowns.
For in a world of magic, where mysteries abound,
His strength and speed were real, in flesh and blood they found.

Verse 8:
Through forests deep and ancient, where magic flows and weaves,
He ran with wolves and spirits, beneath the moonlit leaves.
In harmony with nature’s call, his soul forever strives,
For the essence of athleticism, in his heart survives.

Verse 9:
Now as the stars above, in endless night, do gleam,
The hero’s tale is whispered, like a distant, cherished dream.
In the realm of Samsara, where all magic finds its breath,
His legacy endures, in life, in legend, and in death.

The Ballad 317 of the Swiftest Streams is inscribed upon the Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia, a rare and ancient artifact found in the depths of the Emerald Forest, where the oldest magic of Samsara thrives. This scroll, made from the ethereal silk of the Moonlight Weaver spiders, holds the essence of athleticism and the spirit of boundless energy. It glimmers with an inner light, pulsating with the heartbeats of a thousand races long forgotten.

Lore: The Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia was crafted by the legendary sage Alaric the Swift, a figure renowned for his pursuit of the physical and magical extremes of speed and agility. Alaric believed that the essence of movement was not just a physical endeavor but a profound magical practice that could transcend the limits of the mundane world. Upon his death, his spirit was said to have infused the scroll with his life’s wisdom and power, making it a coveted artifact for adventurers and scholars alike.

Motivation: Carriers of the scroll are often driven by a desire to surpass their physical limits, seeking to embody the pinnacle of athleticism that the ballad venerates. They are adventurers, athletes, and wanderers who see the mastery of their own physical form as a path to enlightenment, power, and connection with the ancient magics of Samsara.

Positives:

• Enhanced Agility and Speed: Singing the ballad from the scroll imbues the singer and their allies with supernatural agility and speed, allowing them to move with the swiftness of the wind and the fluidity of water for a limited time.
• Athletic Mastery: The user gains an intuitive understanding of their body’s potential, enabling them to perform athletic feats beyond the capability of ordinary beings.
• Unyielding Stamina: For the duration of the song’s effects, those affected experience a significant reduction in physical fatigue, allowing them to travel great distances or fight tirelessly.

Negatives:

• Physical Toll: The magic of the scroll, while powerful, exacts a toll on the body. Prolonged use without proper rest can lead to severe exhaustion or injury.
• Magical Resonance: The ancient magic of the scroll may attract unwanted attention from mystical creatures or entities drawn to its power.
• Temporal Limitation: The effects of the ballad are temporary, and overreliance on its magic can lead to a dangerous overestimation of one’s natural abilities.

Tags: Artifact, Magic, Athletics, Agility, Speed, Stamina, Ancient Lore, Enhancement

Use: The Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia is primarily used in moments of great need, where the physical limits of the bearers must be surpassed. It serves as a beacon of inspiration and power for those who wish to push beyond the ordinary into the realm of legend. It is a favored tool for explorers facing treacherous terrains, warriors in the heat of battle, and competitors in feats of strength and speed.

Magic Manifested: When the ballad is sung, the air around the singers shimmers with a visible aura of energy. This magic enhances the physical abilities of those it touches, weaving Alaric the Swift’s ancient knowledge with the singers’ own potential to create a symphony of movement that defies the mundane. This manifested magic is a direct conduit to the ancient and mystical forces of Samsara, offering a glimpse into the realm where physical prowess and magical essence are one.

Slot: Artifact (Carried Item)

Stats:

• Agility: +20%
• Speed: +25%
• Stamina: +15%
• Size: 60 cm (Length) x 20 cm (Width) when unrolled
• Weight: 250 grams

Perception of the Five Senses and More:

