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Ballad 47 of the Petri Dish

—

by

Dale
in

Verse 1:
In Saṃsāra’s realm of wonder and might
Lies a tale of microbes, a wondrous sight
In petri dishes, they grow and thrive
A world of bacteriology, alive

Verse 2:
With agar gel and broth, they’re fed
Their cultures bloom, and secrets are spread
Of disease and health, they hold the key
A microscopic world, for all to see

Verse 3:
From fermentation to decomposition
Bacteria work, with no condition
Breaking down, or building anew
Their impact vast, on all we do

Verse 4:
In every environment, they’re found
From soil to skin, their presence is bound
Beneficial or harmful, they play a part
In the grand symphony, of life’s every art

Verse 5:
The microscope reveals, their hidden might
A world of wonder, in plain sight
Rod-shaped, sphere-shaped, or spiral too
Each one unique, with a story anew

Verse 6:
In the lab, scientists toil and strive
To understand, the secrets they hold inside
Of immunity, and how to prevail
Against the forces, that make us fail

Verse 7:
From vaccines to antibiotics, they’ve led
The way to cures, for the sick and the dread
A never-ending quest, to understand and know
The mysteries of microbes, as they grow

Verse 8:
In Saṃsāra’s world, where magic flows free
Bacteriology’s secrets, are waiting to be
Unlocked by those, with the mind’s eye keen
To harness the power, of the microbial scene

Verse 9:
So let us marvel, at this tiny might
And strive to comprehend, the bacteriological light
That shines so bright, in the petri dish’s glow
A beacon of hope, for all to know.

The Ballad 47 of the Petri Dish is inscribed on a rare and precious item known as the “Microbe’s Muse,” a beautifully crafted silver lute adorned with intricate etchings of microorganisms. This lute is said to have been created by a skilled instrument maker who was inspired by the wonders of bacteriology.

Lore: The Microbe’s Muse is said to hold the essence of the microscopic world, and those who play it with skill and knowledge of bacteriology are believed to be able to harness the power of microbes to heal, protect, and balance the natural world.

Skills — To unlock the full potential of the Microbe’s Muse, one must possess the following skills:

  • Bacteriology: Knowledge of microorganisms, their habitats, and their roles in the ecosystem.
  • Music: Proficiency in playing the lute and singing with a clear, melodious voice.
  • Arcana: Understanding of the magical properties of the lute and the ballad.

Motivation: Those who seek to wield the Microbe’s Muse are motivated by a desire to understand and protect the natural world, to heal the sick, and to balance the forces of nature.

Use — When the Ballad 47 of the Petri Dish is sung and played on the Microbe’s Muse, the following magical powers are realized:

  • Healing: The music and lyrics have a soothing effect on the sick and injured, accelerating the healing process and boosting immunity.
  • Purification: The ballad can cleanse contaminated water and air, making them safe for consumption and inhalation.
  • Balance: The music can calm turbulent weather, balance the ecosystem, and restore equilibrium to the natural world.
  • Protection: The lute’s melodies can repel harmful microorganisms, creating a protective barrier around the player and their allies.

Magic Manifested: When the ballad is played and sung with skill and passion, the Microbe’s Muse begins to glow with a soft, blue-green light. The etchings on the lute seem to come alive, as if the microorganisms themselves are dancing to the music. The air around the player is filled with a sweet, earthy scent, reminiscent of a forest after a spring rain. As the music reaches its climax, a gentle, pulsing glow envelops the player and their surroundings, signifying the manifestation of the magical powers.

Slot: Instrument (Lute)

Tier 1 Stats:

  • Magic Attack: 12
  • Magic Defense: 10
  • Healing: 8
  • Support: 14
  • Size: Medium (4 ft long, 1 ft wide)
  • Weight: 5 lbs

Positives:

  • Grants the ability to play the Ballad 47 of the Petri Dish, unlocking its magical powers
  • Increases the player’s knowledge of bacteriology and arcana
  • Provides a bonus to healing and support magic
  • Has a calming effect on the player and their allies

Negatives:

  • Requires regular tuning and maintenance to keep its magical properties
  • Can be fragile and prone to damage if not handled carefully
  • May attract unwanted attention from those seeking to exploit its powers

Tags: Instrument, Lute, Bacteriology, Arcana, Healing, Support, Magic, Musical, Rare, Fragile, Calming, Protective

Note: As a Tier 1 item, the Microbe’s Muse has a moderate level of power and abilities. As the player progresses and grows in power, the item can be upgraded to higher tiers, unlocking additional abilities and enhancements.

