Lore: Infused with the capricious essence of Baba Yaga, this talisman embodies her spirit of adventure. It’s said that the wearer will find themselves drawn to new experiences, and even dangers, with a courage uncharacteristic of their past selves. Some claim that Baba Yaga herself gifts this talisman to adventurers she deems worthy, as a subtle way to push them further into the grand tapestry of events. The talisman is often carved from elderwood and imbued with essence of nightshade, imbuing it with an eerie yet magnetic presence.
Stats:
- Type: Talisman
- Rarity: Common
- Slot: One
- Tier: 1
Roleplay: The Baba Yaga 156 of Adventurous Spirit allows the wearer to embrace an adventurous mindset, which may drive them to seek out new quests or paths they would otherwise avoid. When making decisions in-character, the talisman might imbue the wearer with an additional layer of bravado or intrigue. The talisman has a unique aura that can pique the curiosity of those who sense magic, making it an interesting conversational starter.
Costs:
- Gold: 50
- Crafting Materials: Elderwood, nightshade essence, raven feather
- Time: Two days of work
- Skill Requirement: Basic alchemy and enchanting knowledge
Magics:
- Grants the wearer a +1 to all rolls relating to exploration or discovery.
- Once per day, the wearer can cast a minor illusion spell to create a shimmering map that only they can see, leading them to a place of interest within 1 mile.
Tags: Adventurous, Exploration, Illusionary
Defense and Offense in Different Environments:
- Forest: Useful for navigation and avoiding getting lost. The illusionary magic can also create distractions against forest predators.
- Urban: Allows easier discovery of hidden paths or shortcuts; minor illusions can divert attention away from the wearer, aiding in evading capture or scrutiny.
- Mountain: Helps in finding the best paths up or through difficult terrains. The magical aura can also deter minor creatures from attacking.
- Dungeon: Useful in discovering hidden traps or passageways, and the magical aura may intimidate lesser dungeon dwellers.
This item pushes the boundaries of commonality due to its magical capabilities, but its limitations and the risks it may draw the wearer into balance its powers. Like Baba Yaga herself, the talisman is a bundle of contradictions and opportunities, perfect for the adventurous soul.
Perception of Senses:
- Sight: The talisman appears as a finely carved piece of elderwood, adorned with intricate patterns, housing a dark, almost translucent nightshade gem in the center that looks like an eye.
- Positives: Aesthetically pleasing and intriguing to the eye.
- Negatives: Its peculiar appearance might draw unwanted attention.
- Smell: A woody scent tinged with the subtle aroma of nightshade wafts from the talisman.
- Positives: The smell is grounding and calming.
- Negatives: Some may find the smell of nightshade unsettling.
- Touch: The surface is cool and smooth, yet the gem in the center pulses with a slight warmth.
- Positives: Comforting to hold, may serve as a tactile focus.
- Negatives: Extended contact might make the skin tingle uncomfortably.
- Taste: Not applicable, as it’s not meant to be ingested.
- Sound: When held close to the ear, a soft whispering sound akin to rustling leaves can be heard.
- Positives: Calming, atmospheric.
- Negatives: Might be distracting or unsettling in quiet environments.
- Extra-Sensory (Aura Perception): Those capable of sensing magic will feel an aura of whimsy and exploration, tinged with a minuscule strand of foreboding.
- Positives: Easily identified as magical, drawing interest from magical beings.
- Negatives: Could attract entities interested in harnessing or disrupting the talisman’s magic.
- Extra-Sensory (Divination Resistance): The talisman offers minor resistance to divination spells aimed at the wearer.
- Positives: Adds a layer of privacy and security.
- Negatives: Might arouse suspicion if detected.
Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- One piece of elderwood, approximately 6 inches in length and 2 inches in width
- Essence of nightshade, carefully harvested and stored
- One raven feather
- Binding resin made from sage and juniper
- Steps:
- Preparation: Cleanse all materials with purified water and a drop of nightshade essence to align their magical properties.
- Carving: Utilize a bone or obsidian knife to carve intricate patterns into the elderwood, imbuing it with minor spells of navigation and discovery.