• Sight:
  • What is Perceived: The scroll glows with an inner light, its ethereal silk shimmering with the colors of the wind and water.
  • Description: The ancient runes and symbols inscribed on the scroll appear to dance and move, captivating the viewer with their depth and complexity.
  • Positives: Enhances visual acuity and perception of magical auras.
  • Negatives: Prolonged exposure may lead to temporary visual overload or distraction by the scroll’s mesmerizing patterns.
• Hearing:
  • What is Perceived: A soft, harmonious whispering, akin to the rustling of leaves and the flow of a gentle stream.
  • Description: The scroll emits subtle sounds that resonate with the ancient magic within, connecting the bearer to the natural world.
  • Positives: Calms the mind, enhancing concentration and meditation.
  • Negatives: May be distracting in environments where acute auditory focus is required.
• Touch:
  • What is Perceived: The silk feels surprisingly warm and vibrates with a faint, pulsating energy.
  • Description: Holding the scroll imparts a sensation of vitality and dynamism, as if the artifact is alive with the spirit of Alaric the Swift.
  • Positives: Invigorates the bearer, providing a sense of well-being and energy.
  • Negatives: The constant vibration can be unsettling or uncomfortable for some.
• Smell:
  • What is Perceived: A fresh, invigorating scent reminiscent of a forest after rain.
  • Description: The scroll carries with it the essence of the Emerald Forest, filled with the aroma of ancient trees and untouched wilds.
  • Positives: Enhances mood and mental clarity, reconnecting the bearer with nature.
  • Negatives: The intense natural fragrance may overpower other scents, making it difficult to detect subtle odors.
• Taste:
  • What is Perceived: While not meant to be tasted, being in close proximity to the scroll imparts a crisp, clean taste in the mouth.
  • Description: This taste is akin to drinking pure, fresh water from a mountain spring, symbolizing the purity and essence of athleticism.
  • Positives: Refreshes the palate and can invigorate the bearer.
  • Negatives: The sensation may be confusing or distracting, especially when eating or drinking other substances.
• Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
  • Magical Intuition:
    • What is Perceived: A deeper connection to the flow of magic in Samsara.
    • Description: Bearers of the scroll find their ability to sense and manipulate magical energies enhanced.
    • Positives: Aids in casting spells and using magical items, reducing the risk of magical mishaps.
    • Negatives: May lead to overconfidence in one’s magical abilities.
  • Temporal Awareness:
    • What is Perceived: An acute perception of the passage of time, feeling both its immediacy and its expanse.
    • Description: This allows the bearer to better anticipate and react to events, sensing opportunities and dangers with greater clarity.
    • Positives: Enhances reflexes and decision-making in critical moments.
    • Negatives: Can cause anxiety or stress due to a heightened awareness of fleeting moments.
  • Empathic Resonance:
    • What is Perceived: A subtle attunement to the emotions and intentions of those around.
    • Description: The scroll fosters a connection between its bearer and others, promoting understanding and empathy.
    • Positives: Facilitates communication and collaboration, especially in team endeavors.
    • Negatives: The influx of external emotions can be overwhelming, leading to emotional fatigue.

Creating the Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia is a process steeped in ancient magic and requires mastery over arcane arts as well as a deep understanding of the physical world. The process is complex, involving rare ingredients, specialized equipment, and a series of intricate steps that must be performed with precision and care.

• Ingredients Needed:
  • Ethereal Silk: Harvested from Moonlight Weaver spiders, which reside in the most secluded parts of the Emerald Forest. This silk is known for its durability and magical conductivity.
  • Ancient Oak Gall Ink: Made from the galls of ancient oaks that have been infused with the essence of elemental magic. This ink is used to inscribe the ballad onto the ethereal silk.
  • Crystalized Mana: Pure mana crystallized into a solid form, used to imbue the scroll with magical energy.
  • Essence of Wind and Water: Captured from the highest peaks and the deepest springs, these essences are vital for infusing the scroll with the qualities of agility and speed.
• Equipment or Utensils Required:
  • Arcane Loom: A magical device capable of weaving ethereal silk into a scroll. This loom is often enchanted to respond to the weaver’s thoughts and intentions.
  • Enchanter’s Quill: A quill made from the feather of a phoenix or a similarly powerful magical creature, used to inscribe runes and symbols with ancient oak gall ink.
  • Elemental Crucible: A device used to blend the essence of wind and water with crystalized mana, ensuring the magical infusion of the scroll.
• Skills Needed:
  • Advanced Weaving: The ability to weave ethereal silk into a scroll using the arcane loom, requiring years of practice and a deep connection to the magical properties of the materials.
  • Rune Inscription: Mastery over ancient languages and symbols, allowing the crafter to inscribe the ballad with precision and magical intent.
  • Elemental Magic: Proficiency in manipulating the elements, necessary for infusing the scroll with the essences of wind and water.
  • Enchantment: The skill to imbue objects with magical properties, vital for activating the scroll’s magical effects.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Weave the ethereal silk on the arcane loom, focusing on the desired magical attributes of agility and speed.
  • Prepare the ancient oak gall ink and use the enchanter’s quill to inscribe the Ballad 317 of the Swiftest Streams onto the silk.
  • In the elemental crucible, blend the crystalized mana with the essence of wind and water, creating a potent magical mixture.
  • Apply the magical mixture to the inscribed scroll, chanting ancient incantations to bind the magic to the silk.
  • Allow the scroll to rest under the light of a full moon to absorb lunar energies, completing the enchantment process.

