Lore: This simple amulet, made from a piece of polished bone and strung on a coarse leather cord, was once worn by a humble street urchin in the bustling city of Akash. Though he possessed nothing of material value, the urchin understood the importance of protecting himself from envy and ill-will. The amulet, passed down from his grandmother, was his only defense against the dangers of the world, a constant reminder that even the most worthless soul deserves to be safe.
Tier: 1
Rarity: Common
Slot: Neck
Tags: Amulet, Protection, Evil Eye
Stats:
- Defense: +1
Passive Magics:
- Minor Warding: Grants a +1 bonus to saving throws against curses and magical effects that target the mind or emotions.
- Glimmer of Hope: Once per day, as a reaction, the wearer can reroll a failed saving throw against an effect that would cause them to feel fear, despair, or self-doubt.
Active Magics: (Recharge on a short rest)
- Deflecting Gaze: As an action, the wearer can cast their gaze upon a creature within 30 feet, attempting to turn aside any malicious intent directed towards them. The target must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 12). On a failed save, the target is unable to target the wearer with harmful spells or abilities for one round.
Roleplay Emphasis: Worthless:
- When interacting with NPCs who perceive themselves as superior or more fortunate, the wearer can draw upon the amulet’s connection to humility and resilience. This may grant them advantage on Charisma checks made to appeal to the NPC’s sense of compassion or fairness.
- The amulet can serve as a reminder to the player character that their value is not determined by their material possessions or social status. This can be a source of strength in difficult situations, allowing them to persevere even when faced with adversity.
Description: A weathered piece of bone, roughly shaped into an eye and strung on a worn leather cord.
In the world of Saṃsāra, the XEye 879 of the Dutiful amulet would most likely be found in the following types of shops:
- Bazaars and Flea Markets: These bustling marketplaces are filled with a variety of goods, both new and used. The amulet might be found on a blanket spread out on the ground, mixed in with other trinkets and baubles. A haggling merchant, perhaps a weathered old woman with a twinkle in her eye, might be willing to part with it for a few copper pieces or a trade for a trinket of similar value.
- Herbalist Shops: While primarily focused on remedies and potions, herbalist shops often carry a selection of protective charms and talismans. The XEye 879 might be displayed alongside bundles of dried herbs and bottles of fragrant oils, its humble appearance belying its potential power. The shopkeeper, a knowledgeable practitioner of folk magic, might be able to offer insights into the amulet’s history and use.
- Curiosity Shops: These eclectic establishments are filled with a hodgepodge of strange and unusual items. The XEye 879 might be tucked away in a dusty corner, its worn leather cord tangled with other forgotten treasures. The owner, a collector of oddities with a penchant for the macabre, might be intrigued by the amulet’s connection to humility and resilience, recognizing its value as a symbol of hope in a world filled with despair.
The cost of the XEye 879 of the Dutiful would likely be quite low, given its common rarity and unassuming appearance. A few copper pieces or a handful of silver would be a fair price, although a skilled haggler might be able to acquire it for even less. Alternatively, the amulet could be exchanged for a simple favor or a small act of kindness, such as helping a beggar or offering a meal to a hungry traveler. In the world of Saṃsāra, the true value of an item is often determined by its meaning and the stories it carries, not just its monetary worth.
Roleplay Scenarios for the XEye 879 of the Dutiful
- Defense:
- In a Crowded Market: Amidst the hustle and bustle, your character senses a malicious gaze lingering on their belongings. Discreetly touching the XEye 879, they mutter a protective phrase learned from their grandmother. The envious gaze falters, and the would-be pickpocket moves on.
- Confronting a Bully: A group of thugs corners your character in a dark alley. Drawing strength from the amulet’s connection to resilience, your character stands their ground. When one of the bullies attempts to cast a fear spell, the XEye 879 glows faintly, and the spell fizzles harmlessly.
