Ofuda of Restored Harmony

Lore: The Ofuda of Restored Harmony is a talisman that draws upon the ancient art of Ofuda, which holds a sacred place in the cultural tapestry of Saṃsāra. This unique ofuda was created by a compassionate monk named Akiko, who sought to counterbalance the negative energies associated with abuse. Akiko believed that through the power of sacred blessings, even the most tainted energies could be transformed into sources of healing and renewal.

Stats:

• Rarity: Common
• Level Requirement: Tier 1
• Attunement: No
• Price: 45 gold pieces

Tags:

• Enchantment: Ofuda
• Roleplay Emphasis: Abuse
• Magic Type: Healing
• Additional: Purification, Emotional Renewal, Cursed Dispelling, Sacred Blessing, Restorative Energy, Harmony Amplification, Balancing Aura, Healing Touch, Empathic Magic, Soothing Presence

Use: When in possession of the Ofuda of Restored Harmony, a character can invoke its magic to transmute and heal the energies tainted by abuse. The ofuda has a limited number of uses that replenish at dawn. The character can expend a use of the ofuda to perform one of the following actions:

• Purifying Resonance: By affixing the ofuda to a surface, the character can create an area of purified energy that counters the lingering effects of abuse. This aura grants temporary advantage on saving throws against harmful spells or effects.
• Healing Embrace: The character can hold the ofuda against their chest and close their eyes, channeling its magic to mend emotional wounds. This action allows them to provide a touch of comfort and healing to themselves or another, restoring a small amount of hit points.
• Empathic Restoration: By attaching the ofuda to an object or creature, the character can restore a measure of vitality and balance to it, dispelling minor curses or negative effects tied to abusive influences.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Ofuda of Restored Harmony is a sought-after talisman, particularly valued for its ability to heal and purify. The shops where such items are bought and sold reflect the cultural and mystical significance of the ofuda. These shops vary by region and community but share a reverence for the sacred and the restorative.

• Mystic Sanctuaries
  • Description: Found in serene temples or secluded spiritual enclaves, these shops are run by monks, priests, or spiritual artisans. The interiors are filled with the scent of incense, the soft glow of lanterns, and the gentle hum of chanting or meditative music. Shelves are lined with other talismans, scrolls, and blessed artifacts.
  • Cost: 40–50 gold pieces, reflecting the shopkeeper’s emphasis on the spiritual rather than monetary value. Some sellers may barter for services aligned with the shop’s mission, such as aiding the community or purifying a cursed site.
• Apothecaries of Serenity
  • Description: Located in bustling towns or cities, these shops cater to adventurers and travelers seeking magical remedies. The atmosphere is calming, with walls adorned with dried herbs and mystical sigils. The shopkeepers are often alchemists or healers who understand the practical and magical uses of the ofuda.
  • Cost: 45–55 gold pieces, with the possibility of discounts for repeat customers or those who demonstrate a genuine need for the talisman.
• Emporiums of Balance
  • Description: These high-end shops are found in larger cities or near centers of magical education. Run by well-known enchanters or collectors, they emphasize the aesthetic and craftsmanship of the ofuda. Buyers here often include scholars, nobles, and spiritual leaders.
  • Cost: 60–70 gold pieces due to the exclusivity and perceived artistry of the talisman. Purchases may also include documentation of the item’s creation or history.
• Wandering Vendors
  • Description: Traveling merchants or nomadic mystics sell the ofuda in temporary markets or at the edges of villages. Their wares are eclectic, including charms, potions, and other small magical items. The vendors often share stories of Akiko’s compassion to highlight the talisman’s significance.
  • Cost: 35–45 gold pieces, as the vendors aim to make the ofuda accessible to those who might otherwise not find it.
• Shops of Reconciliation
  • Description: Situated near shrines dedicated to deities of compassion or harmony, these small establishments specialize in items that counter malevolent forces or provide comfort. The shopkeepers, often devotees of Akiko’s teachings, view selling the ofuda as part of their spiritual duty.
  • Cost: 30–40 gold pieces, as these shops focus on ensuring the item reaches those in genuine need, sometimes offering it for free in exchange for a vow of compassionate use.
• Black Markets of Redemption
  • Description: In regions where the mystical is restricted or abused, the ofuda might appear in underground trading circles. These dealings are shadowed by secrecy and danger, as sellers aim to counteract harm while evading scrutiny.
  • Cost: 80–100 gold pieces due to the risks involved in obtaining and trading such items illicitly.

