Lore: In the mystical realm of Saṃsāra, where the balance between light and darkness hangs by a delicate thread, the Ofuda known as “Harmony’s Bane” holds a significant place. Crafted by an enigmatic sage who sought to push the boundaries of traditional magic, Harmony’s Bane was born from a fusion of ancient Ofuda inscriptions and forbidden knowledge. Its creation sparked controversy and intrigue, as some believed it to be a necessary tool for protecting against malevolent forces, while others feared its potential to disrupt the cosmic order.
Stats:
- Rarity: Common
- Required Level: Tier 1
Cost:
- Crafting Cost: 25 gold pieces
- Market Price: 50 gold pieces
Tags: Consumable, Magical, Ofuda, Chaotic, Defensive, Agitation, Barrier, Emotion-Fueled, Resonance, Conflict, Turmoil, Forbidden, Duality
Description: Harmony’s Bane is a rectangular wooden talisman, measuring about 6 inches in length and 4 inches in width. The surface of the talisman is adorned with intricate and ominous designs, a stark contrast to the usual serene imagery found on traditional Ofuda. The characters inscribed upon it are twisted and jagged, reminiscent of turbulent energy.
Effects: When activated, Harmony’s Bane channels the aggravated emotions of its wielder, drawing upon their inner turmoil to enhance its magical potency. The talisman momentarily resonates with the chaotic energies, amplifying its protective capabilities. This resonance, however, comes at a price, as the user must endure the emotional intensity of their own negativity.
Usage: To activate Harmony’s Bane, the user holds the talisman tightly in one hand and focuses on a specific target or area they wish to protect. They must then channel their own feelings of aggravation, anger, or frustration into the talisman. This emotional energy fuels the Ofuda’s magic and causes it to emit a faint, eerie glow. Once the user releases their grip on the talisman, the energy is unleashed, forming a temporary barrier that repels hostile forces.
Mechanics:
- When activated, the user gains advantage on saving throws against effects caused by malicious entities, curses, or spells that target the mind or emotions.
- The talisman’s effect lasts for 1 minute.
- After the effect expires, the user suffers a short-lived emotional backlash, experiencing heightened agitation and irritability for 1d4 rounds.
Harmony’s Bane can be used once before it becomes inert and requires a short rest to recharge. Despite its unconventional nature, it is a tool that offers a chance for those with unresolved emotions to tap into their inner turmoil and use it as a source of power.
Shops Offering Harmony’s Bane
- Shadowsmith Emporiums
- Found in hidden alleys of major cities or along roads where travelers seek dangerous tools, these shops specialize in morally ambiguous magical items. Dimly lit and shrouded in secrecy, the emporiums attract those willing to trade in power that comes at a cost.
- Cost: 50–70 gold pieces, with additional fees for secrecy or custom modifications.
- Forbidden Relic Bazaars
- Located in lawless or remote areas where regulation is lax, these marketplaces thrive on the trade of unconventional and taboo items. Harmony’s Bane is often displayed discreetly alongside cursed artifacts and dark tomes.
- Cost: 45–60 gold pieces, with haggling common.
- Mystic Contrasts
- These unique establishments combine the sale of traditional and unconventional magic items. Found near arcane academies or magical sanctuaries, the shopkeepers are often sages who believe in balancing light and dark magic.
- Cost: 50 gold pieces, fixed to reflect the item’s power and risk.
- Conflict’s Crucible
- Found in war-torn regions or near mercenary outposts, these shops cater to warriors and adventurers seeking an edge in battle. The talisman is marketed as a tool to channel inner rage into protection.
- Cost: 55 gold pieces, often bundled with other battlefield equipment.
- Outsider’s Market
- These transient stalls appear at gatherings of outcasts, such as exiled mages or wandering sages. Sellers often claim Harmony’s Bane was crafted with forbidden techniques, enticing those who value the esoteric.
- Cost: 40–50 gold pieces, with lower prices due to the stall’s temporary nature.
- Wanderer’s Wares
- Found at crossroads or caravan hubs, these mobile shops offer items with practical applications for travelers. Harmony’s Bane is sold as a tool to defend against supernatural threats.
- Cost: 50 gold pieces, occasionally discounted for loyal customers.
Each shop reflects the duality of Harmony’s Bane, emphasizing its protective utility while warning of the emotional toll its power demands. Its controversial nature makes it a sought-after yet discreetly traded artifact.
