Lore: Symbol 39 of Remorse traces its origins to the mythic Tale of Kaelthor, an ancient hero who lost everything due to a single rash decision. The story has been passed down through generations in Saṃsāra, and it resonates deeply in a realm where the consequences of one’s actions can have lasting impacts on both their spiritual journey and worldly affairs. For a level one character to display this symbol is a clear sign of their regret over past actions, and it marks their intent to seek redemption.
Graphic Appearance: The Symbol 39 of Remorse consists of a weeping eye enveloped by a downward spiral. Above the eye hovers a broken sword, symbolizing the downfall that comes from unwise actions. The entire image is often rendered in shades of gray and black, emphasizing its somber nature.
Ideas Represented by This Symbol: The symbol embodies regret, penitence, and the acknowledgment of one’s mistakes. It represents a desire for absolution and an ongoing struggle for moral and ethical improvement.
Concept of Symbol: This is a cultural and spiritual symbol, understood by the sentient beings of Saṃsāra as a sign of contrition. Unlike symbols that denote pride or achievement, this one marks a complex emotional state that many in the realm can empathize with.
Type of Symbol: This is a wearable symbol, usually displayed as a pendant or as a crest on clothing or armor. It can also be seen as a mark etched onto building structures like temples or sanctuaries.
Motivation: The motivation for adopting this symbol is to acknowledge personal faults or mistakes and express an intent to atone for them. It serves as a constant reminder of one’s imperfections, spurring the individual toward self-improvement.
Use: Commonly used by individuals undergoing a period of atonement or penance. It is often seen in religious retreats, reformation institutions, and among those who have a specific life event they deeply regret.
Tags: Ashamed, Remorse, Regret, Atonement, Penitence
Positives:
- Invites empathy and offers a chance for forgiveness from others who recognize the symbol.
- May bring the wearer some inner peace by acknowledging their own faults.
Negatives:
- Can attract scorn or derision from those who view the symbol as an admission of weakness.
- The individual may become too focused on their past mistakes, hindering their ability to move forward.
The Symbol 39 of Remorse is imbued with both the positive transformative potential of regret and the risk of becoming ensnared by one’s own guilt. It serves as a visual dialogue between the individual and society, as well as between the individual and their own conscience.
The Sorrow of Kaelthor and the Birth of the Symbol 39 of Remorse
In the days of old when the earth and sky were still young, lived Kaelthor, a warrior of great renown. Fearsome in battle and quick of wit, Kaelthor became intoxicated with his own prowess. He ignored the counsel of elders and silenced the whispers of caution in his heart, choosing instead the impulsive path of pride and recklessness.
Kaelthor was betrothed to Alira, the daughter of the Oracle, a woman of immense wisdom and boundless love. But in his arrogance, Kaelthor chose to undertake a perilous quest to slay the Serpent of Shadows, believing the feat would immortalize his name for all eternity. Despite Alira’s tearful pleas and the Oracle’s grim prophecies, he donned his armor and departed, a blazing fire of hubris in his eyes.
The warrior traversed treacherous lands, crossed turbulent seas, and faced formidable foes, all while the Symbol of Hubris gleamed proudly on his breastplate. At last, he reached the dark cavern where the Serpent of Shadows resided. A fierce battle ensued, and though Kaelthor fought with unmatched ferocity, he was ultimately defeated. Yet, instead of ending his life, the Serpent cursed him with eternal sorrow and vanished into the abyss.
Defeated and shamed, Kaelthor returned to his homeland, but not to a hero’s welcome. Alira had perished from a broken heart, and the Oracle was no more, passing into the shadow realm, burdened by her own despair. The community shunned him, their former admiration now turned to contempt.
Filled with remorse, Kaelthor sought to create a symbol that could encapsulate his anguish and shame, as well as serve as a warning to others. He fashioned an emblem featuring a weeping eye enveloped by a downward spiral, and above it hovered a broken sword. This became known as the Symbol 39 of Remorse. From that moment on, Kaelthor disappeared from the annals of history, but his symbol remained, a haunting token of the price of heedlessness.
Moral of the Story: Regret for the past is a heavy burden, yet it can also light the path to a wiser future.
Suggested conversion to other systems:
Call of Cthulhu
Item: Symbol 39 of Remorse
- Type: Talisman
- Use: Sanity Checks
- Effect: When worn, grants +1 on Sanity Checks related to past traumatic events.
Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Item: Symbol 39 of Remorse
- Item Type: Wondrous Item, Uncommon
- Attunement: Required
- Properties: Remorseful Aura: Once per day, the wearer can use an action to emit an aura of remorse. All hostile creatures within 10 feet must make a Wisdom Saving Throw DC 12 or be affected by the “Disadvantage on Attack Rolls” condition until the end of their next turn.
Knave
Item: Symbol 39 of Remorse
- Type: Charm
- Slots: 1
- Usage Die: d6
- Effect: Wearing the symbol grants +1 to any saving throw related to resisting emotional manipulation.
Numenera & Cypher System
Item: Symbol 39 of Remorse
- Type: Oddity
- Level: 1d6
- Effect: Provides an asset for resisting emotional or mental influence. Useable once per day.
Pathfinder 2e
Item: Symbol 39 of Remorse
- Type: Talisman
- Level: 1
- Price: 5 gp
- Usage: affixed to armor; Activate: Free Action
- Effect: Grants a +1 status bonus to Will saves related to guilt or regret for 1 minute. Consumed after use.
Savage Worlds
Item: Symbol 39 of Remorse
- Type: Amulet
- Effect: +1 on Spirit rolls to resist Fear effects stemming from past actions.
Shadowrun
Item: Symbol 39 of Remorse
- Type: Talisman
- Availability: 4
- Cost: 200¥
- Effect: Grants +1 dice pool modifier on Composure Tests related to regrets or past mistakes.
Starfinder
Item: Symbol 39 of Remorse
- Type: Magical Trinket
- Level: 1
- Price: 100 credits
- Effect: Once per day, you can gain a +1 morale bonus to Will saves against effects that play on your regrets.
Warhammer
Item: Symbol 39 of Remorse
- Type: Talisman
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Effect: Wearer gains +10 to Will Power Tests related to resisting emotional distress related to their past actions.