In Saṃsāra, the cost of the Ofuda of Restored Harmony reflects the priorities and values of its seller, varying widely based on context. Adventurers who approach these shops with respect and understanding often find fairer prices or even alternative means of acquiring this sacred talisman.

The Ofuda of Restored Harmony lends itself to versatile roleplay in both defensive and offensive scenarios, reflecting its sacred purpose of transformation and balance. Its use changes based on the environment and the intentions of the characters wielding it. Below are examples of how the talisman can be roleplayed across various situations:

• Defense in a Spiritual Environment
  • Scenario: The party ventures into a shrine corrupted by malevolent forces.
  • Roleplay: The character affixes the ofuda to a shrine wall, invoking its Purifying Resonance. As the area begins to glow with a soothing light, the oppressive energy dissipates, granting temporary advantage on saving throws for all allies within the aura. The character kneels in prayer, emphasizing the harmonious connection with the shrine’s original purpose.
  • Outcome: The talisman becomes a beacon of calm, fortifying allies’ spirits against the shrine’s lingering curses and allowing the party to regroup safely.
• Offense in a Haunted Ruin
  • Scenario: The party encounters vengeful spirits in an abandoned castle.
  • Roleplay: The character attaches the ofuda to a wall near the spirits, activating its Empathic Restoration to dispel the curses binding them. As the spirits weaken, the character might deliver a heartfelt plea for peace or wield a blessed weapon with renewed vigor, turning the ofuda’s magic into a tool to pacify or banish their foes.
  • Outcome: The spirits are subdued, leaving the area calm. Alternatively, the purified energy disrupts the spirits’ cohesion, allowing physical attacks to land more effectively.
• Defense in a Battlefield Setting
  • Scenario: The party is ambushed by enemy soldiers in a dense forest.
  • Roleplay: Holding the ofuda close, the character invokes Healing Embrace to mend the wounds of an injured ally. The subtle fragrance of herbs and the calming melody emitted by the talisman inspire nearby comrades, reinforcing their resolve. The character might call out reassurances, encouraging allies to rally while they stand guard over the healer.
  • Outcome: The ally recovers enough to rejoin the fray, while the soothing energy of the talisman bolsters morale.
• Offense in Urban Intrigue
  • Scenario: The character is infiltrating a mansion controlled by a corrupt noble.
  • Roleplay: The character affixes the ofuda to a cursed artifact within the mansion, invoking Purifying Resonance to cleanse its influence. The noble’s minions, drawn to the artifact’s corrupted power, are startled by its sudden purification. The character uses the distraction to disable the minions or expose their weaknesses, turning the ofuda into a strategic offensive tool.
  • Outcome: The artifact loses its dark energy, weakening the noble’s control and allowing the character to strike swiftly.
• Defense in a Sacred Cave
  • Scenario: The party seeks shelter in a sacred cave under attack by aberrant creatures.
  • Roleplay: The character affixes the ofuda to the entrance, creating a protective aura that wards off malevolent forces. As the cave fills with the calming melody of the talisman, the party uses the respite to heal and strategize. The character meditates, communing with the cave’s natural energies to maintain the harmony.
  • Outcome: The aura provides a sanctuary, preventing the creatures from advancing and giving the party an opportunity to recover and prepare.
• Offense in a Ravaged Village
  • Scenario: The party discovers a village ravaged by an abusive regime’s dark magic.
  • Roleplay: The character distributes the ofuda to affected villagers, empowering them to cleanse their homes of lingering negative energy. They attach the talismans to cursed landmarks, breaking the regime’s hold over the area. The character might deliver a rousing speech about reclaiming harmony, inspiring the villagers to resist further oppression.
  • Outcome: The magic tied to the regime is dispelled, and the villagers unite under the talisman’s symbolic guidance to rebuild.