Roleplay Applications of Harmony’s Bane in Different Environments
- Defense
- Urban Confrontations
- In a crowded city, Harmony’s Bane can be used to create a temporary barrier of chaotic energy, repelling hostile entities or curses targeting the user. For example, when cornered by a rival gang or targeted by malevolent magic, the talisman protects the user long enough to escape or regroup.
- Roleplay Focus: The user channels their frustration at being pursued or cornered, using the talisman as a defiant stand against overwhelming odds.
- Wilderness Survival
- When confronted by aggressive wildlife or territorial spirits, the talisman’s protective aura can repel attacks fueled by natural instincts or supernatural influence. Its chaotic energy disrupts the focus of hostile forces.
- Roleplay Focus: The user’s emotional turmoil mirrors the raw power of the wilderness, creating an intense standoff where survival depends on wielding their own inner conflict.
- Dungeon Defense
- In the depths of a dungeon, where curses and traps abound, the Ofuda defends the user from magical effects that attack the mind or emotions. It serves as a shield against enchantments meant to disorient or manipulate.
- Roleplay Focus: The user confronts their own fears and frustrations as they stand resilient against the psychological onslaught of the dungeon’s magic.
- Ritual Disruption
- During a dark ritual, Harmony’s Bane can block harmful magic aimed at the user or their allies, disrupting the flow of malevolent energy. This is especially effective against cultists or malevolent casters.
- Roleplay Focus: The user channels their rage at the ritual’s desecration, transforming it into a chaotic force that protects them and weakens their foes.
- Urban Confrontations
- Offense
- Tactical Chaos
- On the battlefield, Harmony’s Bane can be activated to sow discord among enemies. The talisman’s chaotic energy disrupts their focus and coordination, leaving them vulnerable to counterattacks.
- Roleplay Focus: The user turns their own anger and frustration outward, projecting it into the enemy ranks and relishing the disruption caused.
- Psychological Warfare
- In a tense negotiation or standoff, the user can activate Harmony’s Bane to unnerve and intimidate their opponents. The talisman’s unsettling aura amplifies the user’s emotional presence, compelling submission or retreat.
- Roleplay Focus: The user wields the talisman like an emotional weapon, channeling their inner turmoil into a palpable force that dominates the interaction.
- Breakthrough Assault
- When trapped or under siege, the talisman’s energy can be unleashed to break through enemy lines or weaken a barrier. The chaotic aura clears a path by destabilizing the resolve of foes.
- Roleplay Focus: The user uses their fury as fuel, pushing through obstacles with raw emotional determination.
- Curse Reflection
- Against malevolent spellcasters, the Ofuda’s chaotic energy can reflect or destabilize their magic, turning curses or mind-control attempts back on their source.
- Roleplay Focus: The user confronts the caster’s malice with their own inner strength, transforming negativity into a weapon against its wielder.
- Tactical Chaos
- Environmental Roleplay Emphasis
- Urban: Use Harmony’s Bane to navigate morally ambiguous situations, defend against hidden enemies, or protect from curses in political intrigue or gang disputes.
- Wilderness: Its chaotic resonance mirrors the unpredictability of nature, providing both protection and a deterrent to aggressive creatures or spirits.
- Dungeons: Serve as a countermeasure against psychological traps and enchantments, or disrupt enemy spellcasters’ plans.
- Battlefields: Enhance the user’s ability to repel attacks or create chaos within enemy ranks, turning emotional intensity into tactical strength.
The talisman’s roleplay potential emphasizes its duality as both a protective and destabilizing force, shaped by the emotional state of the wielder.
Perception of Activation:
- Visual Perception: When you lay your eyes upon Harmony’s Bane, the first thing that strikes you is its distinct departure from the usual serene and elegant designs of traditional Ofuda. The wooden talisman’s surface is adorned with twisted and jagged patterns, almost like cracks in reality itself. The characters inscribed upon it seem to writhe and shift as if they possess a life of their own, conveying a sense of unease. The faint, eerie glow that emanates from the talisman when activated casts flickering shadows that dance across the room, lending an otherworldly aura to its presence.
- Auditory Perception: As you hold Harmony’s Bane in your hands, a subtle hum resonates through your fingers, almost imperceptible at first. As you focus on it, the hum seems to grow in intensity, harmonizing with the rhythm of your heartbeat. The sound is both soothing and disconcerting, reminiscent of the distant echoes of a forgotten melody.
