Lore: The Ofuda of Haughty Reflection was first crafted by the monk-artisan, Eiji, who grew tired of the arrogance of the nobility around him. He infused the essence of their pride into the Ofuda, intending to show them the error of their ways. Over time, it found its way into the hands of various users, each surprised by the Ofuda’s uncanny ability to magnify their own arrogance as a form of power.
Detailed Stats:
- Type: Ofuda (Paper Talisman)
- Charges:
- Initial charges of 3.
- Once per month, During the full moon roll a tier die for added charges.
- Max charges are 14.
- Once all the charges are depleted, the Ofuda becomes a plain piece of paper and cannot be recharged.
- Recharging Mechanism: To recharge the Ofuda, one must stand in front of a mirror and proclaim their own greatness and achievements for at least 10 minutes during a full moon night. The Ofuda absorbs this energy, translating it into charges.
Roleplay:
- When wielded, the user will exude an air of supreme confidence and arrogance. They might dismiss others’ ideas quickly, strut with unmistakable swagger, or demand respect from those they consider beneath them.
- The user believes their decisions are the best, making it difficult for them to take advice from others.
- The reflection in mirrors or still water appears even more regal and commanding to the user, possibly to the point of obsession.
Costs:
Purchase: 10 gold pieces.
Recharging: Costs the user time and requires access to a mirror and clear skies during a full moon.
Magics:
- Commanding Presence: Once per charge, the user can demand attention from everyone in a 20-ft radius, forcing them to listen to the user’s next statement or command.
- Mirror’s Taunt: Once per charge, the user can reflect an attacker’s arrogance back at them. The attacker must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw (DC 14) or become disoriented, losing their next turn as they’re lost in their own reflection.
- Aura of Superiority: Once per charge, for a minute, the user gains advantage on intimidation checks.
Tags: Protection, Warding, Confidence, Superiority, Reflection, Arrogance, Command, Intimidation, Social Manipulation, Pride, Domination, Confidence Amplification, Narcissism
Usage:
- Defense: The Mirror’s Taunt ability allows for a defensive play by making attackers lose their turn. This could save the user from a potentially lethal blow.
- Offense: Commanding Presence can be used to divert attention, creating openings for the user or allies. Aura of Superiority can be utilized for situations where intimidation can lead to avoiding combat altogether.
- Environment: Best used in social situations or places where mirrors or reflective surfaces are abundant, such as noble houses, palaces, or near lakes and ponds.
This Ofuda grants users a taste of overbearing confidence, but with a price. They might alienate allies if not careful, and the very arrogance that powers the Ofuda could be their own downfall.
Perception of the Ofuda of Haughty Reflection:
- Sight:
- Perceived as: A finely crafted, slender paper talisman. The intricate calligraphy weaves a mesmerizing pattern with symbols of pride and dominance.
- Positives: Elegant design; captivates viewers.
- Negatives: Its flamboyance can make it conspicuous, drawing undue attention.
- Touch:
- Perceived as: Soft and velvety to touch, with a slight electric tingle.
- Positives: Feels high-quality and luxurious.
- Negatives: The electric tingle might be unsettling for some.
- Hearing:
- Perceived as: A faint whisper of one’s own praises and achievements when close.
- Positives: Affirming and confidence-boosting.
- Negatives: The constant self-praise can become annoying or distracting.
- Taste (Though not typically tasted):
- Perceived as: Bitter with a sharp metallic aftertaste.
- Positives: Discourages ingestion.
- Negatives: Unpleasant, could be harmful if accidentally consumed.
- Smell:
- Perceived as: A mix of fine ink and fragrant wood.
- Positives: Calming and reminiscent of an artisan’s workshop.
- Negatives: Can become overpowering in closed spaces.
- Nonstandard Senses (e.g., Magical Perception or Aura Sight):
- Perceived as: A radiant aura, glowing with a light that feels assertive.
- Positives: Clearly a magical artifact of moderate power.
- Negatives: Skilled magic users may recognize its aura of arrogance and avoid or challenge the user.
Recipe Ingredients:
- Sacred parchment from the Tree of Egos, a rare tree that thrives on praises.
- Ink extracted from the Prideful Squid, a creature known for its flamboyant displays.
- A mirror polished by moonlight for 3 consecutive nights.
- Hair strand of a narcissist.
- Dew collected from a silver leafed rose during a full moon.
Recipe Steps:
- Preparation of the Parchment: Lay the sacred parchment in front of the moonlit mirror for an entire night, allowing it to absorb the moon’s confidence.
- Ink Mixture: Combine the Prideful Squid ink, hair strand of a narcissist, and dew from the silver leafed rose in a crystal bowl. Stir counterclockwise until the mixture turns a deep shade of blue.
- Calligraphy: Using a quill made from a peacock feather, start writing the symbols of dominance and pride. The script should flow from the hand, almost dancing on the parchment.
- Aura Infusion: Once the symbols are inscribed, lay the Ofuda on the mirror, allowing it to reflect its own inscriptions. Whisper praises of its power and uniqueness, infusing it with the essence of arrogance.