- Befriending a Noble: Your character, a lowly servant, is summoned to the presence of a haughty noble. Feeling intimidated, they clutch the XEye 879, drawing on its humble origins. The noble, surprisingly, responds with kindness, offering a chance for your character to prove their worth.
- Offense: (Indirectly through manipulation of social situations)
- Manipulating a Greedy Merchant: During a tense negotiation, your character subtly directs the gaze of the XEye 879 towards the merchant. The merchant, feeling a pang of guilt, offers a fairer price for their goods.
- Swaying a Jury: Accused of a crime they didn’t commit, your character stands before a jury of their peers. Focusing on the XEye 879, they appeal to the jury’s sense of justice and fairness. The jury, moved by their sincerity, returns a verdict of not guilty.
- Unmasking a Traitor: In a tense council meeting, your character suspects a fellow council member of treachery. While engaging in conversation, they subtly activate the XEye 879’s Deflecting Gaze. The traitor, unable to meet their gaze, inadvertently reveals their true intentions through nervous tics and evasive answers.
- Important Considerations:
- The XEye 879 is not a weapon in the traditional sense. It does not inflict direct harm or grant offensive capabilities. Its power lies in its ability to protect the wearer from negativity and influence social interactions.
- The effectiveness of the amulet depends heavily on the wearer’s belief in its power and their ability to roleplay its effects convincingly. A character who truly embodies the spirit of humility and resilience will find the XEye 879 to be a potent ally in their journey through Saṃsāra.
Perception of Activation: XEye 879 of the Dutiful
- Five Senses:
- Sight: A faint, warm glow emanates from the bone eye, casting flickering shadows on the wearer’s skin. The edges of the amulet seem to shimmer and blur for a moment.
- Touch: A tingling sensation spreads from the point of contact with the amulet, warming the skin and sending a gentle pulse up the wearer’s arm.
- Sound: A soft, rhythmic hum fills the wearer’s ears, like the whisper of a distant chant. The world seems to quiet around them as the hum grows louder, drowning out other noises.
- Smell: A subtle, earthy fragrance rises from the amulet, reminiscent of sun-baked clay and dried herbs. The scent is calming and grounding, anchoring the wearer to the present moment.
- Taste: A metallic tang coats the wearer’s tongue, leaving a lingering aftertaste of iron and salt. The taste is not unpleasant, but it serves as a reminder of the amulet’s connection to the earth and the cycle of life and death.
- Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
- Empathy: The wearer may experience a heightened sense of empathy, sensing the emotions of those around them more keenly. This can be both a blessing and a curse, as it opens them up to both compassion and pain.
- Intuition: A wave of intuition washes over the wearer, granting them a sudden clarity of thought. They may feel a sense of knowing, as if a hidden truth has been revealed to them.
- Spiritual Connection: The wearer may experience a deeper connection to the spiritual realm, feeling a sense of guidance and protection from unseen forces. This connection can be a source of strength and comfort in times of need.
- Positives:
- Heightened Awareness: The activation of the XEye 879 enhances the wearer’s senses and intuition, making them more attuned to their surroundings and potential dangers.
- Emotional Resilience: The amulet’s calming influence helps to bolster the wearer’s emotional resilience, making them less susceptible to fear, despair, and self-doubt.
- Spiritual Guidance: The connection to the spiritual realm can provide the wearer with a sense of purpose and direction, guiding them towards their goals.
- Negatives:
- Sensory Overload: The heightened senses can be overwhelming at times, especially in chaotic or noisy environments.
- Empathic Burden: The increased empathy can be draining, as the wearer absorbs the emotions of others.
- Dependency: The wearer may become overly reliant on the amulet’s protection, neglecting to develop their own inner strength and resilience.