- Tactile Perception: The texture of Harmony’s Bane is smooth to the touch, its surface polished to a fine finish that belies its ominous appearance. As you run your fingers over the intricate designs, you can almost feel a faint thrum of energy beneath your touch, as if the wood itself is pulsating with a hidden power. When you grasp the talisman tightly and activate its magic, you sense a subtle warmth that spreads from the wood into your hand, a tangible connection between your emotions and the magic it holds.
- Olfactory Perception: As you bring Harmony’s Bane closer to your nose, there is a faint but distinct scent of incense and herbs, much like the fragrances that often accompany traditional Ofuda. However, beneath this familiar aroma, there’s a faint undercurrent of something darker, a hint of smokiness and spice that gives the impression of a connection to ancient and forbidden rituals.
- Extrasensory Perception: With heightened senses or magical perception, you might notice a subtle aura surrounding Harmony’s Bane when it’s not activated. This aura is a blend of conflicting energies: a core of traditional protective magic mingled with an undercurrent of discord and agitation. When activated, the aura intensifies, pulsating with a rapid and irregular rhythm, reflecting the emotional turmoil that fuels the talisman’s power.
Harmony’s Bane is an item that engages not only the traditional senses but also triggers a sense of disquiet and anticipation, hinting at the complex and enigmatic magic it harnesses.
Recipe: Crafting Harmony’s Bane
- Materials Needed
- Cursed Oakwood Slab (1 piece): Harvested from trees touched by chaotic magic, shaped into a 6×4-inch talisman.
- Shadow Ink (1 vial): A blend of powdered obsidian, ash from a forbidden ritual flame, and nightshade extract, infused with chaotic energy.
- Binding Thread (1 spool): Threads soaked in an alchemical solution of silver dust and crushed bloodstone to stabilize the talisman’s energy.
- Charcoal of Turmoil (3 pieces): Special charcoal imbued with emotional residue, used to draw temporary wards during crafting.
- Fragrant Resin (2 drops): Derived from rare incense, masking the disruptive aura of the talisman during handling.
- Tools Required
- Engraving Kit: For etching the intricate and jagged patterns into the wood.
- Alchemical Kit: To prepare the Shadow Ink and Binding Thread.
- Runic Stylus: Used to channel chaotic magic into the engraved symbols.
- Arcane Forge or Ritual Circle: Necessary to infuse the talisman with its magical properties.
- Protective Gloves: To safeguard the crafter from chaotic backlash during the infusion process.
- Skill Requirements
- Craftsmanship (Advanced Proficiency): To precisely engrave the chaotic patterns and assemble the talisman.
- Arcana (Moderate Proficiency): To channel chaotic energy safely into the Ofuda.
- Alchemy (Basic Proficiency): To prepare the Shadow Ink and Binding Thread effectively.
- Willpower (Basic Proficiency): To resist the emotional strain of working with chaotic energy.
- Crafting Steps
- Prepare the Shadow Ink:
- Crush obsidian and mix it with ash and nightshade extract in the alchemical kit.
- Heat the mixture gently, stirring in a clockwise motion until it emits a faint shimmer. Set aside to cool.
- Shape the Talisman Base:
- Use the engraving kit to carve the Cursed Oakwood Slab into a rectangular shape, smoothing the edges to prevent splintering.
- Sand the surface lightly to prepare it for engraving.
- Etch the Patterns:
- Using the Runic Stylus, engrave jagged, twisting designs onto the surface of the wood. The patterns must be irregular yet interconnected to represent chaotic energy.
- Dip the stylus into the Shadow Ink frequently to ensure the symbols are infused with its essence.
- Bind the Talisman:
- Wrap the edges of the talisman with the Binding Thread, securing it with knots at each corner.
- While binding, chant a short incantation to stabilize the chaotic energy, preventing it from overwhelming the talisman.
- Infuse with Chaotic Energy:
- Place the talisman on the Arcane Forge or within the Ritual Circle.
- Light the Charcoal of Turmoil around the crafting area to channel emotional energy into the talisman.
- Channel chaotic magic through the Runic Stylus, tracing the engraved symbols to infuse them with power.
- Finalize with Resin:
- Apply two drops of Fragrant Resin to the center of the talisman. This step stabilizes the energy and ensures the item’s aura remains manageable during use.