The Microbe’s Muse is a beautifully crafted silver lute with intricate etchings of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and cells, on its body. The etchings are so detailed that they seem to come alive as the light catches them. The lute’s neck and strings are adorned with tiny, shimmering gemstones that resemble microscopic structures. Its sound hole is shaped like a stylized petri dish, adding to its unique design. When played, the lute emits a soft, ethereal glow, as if the music itself is alive and radiating from the instrument. The overall appearance is a mesmerizing blend of art, science, and magic.

Perception of Activation: When the Microbe’s Muse is played and the Ballad 47 of the Petri Dish is sung, the following perceptions are experienced:

  • Sensory Perceptions:
    • Sight: A soft, pulsing glow emanates from the lute, illuminating the surrounding area with a warm, blue-green light. The etchings on the lute seem to move and swirl, as if the microorganisms are dancing to the music.
    • Sound: The lute’s melodies are hauntingly beautiful, with a subtle, echoing quality that resonates deep within the listener’s soul. The music seems to take on a life of its own, filling the air with an otherworldly harmony.
    • Smell: A sweet, earthy scent wafts from the lute, reminiscent of a forest after a spring rain. The aroma is calming and soothing, promoting relaxation and tranquility.
    • Touch: The lute’s surface feels smooth and cool to the touch, with a subtle vibration that seems to hum with energy. The player’s fingers tingle with a gentle, electric sensation as they strum the strings.
    • Taste: A subtle, metallic flavor is perceived on the tongue, similar to the taste of a mild, herbal tea. The flavor is refreshing and invigorating, leaving the mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
  • Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
    • Intuition: A sense of connection to the natural world and the microorganisms that inhabit it. The player feels a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things.
    • Empathy: A heightened sense of compassion and understanding for all living beings, as if the music is bridging the gaps between species and fostering a sense of unity.
    • Clairvoyance: Visions of the microscopic world, with images of cells, bacteria, and viruses dancing in the mind’s eye. The player sees the beauty and complexity of the tiny, hidden world.
    • Clairaudience: A gentle, whispery voice that seems to come from the lute itself, offering words of wisdom and guidance on the mysteries of the microscopic realm.
    • Clairsentience: A sense of balance and harmony, as if the music is tuning the player’s energy to the natural world. The player feels a deep sense of peace and tranquility.
  • Positives:
    • Promotes a sense of connection to the natural world
    • Fosters empathy and compassion for all living beings
    • Grants insight into the mysteries of the microscopic realm
    • Provides a sense of balance and harmony
    • Encourages relaxation and tranquility
  • Negatives:
    • May be overwhelming for those not attuned to the natural world
    • Can be distracting for those with a more logical or analytical mindset
    • May cause a sense of disorientation or disconnection from the physical world
    • Can be addictive, leading to overuse and neglect of other responsibilities
    • May attract unwanted attention from those seeking to exploit its powers

Recipe: Microbe’s Muse (Silver Lute)

