Lore: The Wakened Eye is a symbol that traces its origins to the arcane guilds of Saṃsāra. Guilds specializing in the manipulation of magic for elemental steam and mind control originally used this symbol as a mark of apprenticeship. The concept of “arousal” in this context is not just limited to sexual or emotional arousal but refers to an increased state of magical and mental sensitivity. Apprentices bearing the Wakened Eye are believed to have their “Mind’s Eye” open to perceive the intricacies of magical flow and elemental interactions. As Saṃsāra has evolved, the symbol has been adopted by individuals outside the guild, especially those who are new to their journey in this realm.
Graphic Appearance: The Wakened Eye is an intricate symbol, resembling a stylized eye. At the core of the eye, instead of a pupil, there is a swirling vortex, depicting the mixing of elemental fire and water. Small wisps resembling steam emanate from the vortex. The eye is encircled by a serpent eating its tail, a nod to the continuous cycle of arousal and release in the manipulation of magic.
Ideas Represented by this Symbol:
- Awakening of “Mind’s Eye”
- Connection between elemental fire and water
- The initial step in mastering magical flows
- Eternal cycle of magical arousal and release
Concept of Symbol: The concept of the Wakened Eye serves as a rite of passage for apprentices and newcomers, signaling their initiation into the world of magic. It serves as a reminder that even the most powerful mages once started with an open, receptive state of arousal towards learning.
Type of Symbol: The Wakened Eye is a ritualistic symbol, often etched onto the skin with magical ink or sewn into garments.
Motivation: The motivation behind wearing this symbol is to announce one’s entry into the intricate world of Saṃsāra’s magical sciences. It signifies the wearer’s willingness to be receptive and sensitive to the magical forces that permeate the realm.
Use: This symbol is usually displayed openly, either as an arm tattoo, etched onto magical gear, or woven into the fabrics of clothing. Some magic shops offer services to etch this symbol onto items using elemental steam.
Tags: Apprentice, Elemental Magic, Mind’s Eye, Magical Sensitivity, Initiation
Positives:
- Wearer is acknowledged as someone dedicated to learning and growing.
- Helps in easier identification and interaction among people of similar levels.
- May offer subtle magical enhancements when used with specific spells or rituals.
Negatives:
- Can attract unwanted attention from higher-level beings seeking easy targets.
- The symbol might not be respected in areas where elemental magic is frowned upon.
- Those who fail to move past this initial phase may be looked down upon for not evolving their symbol.
The Wakened Eye serves as an elaborate representation of one’s initiation into the magical world of Saṃsāra, encapsulating both the learning process and the mystical forces at play. It is both a badge of honor and a mark of vulnerability, serving as a constant reminder of the perpetual journey of mastery.
The Tale of Jorven and the Wakened Eye
In an epoch long past, when the stars themselves were but young twinkles in the night, the tale of Jorven and the Wakened Eye was etched into the parchment of history, known today only through layers of translation from an even more archaic tongue lost to time.
Jorven, a mere stripling of a lad, was an apprentice in one of the most revered arcane guilds in Saṃsāra. His heart swelled with both aspiration and trepidation the day the symbol of the Wakened Eye was magically inked onto his arm. The symbol was his initiation, a mark that opened his “Mind’s Eye” to the effusive dance of elemental fire and water, and to the very flow of magic that surged like an unseen river through the realm.
In those times, it was told that the Wakened Eye could not only reveal the magical intricacies of Saṃsāra but also unveil hidden chambers in ancient ruins when invoked with the correct incantation. Obsessed with this ancient wisdom, Jorven spent nights and days in the labyrinthine library of the guild, poring over crumbling scrolls and faded manuscripts. His arousal, both magical and intellectual, led him to a particular scroll written in a language that barely a handful in Saṃsāra could fathom. With diligence that bordered on fervor, Jorven decoded it. The scroll contained the incantation to awaken the hidden power of the Wakened Eye symbol, unlocking its ability to reveal secret chambers in ruins and lost temples.
Unable to contain his excitement, Jorven sought the council of his guild’s wise Elders. However, the Elders, wary of the arrogance that so often comes with untamed power, admonished him. “Beware, young Jorven, for the arousal of magical prowess should not outpace the growth of wisdom.”
Ignoring the warnings, Jorven set forth alone to an ancient temple, said to be a repository of lost knowledge. There, he chanted the incantation, and his Wakened Eye shimmered. The walls of the temple groaned and shifted, revealing a hidden chamber awash in a ethereal light. Ecstatic, Jorven stepped in. As he did, the serpentine circle around his Wakened Eye tightened, as if in warning. In the chamber lay a gem, its glow akin to captured moonlight. The moment Jorven touched it, the temple shook violently, and the hidden chamber collapsed. By the time he returned to the guild, it was with naught but a few minor cuts and an invaluable lesson.
Jorven’s tale spread across the guild and soon enough, throughout Saṃsāra. His experience was a living testament, one more chapter in the lore of the Wakened Eye. The young apprentice was humbled, his arrogance diluted by the pool of hard-earned wisdom. From then on, whenever the tale of Jorven and the Wakened Eye was recounted, it served as both a lesson and a warning to others who bore the symbol.
Moral of the Story: The arousal of magical power must walk hand-in-hand with the acquisition of wisdom; for unchecked power, untamed by the reins of wisdom, courts inevitable ruin.
Suggested conversion to other systems:
Call of Cthulhu
Name: The Wakened Eye
- Type: Tattoo / Symbol
- Effects:
- +5% to Occult skill.
- Provides advantage on SAN rolls against magical effects.
Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Name: The Wakened Eye
- Type: Wondrous Item (Tattoo)
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Requirements: Attunement
- Effects:
- Grants the wearer +1 to Arcana checks.
- Advantage on saving throws against being frightened by magical effects.
Knave
Name: The Wakened Eye
- Type: Tattoo
- Effects:
- Provides +1 on saves against magical effects.
- Allows the detection of magic within 10 feet.
Numenera & Cypher System
Name: The Wakened Eye
- Type: Cypher
- Level: 1
- Effects:
- Grants an asset for identifying the numenera.
- Provides +1 to intellect defense rolls for one hour.
Pathfinder 2e
Name: The Wakened Eye
- Type: Magical Tattoo
- Level: 1
- Effects:
- Grants +1 item bonus to Arcana checks.
- Allows the wearer to cast Detect Magic as a 1st-level spell once per day.
Savage Worlds
Name: The Wakened Eye
- Type: Magical Symbol
- Effects:
- Adds +1 to spellcasting rolls related to elemental magic.
- Provides a +1 bonus to resist fear effects caused by magic.
Shadowrun
Name: The Wakened Eye
- Type: Magical Tattoo
- Rating: 1
- Effects:
- +1 dice pool modifier for Assensing tests.
- Negates 1 point of penalties from magical background count.
Starfinder
Name: The Wakened Eye
- Type: Mystical Tattoo
- Item Level: 1
- Effects:
- Grants +1 to Mysticism checks.
- Allows the wearer to cast Detect Magic once per day.
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
Name: The Wakened Eye
- Type: Enchanted Symbol
- Effects:
- Grants +10 to Channeling Tests.
- Provides a +1 bonus to any rolls to resist magical fear or terror.