Lore: Crafted by the elusive dream weaver Elandra for her timid apprentice, the Frightful Slumber amulet was designed to help the young mage overcome his fears and harness the power of Dream Magic. Elandra believed that by confronting the fears within the dream world, one could learn to control their waking fears as well.
Roleplay: The Frightful Slumber amulet is perfect for characters who struggle with fear and anxiety, providing them with a means to confront their fears in a controlled environment. The wearer may be hesitant to use the amulet at first, but as they grow more confident in their ability to face their fears, they may become emboldened and more assertive in their daily life.
Passive Magics:
- Fearful Aura: The amulet emits a subtle aura of fear, causing those nearby to feel uneasy. This grants the wearer a +2 bonus to Intimidation checks.
- Nightmare Sense: The amulet allows the wearer to sense when others are experiencing nightmares, helping them identify those who might need assistance in confronting their fears.
Active Magics:
- Confront Nightmares (1/day): By activating the amulet and falling asleep, the wearer enters a lucid dream state where they can confront and overcome their fears. Upon awakening, they gain a +2 morale bonus to saves against fear effects for 24 hours.
- Project Fear (1/day): The wearer can project an image of their greatest fear, causing all creatures within a 10-foot radius to make a Will save (DC 12) or become shaken for 1d4 rounds.
Statistics:
- Slot: Neck
- Weight: 0.1 lbs
- Aura: Faint Illusion and Necromancy
- Construction: Requires Dream Magic, Fear, creator must be a 5th-level caster
- Price: 680 gp
Tags: Dream Magic, Illusion, Necromancy, Fear, Elandra, Confront Nightmares, Project Fear, Uncommon
The Dream Magic 753 of the Frightful Slumber is an oval-shaped amulet, roughly the size of a large plum, designed to be worn on a chain around the neck. It is made of a dark, polished obsidian that seems to swallow the surrounding light, making it appear almost as if the amulet is a small portal into the realm of dreams.
At the center of the amulet, there is an inset moonstone, oval in shape and polished to a smooth, almost glass-like finish. The moonstone shimmers with a soft, ethereal light that seems to shift and change colors as it catches the light, reminiscent of the ever-changing landscape of dreams. The stone is surrounded by intricate silver inlays that form the image of a crescent moon, cradling the moonstone like a celestial guardian.
Engraved on the back of the amulet is the number 753, along with a sigil representing Elandra, the dream weaver who crafted the amulet. The sigil is a stylized eye, encircled by a crescent moon and surrounded by a field of stars, symbolizing the power of dreams and the connection between the dream world and the waking world.
When the active magic “Project Fear” is used, the moonstone darkens, and shadowy images of the wearer’s greatest fear dance within the stone, their forms twisted and exaggerated by the lens of nightmares. When “Confront Nightmares” is used, the moonstone glows with a warm, soothing light, offering comfort and support to the wearer as they face their fears in the dream realm.
- Activation Perception of Sight:
- Perceived: The moonstone at the center of the amulet glows with a soft, shifting light, and the silver inlays surrounding it seem to shimmer and dance in the light.
- Description: The amulet appears to be a beautiful and well-crafted piece of jewelry, with the moonstone and silver inlays drawing the eye.
- Positives: The visual appeal of the amulet can serve as a conversation starter or draw attention to the wearer.
- Negatives: The glowing moonstone may make the amulet more noticeable, potentially drawing unwanted attention or making it a target for theft.
- Activation Perception of Touch:
- Perceived: The amulet feels cool to the touch, and the smooth, polished surface of the moonstone is soothing to the fingertips.
- Description: The tactile sensation of the amulet is pleasant and calming, making it a comforting object to hold or wear.
- Positives: The soothing texture of the amulet can help to calm and ground the wearer, offering emotional support.
- Negatives: The cool temperature of the amulet may be uncomfortable for some wearers, particularly in cold environments.
- Activation Perception of Sound:
- Perceived: A faint, ethereal whispering sound, like distant wind chimes or the rustling of leaves, can be heard when the amulet’s powers are activated.
- Description: The soft, dreamlike sound adds to the mystical aura of the amulet, enhancing its otherworldly appeal.
- Positives: The whispering sound can serve as an auditory cue that the amulet’s powers have been activated, providing confirmation to the wearer.