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb Silver ore
    • 1/2 lb Copper ore
    • 1/4 lb Tin ore
    • 1/4 lb Zinc ore
    • 1 vial of Pure Water
    • 1 vial of Essence of Rose
    • 1 vial of Essence of Lavender
    • 1 small piece of Quartz crystal
    • 1 small piece of Amethyst gemstone
    • 1 small piece of Silverwood (rare)
  • Equipment/Utensils:
    • Forge
    • Anvil
    • Hammer
    • Tongs
    • Pliers
    • Wire cutters
    • Sandpaper
    • Polishing cloth
    • Lute strings (silver-plated)
    • Lute tuning pegs (silver-plated)
    • Woodcarving tools (for intricate designs)
  • Skills:
    • Smithing (Advanced)
    • Woodworking (Intermediate)
    • Music (Basic)
    • Arcana (Basic)
    • Bacteriology (Basic)
  • Crafting Steps:
    • Step 1: Forge the Lute Body
      • Combine Silver, Copper, Tin, and Zinc ores in the forge.
      • Heat until molten, then shape into a lute body using the anvil and hammer.
      • Allow to cool and harden.
    • Step 2: Add Intricate Designs
      • Use woodcarving tools to add intricate designs of microorganisms to the lute body.
      • Sandpaper and polish the designs to a high shine.
    • Step 3: Create the Sound Hole
      • Use a small drill or piercing tool to create a sound hole in the lute body.
      • Shape the sound hole into a stylized petri dish design.
    • Step 4: Add Strings and Tuning Pegs
      • Install silver-plated lute strings and tuning pegs.
      • Tune the lute to a harmonious pitch.
    • Step 5: Add Quartz and Amethyst
      • Set the Quartz crystal and Amethyst gemstone into the lute body.
      • Use a small amount of Pure Water and Essence of Rose to activate the crystals.
    • Step 6: Add Silverwood and Essence of Lavender
      • Inlay a small piece of Silverwood into the lute body.
      • Apply a small amount of Essence of Lavender to the Silverwood.
    • Step 7: Final Touches
      • Polish the entire lute to a high shine.
      • Add a final touch of Arcana to awaken the lute’s magical properties.

Result: A beautifully crafted silver lute, imbued with the magic of the microscopic world and the essence of the natural world. When played, the Microbe’s Muse will emit a soft, pulsing glow and grant the player access to the Ballad 47 of the Petri Dish.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Microbe’s Muse can be found in specialized shops that deal in rare and exotic musical instruments, particularly those with magical properties. These shops are often tucked away in hidden corners of the city, and only those with a keen eye and a passion for music can stumble upon them.

Types of shops where the Microbe’s Muse might be found:

Curious Collectibles: A small, mysterious shop filled with rare and unusual items, including magical instruments.

The Enchanted Strings: A music shop specializing in exotic and enchanted instruments, where the Microbe’s Muse might be displayed prominently.

The Arcane Instrumentarium: A shop catering to musicians seeking instruments with magical properties, where the Microbe’s Muse would be a prized item.

Cost: The Microbe’s Muse is a rare and precious item, and its cost reflects its value. In the world of Saṃsāra, the price of the Microbe’s Muse might be around:

  • 10,000 gold pieces (a small fortune for most adventurers)
  • A rare gemstone or magical artifact of equal value
  • A promise of a future favor or quest completion for a powerful patron

Keep in mind that the cost may vary depending on the shop, the seller, and the buyer’s negotiation skills. Additionally, the Microbe’s Muse might be sold as part of a package deal, including lessons, maintenance, and upkeep services to ensure the instrument’s magical properties remain intact.

The Tale of the Microbe’s Muse

In days of yore, when gods still walked among mortals, a great musician named Elikai sought to create the most wondrous instrument the world had ever known. Elikai spent many moons in solitude, pouring over ancient tomes and seeking guidance from the wisest sages. Finally, with a burst of inspiration, Elikai crafted the Microbe’s Muse, a lute of silver and precious gems.

As Elikai’s fingers danced upon the strings, the Microbe’s Muse sang with a voice like the gentle rustling of leaves. Its melodies entranced the creatures of the forest, and even the gods themselves were said to have wept at the beauty of its music.

But alas, Elikai’s triumph was short-lived, for the musician soon became consumed by the very magic he had created. The Microbe’s Muse began to play of its own accord, weaving a spell of enchantment that drew all who heard it into a realm of dreams.

Elikai’s friends and family, fearing for his sanity, tried to intervene, but the musician would not be swayed. And so, the Microbe’s Muse continued to play, its music echoing through the ages, a haunting reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Moral of the Story: “Beware the allure of power, lest it consume thee, and remember that true greatness lies in balance and harmony.”