- Test the Talisman:
- Grip Harmony’s Bane tightly and focus on an emotion like frustration or anger to activate it. Observe the faint glow and chaotic resonance to confirm its functionality.
- Prepare the Shadow Ink:
- Crafting Time and Cost
- Time: 8–12 hours, depending on skill and access to tools.
- Cost: Approximately 25 gold pieces for materials, though rare components may increase the expense in certain regions.
Saga of the Fractured Accord
Long before the rise of kings and empires, in a time when mortals whispered truths they scarcely understood, the balance of Saṃsāra was held as sacred. The harmony between light and darkness wove the fabric of existence, yet it was a fragile thread, easily frayed. In those days, there lived a sage known only as Kaelyn, whose mind yearned to pierce the veil of cosmic order and harness the unbridled chaos lurking at its edges.
Kaelyn, shunned by peers for daring to question the sanctity of harmony, wandered to the shadowed reaches of Saṃsāra. In the Vale of Turmoil, where reality bled into dreams, Kaelyn discovered a withered tree whose roots coiled around fractured stones etched with forbidden runes. Sitting beneath its darkened canopy, Kaelyn meditated, seeking to understand the discord beneath the world’s surface.
On the seventh day, a figure emerged from the twilight mist, its form jagged and ever-shifting, as though it embodied the chaos Kaelyn sought. It spoke in a voice that was not a voice but the resonance of countless clashing tones. “If harmony is balance, then chaos is its shadow. Will you bear the burden of this truth and wield the power that lies within the discord?”
Kaelyn, emboldened by ambition and curiosity, accepted. The figure bestowed a single fragment of its essence, guiding Kaelyn in crafting a talisman: Harmony’s Bane. Fashioned from the wood of the Vale’s tree and inscribed with runes drawn from Kaelyn’s inner turmoil, the talisman became a conduit for chaotic energy.
With Harmony’s Bane, Kaelyn returned to the lands of mortals, wielding its power to protect villages from cursed spirits and repel malicious forces. Yet, each victory carried a cost. The talisman fed on Kaelyn’s emotions, amplifying their turmoil with every use. Over time, Kaelyn grew isolated, consumed by the chaos they had embraced.
Legends say that in their final moments, Kaelyn stood against a rift between realms, a tear born of unbalanced magic. Wielding Harmony’s Bane, they sealed the breach but at the price of their mortal form. The talisman fell to the earth, inert but waiting for another to awaken its dormant power.
Moral: In seeking to master chaos, one must confront their own inner discord, for the strength to protect may also be the force that unravels the self.
Suggested conversions to other systems:
Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)
Harmony’s Bane
- Type: Mystical Artifact
- Use: Converts emotional turmoil into a protective force.
- Mechanics:
- Chaotic Shield: Spend 1 Magic Point to activate. For 1d6 minutes, gain a +20% bonus to POW rolls against spells or effects targeting the mind or emotions.
- Emotional Backlash: After the shield expires, the user experiences heightened anxiety and irritation, suffering a penalty of –10% to all social rolls for 1d4 rounds.
- Drawback: Prolonged use may induce recurring nightmares tied to the talisman’s chaotic resonance.
Blades in the Dark
Harmony’s Bane
- Type: Special Item
- Load: 1
- Effect: Channels negative emotions into protective energy.
- Mechanics:
- Chaotic Barrier: Once per score, spend 2 Stress to activate a personal shield for one encounter. Gain +1d to resistance rolls against mental or emotional harm (including supernatural effects).
- Reckless Aura: While active, allies within close range must roll a fortune die. On a 1–3, they feel minor agitation, reducing their position in teamwork actions by one level.
- Limitations: Ineffective against mechanical or non-emotional threats.
Dungeons & Dragons (5e)
Harmony’s Bane
- Wondrous Item, Common (Requires Attunement)
- Activation: Bonus action; usable once per short rest.
- Effects:
- Chaotic Shield: For 1 minute, gain advantage on Wisdom and Charisma saving throws against mind-affecting spells or effects.
- Backlash: After activation, the user suffers disadvantage on Wisdom (Insight) and Charisma (Persuasion) checks for 1d4 rounds.
- Recharge: Regains its use after a short or long rest.
Knave
Harmony’s Bane
- Type: Magical Item
- Usage: Activates a protective aura at an emotional cost.
