Lore: Forged by the legendary dream-walker Elandra for her explorer husband, the Somnambulist’s Locket was crafted to protect him during his perilous travels. Elandra infused the locket with her powerful Dream Magic, creating a talisman that could manipulate dreams and influence reality. Over time, the locket has been passed down through generations, each owner adding to its rich history and tales of wonder.
Roleplay: The Somnambulist’s Locket is perfect for characters who value adaptability and control, reflecting an Affront roleplay emphasis. It allows the wearer to manipulate dreams and bring elements of their imagination into the waking world, making it an ideal tool for those who rely on cunning and creativity in the face of challenges.
Passive Magic:
- Dream Whisperer: The wearer gains the ability to understand and communicate with beings and creatures from the dream realm, providing valuable insight and knowledge.
- Veil of Slumber: The locket grants the wearer an aura of mystery and intrigue, making it difficult for others to discern their true intentions and emotions.
Active Magic:
- Manifest Dream: Once per day, the wearer can conjure a small object or simple creature from their dreams, bringing it into the real world for up to one hour. The conjured entity has limited power and cannot use magic.
- Nightmare’s Grasp: Once per day, the wearer can force a target creature to experience a frightening, disorienting dream, causing them to become frightened or confused for a short duration.
Statistics:
- Gear Slot: Neck
- Rarity: Common
- Tier: 1
- Roleplay Emphasis: Affront
- Dream Magic Power: 17
Tags: Dream Magic, Manipulation, Control, Creativity, Adaptability
The Somnambulist’s Locket is an exquisite piece of jewelry, crafted with great care and attention to detail. The locket is made of polished silver, forming a rounded teardrop shape that hangs from a delicate chain. Its size is modest, approximately 1.5 inches in length and 1 inch in width, making it a subtle yet elegant accessory.
The front of the locket features an intricate engraving of a crescent moon, encircled by a swirling pattern of stars and celestial motifs. Tiny, sparkling gemstones are inlaid within the design, catching the light and adding a touch of enchantment to the piece. The moonstone centerpiece, a round, milky-white gem with an iridescent finish, seems to shimmer and shift when viewed from different angles, reminiscent of the ethereal nature of dreams.
A small, secure clasp holds the locket closed, protecting the contents within. Upon opening the locket, a tiny compartment is revealed, just large enough to hold a small photo, a lock of hair, or other tiny mementos. The interior of the locket is lined with a soft, blue velvet material, adding to its luxurious appearance.
Overall, the Somnambulist’s Locket is a beautiful, understated piece of jewelry that holds great power and significance within the world of Saṃsāra. Its design reflects the mysterious and captivating nature of dreams, making it a perfect fit for characters who embrace the Affront roleplay emphasis.
Activation Perception of the Somnambulist’s Locket:
- Sight:
- Perceived: The locket’s intricate silver design and shimmering gemstones.
- Description: The locket is visually striking, with its polished silver surface, sparkling gemstones, and iridescent moonstone centerpiece.
- Positives: The locket’s beauty can be appreciated by all who gaze upon it, and its design hints at its connection to dreams and the celestial realm.
- Negatives: The locket’s visual appeal may draw unwanted attention from those who might covet or wish to steal it.
- Touch:
- Perceived: The cool, smooth texture of the silver and the gentle weight of the locket.
- Description: When held, the locket feels solid and well-crafted, with a soothing coolness that comes from its silver construction.
- Positives: The locket’s tangible presence can be comforting and reassuring, serving as a reminder of its wearer’s connection to the dream realm.
- Negatives: The locket’s weight may be slightly burdensome or annoying to some wearers, especially during physical activities.
- Sound:
- Perceived: A faint, ethereal whisper when the locket’s powers are activated.
- Description: When the locket’s Dream Magic is called upon, a soft, barely audible whisper can be heard, as if the dreams within are speaking to the wearer.
- Positives: This subtle auditory cue can alert the wearer to the activation of the locket’s magic, providing a helpful signal for timing and coordination.
- Negatives: The whisper may be difficult to hear in noisy environments, potentially causing the wearer to miss the auditory cue.
- Taste:
- Description: As a piece of jewelry, the Somnambulist’s Locket is not meant to be tasted or ingested.
- Smell:
- Perceived: A faint, soothing scent of lavender and sandalwood when the locket is opened.
- Description: When the locket is opened, a gentle, pleasing aroma is released, reminiscent of calming herbs and fragrant woods.