- Infusion: Carefully drip the nightshade essence into the carved patterns, ensuring it seeps into the wood.
- Setting the Gem: Hollow out a small space in the center of the elderwood to place the nightshade gem. Secure it with the binding resin.
- Feather Attachment: Attach the raven feather to the bottom end of the talisman using more binding resin. As you do so, recite incantations for courage and adventure.
- Sealing: Conduct a final sealing spell to lock all the components in magical harmony, completing the talisman’s creation.
- Charging: Place the completed talisman under the light of a new moon to charge its magical properties.
Note: Always ensure you’re properly protected and consult relevant magical texts and experts when dealing with potent ingredients like nightshade essence.
Tale of the Seeker’s Talisman from Baba Yaga 921
Once upon moment, in land of enigma, mystical witch Baba Yaga forge talisman, woven with wonder and ominous might. Elderwood cradle dark gem of nightshade, feather of raven nestle at foot. People from sky lands, earth places, and water depths, crave ownership of wondrous artifact.
Zephyr, youth wanderer, heed whispers, venture to maze forest, seek dwelling of chicken-leg hut, the abode of Baba Yaga. Riddles of obscurity set forth by crone. Answer in echoing wisdom, Zephyr proved deserving. Gift bestowed, talisman hang around slender neck.
Soon Zephyr, travel across varied terrains. In mountains, dark stone beasts arise. Whispering talisman guide, path through labyrinth of fangs and claws. Next, ocean depth lured. Aquatic serpents hiss and coil. Again, talisman whisper direction, route through twirling hazards clear.
Lastly, spirit realm open, ghostly whispers and distorted shapes loom. Even here, talisman guide, step through fog and illusion, reach ground firm. Talisman not only guard, but also teach. Mysteries uncovered, Zephyr knowledge deepen.
Yet one day, object seen by envious eyes. Ambush in narrow path, Zephyr face violent gang. Talisman could doom foes, but Zephyr hesitate. Gaze at gem, understanding. Tool not for harm, but for enlightenment. Power untapped, foes retreat, confused.
In age, Zephyr turn elder, talisman pass to new worthy soul, whispers continue, wisdom eternal.
Moral of Story: Talisman not ultimate power, but guide on path. Weapon not in object, but in wisdom and choice. Choose path not of harm, but of enlightenment, find true strength.
Suggested conversion to other systems:
Call of Cthulhu
Item: Seeker’s Talisman
- Type: Amulet
- Effects:
- Grants +10 to Navigation checks.
- +1 to Idea Rolls when solving riddles or puzzles.
Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Item: Seeker’s Talisman
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Type: Wondrous Item (Amulet)
- Effects:
- Grants advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks for navigation.
- Advantage on Intelligence checks to solve riddles or puzzles.
Knave
Item: Seeker’s Talisman
- Slots: 1
- Effects:
- +2 on tests involving navigation.
- +2 on tests involving solving puzzles or riddles.
Numenera & Cypher System
Item: Seeker’s Talisman
Type: Anoetic Cypher
Level: 1d6
Effects:
+1 Asset on navigation tasks.
+1 Asset on Intellect tasks for solving puzzles or riddles.
Pathfinder 2e
Item: Seeker’s Talisman
Level: 2
Type: Talisman
Effects:
+1 Item bonus to Survival checks for navigation.
+1 Item bonus to Puzzle and Riddle Lore checks.
Savage Worlds
Item: Seeker’s Talisman
Type: Magical Item
Effects:
+1 to rolls involving navigation.
+1 to Smarts rolls when solving riddles or puzzles.
Shadowrun
Item: Seeker’s Talisman
Type: Magical Focus
Rating: 3
Effects:
+2 Dice Pool to Navigation tests.
+2 Dice Pool to Logic + Intuition tests for solving puzzles and riddles.
Starfinder
Item: Seeker’s Talisman
Level: 2
Type: Magical Item (Amulet)
Effects:
+1 to Survival checks for navigation.
+1 to Mysticism checks for solving riddles or puzzles.
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
Item: Seeker’s Talisman
Type: Trinket
Effects:
+10% to Navigation Skill Tests.
+10% to Intelligence Tests for solving riddles or puzzles.