- Negatives: The sound may be distracting or unnerving to some wearers, particularly those with sensitive hearing or a low tolerance for background noise.
- Activation Perception of Taste:
- Perceived: When activated, the amulet imparts a faint, sweet taste on the wearer’s tongue, reminiscent of honeysuckle or other fragrant flowers.
- Description: The subtle taste adds to the overall sensory experience of using the amulet, reinforcing its connection to the realm of dreams.
- Positives: The sweet taste can serve as a pleasant reminder of the amulet’s powers, reinforcing its usefulness and appeal.
- Negatives: The taste may be unpleasant or overwhelming for some wearers, particularly those with sensitive taste buds or a dislike for sweet flavors.
- Activation Perception of Smell:
- Perceived: A faint, pleasant scent, like lavender or sandalwood, emanates from the amulet when its powers are activated.
- Description: The calming aroma adds to the soothing and comforting nature of the amulet, enhancing its appeal to the wearer.
- Positives: The scent can serve as a comforting and calming influence on the wearer, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Negatives: The scent may be overpowering or unpleasant for some wearers, particularly those with sensitive noses or a dislike for strong fragrances.
- Extra-sensory perceptions:
- Activation Perception of Empathy:
- Perceived: When the amulet is activated, the wearer experiences a sense of understanding and connection with others who have faced their fears, fostering empathy and compassion.
- Positives: This enhanced empathy can help the wearer form deeper connections with others and foster a greater understanding of their struggles.
- Negatives: The heightened empathy may be overwhelming or emotionally draining for the wearer, particularly if they are exposed to intense fear or suffering.
- Activation Perception of Intuition:
- Perceived: The amulet grants the wearer a heightened sense of intuition, guiding them towards confronting their fears and making wiser decisions in the face of adversity.
- Positives: This enhanced intuition can help the wearer navigate difficult situations and make more informed choices.
- Negatives: The wearer may become overly reliant on their intuition, neglecting to gather concrete information or consider alternative perspectives.
- Activation Perception of Empathy:
Defensive Uses:
- Social Situations: The Frightful Slumber amulet can be used defensively in social situations by activating its “Fearful Aura” ability, causing others to feel uneasy and making it easier for the wearer to intimidate or dissuade them. This can be useful for avoiding unwanted attention or escaping from potentially dangerous social encounters.
- Dream Realm: In the dream realm, the amulet’s “Confront Nightmares” ability allows the wearer to face and overcome their fears, helping them to build resilience and resistance to fear-based attacks or manipulation. This can be particularly useful when navigating the often-chaotic landscape of dreams and protecting oneself from the machinations of malevolent dream entities.
- Mental Defense: The amulet’s “Project Fear” ability can be used as a mental defense mechanism by projecting an image of the wearer’s greatest fear at an attacker, causing them to become shaken and potentially disrupting their focus or resolve.
Offensive Uses:
- Combat: In combat situations, the “Project Fear” ability can be used offensively by targeting enemies with the image of the wearer’s greatest fear, causing them to become shaken and potentially reducing their effectiveness in battle. This can create openings for the wearer or their allies to exploit, turning the tide of battle in their favor.
- Infiltration: The “Fearful Aura” ability can be used offensively during infiltration missions by intimidating or unsettling guards or other potential obstacles, making it easier for the wearer to slip past unnoticed or to coerce their way through.
- Dream Realm: In the dream realm, the amulet’s “Confront Nightmares” ability can be used offensively by manipulating the dreams of others, causing them to face their fears and potentially weakening their resolve or mental defenses. This can create opportunities for the wearer to gain the upper hand in dream-based confrontations or negotiations.
In different environments, the amulet’s powers can be adapted to suit the wearer’s needs. For example, in a crowded city, the “Fearful Aura” can be used to create a sense of unease among the populace, allowing the wearer to move through the city largely unimpeded. In the vast, unpredictable landscape of the dream realm, the amulet’s various abilities can be used in creative and flexible ways to navigate the terrain and deal with any threats or challenges that arise.
In the world of Saṃsāra, the Dream Magic 753 of the Frightful Slumber amulet would likely be a highly sought-after item due to its unique abilities and connection to the realm of dreams. The cost of such an artifact would vary depending on the region, the seller, and the specific circumstances of the sale. However, given its rarity and power, it would likely command a high price, ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 gold pieces or its equivalent in trade.