- Positives: The pleasant scent can serve as a reminder of the locket’s calming, protective nature and can help to relax the wearer during times of stress.
- Negatives: The scent may be distracting or unpleasant to those sensitive to strong smells, or it may attract attention from others.
- Extra-sensory perceptions:
- Dream Perception:
- Perceived: The ability to sense and communicate with beings from the dream realm.
- Description: The locket grants the wearer the capacity to perceive and interact with creatures and entities born from dreams, accessing their knowledge and wisdom.
- Positives: This ability offers valuable insights and guidance, deepening the wearer’s understanding of the dream realm and its inhabitants.
- Negatives: Communication with dream beings may be difficult to interpret or understand, leading to potential confusion or misinterpretation.
- Emotional Resonance:
- Perceived: A heightened awareness of the emotions and intentions of others.
- Description: The locket’s magic enhances the wearer’s ability to sense and interpret the emotions of those around them, aiding in manipulation and deception.
- Positives: This ability provides an advantage in social situations, allowing the wearer to better navigate interactions and influence others.
- Negatives: The constant influx of emotional information may be overwhelming, leading to emotional exhaustion or difficulty maintaining personal boundaries.
- Dream Perception:
The Somnambulist’s Locket, with its Dream Magic capabilities, can be employed in various ways for both defense and offense in different environments.
Defense:
- Escaping Danger: In a dangerous situation, the wearer can use the locket’s Manifest Dream ability to conjure a barrier or obstacle to impede pursuers. For example, in a forest environment, the wearer could create a dense thicket of thorny vines to hinder enemies.
- Emotional Protection: The locket’s Emotional Resonance can help the wearer detect hostile intentions, allowing them to prepare or avoid potential conflicts.
- Veil of Slumber: The passive magic of the locket can make it difficult for enemies to discern the wearer’s true intentions, providing a valuable defensive advantage in social encounters.
Offense:
- Creating Distractions: The wearer can use Manifest Dream to create illusions or distractions, confusing or disorienting enemies. For example, in an urban environment, they could create the illusion of a fire or a riot to draw enemies away.
- Nightmare’s Grasp: The locket’s offensive ability can be used to instill fear or confusion in enemies, rendering them less effective in combat.
- Manipulation and Control: By leveraging the Emotional Resonance, the wearer can exploit emotional vulnerabilities or deceive others to gain the upper hand in social situations, turning alliances or sowing discord among enemies.
In various environments, the locket’s Dream Magic can be adapted to suit different needs:
- Urban Environment: The locket can create chaos or distractions, such as the illusion of a collapsing building or a horde of angry citizens, allowing the wearer to escape or infiltrate urban areas.
- Forest Environment: The locket’s Manifest Dream can create natural barriers or disguises, such as a grove of trees or a large creature, to help the wearer hide or evade enemies.
- Underground or Enclosed Spaces: In confined areas, the locket can create illusions of cave-ins or sudden floods, causing panic and confusion among enemies.
The Somnambulist’s Locket offers a versatile set of defensive and offensive tools, limited only by the wearer’s imagination and ability to harness Dream Magic effectively.
In the world of Saṃsāra, the Somnambulist’s Locket is a rare and coveted item, sought after by adventurers, dream-walkers, and those who value the power of manipulation and control. Due to its unique properties and the Dream Magic it contains, the locket cannot be mass-produced and can only be obtained through specific means.
Acquiring the Somnambulist’s Locket:
- Artisan Crafters: The locket might be crafted by highly skilled artisans who specialize in creating magical items. These artisans often reside in large cities or hidden enclaves, where they can access rare materials and a steady stream of clients. Commissioning a Somnambulist’s Locket from such an artisan would require a significant investment of time and resources.
- Antique Dealers: Occasionally, a Somnambulist’s Locket may surface in the inventory of an antique dealer or a collector of rare magical artifacts. These individuals often travel the world in search of unique items, making their wares available to the highest bidder or offering them as prizes in exclusive auctions.
- Quest Rewards: Some powerful or influential beings may offer a Somnambulist’s Locket as a reward for completing a challenging quest or task. These tasks often involve exploring dream realms, recovering lost knowledge, or defeating powerful foes, making the locket a fitting prize for those who succeed.
Cost: Due to its rarity and the intricate craftsmanship required to create it, the Somnambulist’s Locket is quite expensive. Prices may vary depending on the region and the specific circumstances of the sale, but on average, the locket could cost anywhere between 5,000 to 15,000 gold pieces. The cost might also be higher if the locket has a particularly illustrious history or is imbued with an unusually potent Dream Magic.
