Ofuda of Lingering Shadows

Lore: The Ofuda of Lingering Shadows is a mystic creation born from the convergence of Shinto and dark magic. Crafted by an enigmatic order of monks known as the Umbramancers, these ofuda carry both blessings and curses within their intricate inscriptions. In an attempt to harness the duality of existence, these talismans were meant to confront the enigma of light and darkness within the world of Saṃsāra.

Stats:

• Rarity: Common
• Level: Tier 1
• Cost: 25 gold pieces

Tags:

• Roleplay Emphasis: Affliction
• Magic Type: Ofuda
• Alignment: Neutral
• Additional: Consumable, Cursed, Illusion, Divination, Emotion Manipulation, Shinto, Umbramancy, Subtle Magic, Mystical, Spiritual

Use: When affixed to a surface, the Ofuda of Lingering Shadows manifests an aura that draws upon the user’s intention to afflict. The nature of the affliction varies, but it generally perturbs the target’s senses, emotions, or fate.

Given the Ofuda of Lingering Shadow’s unique properties and lore, here are some likely places in Saṃsāra where it might be found, along with approximate costs:

• Hidden Temples and Monasteries:
  • Location: Secluded mountaintop monasteries, ancient temples nestled in misty forests, or hidden shrines in bustling city back alleys.
  • Shopkeeper: Aged monks with a knowing glint in their eyes, enigmatic ascetics who speak in riddles, or stoic guardians sworn to protect the sacred knowledge.
  • Ambiance: Incense smoke curling in the air, chanting echoing softly in the background, ancient scrolls lining the shelves, and an overall air of mystery and reverence.
  • Cost: 30-50 gold pieces. The monks might offer a discount to those who show respect or demonstrate a genuine need for the Ofuda.
• Wandering Mystics and Peddlers:
  • Location: Traveling markets, crossroads, festivals, or even chance encounters on lonely roads.
  • Shopkeeper: A wizened mystic with a twinkle in their eye, a nomadic peddler with a colorful cart full of curious items, or a mysterious hermit emerging from the wilderness.
  • Ambiance: A sense of wonder and the unexpected. The peddler’s cart might be adorned with charms and talismans, while the mystic might set up a small altar wherever they stop.
  • Cost: 20-40 gold pieces. Haggling is expected, and the price might fluctuate depending on the seller’s perception of the buyer’s knowledge and intentions.
• Shadowy Bazaars and Black Markets:
  • Location: The dimly lit corners of bustling cities, underground networks of traders, or secret gatherings in the dead of night.
  • Shopkeeper: Shifty-eyed merchants dealing in forbidden goods, members of clandestine organizations, or individuals seeking to profit from the Ofuda’s unique powers.
  • Ambiance: An air of secrecy and danger, with whispers replacing open conversation and deals struck in hushed tones.
  • Cost: 15-25 gold pieces. The low price might reflect the questionable origins of the Ofuda or the seller’s eagerness to get rid of it.
• Curio Shops and Antique Dealers:
  • Location: Shops tucked away in quiet streets, dusty attics filled with forgotten treasures, or stalls overflowing with peculiar artifacts in bustling marketplaces.
  • Shopkeeper: Eccentric collectors with a passion for the unusual, knowledgeable antiquarians with a keen eye for valuable items, or opportunistic merchants hoping to make a quick profit.
  • Ambiance: A sense of history and intrigue, with the Ofuda displayed among other fascinating objects, each with its own story to tell.
  • Cost: 40-60 gold pieces. The price might be inflated due to the Ofuda’s perceived rarity or the shopkeeper’s belief in its potential value.

Remember that these are just a few examples, and the actual cost and location of the Ofuda of Lingering Shadows might vary depending on the specific circumstances and the seller’s motivations. The world of Saṃsāra is vast and diverse, with countless possibilities for where this unique item might be found.

The Ofuda of Lingering Shadows, with its ability to subtly manipulate emotions and senses, offers intriguing possibilities for both defensive and offensive applications in roleplay, depending on the environment and the user’s intent.