Places where the amulet might be bought or sold include:
- Dreamweaver Enclaves: The most likely place to find the amulet would be in the hidden enclaves of the Dreamweavers, a mysterious and reclusive order of magic-users who specialize in dream magic. They may be willing to part with the amulet for a substantial price or in exchange for a valuable service or favor.
- Artifact Auction Houses: In major cities, exclusive auction houses cater to wealthy collectors, scholars, and adventurers seeking rare and powerful artifacts. The amulet could be auctioned off to the highest bidder, drawing the attention of potential buyers with deep pockets and a keen interest in dream magic.
- Black Markets: In the seedier parts of Saṃsāra, black markets offer a wide range of illegal or hard-to-find items, including powerful magical artifacts like the Frightful Slumber amulet. However, purchasing the amulet from such sources may come with additional risks and complications, such as attracting the attention of criminals or incurring the wrath of the Dreamweavers.
When buying or selling the amulet, it would be crucial to maintain discretion and be mindful of potential dangers. The amulet’s powers may attract the attention of those who would seek to use it for nefarious purposes, and the Dreamweavers may not take kindly to the sale of one of their precious artifacts. Additionally, the buyer or seller may need to navigate complex legal and political landscapes, as some regions may have laws or customs regarding the trade of powerful magical items.
Dreamweaving the Frightful Slumber Amulet
- Materials needed:
- Moonstone (1, high-quality, oval-shaped)
- Obsidian (1 lb, polished)
- Silver (4 oz, for inlays and chain)
- Dream Essence (1 vial, distilled from the dreams of a brave mortal)
- Nightmare Ichor (1 vial, harvested from a vanquished nightmare creature)
- Elandra’s Sigil (1, inscribed on a small silver plate)
- Tools Required:
- Jeweler’s Tools
- Engraving Tools
- Dreamcatcher (for harvesting and distilling Dream Essence)
- Alchemical Apparatus (for refining Nightmare Ichor)
- Enchanted Forge (for infusing the amulet with dream magic)
- Skill Requirements:
- Jewelcrafting (Expert)
- Engraving (Skilled)
- Dreamweaving (Master)
- Alchemy (Skilled)
- Smithing (Skilled)
- Crafting Steps:
- Prepare the Moonstone: Using the jeweler’s tools, carefully shape and polish the moonstone into a smooth, oval cabochon. This will serve as the centerpiece of the amulet.
- Craft the Amulet Base: Using the obsidian and the jeweler’s tools, carve the base of the amulet into a smooth, oval shape with a recess for the moonstone and a setting for the silver inlays.
- Prepare the Silver Inlays: With the engraving tools, carefully etch Elandra’s sigil onto the small silver plate, then shape the remaining silver into delicate, crescent moon-shaped inlays.
- Harvest and Distill Dream Essence: Using the dreamcatcher, collect dreams from a brave mortal, then distill the collected essence into a concentrated vial of Dream Essence.
- Refine Nightmare Ichor: Employ the alchemical apparatus to purify and refine the Nightmare Ichor, removing any impurities and concentrating its potency.
- Assemble the Amulet: Secure the moonstone and silver inlays onto the obsidian base using the jeweler’s tools. Ensure that the sigil is hidden behind the moonstone.
- Infuse with Dream Magic: At an enchanted forge, carefully heat the amulet while invoking the powers of dream magic. Add the Dream Essence and Nightmare Ichor to the molten silver, allowing the mixture to infuse the amulet with the essence of dreams and nightmares.
- Cool and Finalize: Allow the amulet to cool, then polish it one last time to ensure a smooth finish. Attach a silver chain to complete the piece.
The crafting process may take several weeks to months to complete, depending on the availability of materials and the skill of the crafter. Upon completion, the newly crafted Dream Magic amulet will be ready to assist its wearer in confronting their fears and navigating the realm of dreams.
Tale of Elandra and the Frightful Slumber
Long ago, in the time before time was time, there dwelled in the land of Saṃsāra a great and powerful sorceress named Elandra. A master of the art of Dreamweaving, she could walk through the realm of dreams as easily as one might stroll through a garden. Legends say she could pluck the dreams from the minds of mortals as if they were ripe fruits upon a tree, and she could sow the seeds of dreams in the fertile soil of their minds.