- Sealing the Power: Fold the Ofuda three times, then unfold it, revealing a stronger, more radiant artifact.
- Final Touch: Expose the Ofuda to a night of moonlight once more, solidifying its connection to haughty reflection.
Once these steps are done meticulously, the Ofuda of Haughty Reflection is ready for use.
Tale of the Narcissist’s Mirror
Long before the tides of time wore the sharp edges from Saṃsāra’s mountains, there existed a kingdom of unimaginable splendor. Its rulers, adorned in finery and draped in jewels, gazed not at their subjects but only at themselves. Arrogance became their crown, pride their shield, and they demanded the world kneel in awe of their perfection.
Among them lived a monk-artisan named Eiji, a simple man who worked in the shadows of grand palaces. Eiji’s craft was celebrated, but his humility was his truest virtue. Each day he watched the nobles’ arrogance grow, their reflections in polished mirrors becoming altars of self-worship. Discontent swirled within Eiji, for he saw that their vanity blinded them to the needs of the kingdom.
In secret, Eiji sought the wisdom of the Moonlit River, a place where truths reflected as clearly as the night sky. Beneath its silver glow, he gathered rare materials: parchment from the Tree of Egos, dew from the Silver Rose, and ink from the Prideful Squid. With these, he created a talisman—a slender Ofuda inscribed with symbols of dominance, destined to reveal the folly of unchecked pride.
The Ofuda of Haughty Reflection was born, glowing faintly under the moonlight. Its magic was subtle yet profound: those who held it found their arrogance magnified, their confidence turning into an almost supernatural aura. But as they basked in their own grandeur, the Ofuda revealed their flaws as well, mocking their inflated egos with haunting reflections in mirrors and still waters.
When the Ofuda was presented to the nobles, they laughed at Eiji’s creation. Yet, as they held it, their laughter turned into boasts, their boasts into commands, and their commands into chaos. The nobles, each convinced of their supreme right to rule, clashed for dominance, blinded by the illusion of their own superiority.
Amid the chaos, Eiji stepped forward with quiet resolve. “The greatest strength,” he said, “is not in exalting oneself, but in humbling one’s heart to hear the truths of others.” His words echoed through the broken court, and the Ofuda’s light dimmed as the nobles lowered their gazes, finally seeing the destruction wrought by their pride.
It is said that the Ofuda of Haughty Reflection remains in the world, a double-edged talisman wielded by those who seek to command and conquer. Yet its true power lies not in arrogance but in the humbling lesson it forces upon its bearer.
Moral: Pride may shine brightly, but it is the wisdom of humility that lights the path to true greatness.
Suggested conversions to other systems:
Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)
Ofuda of Haughty Reflection
- Type: Mystical Artifact
- Use: Enhances the user’s confidence while subtly distorting their perception of reality.
- Mechanics:
- Commanding Presence: Spend 1 Magic Point to activate. For 1d6 minutes, gain a +20% bonus to Charm or Intimidate rolls, forcing others to heed your words.
- Mirror’s Taunt: Spend 1 Magic Point to reflect an attacker’s aggression back onto themselves. The attacker must succeed on a POW vs POW contest or lose their next action to self-doubt.
- Drawback: Prolonged use may cause the user to develop an inflated sense of self, leading to penalties on Psychology checks to discern others’ emotions.
Blades in the Dark
Ofuda of Haughty Reflection
- Type: Special Item
- Load: 1
- Effect: Channels arrogance into power but risks isolating the user socially.
- Mechanics:
- Commanding Aura: Gain +1d to Sway or Command rolls when using the Ofuda to dominate or influence others.
- Mirror’s Rebuke: Spend 2 Stress to force an enemy to hesitate. The target must resist with Resolve or lose their next action.
- Repercussions: The user suffers -1d on Consort rolls with allies for the rest of the score due to their overbearing demeanor.
Dungeons & Dragons (5e)
Ofuda of Haughty Reflection
- Wondrous Item, Uncommon (Requires Attunement)
- Activation: Bonus action; uses 1 charge per ability. Starts with 3 charges, recharges monthly under specific conditions.
- Effects:
- Commanding Presence: Force creatures within 20 feet to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 14). On failure, they are compelled to listen to your next statement or command.
- Mirror’s Taunt: As a reaction, reflect an enemy’s arrogance. The attacker must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 14) or lose their next action.
- Aura of Superiority: Gain advantage on Intimidation checks for 1 minute.
- Recharge Mechanism: Must proclaim your greatness before a mirror under a full moon for 10 minutes.
Knave
Ofuda of Haughty Reflection
- Type: Magical Item
- Usage: Enhances the user’s confidence but risks alienating allies.
- Mechanics:
- Passive Effect: Grants a +1 bonus to Charisma-based rolls when asserting dominance.
- Active Effect (3 Charges): Activate to compel attention within 30 feet or deflect an enemy’s attack, causing them to hesitate for one turn unless they succeed on a Wisdom save (DC 12).
- Recharge: Requires a full moon and a ritual of self-praise lasting 10 minutes.
