Lore: Symbol 81 of Hubris is deeply rooted in the aristocratic circles of Saṃsāra’s capital city, Zenithar. Originating from the House of Tyrantius, a family known for its audacious ambition and self-importance, the symbol is often adorned by individuals who have a high regard for their personal prowess and status. In the current age of industrialization, the symbol has spread across various guilds and merchant houses, becoming a mark for those who have an unshakable confidence in their ability to shape the world according to their vision.
Graphic Appearance: The Symbol 81 of Hubris is a bold, stylized icon of a sun and moon held apart by a towering crown. The sun and moon each have exaggerated, boastful expressions etched into them, as if competing for attention. The crown above them is lavishly adorned with abstract shapes that resemble jewels but are, in fact, tiny mirrors.
Ideas Represented by This Symbol: The symbol represents arrogance, audacity, and an unshakable belief in one’s superiority. It also signifies the hubristic attempt to dominate both the day and night, symbolic of an individual’s overconfidence in mastering all aspects of life.
Concept of Symbol: This is a cultural symbol, tied deeply to the identity and social values of a particular group within Saṃsāra. It is not merely decorative; it makes a statement about the wearer’s worldview.
Type of Symbol: This is a wearable symbol that can be imprinted on armor, clothing, or even as a tattoo on the skin.
Motivation: The main motivation for wearing this symbol is to publicly express one’s self-perceived greatness and to assert dominance or superiority over others.
Use: Typically used by aristocrats, successful merchants, or any individual who believes they are a cut above the rest. Often seen in high-stakes negotiations, duels, and other situations where an air of authority is deemed advantageous.
Tags: Arrogance, Dominance, Self-importance, Hubris
Positives:
- Increases the wearer’s charisma in situations where audacity and boldness are valued.
- May intimidate foes or lesser individuals, creating a psychological advantage.
Negatives:
- Wearing the symbol can attract unwanted attention, including challenges from those wishing to ‘knock the arrogant down a peg.’
- Social faux pas: the symbol is often frowned upon in diplomatic circles where humility and cooperation are valued.
The symbol offers a complex interplay of benefits and drawbacks, echoing the nature of arrogance itself. While it may bolster the confidence of the wearer and impress those inclined towards audacious displays of ego, it can also attract envy, resentment, and direct challenges.
The Sun, The Moon, and The Crown of Hubris
In an epoch now obscured by the mists of time, in the city of Zenithar, a tale was woven around the creation of the Symbol 81 of Hubris. It is the story of a king named Ersolius, a ruler so brazen that he declared himself mightier than both the Sun and the Moon. The Sun, he argued, could scorch lands and offer life, and the Moon could rule tides and herald night, but he, Ersolius, was their master, for he ruled over all that was touched by their light.
Angered by such insolence, the Sun and the Moon conspired to humble him. The Sun blazed so fiercely that the city’s crops withered, and the Moon waned to hide her light, leaving the nights dark and full of predators. Yet, Ersolius was unfazed. Employing the finest sorcerers, he created a magnificent crown imbued with spells to mitigate the extreme conditions. The Sun and Moon looked on in disbelief as their powers were bested.
To forever immortalize his triumph, Ersolius commissioned the creation of a symbol. He took the resplendent crown that tamed the Sun and the Moon and made it the centerpiece of the new icon, placing representations of the humbled celestial bodies beneath it. Thus, was born the Symbol 81 of Hubris, a testament to a man’s audacity to dominate what he could never truly control.
But the tale does not end here. Despite his victories, Ersolius grew increasingly isolated. People and celestial bodies alike distanced themselves from the king, who had become a prisoner of his arrogance. In time, his kingdom crumbled, not from external threats but from the lack of alliances and friendships. Ersolius lived his last days in a barren castle, surrounded by the symbol he had created, a bitter reminder of the price of his hubris.
Moral of the Story: Even if one manages to conquer the heavens, the Earth, devoid of allies and humbleness, will reclaim its due.
Suggested conversion to other systems:
Call of Cthulhu
Name: Symbol 81 of Hubris
- Type: Enchanted Jewelry
- Effects:
- +10% to Intimidate skill
- Disadvantage on Persuade skill
- -5 SAN when equipped due to arrogance
Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Name: Symbol 81 of Hubris
- Type: Wondrous Item (Amulet)
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Requirements: Attunement
- Effects:
- Grants +1 to Intimidation checks
- Disadvantage on Persuasion checks
- Disadvantage on Wisdom saving throws
Knave
Name: Symbol 81 of Hubris
- Type: Amulet
- Effects:
- +1 on Intimidation checks
- -1 on Persuasion checks
- -1 to Wisdom
Numenera & Cypher System
Name: Symbol 81 of Hubris
- Type: Cypher
- Level: 1
- Effects:
- Grants an asset on Intimidation tasks
- Inflicts a penalty on all other social interactions
Pathfinder 2e
Name: Symbol 81 of Hubris
- Type: Magical Amulet
- Level: 1
- Effects:
- Grants +1 item bonus to Intimidation checks
- Inflicts a -1 circumstance penalty on Diplomacy checks
Savage Worlds
Name: Symbol 81 of Hubris
- Type: Magical Jewelry
- Effects:
- Adds +1 to Intimidation rolls
- Applies a -1 penalty to Persuasion rolls
Shadowrun
Name: Symbol 81 of Hubris
- Type: Enchanted Jewelry
- Rating: 1
- Effects:
- +1 dice pool modifier for Intimidation tests
- -1 dice pool modifier for Negotiation tests
Starfinder
Name: Symbol 81 of Hubris
- Type: Mystic Jewelry
- Item Level: 1
- Effects:
- Grants +1 to Intimidate checks
- Imposes a -1 penalty to Diplomacy checks
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
Name: Symbol 81 of Hubris
- Type: Enchanted Amulet
- Effects:
- Grants +10 to Intimidate Skill Tests
- Applies a -10 penalty to Charm Skill Tests