One day, as Elandra wandered the twisting paths of the dreamworld, she happened upon a young boy who was trapped within a nightmare. His fear was so potent that it had taken on a life of its own, becoming a monstrous creature that pursued the boy relentlessly through the shadowy landscape of his dreams.
Elandra, taking pity on the child, used her powerful magic to vanquish the nightmare creature, releasing the boy from his torment. She then crafted a powerful amulet, using a moonstone for its center and imbuing it with the essence of both dreams and nightmares. This amulet, she told the boy, would allow him to face his fears and overcome them.
The boy, grateful to Elandra for saving him, took the amulet and used it as she instructed. In time, he became a powerful Dreamweaver himself, using his newfound courage and the power of the amulet to help others who were trapped in their nightmares.
But, as the years passed and the boy grew into a man, he began to rely too heavily on the amulet, using it not only to face his fears but to avoid them altogether. He became arrogant and overconfident, believing himself to be invincible.
One fateful day, as he ventured deeper into the dream realm than ever before, he encountered a nightmare creature more powerful than any he had faced before. The creature was not intimidated by the amulet, and it swiftly overcame the man, devouring him whole.
Elandra, upon hearing of the man’s demise, was filled with sorrow. She realized that her gift, though well-intentioned, had led to his downfall. To prevent others from suffering the same fate, she vowed to hide the knowledge of the amulet’s creation, ensuring that only those who were truly ready to face their fears would ever discover its secrets.
Moral of the Story: The power to face our fears lies within us all, and while we may seek assistance from external sources, true courage comes from within. Relying too heavily on outside forces may lead to our downfall, and we must remember that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the ability to move forward despite its presence.
Suggested conversions to other systems:
Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition):
Dream Amulet of Elandra
- Requires a successful POW roll to attune.
- Once attuned, the wearer gains +1 to all Dreaming skill rolls and +1 to all Sanity rolls related to nightmares.
- The amulet has a pool of 10 MP that regenerates at a rate of 1 MP per day.
- By spending 1 MP, the wearer can activate the “Project Fear” ability, causing all creatures within a 10-foot radius to make a Sanity roll (1/1d4 loss) as they are confronted with their greatest fears.
- By spending 3 MP, the wearer can activate the “Confront Nightmares” ability, which allows them to enter the dreams of a sleeping creature and help them confront their fears. The target must make a Sanity roll (1/1d8 gain) upon waking, as they process their experience.
Blades in the Dark:
Dream Amulet of Elandra
- (Occult Item)
- When you attune to this amulet, you gain the ability to manipulate dreams and nightmares.
- While wearing the amulet, you have +1d to all rolls involving dreams or nightmares.
- By spending 1 stress, you can activate “Project Fear” to give a group of enemies the “Terrified” condition as they face their greatest fears.
- By spending 3 stress, you can activate “Confront Nightmares” to help an ally face their fears in their dreams. The ally takes 2 stress upon waking but gains a permanent +1d to resist fear-based effects.
Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition):
Amulet of the Frightful Slumber
- (Wonderous Item, Rare, Requires Attunement)
- While attuned, you have advantage on saving throws against fear effects.
- As an action, you can expend 1 charge to cast “Project Fear,” causing creatures within 10 feet to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened until the end of your next turn.
- As an action, you can expend 3 charges to cast “Confront Nightmares” on a willing, sleeping creature. The target gains advantage on saving throws against fear effects for 24 hours but suffers 1 level of exhaustion upon waking.
- The amulet has 7 charges and regains 1d6 + 1 charges daily at dawn.
Knave:
Dream Amulet of Elandra
- (Magical Item)
- While wearing the amulet, you gain +2 to all saves against fear effects.
- By touching the amulet and speaking the word “Fear,” you can cast a Fear spell (as the 3rd level wizard spell) once per day.
- By touching the amulet and speaking the word “Dream,” you can enter the dreams of a sleeping creature and help them confront their fears. The target gains +2 to their next save against a fear effect but suffers a -2 penalty to all rolls for the rest of the day.