- Limitations: Overuse may cause NPCs to perceive the user as insufferably arrogant.
Fate
Ofuda of Haughty Reflection
- Aspect: “The Mirror of Pride”
- Invoke: Gain a +2 bonus to rolls involving Command, Intimidation, or asserting dominance in social situations.
- Compel: The user’s inflated arrogance creates complications in teamwork or diplomacy, alienating allies.
- Stunt:
- Reflection’s Rebuke: Once per session, spend 1 Fate Point to reflect an opponent’s emotional attack or social maneuver, causing them to falter or reconsider their approach.
Numenera & Cypher System
Ofuda of Haughty Reflection
- Level: 4
- Effect: Magnifies the user’s confidence, granting an edge in social and defensive situations.
- Activated Abilities:
- Commanding Presence: Spend 2 Intellect Points to compel those within short range to heed your words. Targets must succeed on an Intellect defense roll (Level 4) or comply for one action.
- Mirror’s Taunt: Spend 2 Intellect Points to reflect an enemy’s attack back on themselves. The attacker must make an Intellect defense roll (Level 4) or lose their next turn.
- Recharge Mechanism: Can only regain charges under a full moon through a ritual of self-praise lasting 10 minutes.
Pathfinder (2e)
Ofuda of Haughty Reflection
- Type: Worn Item (Uncommon, Consumable)
- Level: 5
- Usage: Held; activated by command (1 action).
- Effects:
- Commanding Presence: Once per charge, activate to force all creatures within a 20-foot radius to make a Will save (DC 18). On failure, they are compelled to focus their attention on the user for 1 round.
- Mirror’s Taunt: As a reaction, reflect an attacker’s aggression. The attacker must make a Will save (DC 18) or lose their next action.
- Aura of Superiority: Gain a +2 status bonus to Intimidation checks for 1 minute.
- Recharge Mechanism: Must perform a 10-minute ritual under a full moon, proclaiming personal greatness to restore charges.
Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)
Ofuda of Haughty Reflection
- Type: Magical Item
- Effect: Enhances confidence and repels aggression.
- Mechanics:
- Commanding Presence: Spend 1 Power Point to compel all within a Medium Burst Template to pay attention. Targets must succeed on a Spirit roll (–2) or be unable to act against the user for 1 round.
- Mirror’s Taunt: Spend 1 Power Point to force an attacker to reflect on their own arrogance. The attacker must succeed on a Spirit roll (–2) or lose their next turn.
- Recharge Mechanism: The talisman regains 1 charge per month after a ritual of self-praise under a full moon.
Shadowrun (6th Edition)
Ofuda of Haughty Reflection
- Type: Magical Talisman (Focus)
- Bonding Cost: 4 Karma
- Effects:
- Commanding Presence: Spend 1 Edge to activate. For 1d6 minutes, gain a +2 dice pool modifier to Intimidation or Leadership rolls when asserting dominance in social interactions.
- Mirror’s Taunt: As a reaction, force an attacker to roll Willpower + Logic vs. your Charisma + Magic. On failure, the attacker is disoriented and skips their next action.
- Recharge Mechanism: The Ofuda regains 1 charge per month after a ritual of self-praise under a full moon.
- Availability: 12R, 10,000¥
Starfinder
Ofuda of Haughty Reflection
- Item Level: 5
- Price: 4,500 credits
- Usage: 3 charges, recharges monthly through a specific ritual.
- Effects:
- Commanding Presence: Spend 1 charge to compel creatures within a 20-foot radius to focus on you. Targets must succeed at a Will save (DC 16) or be unable to act against you for 1 round.
- Mirror’s Taunt: As a reaction, reflect an attacker’s arrogance. The attacker must make a Will save (DC 16) or lose their next turn due to disorientation.
- Aura of Superiority: Spend 1 charge to gain a +2 insight bonus to Intimidation checks for 1 minute.
Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)
Ofuda of Haughty Reflection
- Type: Artifact
- Traits:
- Commanding Presence: Grants DM+2 to Leadership or Intimidate rolls when asserting dominance in social situations.
- Mirror’s Rebuke: Once per charge, reflect an attacker’s aggression. The attacker must roll 8+ on Willpower or be stunned for 1 round.
- Recharge Mechanism: The artifact regains 1 charge per month after a ritual performed under a full moon, lasting 10 minutes.
- Value: 35,000 Credits
Warhammer (4th Edition)
Ofuda of Haughty Reflection
- Type: Rare Magical Item
- Encumbrance: 0
- Effects:
- Commanding Presence: Spend 1 charge to force all creatures within a 6-yard radius to pass a Cool Test (Average Difficulty) or focus their attention on you for 1 round.
- Mirror’s Taunt: As a reaction, reflect an enemy’s arrogance. The attacker must pass a Cool Test (Challenging Difficulty) or lose their next action.
- Aura of Superiority: Spend 1 charge to gain a +10 bonus to Intimidation tests for 1 minute.
- Recharge Mechanism: Requires a 10-minute ritual of self-praise under a full moon.
- Availability: Very Rare, often found in the possession of nobles or mystics drawn to power.