• Defensive Applications:
  • In a crowded marketplace: Affix the Ofuda to your stall or person. The subtle disorientation and emotional fluctuations it induces can deter potential thieves or troublemakers, making them less likely to target you. They might feel uneasy or inexplicably lose interest in their initial intentions.
  • During a tense negotiation: Place the Ofuda on the table between you and the opposing party. The unsettling aura it creates can subtly sway the negotiation in your favor, making the other party more susceptible to your arguments or more willing to compromise.
  • While exploring a dangerous dungeon: Affix the Ofuda to a wall or doorway. The heightened senses and subtle warnings it provides can alert you to hidden dangers or approaching enemies, giving you a crucial advantage in a fight.
  • When confronted by an aggressive individual: Keep the Ofuda on your person. The emotional dampening effect can help de-escalate the situation, making the aggressor less prone to violence and more open to communication.
• Offensive Applications:
  • In a social gathering: Subtly influence the emotions of those around you to gain their favor, spread rumors, or sow discord among your rivals. By manipulating their perceptions, you can subtly nudge them towards actions that benefit you or hinder your enemies.
  • During a stealth mission: Use the Ofuda to create distractions or misdirection. The subtle hallucinations and sensory disturbances can confuse guards or pursuers, allowing you to slip past unnoticed.
  • In a duel or combat encounter: Affix the Ofuda to your weapon or armor. The disorientation it causes can give you an edge in battle, making your opponent hesitate or misjudge their attacks.
  • When interrogating a prisoner: The Ofuda’s ability to induce unease and heighten emotions can make the prisoner more susceptible to your questioning, increasing the chances of extracting valuable information.
• Important Considerations:
  • Subtlety is key: The Ofuda’s power lies in its subtlety. Overuse or blatant manipulation might raise suspicion and backfire.
  • Environment matters: The effectiveness of the Ofuda can vary depending on the environment. In a chaotic setting, its effects might be less noticeable, while in a quiet and intimate setting, its influence can be more pronounced.
  • Ethical implications: The Ofuda can be used for both benevolent and malevolent purposes. Consider the ethical implications of your actions and the potential consequences of manipulating others’ emotions and perceptions.

By creatively utilizing the Ofuda of Lingering Shadows in different environments and scenarios, players can add depth and intrigue to their roleplaying experiences, exploring the fascinating interplay between magic, perception, and human behavior.

Description of Perceived Senses:

• Visual: When observed closely, the Ofuda appears as a delicate piece of parchment or wood, with inked symbols that shift between light and shadow, creating an illusionary dance that is both mesmerizing and unsettling.
• Auditory: A faint, haunting whisper accompanies the presence of the Ofuda. The whispers, barely audible, seem to come from nowhere and everywhere simultaneously, leaving a sense of discomfort.
• Tactile: Upon touch, the Ofuda’s surface feels cool and slightly textured, as if the very essence of shadows was infused into its material. It’s neither uncomfortable nor soothing, invoking a sense of uncertainty.
• Sensory Affliction: Those who gaze at the Ofuda for too long may experience a subtle disorientation, almost like a fleeting, unexplainable déjà vu. Emotions might become slightly dulled or heightened, causing a minor fluctuation in mood.
• Empathic Aura: Sensitive individuals might feel a subtle shift in the emotional atmosphere when in the presence of the Ofuda. An inexplicable unease might settle upon them, as if the very air resonates with hidden turmoil.
• Intuitive Warning: Those attuned to magical energies can sense a faint tingling in their magical senses when the Ofuda is nearby. It’s a warning of sorts, indicating the dual nature of the item and the potential it holds.

Roleplay Emphasis: Affliction: When a character interacts with the Ofuda of Lingering Shadows, they can choose to either affix it to a surface or keep it on their person. Affixing it allows them to subtly manipulate the emotions and senses of those who come into its vicinity, while keeping it close grants them a vague sense of foreboding or insight into their surroundings.

This ofuda’s unique combination of light and shadow magic makes it a tool that can empower roleplaying experiences centered around uncertainty, intrigue, and subtle manipulation. It can lead to intriguing interactions as characters grapple with the dual nature of the item, deciding whether to use its power for benevolent or malevolent purposes.