Dynamic Roleplay Across Settings: The Ofuda of Restored Harmony emphasizes themes of empathy and transformation, making its use deeply tied to the character’s roleplay choices. Whether soothing allies or destabilizing adversaries, its presence weaves a narrative of restoration that highlights the party’s commitment to overcoming adversity with compassion and wisdom.

Description of Senses:

• Sight: The Ofuda of Restored Harmony is a beautifully inscribed piece of parchment, radiating a gentle, soothing light that seems to mend and mend the very fabric of the energies it touches.
• Touch: When held, the ofuda feels warm and comforting to the touch, as if it carries the empathic energy of its creator, inviting the user to cradle it in their hand.
• Sound: A gentle, calming melody emanates from the ofuda, resembling the soft, reassuring hum of a lullaby, as if the talisman itself carries the harmonizing tunes of the world.
• Taste: Characters might sense a faint, sweet taste in the air around the ofuda, evoking the sensation of partaking in a nourishing, revitalizing elixir, symbolizing the restoration of vitality.
• Smell: A character with heightened senses might detect the subtle fragrance of blooming flowers and healing herbs, as if the ofuda carries the essence of nature’s soothing embrace.

The Ofuda of Restored Harmony invites adventurers to counter the theme of abuse with healing and empathy, encouraging them to transform negative energies into sources of renewal and well-being. Through its magic, characters can embody the compassionate spirit of Akiko and work towards restoring harmony and balance in the face of adversity.

Recipe: Crafting the Ofuda of Restored Harmony

• Materials Needed
  • Sacred Parchment (1 sheet) Treated with consecrated water and infused with the essence of calming herbs.
  • Blessed Ink (1 vial) Created using purified water, powdered moonstone, and crushed petals of soothing flowers such as lavender or chamomile.
  • Thread of Serenity (1 spool) Golden thread enchanted with a tranquility charm, used for binding or embellishing the edges of the ofuda.
  • Spirit Resin (Small amount) Used to affix the ofuda to surfaces and enhance its energy retention.
• Tools Required
  • Calligraphy Brush of Precision: A fine-tipped brush for inscribing detailed runes and symbols.
  • Mortar and Pestle: For grinding moonstone and flower petals into fine powder.
  • Arcane Quill: A quill attuned to draw out magical energies for crafting.
  • Binding Needle: A needle enchanted for sewing the threads of magic into the parchment.
• Skill Requirements
  • Calligraphy: Proficiency in creating intricate and precise runes and symbols.
  • Arcane Knowledge: Understanding of enchantment and spiritual harmony.
  • Herbalism: Familiarity with plants and their calming properties.
  • Meditation or Ritual Magic: The ability to focus spiritual energy into the crafting process.
• Crafting Steps
  • Prepare the Parchment
    • Soak the parchment in consecrated water overnight.
    • Allow it to dry under the light of the moon, surrounded by calming herbs to infuse it with tranquil energy.
  • Create the Ink
    • Grind powdered moonstone and flower petals into a fine paste using the mortar and pestle.
    • Mix with purified water and a drop of liquid tranquility essence, ensuring the ink is vibrant and smooth.
  • Inscribe the Symbols
    • Using the Calligraphy Brush of Precision, carefully inscribe intricate runes of harmony and restoration onto the parchment.
    • Each symbol must be drawn with intent and focus, channeling the crafter’s desire for healing and balance.
  • Embellish the Ofuda
    • Use the Binding Needle and Thread of Serenity to sew a fine border around the parchment.
    • Apply a small amount of Spirit Resin to reinforce the parchment’s edges and enhance its durability.
  • Bless the Ofuda
    • Place the completed parchment in a circle of calming herbs and light a stick of incense.
    • Meditate for at least one hour, chanting words of harmony and renewal to imbue the ofuda with its restorative power.
  • Final Attunement
    • Under a new moon, hold the ofuda to your chest while focusing on its purpose. Allow the energies of peace and healing to resonate through it, completing the crafting process.

This recipe ensures the Ofuda of Restored Harmony retains its symbolic and practical use in the world of Saṃsāra, highlighting both the craftsmanship and the spiritual dedication needed to recreate such a sacred item.