Selling the Somnambulist’s Locket: Should a character wish to sell their Somnambulist’s Locket, they might face some challenges due to the item’s rarity and specialized nature. The most likely buyers would be antique dealers, collectors, or powerful individuals seeking to enhance their own magical abilities or influence. Selling the locket might involve a quest of its own, as the character seeks out potential buyers and negotiates a price that reflects the item’s true worth.
Crafting the Somnambulist’s Locket – A Recipe for Dream Weaving
- Materials Needed:
- Moonlit Silver: 1 lb. – A rare and precious metal, mined during the full moon and imbued with lunar energy.
- Dream Essence: 1 vial – A concentrated liquid extracted from the dreams of a powerful dreamer, typically obtained through magical means or careful negotiation.
- Iridescent Moonstone: 1 – A polished gem with a unique, color-shifting appearance, resonating with the power of dreams.
- Starfire Opals: 3 – Small, glittering gemstones with a fiery internal glow, known for their connection to celestial magic.
- Velvet Lining: 1 sq. ft. – A soft, high-quality fabric to line the inside of the locket.
- Elandra’s Sigil: 1 – A small, intricately engraved silver charm imbued with Elandra’s ancient magic, used to unlock the full potential of the locket.
- Tools Required:
- Jeweler’s Tools: A set of precision tools for working with metals and gemstones, including files, pliers, and a magnifying lens.
- Silver Forge: A specialized forge for working with moonlit silver, capable of reaching the high temperatures required to shape the metal without damaging its lunar properties.
- Engraving Tools: A set of fine chisels and burins for engraving intricate designs onto metal surfaces.
- Magical Infusion Lab: A designated space with equipment for safely handling and infusing magical materials, such as Dream Essence and Elandra’s Sigil.
- Skill Requirements:
- Master Jeweler: Proficiency in crafting intricate jewelry from precious metals and gemstones.
- Expert Smith: Proficiency in working with a silver forge and knowledge of moonlit silver’s properties.
- Skilled Engraver: Proficiency in engraving detailed designs onto metal surfaces.
- Adept Magician: Proficiency in handling magical materials and channeling their power into objects.
- Crafting Steps:
- Forge the Locket Base: Using the silver forge, heat the moonlit silver until it is malleable. Shape it into the teardrop-shaped locket base, ensuring it is hollow inside to house the magical components. Allow the locket base to cool completely.
- Prepare the Gemstones: Carefully cut and polish the iridescent moonstone and starfire opals to fit the locket’s design. Use jeweler’s tools to create secure settings for the gems within the locket base.
- Infuse the Dream Essence: In the magical infusion lab, carefully combine the Dream Essence with the polished moonstone, allowing the gem to absorb the essence. This process may require a ritual or incantation to ensure the essence is securely bound to the stone.
- Engrave the Locket: Using the engraving tools, etch a celestial motif onto the locket’s surface, incorporating the starfire opals into the design. This process should be done with great care, as the precision of the engraving impacts the locket’s overall power.
- Attune Elandra’s Sigil: With the magical infusion lab, perform the necessary rituals to attune Elandra’s Sigil to the locket. This may involve channeling the Dream Magic within the moonstone and opals into the sigil, binding it to the locket’s power.
- Assemble the Locket: Securely set the infused moonstone and starfire opals into their designated positions within the locket base. Line the interior of the locket with the velvet lining, ensuring the Elandra’s Sigil is nestled safely inside.
- Seal the Locket: Use the jeweler’s tools to securely close the locket, ensuring that the magical components within are protected from outside influences.
Upon completing these steps, the Somnambulist’s Locket will be recreated, ready to be worn by a character who values adaptability, control, and the power of dreams.
Slumbering Sentinel
A Chronicle of the Somnambulist’s Locket
In the age of eld, when stars whispered secrets to those who dared listen, there dwelt a mage named Elandra. Famed was she for her mastery over the realms of sleep, bending dreams to her will as a potter molds clay. To her husband, an adventurous soul, she gifted a treasure: the Somnambulist’s Locket, an artifact of her artistry.
Forged ‘neath the watchful gaze of the moon, Elandra imbued the silver locket with the essence of dreams. A jewel of iridescent hues, the moonstone, graced its center, its heart a swirling vortex of a thousand dreamscapes. Thrice stars’ fire-hearts, the opals, she encased within, binding the locket to the celestial domain. To complete her creation, Elandra inscribed her sigil, entwining her essence with the locket’s fate.