Crafting the Ofuda of Lingering Shadows

• Materials Needed:
  • Parchment Paper: A sheet of high-quality parchment paper, preferably aged or treated to give it an antique look.
  • Ink: A special ink made from a mixture of soot, bone ash, and moonlight essence. This ink should have a dark, almost luminescent quality.
  • Thread: A fine thread of silk, dyed black.
  • Charcoal: A piece of high-quality charcoal, preferably from a willow tree.
  • Moonstone: A small, polished moonstone.
• Tools Required:
  • Calligraphy Pen: A fine-tipped calligraphy pen for precise ink work.
  • Bone Knife: A small, sharp bone knife for carving intricate details.
  • Mortar and Pestle: For grinding the charcoal and moonstone into a fine powder.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Calligraphy: A high level of skill in calligraphy is required to inscribe the intricate symbols on the parchment.
  • Alchemy: Basic knowledge of alchemy is necessary to create the special ink and to infuse the Ofuda with magical energy.
  • Spirituality: A deep connection to the spiritual realm is essential to channel the necessary energy into the Ofuda.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Prepare the Parchment: Clean the parchment paper and age it, if desired, to give it an antique look.
  • Create the Ink: Grind the charcoal and moonstone into a fine powder. Mix the powder with the soot and bone ash, then add the moonlight essence. Stir the mixture until it forms a dark, luminescent ink.
  • Inscribe the Symbols: Using the calligraphy pen and the special ink, carefully inscribe the intricate symbols of the Ofuda onto the parchment. The symbols should be precise and elegant, reflecting the duality of light and shadow.
  • Carve the Details: Use the bone knife to carve subtle details into the parchment, such as the moonstone’s symbol or a representation of the Umbramancers.
  • Infuse with Magic: Meditate on the Ofuda, focusing on the desired effects. Channel your spiritual energy into the parchment, imbuing it with the power of the moonstone and the darkness.
  • Attach the Thread: Tie the black silk thread to the Ofuda, creating a loop for hanging or wearing.
  • Complete the Ofuda: Once the infusion is complete, the Ofuda of Lingering Shadows is ready to be used.

Note: The creation of a true Ofuda of Lingering Shadows requires a deep understanding of ancient magic and a strong connection to the spiritual realm. This recipe is a simplified version, intended for roleplaying purposes.

Tale of the Shadow Weaver and the Sunstone Monk

From the fragmented scrolls of the Umbramancers, translated from a tongue lost to the ages, comes this tale…

In a time before time, when shadows danced with sunlight and the world was young, there lived a weaver of shadows named Yami. Skilled in the art of manipulating darkness, Yami sought to understand the delicate balance between light and shadow, life and death.  She believed that by harnessing the power of shadows, she could bring harmony to the world.

One day, while wandering through a bamboo forest bathed in moonlight, Yami encountered a monk named Taiyo. Taiyo was a master of the sunstone, a gem that radiated warmth and light. He dedicated his life to illuminating the world, banishing darkness wherever he found it.

Intrigued by each other’s contrasting powers, Yami and Taiyo engaged in a philosophical debate that lasted for days. They argued about the nature of existence, the role of light and darkness, and the true path to enlightenment.

As their discussions deepened, they realized that their seemingly opposing powers were merely two sides of the same coin. Light could not exist without shadow, and shadow could not exist without light.  Together, they represented the duality of existence, the eternal dance of opposites that gave birth to the world.

To symbolize their newfound understanding, Yami and Taiyo combined their powers, weaving shadows and sunlight into a single talisman. This talisman, known as the Ofuda of Lingering Shadows, embodied the delicate balance between light and darkness, a reminder that true harmony lies in embracing both sides of existence.

The Ofuda was passed down through generations of Umbramancers, serving as a tool for understanding the world’s complexities and manipulating the subtle forces that govern reality. It was used to heal and harm, to guide and deceive, to reveal and conceal, always reflecting the intentions of its wielder.

Moral of the story:  Embrace the duality of existence.  True power lies not in denying darkness or chasing light, but in understanding their interconnectedness and wielding both with wisdom and compassion.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

    Item Name: Ofuda of Lingering Shadows

• Type: Occult Item
• Description: A small, wooden talisman inscribed with strange symbols that shift between light and shadow.
• SAN Loss: 1/1D4 on prolonged examination
• Skills: Occult, Psychology
• Effect: When affixed to a surface, the Ofuda creates an aura of unease and subtle sensory distortion within a 10-foot radius. Anyone entering the aura must make a POW x5 roll.
  • Success: They experience a fleeting sense of unease and mild disorientation.
  • Failure: They suffer a temporary bout of paranoia, heightened anxiety, or minor hallucinations (Keeper’s discretion). The effects last for 1D10 rounds.
• Special: Investigators with high Occult skill may be able to use the Ofuda for minor acts of influence or misdirection, at the Keeper’s discretion. This might involve subtly influencing someone’s emotions, creating a momentary distraction, or enhancing the effects of a Psychology roll.