Tale of Akiko’s Gentle Touch

In a time when the threads of the world wove harmony and discord into a fragile tapestry, there lived a monk named Akiko. Her heart, though burdened by the sorrows of those she served, shone with an unwavering compassion. Akiko walked the lands of Saṃsāra, tending to villages ravaged not by swords or fire but by the invisible wounds of abuse and despair.

It was said that where Akiko tread, the air grew lighter, as if the very earth welcomed her presence. Yet, she felt powerless to ease the deep scars that haunted the minds and spirits of the broken. Seeking wisdom, she climbed the Sacred Peaks, where the winds whispered truths to those patient enough to listen.

For seven days and seven nights, Akiko meditated beneath the Moonstone Tree, a relic of balance between realms. The spirits of the tree revealed to her the ancient art of crafting an Ofuda, a talisman that could channel harmony itself. They spoke of a delicate parchment, inscribed with symbols so precise that they mirrored the rhythm of a peaceful heart.

Akiko descended the peaks with renewed purpose. She gathered sacred parchment bathed in moonlight, ink infused with petals of healing flowers, and threads spun from the golden light of dawn. In her quiet sanctuary, she worked tirelessly, her hands guided by the whispers of the spirits. When the Ofuda of Restored Harmony was complete, it glowed with a soft radiance, a promise of solace and renewal.

Akiko carried the ofuda into the darkest places, affixing it to walls stained with anguish and holding it close to those who had lost their will to hope. With each use, the ofuda seemed to hum with life, transmuting despair into peace. Wounds unseen began to mend, and the afflicted spoke of dreams filled with gentle light and the scent of blooming flowers.

But as the story is told, not all sought the ofuda for its healing. In shadowed corners of the world, some coveted its power, hoping to twist it into a tool for domination. Akiko, understanding the fragility of such a gift, entrusted the secrets of its creation to the winds of the Sacred Peaks, ensuring only those pure of heart might find them. She vanished soon after, her final words echoing in the hearts of those she touched: “Harmony is the bridge we build when we choose love over fear.”

Through the ages, the Ofuda of Restored Harmony has resurfaced in times of need, its glow a beacon of hope in the darkest hours. It serves as a reminder of Akiko’s gentle touch and the enduring power of compassion.

Moral of the Story: True strength is not in the power to overcome but in the courage to heal. Harmony arises when we embrace the broken with kindness and restore balance to the wounded soul.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Ofuda of Restored Harmony

• Type: Mythos Artifact
• Sanity Cost: None (restorative in nature)
• Magic Points: 4 to activate
• Effects:
  • Purifying Resonance: Create a 10-foot radius of purified energy for 1d4 rounds, granting allies within the area a +20% bonus to POW rolls against harmful spells or supernatural effects.
  • Healing Embrace: Restore 1d6 hit points to a single target by channeling the Ofuda’s energy. Requires the user to pass a POW x5 roll.
  • Empathic Restoration: Spend 6 Magic Points to remove minor curses or conditions caused by supernatural or emotional trauma. Keeper discretion applies to limitations.
• Drawbacks: Using the Ofuda too frequently (more than three times per day) risks spiritual exhaustion, requiring a POW roll to avoid temporary penalties (-10% to all actions for 1d6 hours).
• Description: A beautifully inscribed talisman that emits a soft, calming light, evoking a sense of peace and renewal.

Blades in the Dark

Ofuda of Restored Harmony

• Type: Arcane Implement
• Load: 0
• Mechanics:
  • Purifying Resonance: Spend 2 Stress to create a calming aura that grants +1d to resistance rolls for allies against supernatural harm or mental trauma during the scene.
  • Healing Embrace: Spend 2 Stress to reduce harm (physical or emotional) for one target by one level.
  • Empathic Restoration: During downtime, mark 1 Stress and roll Attune. On a success, remove a lingering supernatural effect or emotional condition from a teammate or NPC.
• Devil’s Bargain: The Ofuda may attract attention from entities that wish to corrupt or destroy its purity, adding complications to future actions.
• Description: A talisman inscribed with glowing symbols, imbued with a peaceful presence that soothes both body and mind.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Ofuda of Restored Harmony