- Mechanics:
- Active Effect (1/Day): For 10 minutes, the user gains a +2 bonus to saving throws against mental effects and curses.
- Emotional Strain: After the effect ends, the user experiences agitation and frustration, suffering a –1 penalty to Charisma-based rolls for 1d4 turns.
- Limitation: The item becomes inert for the remainder of the day after use.
Fate
Harmony’s Bane
- Aspect: “The Fractured Shield of Chaos”
- Invoke: Gain a +2 bonus to rolls for resisting mental or emotional attacks, or when channeling inner turmoil into defensive actions.
- Compel: Increase the difficulty of social interactions as the user struggles with heightened agitation following activation.
- Stunt:
- Chaotic Defense: Once per session, spend 1 Fate Point to create a barrier of chaotic energy. For the next scene, gain +2 to defend against mental or supernatural attacks targeting your emotions or mind.
Numenera & Cypher System
Harmony’s Bane
- Level: 3
- Effect: Converts negative emotions into a shield against mental and emotional harm.
- Activated Ability: Spend 2 Intellect Points to activate an aura for 10 minutes. While active, gain +1 to all Intellect defense rolls and ignore one level of Intellect damage caused by emotional or supernatural attacks.
- Emotional Backlash: After the effect ends, the user’s recovery rolls for Intellect tasks take 1 additional round to complete.
- Limitations: Ineffective against purely physical threats or mindless entities.
Pathfinder (2e)
Harmony’s Bane
- Type: Worn Item (Common, Consumable)
- Level: 3
- Usage: Held; activated by command (1 action).
- Effects:
- Chaotic Shield (1 Charge): Activates a 30-foot aura for 1 minute. Grants the user a +2 status bonus to saving throws against mental effects and curses.
- Emotional Strain: After the aura ends, the user suffers a –1 status penalty to Diplomacy and Perception checks for 1d4 rounds.
- Crafting Requirements: Cursed wood, infused Shadow Ink, and a successful Arcana check (DC 15).
Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)
Harmony’s Bane
- Type: Magical Item
- Effect: Uses emotional energy to bolster mental defenses.
- Mechanics:
- Chaotic Aura (Once per Day): Spend 2 Power Points to activate an aura for 5 rounds. While active, gain +2 to Spirit rolls to resist fear or mind control and ignore one level of Fatigue caused by emotional strain.
- Backlash: After activation, the user suffers a –1 penalty to Persuasion rolls for 1d4 turns due to lingering irritation.
- Limitations: Does not affect entities immune to emotional influence.
Shadowrun (6th Edition)
Harmony’s Bane
- Type: Magical Talisman (Focus)
- Bonding Cost: 3 Karma
- Effects:
- Chaotic Shield: Spend 1 Edge to activate. For 10 rounds, gain a +2 dice pool modifier to resist spells or effects targeting emotions or the mind.
- Emotional Resonance: After activation, the user suffers a –1 dice penalty to all Charisma-based rolls for the next hour due to heightened agitation.
- Availability: 8R, 6,000¥
Starfinder
Harmony’s Bane
- Item Level: 4
- Price: 3,000 credits
- Usage: 1 charge, recharges after 24 hours.
- Effects:
- Chaotic Defense: As a reaction, activate the talisman to gain a +2 insight bonus to saving throws against mind-affecting effects or spells for 1 minute.
- Backlash: After the effect ends, the user suffers a –1 penalty to Diplomacy and Bluff checks for 1d4 rounds.
- Limitations: Ineffective against creatures immune to mind-affecting effects.
Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)
Harmony’s Bane
- Type: Artifact
- Traits:
- Mental Shield: Grants DM+2 to all Willpower checks to resist mental manipulation or fear for 10 minutes when activated.
- Emotional Turmoil: After activation, the user suffers DM–1 to all Social skill rolls for the next hour due to residual agitation.
- Value: 25,000 Credits, sought by mercenaries and spies for its unique effects.
Warhammer (4th Edition)
Harmony’s Bane
- Type: Rare Magical Item
- Encumbrance: 0
- Effects:
- Chaotic Barrier: When activated, grants a +10 bonus to Cool Tests to resist fear or magical coercion for 1d10 rounds.
- Emotional Fallout: After the effect ends, the user suffers a –10 penalty to Fellowship-based tests for 1d4 rounds.
- Availability: Very Rare, often traded in underground or arcane circles.