Blades in the Dark

    Item Name: Ofuda of Lingering Shadows

• Type: Arcane
• Effect: When used in a score, the Ofuda can be activated as a 2-clock action to create an aura of unsettling influence.
• Clock: The Ofuda has a 4-segment clock that represents its remaining power. Each use reduces the clock by one segment. When the clock is empty, the Ofuda becomes inert.
• Effect Details:
  • Reduce the target’s effect level by one for any action taken within the aura (GM’s discretion on the area of effect).
  • Add 1D to any resistance roll made by the crew within the aura when resisting fear, suspicion, or mental influence.
  • Trigger a fortune roll with a relevant consequence (e.g., “A nearby guard becomes inexplicably distracted,” or “A target’s suspicion is momentarily allayed”).
• Acquisition: Can be acquired through scores involving occult gatherings, ancient temples, or strange antique shops.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

    Item Name: Ofuda of Lingering Shadows

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Type: Wondrous item
• Attunement: No
• Properties: This small wooden talisman is inscribed with shimmering symbols. When affixed to a surface, it creates an aura of unsettling energy in a 15-foot radius.
• Effects:
  • Sensory Disturbance: Creatures of the DM’s choice that enter the aura or start their turn there must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be affected by one or more of the following effects (DM’s choice) for 1 minute:
    • Disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks relying on sight.
    • Disadvantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks.
    • Experiences fleeting hallucinations or distorted perceptions.
  • Empathic Influence: The bearer of the Ofuda can use an action to expend one of its charges to attempt to subtly influence the emotions of one creature within the aura. The target must succeed on a DC 13 Charisma saving throw or be charmed by the bearer for 1 minute. The charmed target is subtly drawn to the bearer and more likely to agree with their suggestions, but is not under the bearer’s direct control.
• Charges: The Ofuda has 3 charges and regains 1D3 expended charges daily at dawn.

Knave

    Item Name: Ofuda of Lingering Shadows

• Item Type: Magical
• Tags: Subtle, Occult, Mental
• Effect: When affixed to a surface, the Ofuda creates an aura of strange energy in a 10-foot radius.
• Usage:
  • Distract: Any creature entering the aura must make a Will save (DC 12). On a failure, they are momentarily distracted and lose their next action.
  • Influence: The bearer can use an action to make a Will save (DC 12) against a target within the aura. On a success, the target is subtly influenced and more likely to comply with the bearer’s requests for a short time (referee’s discretion).
• Depletion: After 3 uses, the Ofuda loses its power and becomes a mundane object.

Fate Core/Condensed

    Item Name: Ofuda of Lingering Shadows

• Type: Artifact
• Aspect: “Whispers of Doubt and Unease”
• Invoke: When affixed to a surface or worn, the Ofuda can be invoked to create an aura of subtle influence. This can be used to create advantages on social rolls involving deception, persuasion, or creating distractions. It can also be used to compel another character with an appropriate aspect, introducing a minor consequence like “Distracted” or “Unsettled.”
• Compel: The Ofuda’s aspect can be compelled by the GM to introduce complications or challenges for the character, such as attracting unwanted attention from sensitive individuals or amplifying existing anxieties or fears.

Numenera/Cypher System

    Item Name: Ofuda of Lingering Shadows

• Level: 1
• Form: Oddity (a small, intricately inscribed wooden talisman)
• Effect: When activated (a minor action), the Ofuda creates an aura of subtle influence in a short radius.
• Usage:
  • Weaken someone’s resolve: Reduce the difficulty of an Intellect task to influence or deceive a target within the aura by one step.
  • Cloud their mind: Inflict a minor negative effect on a target within the aura, such as “Distracted” or “Disoriented.”
  • Sense disturbances: The user gains an asset to any Perception task to detect hidden dangers or subtle cues within the aura.
• Depletion: The Ofuda has 2 points of Might. Each use depletes 1 point. When the Might is depleted, the Ofuda becomes inert.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