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Item: Microbe’s Muse

  • (Unique Musical Instrument)
  • Appearance: A beautifully crafted silver lute with intricate etchings of microorganisms
  • History: Created by the musician Elikai, said to have been inspired by the gods
  • Powers:
    • Inspires creativity and madness in those who hear its music
    • Grants the player a bonus to Charm and Fast Talk skills
    • Can summon a swarm of microorganisms to distract enemies
  • Cost: 10,000 gold pieces
  • Sanity Risk: 1D6/1D20

Blades in the Dark (2nd Edition)

Item: Microbe’s Muse

  • (Exotic Instrument)
  • Tier: 3
  • Effect:
    • Grants the player a bonus to Charm and Manipulation rolls
    • Can create a distraction or diversion
    • Can summon a swarm of microorganisms to aid in combat
  • Cost: 10,000 gold pieces
  • Heat: 3

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Item: Microbe’s Muse

  • (Instrument of the Gods)
  • Rarity: Very Rare
  • Type: Musical Instrument
  • Properties:
    • Grants the player a bonus to Charisma checks
    • Can charm creatures within 30 feet
    • Can summon a swarm of microorganisms to aid in combat
  • Cost: 10,000 gold pieces
  • Weight: 5 lbs

Knave (1st Edition)

Item: Microbe’s Muse (Magical Instrument)

  • Tier: 3
  • Effect:
    • Grants the player a bonus to Charm and Deception rolls
    • Can create a distraction or diversion
    • Can summon a swarm of microorganisms to aid in combat
  • Cost: 10,000 gold pieces
  • Weight: 5 lbs

Fate (Core System)

Item: Microbe’s Muse

  • (Magical Instrument)
  • High Concept: Enchanted Silver Lute
  • Trouble: Risk of Madness
  • Skills: +2 Charisma, +1 Deception
  • Stunts:
    • Inspire Creativity: Gain +1 to Create Advantage rolls
    • Swarm of Microorganisms: Summon a swarm to distract enemies
  • Cost: 10,000 gold pieces

Numenera & Cypher System

Item: Microbe’s Muse

  • (Cypher)
  • Type: Instrument
  • Form: Silver lute
  • Effect:
    • Grants the player a bonus to Charisma-based rolls
    • Can summon a swarm of microorganisms to aid in combat
  • Cost: 10,000 gold pieces
  • Depletion: 1 in 10

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Item: Microbe’s Muse

  • (Instrument of the Gods)
  • Rarity: Very Rare
  • Type: Musical Instrument
  • Properties:
    • Grants the player a bonus to Charisma checks
    • Can charm creatures within 30 feet
    • Can summon a swarm of microorganisms to aid in combat
  • Cost: 10,000 gold pieces
  • Weight: 5 lbs

Savage Worlds

Item: Microbe’s Muse

  • (Magical Instrument)
  • Type: Instrument
  • Effect:
    • Grants the player a bonus to Charisma-based rolls
    • Can summon a swarm of microorganisms to aid in combat
  • Cost: 10,000 gold pieces
  • Weight: 5 lbs
  • Notes: Risk of madness, can charm creatures within 30 feet

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Item: Microbe’s Muse

  • (Enchanted Instrument)
  • Type: Musical Instrument
  • Rating: 4
  • Availability: 10,000 nuyen
  • Effects:
    • Grants the player a bonus to Charisma-based rolls
    • Can summon a swarm of microorganisms to aid in combat
  • Notes: Risk of madness, can charm creatures within 30 feet

Starfinder (Core Rulebook)

Item: Microbe’s Muse

  • (Exotic Instrument)
  • Type: Musical Instrument
  • Level: 10
  • Price: 10,000 credits
  • Effects:
    • Grants the player a bonus to Charisma-based rolls
    • Can summon a swarm of microorganisms to aid in combat
  • Notes: Risk of madness, can charm creatures within 30 feet

Traveller (Mongoose Edition)

Item: Microbe’s Muse

  • (Rare Instrument)
  • Type: Musical Instrument
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Price: 10,000 credits
  • Effects:
    • Grants the player a bonus to Charisma-based rolls
    • Can summon a swarm of microorganisms to aid in combat
  • Notes: Risk of madness, can charm creatures within 30 feet

Warhammer (Age of Sigmar)

Item: Microbe’s Muse

  • (Arcane Instrument)
  • Type: Musical Instrument
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Points: 10
  • Effects:
    • Grants the player a bonus to Charisma-based rolls
    • Can summon a swarm of microorganisms to aid in combat
  • Notes: Risk of madness, can charm creatures within 30 feet