• Wondrous Item, Rare (Requires Attunement)
• Effects:
  • Purifying Resonance: As an action, create a 15-foot radius aura for 1 minute. Allies within the area have advantage on saving throws against conditions caused by magic or curses. Usable once per short rest.
  • Healing Embrace: As an action, restore 1d8 + your Wisdom modifier hit points to a creature you touch. This ability can be used a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, refreshing on a long rest.
  • Empathic Restoration: Once per day, cast Remove Curse or Lesser Restoration without expending a spell slot or requiring material components.
• Drawbacks: Each use of Purifying Resonance requires a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On failure, the user takes 1 level of exhaustion due to spiritual strain.
• Description: A radiant talisman glowing softly with intricate symbols, exuding a calming warmth that soothes pain and restores balance.

Knave

Ofuda of Restored Harmony

• Type: Magical Talisman
• Weight: 1 Slot
• Effects:
  • Purifying Resonance: Once per day, activate the Ofuda to create an aura within a 10-foot radius. Allies gain a +2 bonus to saving throws against curses or harmful effects for one scene.
  • Healing Embrace: As an action, restore 1d6 hit points to yourself or another target. The Ofuda holds 3 charges, which replenish at dawn.
  • Empathic Restoration: Once per day, the Ofuda can remove a minor curse, negative condition, or lingering effect tied to emotional or spiritual trauma.
• Drawbacks: Activating the Ofuda risks a 1-in-6 chance of reducing its effectiveness temporarily, lowering its bonuses by 1 for the next 24 hours.
• Description: A talisman of fine parchment, softly glowing with an aura of harmony and restoration, offering solace and renewal to those who carry it.

Fate Core

Ofuda of Restored Harmony

• Aspect: Sacred Talisman of Healing and Balance
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invoke: Spend a Fate Point to grant allies +2 on rolls to resist mental or emotional effects, or to heal stress or consequences during a scene.
  • Create Advantage: Use the Ofuda to establish a calming presence in conflict, creating the aspect Aura of Harmony for use by allies.
  • Compel: The Ofuda may draw the attention of those seeking to disrupt its power or corrupt its harmony, creating narrative complications.
• Drawbacks: Extended or frequent use may cause the user to gain a temporary aspect, Spiritual Exhaustion, which imposes penalties until resolved.
• Description: A delicate talisman radiating serenity, inscribed with symbols that seem to pulse softly in rhythm with the wielder’s intent.

Numenera & Cypher System

Ofuda of Restored Harmony

• Level: 3 Artifact
• Depletion: Roll a d20; depletes on a 1–3.
• Effects:
  • Purifying Resonance: Create a calming field in short range, granting an asset to all allies’ Intellect Defense rolls against mental effects for 10 minutes.
  • Healing Embrace: Spend 3 Intellect points to restore 6 points of Might, Speed, or Intellect to a target within touch range.
  • Empathic Restoration: Spend 5 Intellect points and roll Intellect (DC 15) to remove a minor negative condition or curse affecting a target.
• Drawbacks: Using the Ofuda risks spiritual strain. On a failure to resist (Intellect Defense roll DC 13), the user is hindered on all rolls involving mental clarity for one hour.
• Description: A fine parchment talisman inscribed with glowing, fluid symbols that radiate calm energy, soothing all within its range.

Pathfinder (2e)

Ofuda of Restored Harmony

• Item Level: 5
• Price: 80 gp
• Bulk: L
• Traits: Magical, Healing, Consumable, Talisman
• Activation: [Two Actions] Hold or affix; Trigger: A harmful effect targets an ally.
• Effects:
  • Purifying Resonance: Activate to grant all allies in a 15-foot radius a +2 circumstance bonus to Will saves against emotional or magical effects for 1 minute.
  • Healing Embrace: As an action, touch a target to restore 1d8 + your Wisdom modifier hit points. This can be used three times per day.
  • Empathic Restoration: Once per day, cast Lesser Restoration or Remove Curse as a free action.
• Drawbacks: Each use of the Ofuda has a 10% chance of temporarily losing potency, requiring 24 hours to recharge.
• Description: A parchment talisman glowing with serene energy, imbued with blessings to heal and restore balance to those afflicted.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Ofuda of Restored Harmony