    Item Name: Ofuda of Lingering Shadows

• Rarity: Common
• Type: Occult
• Level: 1
• Price: 25 gp
• Usage: Held in 1 hand; Activate Interact
• Activation: [[A] action]
• Effect: The Ofuda emanates an aura of subtle magic in a 15-foot radius for 1 minute. Creatures of your choice that enter the aura or start their turn there must attempt a DC 14 Will save.
  • Critical Success: The creature is unaffected.
  • Success: The creature is subtly disoriented and takes a -1 status penalty to Perception checks and Will saves against illusion effects.
  • Failure: As success, but the penalty is -2.
  • Critical Failure: The creature is overwhelmed by a sense of unease and is frightened 1 (frightened 2 on a critical failure against a fear effect).

Savage Worlds

    Item Name: Ofuda of Lingering Shadows

• Type: Weird Science Device
• Trappings: A small, ancient-looking Ofuda with shimmering symbols
• Power Points: 5
• Range: Smarts
• Effects:
  • Distort Senses: Spend 1 Power Point. Targets within a Medium Burst Template must make a Smarts roll (–2). Those who fail suffer a –2 penalty to Notice rolls and are Shaken for 1d4 rounds.
  • Sow Discord: Spend 2 Power Points. Make a Persuasion roll at –2. On a success, subtly influence the emotions of one or more targets within the aura, causing them to become agitated, suspicious, or distrustful of each other.
• Notes: The Ofuda can be used for more subtle effects at the GM’s discretion, such as enhancing Intimidation rolls or creating minor distractions.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

    Item Name: Ofuda of Lingering Shadows

• Type: Focus (Magic) or Device (Techno-occult)
• Force: 4
• Category: Manipulation
• Duration: Sustained
• Effect: When activated, the Ofuda generates an aura of subtle magical influence in a 10-meter radius.
  • Social Manipulation: The user gains a +2 dice pool bonus to Social tests made against targets within the aura.
  • Sensory Distortion: Targets within the aura suffer a –2 dice pool penalty to Perception tests.
  • Subtle Influence: The user can spend a Complex Action to attempt to subtly influence the emotions of a single target within the aura. The target resists with a Willpower + Intuition [Mental] test. If the user succeeds, the target is subtly influenced towards the user’s desired outcome (e.g., more agreeable, less suspicious, momentarily distracted).
• Notes: The Ofuda can be created as a focus for magic users or as a device with a built-in power source for techno-occult characters.

Starfinder (First Edition)

    Item Name: Ofuda of Lingering Shadows

• Level: 2
• Price: 400 credits
• Bulk: L
• Category: Technological/Mystical
• Activation: Standard Action (command)
• Effect: The Ofuda generates a 20-foot-radius emanation field for 1 minute. Creatures within the field are affected as follows:
  • Sense Distortion: Creatures take a –1 penalty to Perception checks.
  • Will Saves: Creatures take a –1 penalty to Will saving throws.
  • Mysticism: Creatures with the mystic spellcasting class feature gain a +1 bonus to caster level checks made to overcome spell resistance.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

    Item Name: Ofuda of Lingering Shadows

• TL: 8
• Weight: Negligible
• Cost: 2000 Cr
• Effect: When activated, the Ofuda creates an aura of subtle influence with a 2-meter radius.
  • Social Modifier: +1 DM to Persuade, Deception, and Leadership skill checks made against targets within the aura.
  • Distraction: Targets within the aura must make an INT test (DM –1). Failure indicates they are momentarily distracted and suffer a –1 DM to their next action.
• Activation: 1 Action

Warhammer 40,000 (Wrath & Glory)

    Item Name: Ofuda of Lingering Shadows

• Type: Minor Warp Artifact
• Rarity: Scarce
• Effect: When activated, the Ofuda generates an aura of unsettling energy in a 3-meter radius.
  • Deny the Witch: Psykers within the aura suffer 1d3 Interference points on any Psychic tests they attempt.
  • Unnatural Aura: Any creature within the aura suffers 1 point of Fear when they first enter it.
  • Subtle Influence: The bearer can make a Challenging (+0) Willpower test to subtly influence the emotions of a single target within the aura. On a success, the target is subtly influenced towards the bearer’s desired outcome (e.g., more agreeable, less suspicious, momentarily distracted).
• Corruption: The Ofuda has a Corruption rating of 1. Extended use may expose the bearer to the corrupting influence of the Warp.