Crafting Recipe: XEye 879 of the Dutiful
- Materials Needed:
- 1 small piece of bone (animal or human, ethically sourced)
- 1 length of worn leather cord
- Handful of dried herbs (sage, rosemary, or lavender)
- Pinch of salt
- Drop of blood (from the crafter)
- Tools Required:
- Small knife or carving tool
- Polishing cloth
- Bowl for mixing
- Skill Requirements:
- Basic knowledge of bone carving or shaping
- Familiarity with protective herbs and rituals
- Willingness to imbue the amulet with personal energy
- Crafting Steps:
- Preparation: Cleanse the bone piece and leather cord with the dried herbs, salt, and a drop of your blood. This purifies the materials and creates a connection to the crafter.
- Shaping: Using the carving tool, carefully shape the bone into the rough form of an eye. The shape does not need to be perfect, but it should be recognizable.
- Polishing: Polish the bone eye until it is smooth and slightly shiny. This enhances its visual appeal and allows the wearer to focus their gaze upon it.
- Imbuing: Hold the polished eye in your hands and focus your intention on imbuing it with protective energy. Visualize a warm, comforting light emanating from the bone and filling the surrounding space.
- Assembly: Thread the leather cord through a hole in the top of the bone eye and tie it securely. You can add additional knots or beads to the cord for decoration or further personalization.
- Activation: Hold the completed amulet in your hands and recite a simple incantation or prayer, dedicating it to a protective spirit or deity. This final step activates the amulet’s magic and establishes a connection between the wearer and the item.
- Additional Tips:
- The crafting process should be performed in a quiet, peaceful environment where you can focus your energy and intention.
- Choose herbs that resonate with you and your personal beliefs. Sage is known for its cleansing properties, rosemary for protection, and lavender for calming energy.
- The drop of blood symbolizes the sacrifice and dedication required to create a powerful protective amulet.
- Personalizing the amulet with additional beads, charms, or engravings can further enhance its connection to the wearer.
- By following these steps and imbuing the amulet with your own unique energy, you can create a powerful tool for protection and resilience in the world of Saṃsāra.
Tale of the Lowly Charm
In a time before time, in a land swallowed by the sands of ages, there lived a youth of meek spirit. He owned naught but rags upon his back, a crust to quiet the grumbling belly, and a charm of bone, crudely carved, passed from crone to babe through generations forgotten.
This charm, they say, was touched by the First Mother, she who shields the weak from the unseen eye, the envious gaze that withers fortune and spirit. Yet, the youth knew not its power, saw it as mere bauble, a plaything for idle hands.
One day, as the youth wandered through the market square, a merchant of great wealth and sharper tongue cast his eye upon the charm. “A trinket fit for a pauper!” he scoffed. “Worth less than the dirt beneath my sandal.”
The youth, stung by the merchant’s scorn, clutched the charm tightly. A warmth spread through his fingers, a whisper of forgotten words echoing in his mind. The merchant’s sneer faltered, a flicker of doubt clouding his eyes.
The youth found his voice, a voice bolstered by an unseen strength. “Worthless it may seem,” he spoke, “yet it shields me from that which you cannot see. It guards my spirit from the poison of your words.”
The merchant, taken aback by the youth’s sudden defiance, sputtered and turned away, his pride wounded. The youth stood tall, the charm glowing faintly against his chest.
From that day forth, the youth wore the charm with newfound pride. He learned its secrets, whispered prayers to the First Mother, and discovered the power hidden within its unassuming form.
He faced trials and tribulations, envy and malice, yet the charm shielded him, deflecting harm and strengthening his resolve. The youth, once meek and overlooked, rose to become a beacon of hope, a protector of the downtrodden.
And so, the tale of the lowly charm was etched upon the winds of time, a testament to the hidden power that lies within the most humble of hearts. For even the smallest spark, when nurtured by faith and courage, can ignite a flame that burns brighter than any star.
Moral: Judge not by appearances, for true worth lies not in riches or status, but in the strength of spirit and the unwavering belief in one’s own value.