• Type: Arcane Item
• Power Points: 5
• Activation: Action
• Effects:
  • Purifying Resonance: Activate to create a Medium Burst Template aura. Allies within the area gain +2 to Spirit rolls to resist fear, confusion, or emotional trauma for three rounds.
  • Healing Embrace: Spend 3 Power Points to restore 1 wound or remove a level of Fatigue from a single target.
  • Empathic Restoration: Once per session, use the Ofuda to remove a curse, fear effect, or other debilitating condition from a single target.
• Drawbacks: Each use risks Fatigue unless a Spirit roll (DC 4) is made successfully.
• Description: A talisman adorned with intricate, glowing symbols that pulse with calming energy, radiating harmony to soothe both body and mind.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Ofuda of Restored Harmony

• Type: Magical Talisman (Focus)
• Force: 2
• Effects:
  • Purifying Resonance: Activate as a Simple Action to create a calming field in a 10-meter radius. Allies gain +2 dice to Willpower tests against mental or emotional effects for Force minutes.
  • Healing Embrace: As a Complex Action, touch a target and heal 2 boxes of Stun damage per Force. Requires 3 Karma or 5 Magic Points to activate.
  • Empathic Restoration: During downtime, roll Willpower + Intuition (Threshold 3). On success, remove minor curses or spiritual afflictions from one individual or object.
• Drawbacks: Each activation risks spiritual feedback, requiring a Willpower + Charisma roll (Threshold 2) to avoid 1 Stun damage.
• Description: A parchment talisman marked with glowing runes, radiating a soothing energy that promotes healing and balance.

Starfinder

Ofuda of Restored Harmony

• Item Level: 4
• Price: 1,500 credits
• Bulk: Light
• Type: Hybrid Item (Magic/Technological)
• Activation: Standard action
• Effects:
  • Purifying Resonance: Activate to create a 15-foot aura for 1 minute. Allies within the aura gain a +2 bonus to Will saves against fear and emotion-based effects.
  • Healing Embrace: Restore 1d8 + Wisdom modifier hit points to a target within touch range. Usable three times per day.
  • Empathic Restoration: Once per day, cast Lesser Remove Condition or Remove Affliction as if using a spell-like ability.
• Drawback: Each use has a 10% chance to overload, requiring the item to be repaired (Engineering DC 15).
• Description: A talisman crafted from fine parchment and adorned with runes, glowing faintly as it channels harmonious energy.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Ofuda of Restored Harmony

• Type: Artifact (Occult)
• Tech Level: 11
• Effects:
  • Purifying Resonance: Activate to create a calming aura in a 6-meter radius. Allies gain +1 DM to any checks resisting fear, confusion, or panic for 1d6 minutes.
  • Healing Embrace: Restore 1d6 Endurance or reduce Stress by 2 points when used on a single target. Requires 1d6 minutes of focused use.
  • Empathic Restoration: Remove a minor curse or affliction affecting a person or object after a successful Intellect + Medic roll (8+).
• Drawbacks: Extended use (more than three activations in a day) risks the talisman’s integrity, requiring a roll of 2d6 (8+) to avoid loss of functionality for 24 hours.
• Description: A parchment talisman, glowing with faint golden energy, designed to soothe minds and heal spiritual wounds.

Warhammer (4th Edition Fantasy Roleplay)

Ofuda of Restored Harmony

• Category: Arcane Talisman
• Encumbrance: 0
• Effects:
  • Purifying Resonance: Activate with a successful Challenging (+0) Language (Magick) Test to create a calming aura in a 10-yard radius for 1d10 rounds. Allies gain +10 to Cool Tests against fear and confusion.
  • Healing Embrace: Restore 1 wound to a single target with a successful Challenging (+0) Heal Test. Usable three times per day.
  • Empathic Restoration: Once per day, remove a minor curse or magical condition from a target with a Challenging (+0) Intelligence Test.
• Drawbacks: Each activation risks spiritual strain, imposing a -10 penalty to all Intelligence-based Tests for 1d10 hours unless a Willpower Test is passed.
• Value: 50 GC
• Description: A delicately inscribed talisman glowing softly with harmonious energy, capable of soothing fears and restoring balance.