Cost: Given the rarity of the ingredients and the expertise required to craft the Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia, it is an exceedingly valuable item. The cost can range upwards of 10,000 gold pieces, depending on the market and the quality of the materials used.

Shops Where This Item is Sold: The Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia is typically found in high-end magical emporiums or sold by specialized arcane artifact dealers. It is not a common item and is often only available through private transactions or auctions. Shops that deal in rare magical artifacts, located in the capitals of high magic realms or hidden within the most ancient and mystical parts of Samsara, are the most likely places where one can find this artifact for sale.

The Swift Rescue of Elenora

Once upon a time, in lands of Samsara, there were hero named Marcus. Marcus, he was not like other men, for he possess Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia, a thing of great power. This scroll, it was gift from wise sage, who see in Marcus spirit of true hero.

One day, trouble come. Elenora, daughter of village chief, she was took by dragon, fierce beast of sky and fire. Dragon take her to high mountain, where no man can reach. Village, it was in despair, for who can fight dragon and climb such height?

Marcus, he say, “I will save her.” People, they laugh. “You, Marcus? You no warrior, you no mage.” But Marcus, he have secret. He take out Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia and begin to sing. As he sing, magic of ballad fill him. He become swift as wind, quick as stream.

He run, he climb, he reach mountain top where no man has before. Dragon, it see Marcus, it laugh. “Human, you come to die?” But Marcus, he not afraid. He move so fast, dragon cannot catch him. He dodge fire, he climb to dragon nest, he grab Elenora.

With Elenora in arms, Marcus jump down mountain. He run back to village, faster than ever. People, they see him come, they not believe eyes. Marcus, he save Elenora, he defeat dragon with no sword, no magic, only with ballad.

From that day, story of Marcus and Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia, it was told. How Marcus, with heart of hero and speed of ballad, make impossible possible. This story, it become legend, a tale of courage, speed, and power of ancient ballad. Everyone in Samsara, they know this tale, for it show true hero is not one with most weapons or magic, but one with bravery to use what they have for good.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia

• Type: Mythos Artifact
• Effects: Upon reading the scroll aloud, the reader gains a temporary boost in DEX by 50% for 1 hour. However, each use requires a SAN roll. Failure results in losing 1D6 SAN due to the overwhelming rush of energy.
• Sanity Cost: 0/1D6
• Game Mechanics:
  • The user must succeed on a Cthulhu Mythos roll to correctly interpret and use the scroll.
  • After use, the reader must make a CON roll. Failure indicates the user suffers from extreme exhaustion, rendering them incapacitated for 1D4 hours.

Blades in the Dark

Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia

• Type: Arcane Implement
• Effect: Grants the user the ability to perform supernatural feats of agility and speed, adding +2 to their Prowess for the duration of the score. The user can navigate any physical obstacle with ease.
• Drawback: After the effect wears off, the user suffers 2 levels of harm (exhaustion) that cannot be reduced by armor.
• Game Mechanics:
  • To activate the scroll, the user must spend 1 stress and succeed on an Attune roll. The effect lasts for one score.
  • If the user pushes themselves while the scroll is active, they take +1 stress in addition to the usual costs.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia

• Type: Wondrous Item, rare (requires attunement)
• Effect: When the user reads the scroll aloud, they gain the benefits of the Haste spell without the need for concentration, lasting for 10 minutes. Once the spell ends, the user doesn’t suffer from lethargy.
• Properties: The scroll has 3 charges. It regains all expended charges at dawn.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Attunement by a character requires them to be proficient in the Arcana skill.
  • After the last charge is used, the user must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be stunned for 1 minute as the magical energies overwhelm them.

Knave

Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia

• Type: Magical Scroll
• Effect: Grants the reader +10 bonus to all dexterity-based tests and allows them to move twice their usual speed for 60 minutes.
• Usage: Can be used once per day.
• Game Mechanics:
  • The scroll’s magic is potent. After use, the character must pass a Tinker saving throw or be unable to perform any actions for 10 minutes due to magical exhaustion.
  • Characters without a spellbook cannot use the scroll unless they pass a difficult Intellect test, representing their struggle to comprehend the ancient and powerful magic.