Suggested conversions to other systems:
Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition):
- Type: Talisman
- SAN Loss: 0/1
- Description: This simple bone amulet provides minor protection against the Evil Eye and other malevolent influences. The wearer gains a +1 bonus to Sanity rolls against spells and effects that target the mind or emotions. Once per day, the wearer may reroll a failed Sanity roll against such an effect.
Blades in the Dark:
- Type: Charm
- Effect: When facing social consequences due to a character’s low status or perceived worthlessness, the XEye 879 allows the character to roll +1d to resist or defy those consequences. Additionally, when resisting supernatural harm that preys on fear or despair, the character gains +1d to their resistance roll.
Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition):
- Type: Wondrous Item, Common
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Attunement: Yes
- Properties: While wearing this amulet, you have advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened. Once per day, you can use your reaction to reroll a saving throw that you fail against a spell or effect that would cause you to become charmed or frightened. You must use the new roll, even if it is lower.
Knave:
- Type: Trinket
- Effect: The wearer of this amulet gains +1 to Luck rolls when resisting mental or emotional manipulation. Once per session, when the wearer would suffer a critical injury or death due to a supernatural effect, they may roll a Luck check. On a success, the effect is reduced to a serious injury instead.
Fate (Core or Accelerated Edition):
- Type: Aspect (Boost)
- Name: “Protected by the Humble Eye”
- Description: When facing social challenges or resisting mental influence, you may invoke this aspect to gain a +2 bonus to your roll. Additionally, once per scene, you can use a fate point to re-roll a failed roll related to resisting fear or despair.
Numenera & Cypher System:
- Type: Cypher
- Level: 1
- Form: Artifact
- Effect: When used, this cypher grants the user a +1 to Intellect defense rolls against mental effects. It can also be used once to negate a single instance of mental damage or an effect that would cause the user to become panicked or frightened. The cypher is depleted after use.
Pathfinder (2nd Edition):
- Type: Amulet
- Rarity: Common
- Level: 1
- Price: 15 gp
- Usage: Worn
- Activate (command): The wearer of this amulet gains a +1 item bonus to saving throws against effects that target the mind or emotions. Once per day, as a reaction, the wearer can reroll a failed saving throw against an effect that would cause them to feel fear, despair, or self-doubt.
Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition):
- Type: Arcane Background (Miracles)
- Power Points: 1
- Trappings: Bone amulet
- Powers:
- Deflect Gaze: Spend 1 Power Point to force an opponent to make a Spirit roll. If they fail, they cannot target you with harmful spells or abilities for one round.
- Resist Evil Eye: Spend 1 Power Point to gain a +2 bonus to your Spirit roll against any mental or emotional attack.
Shadowrun (6th Edition):
- Type: Focus
- Rating: 2
- Force: 1
- Description: This bone fetish provides a +2 dice pool bonus to resist mental manipulation spells and abilities. Once per day, the owner may reroll a failed Willpower test against such effects. Additionally, while attuned, the focus grants a passive aura of calm, making it slightly harder for others to read the wearer’s emotions.
Starfinder:
- Type: Minor Artifact
- Level: 1
- Price: 150 credits
- Activation: Passive
- Ability Scores: None
- Description: This small amulet provides a +1 luck bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects. Once per day, as a reaction, the wearer can reroll a failed saving throw against such effects, keeping the better of the two results.
Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition):
- Type: Psychic Focus (Level 1)
- Effect: This small amulet grants the wearer a +1 DM to Psionic skill checks made to resist mental attacks or influence. Once per day, the user may activate the amulet to automatically succeed at a Psionic skill check to resist a single mental attack or influence effect.
Warhammer 40,000 (Wrath & Glory):
- Type: Charm
- Tier: 1
- Blessing: The bearer gains a +1 bonus to Willpower tests when resisting psychic powers or Warp-based effects that target the mind or emotions.
- Miracle: Once per session, the bearer may spend a Glory point to negate a single Warp-based effect that would cause them to suffer Fear, Terror, or Insanity.