Fate (Core):
Dream Amulet of Elandra
- (Stunt)
- By spending a Fate point, you can invoke the amulet’s “Project Fear” ability, inflicting a “Terrified” aspect on enemies in your zone or an adjacent zone, as they confront their greatest fears.
- By spending a Fate point, you can invoke the amulet’s “Confront Nightmares” ability, entering the dreams of a sleeping ally and helping them face their fears. The ally gains a “Faced My Fears” aspect, granting them a +2 bonus when resisting fear-based effects.
Numenera & Cypher System:
Dream Amulet of Elandra
- (Artifact, Depletion: 1 in 1d20)
- While wearing the amulet, you are trained in resisting fear effects.
- You can activate “Project Fear” to inflict the “Terrified” condition on creatures within immediate range, as they face their greatest fears.
- You can activate “Confront Nightmares” to help a sleeping ally face their fears in their dreams. The ally gains the “Resilient” condition against fear effects but suffers 1 point of Might damage upon waking.
Pathfinder (2nd Edition):
Dream Amulet of Elandra
- (Invested, Magical, Neck)
- While invested, you gain a +1 item bonus to saving throws against fear effects.
- Activating “Project Fear” costs 1 RP and causes creatures within 10 feet to become frightened 1 (or frightened 2 on a critical failure) unless they succeed at a DC 20 Will save.
- Activating “Confront Nightmares” costs 2 RP and allows you to help a sleeping ally face their fears in their dreams. The ally gains a +1 status bonus to saving throws against fear effects for 24 hours but becomes fatigued upon waking.
Savage Worlds:
Dream Amulet of Elandra
- (Legendary Item)
- The wearer gains a +2 bonus to resist Fear effects.
- By spending 1 Power Point, the wearer can activate “Project Fear” as a ranged attack, causing targets within a Medium Blast Template to make a Fear check (-2 penalty) or become Shaken.
- By spending 2 Power Points, the wearer can activate “Confront Nightmares” on a sleeping ally, granting them a +2 bonus to resist Fear effects for 24 hours but inflicting a level of Fatigue upon waking.
Shadowrun (6th Edition):
Dream Amulet of Elandra
- (Magical Item, Foci, Rating 1)
- While the amulet is active, the wearer gains a +1 dice pool bonus to resist fear-based spells and critter powers.
- By expending 1 Karma point, the wearer can activate “Project Fear,” causing creatures within 10 meters to resist a Fear spell with a +2 Fear Rating.
- By expending 3 Karma points, the wearer can activate “Confront Nightmares” on a sleeping ally, granting them a +1 dice pool bonus to resist fear-based spells for 24 hours but causing them to become Fatigued upon waking.
Starfinder:
Dream Amulet of Elandra
- (Hybrid Item, Level 4)
- While worn, the amulet grants a +2 bonus to saving throws against fear effects.
- By spending 1 Resolve Point, the wearer can activate “Project Fear,” causing creatures within 10 feet to become shaken (or frightened on a critical failure) unless they succeed at a DC 14 Will save.
- By spending 2 Resolve Points, the wearer can activate “Confront Nightmares” on a sleeping ally, granting them a +2 bonus to saving throws against fear effects for 24 hours but causing them to gain the Drained condition upon waking.
Traveller (2nd Edition):
Dream Amulet of Elandra
- (Artifact)
- While wearing the amulet, the wearer gains a +2 DM to resist fear-based psychic effects.
- By expending 1 Power point, the wearer can activate “Project Fear,” causing targets within 10 meters to make a Fear check (-2 penalty) or become frightened.
- By expending 2 Power points, the wearer can activate “Confront Nightmares” on a sleeping ally, granting them a +2 DM to resist fear-based psychic effects for 24 hours but causing them to suffer 1 level of Fatigue upon waking.
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition):
Dream Amulet of Elandra
- (Arcane Artifact)
- While wearing the amulet, the wearer gains a +10% bonus to Cool tests made to resist fear effects.
- By spending 1 Resolve, the wearer can activate “Project Fear,” causing creatures within 10 yards to become frightened unless they succeed at a Cool test (-2 penalty).
- By spending 2 Resolve, the wearer can activate “Confront Nightmares” on a sleeping ally, granting them a +10% bonus to Cool tests made to resist fear effects for 24 hours but causing them to gain 1 level of Fatigue upon waking.