Fate Core

Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia

• Type: Extra
• Aspect: “Swift as the Wind, Light as the Stream”
• Skills Bonus: Provides +2 to Athletics for the purpose of running and dodging.
• Stunts:
  • Burst of Speed: Once per session, the user can move anywhere within their current zone or to an adjacent zone without using an action.
  • Evasive Maneuvers: Once per session, the user can automatically succeed at a defense roll against a physical attack.
• Cost: Using the scroll inflicts a mild consequence (Magical Exhaustion) that cannot be recovered until the user has a full scene of rest.
• Game Mechanics:
  • To activate the scroll, the user must spend a Fate point.
  • The Aspect of the scroll can be invoked or compelled as per usual Fate Core rules, especially in narrative situations emphasizing speed and agility.

Numenera & Cypher System

Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia (Artifact)

• Level: 6
• Effect: Activating the scroll grants the user an asset to speed-based tasks and increases their movement speed by double for one hour.
• Depletion: 1 in 1d6 (Roll after each use. On a 1, the scroll becomes inert and loses its power.)
• Game Mechanics:
  • Activation requires the user to spend 3 points from their Speed Pool. This cost is not reduced by Edge.
  • After use, the user must succeed on a Might defense roll against difficulty 4 or suffer 2 points of Might damage (ignores Armor) due to physical strain.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia

• Type: Wondrous Item, Rare
• Effect: The bearer gains the effects of a Longstrider and Freedom of Movement spell for 1 hour, without requiring concentration.
• Usage: 3 charges per day.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Activate: Command activation. The user speaks the command word and expends 1 charge.
  • Aftereffect: After the magic expires, the user must succeed on a Fortitude save (DC 22) or be fatigued until they complete a long rest.
  • Requirements: Must be able to read magical script to activate.

Savage Worlds

Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia

• Type: Magic Item
• Effects:
  • Quickness: The user gains the Quickness power, allowing them to act twice per turn for the duration.
  • Fleet-Footed: Increases the user’s Pace by 2 and running die by one size for one hour.
• Usage: The scroll can be used once per day.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Activating the scroll requires the user to make a Spellcasting roll at –2; failure results in Fatigue due to Backlash.
  • After the effect ends, the user must succeed on a Vigor roll at –2 or suffer a level of Fatigue from exhaustion, which cannot be recovered for 24 hours.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia

• Type: Magical Artifact
• Rating: 6
• Effect: Increases user’s Agility attribute by +3 and Reaction by +2 for 5 combat rounds. After the effect ends, the user suffers a -2 penalty to all physical actions for the next hour due to fatigue.
• Activation: Reading the scroll is a Complex Action.
• Game Mechanics:
  • The scroll can be used once per day. Overuse (more than once in 24 hours) requires the user to resist a Drain of 6.
  • Each use of the scroll requires a Magic + Enchanting [Force] (3) test to activate successfully.

Starfinder

Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia

• Type: Magic Item (Technological Artifact)
• Level: 10
• Effect: Grants the effects of the haste spell for 10 rounds once activated. Additionally, the user gains a +2 circumstance bonus to Acrobatics and Athletics checks.
• Usage: 1/day
• Game Mechanics:
  • Activation requires a successful Mysticism check (DC 20).
  • After the effect expires, the user must succeed on a Fortitude save (DC 18) or be fatigued for 1 hour.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia

• Type: Psionic Artifact
• Effect: Temporarily increases the user’s DEX by 4 points and provides a +2 bonus to all Athletics skill checks for 30 minutes.
• Limitation: Causes fatigue, applying a -1 DM to all physical skill checks for 6 hours after use.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Requires Psionics skill of 1 or higher to activate.
  • The user must make an END check (8+) after use. Failure results in immediate exhaustion, reducing physical stats (STR, DEX, END) by 2 points for the duration of the fatigue.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Eldritch Scroll of Veloxia

• Type: Arcane Relic
• Effect: The bearer gains +20% to Agility-based tests and doubles movement speed for the duration of one encounter. After the encounter, the bearer suffers a -10% penalty to all tests for 1 hour due to magical depletion.
• Activation: Reading aloud, which counts as a Half Action.
• Game Mechanics:
  • The scroll has 3 uses per day. Exceeding this limit risks the wrath of the Winds of Magic, requiring a roll on the Minor Miscast Table.
  • To activate, the user must succeed on a Channeling test (Challenging +0%). Failure indicates the magic is not harnessed correctly, resulting in no effect but still consuming a use for the day.