Her husband, an explorer of renown, journeyed to realms known and unknown. In his travels, the locket served as shield and sword, a beacon in the dark, and a compass to guide him through the labyrinth of dreams. Through its power, he deciphered the tongues of dream-beings and danced amidst the shadows of nightmares, unharmed.
Whence came a time when a vile sorcerer sought the locket, driven by malice and greed. He ambushed the adventurer, hoping to claim the artifact as his own. Yet, the locket responded to its master’s peril, weaving a tapestry of illusions that confounded the sorcerer. In his confusion, the sorcerer was ensnared by his own wicked spells.
The adventurer returned to Elandra, their love forged anew in the crucible of trials endured. Grateful was he for her wisdom and craft, and so the tale of the Somnambulist’s Locket spread, a testament to the power of love, cunning, and dreams.
Moral: In the face of adversity, one’s strength lies not solely in might but in the power of the mind, the bonds of love, and the wisdom to navigate the realms of dream and reality. The Somnambulist’s Locket serves as a reminder that true power lies within, waiting to be unlocked by those who dare to dream.
Suggested conversions to other systems:
Call of Cthulhu:
Name: Somnambulist’s Locket
- Type: Magical Artifact
- POW: 50
- Magic Points: 10
- Spells: Dreaming (1 MP), Create Dreamlands Gate (1D4 MP), Enthrall (1D4 MP)
- Description: The Somnambulist’s Locket grants its wearer the ability to perceive and communicate with beings from the Dreamlands. By expending 1 Magic Point, the wearer can enter a lucid dreaming state, gaining access to hidden knowledge and wisdom from dream entities. The locket also contains a gate to the Dreamlands, which can be opened by expending 1D4 Magic Points. Once per day, the wearer can cast Enthrall, forcing a target to obey their commands, at the cost of 1D4 Magic Points.
- Penalties: The locket’s constant connection to the Dreamlands may cause nightmares, hallucinations, or confusion for the wearer. Prolonged use can lead to the wearer becoming lost in the Dreamlands, unable to distinguish dreams from reality.
Blades in the Dark:
Name: Somnambulist’s Locket
- Type: Arcane Artifact
- Abilities: Grants +1d to Consort, Sway, and Attune rolls when dealing with entities from the ghost field or dreams. Allows the wearer to access the ghost field for brief periods, gaining insight into hidden information or communicating with ghostly beings. The locket also enables the wearer to manipulate the emotions of others once per score, granting +1d to manipulate or deceive NPCs.
- Drawbacks: Using the locket’s powers attracts the attention of supernatural entities and may lead to entanglements with the ghost field. Overuse may result in the character becoming lost in the ghost field or suffering from madness.
Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition):
Name: Somnambulist’s Locket
- Type: Wondrous Item (requires attunement)
- Rarity: Very Rare
- While wearing the locket, you gain the following benefits:
- Advantage on Charisma checks made to influence dream creatures or beings from the Astral Plane.
- Ability to cast the “Dream” spell (1/day) without expending a spell slot.
- Ability to cast the “Detect Thoughts” spell (1/day) without expending a spell slot.
- Once per day, you can cast the “Charm Person” spell without expending a spell slot.
- Curse: The locket is cursed, and becoming attuned to it extends the curse to you. While cursed, you experience vivid dreams and nightmares, causing you to gain a level of exhaustion after each long rest. You also become increasingly detached from reality, suffering from hallucinations and confusion.
Knave:
Name: Somnambulist’s Locket
- Type: Magical Item
- Abilities: The wearer gains +2 to Charisma while interacting with dream-related creatures or beings. Once per day, the wearer can cast “Charm Person” by expending 1d6+1 Life Points. The locket also enables the wearer to communicate with dream entities, gaining access to hidden knowledge or lore.
- Drawbacks: The locket’s magic attracts the attention of malevolent dream creatures, potentially leading to dangerous encounters. Prolonged use may cause the wearer to lose their grip on reality, suffering from delusions and hallucinations.
Fate:
Name: Somnambulist’s Locket
- Type: Artifact
- Abilities: The wearer gains +2 to Rapport when interacting with beings from the dream realm or other dimensions. By spending a Fate point, the wearer can enter a lucid dreaming state, allowing them to access hidden knowledge or communicate with dream entities. The locket also grants the wearer the ability to manipulate emotions, allowing them to create an advantage related to influencing or deceiving others once per session.
- Drawbacks: The locket’s connection to the dream realm may cause the wearer to experience vivid dreams or hallucinations, potentially complicating their relationships and endeavors.
Numenera & Cypher System:
Name: Somnambulist’s Locket
- Type: Artifact (Oddity)
- Level: 1d6 + 2
- Abilities: The wearer gains +1 to their Intellect Pool while wearing the locket. The locket contains a cypher that allows the wearer to access the datasphere or communicate with beings from other dimensions. The locket also holds a cypher that grants the wearer the ability to influence the emotions of others.
- Drawbacks: Using the locket’s powers may attract the attention of powerful beings or organizations interested in its abilities. The wearer might also experience intense dreams or visions, which could lead to confusion or mental strain.
Pathfinder (2nd Edition):
Name: Somnambulist’s Locket
- Type: Magical Necklace
- Rarity: Rare
- Abilities: The wearer gains a +1 item bonus to Diplomacy and Deception checks when interacting with creatures from the Dimension of Dreams or other planes. The locket allows the wearer to cast the “Dream Message” spell once per day and grants a +1 item bonus to Occultism checks related to dream or illusion magic. Once per day, the wearer can cast the “Charm” spell.
- Drawbacks: The locket’s connection to the Dimension of Dreams may cause the wearer to experience vivid dreams or hallucinations, potentially affecting their daily life and interactions with others.
Savage Worlds:
Name: Somnambulist’s Locket
- Type: Magical Item
- Abilities: The wearer gains a +1 bonus to Persuasion rolls when interacting with beings from other dimensions or realms of dreams. The locket also grants the wearer the ability to use the “Puppet” power once per session, allowing them to control the actions of others for a short time.
- Drawbacks: The locket’s powers may draw the attention of powerful beings or organizations who seek to possess it. The wearer might experience vivid dreams or hallucinations, leading to confusion or mental strain.
Shadowrun:
Name: Somnambulist’s Locket
- Type: Magical Focus (Fetish)
- Force: 4
- Abilities: The wearer gains a +2 dice pool bonus to Negotiation and Con tests when interacting with spirits or entities from the astral plane. By spending a point of Edge, the wearer can enter a lucid dreaming state, allowing them to access hidden knowledge or communicate with astral beings. The locket also grants the wearer the ability to cast the “Influence” spell once per game session.
- Drawbacks: The locket’s connection to the astral plane may cause the wearer to experience vivid dreams or hallucinations, potentially complicating their daily life and interactions with others.
Starfinder:
Name: Somnambulist’s Locket
- Type: Magical Necklace
- Level: 6
- Abilities: The wearer gains a +2 enhancement bonus to Bluff and Diplomacy checks when interacting with creatures from the Dimension of Dreams or other planes. The locket allows the wearer to cast the “Dream Council” spell once per day and grants a +2 enhancement bonus to Mysticism checks related to dream or illusion magic. Once per day, the wearer can cast the “Charm Person” spell.
- Drawbacks: The locket’s connection to the Dimension of Dreams may cause the wearer to experience vivid dreams or hallucinations, potentially affecting their daily life and interactions with others.
Traveller:
Name: Somnambulist’s Locket
- Type: Psionic Artifact
- Abilities: The wearer gains a +1 DM to Diplomacy and Deception checks when interacting with beings from other dimensions or the dream realm. The locket allows the wearer to enter a lucid dreaming state, accessing hidden knowledge or communicating with dream entities. The locket also grants the wearer the ability to use the “Telepathic Control” psionic power once per game session.
- Drawbacks: Using the locket’s powers may attract the attention of powerful beings or organizations who seek to possess it. The wearer might experience vivid dreams or hallucinations, leading to confusion or mental strain.
Warhammer (40K – Dark Heresy):
Name: Somnambulist’s Locket
- Type: Psychic Artifact
- Abilities: The wearer gains a +10 bonus to Fellowship Tests when interacting with entities from the Warp or other planes of existence. The locket allows the wearer to access hidden knowledge or communicate with dream entities while in a lucid dreaming state. Once per game session, the wearer can use the “Dominate” psychic power.
- Drawbacks: The locket’s connection to the Warp may cause the wearer to experience vivid dreams or hallucinations, potentially leading to corruption or insanity. Additionally, the locket’s power may draw the attention of the Inquisition or other dangerous factions.