Xyronium Starfall Arrows

From: Xyronium

Lore: Starfall Arrows are legendary ammunition crafted by skilled archers who possess a deep understanding of celestial energies. The lore surrounding these arrows speaks of a rare celestial event in the distant past when fragments of a fallen star showered the land. It is believed that these celestial remnants, combined with the infusion of Xyronium, resulted in the creation of the Starfall Arrows.

Legends describe the archers who first discovered the fallen star fragments as blessed by the heavens themselves. It is said that the arrows carry a fraction of the star’s brilliance, granting them extraordinary power and the ability to pierce through magical defenses. The celestial origins of the arrows make them particularly effective against magical creatures and enemies imbued with arcane energies.

Use: Starfall Arrows are primarily used as ammunition for ranged weapons, particularly bows and crossbows. When fired, they leave behind a trail of shimmering stardust, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle as they soar through the air. The arrows deliver devastating damage upon impact, especially against magical creatures or foes who rely on arcane defenses.

Level One Stats:

• Damage: Starfall Arrows deal additional damage compared to standard arrows, providing a +2 bonus to damage rolls.
• Magical Piercing: The arrows possess the ability to pierce through magical defenses, bypassing resistances or immunities against non-magical weapons.
• Shimmering Trail: Upon release, the arrows leave behind a trail of shimmering stardust, granting advantage on subsequent Perception checks made to track their trajectory or locate their target.

Skills: The use of Starfall Arrows is most effective in the hands of skilled archers who have expertise in ranged weapons and precision shooting. Proficiency in Archery and Perception skills would greatly enhance the accuracy and tracking abilities of the archer, ensuring the arrows find their mark.

Preparation:
Crafting Starfall Arrows requires a combination of skillful craftsmanship and access to celestial materials. The preparation involves the following steps:

• Celestial Fragments: Skilled archers seek out fragments of fallen stars, remnants of celestial bodies that have crash-landed on the earth. These fragments, rare and precious, serve as the core material for creating the arrows.
• Xyronium Infusion: The archers carefully infuse the celestial fragments with Xyronium, a magical metal known for its affinity to celestial energies. This infusion process strengthens the arrows and imbues them with the ability to pierce through magical defenses.
• Enchanting Stardust: A final step involves enchanting the arrows with stardust obtained from celestial sources. The archers expose the arrows to the radiance of starlight or bathe them in celestial waters, infusing them with the residual power of the stars.

Cost: Due to their rare and powerful nature, Starfall Arrows are highly sought after and can be quite expensive. The cost for a bundle of Starfall Arrows, typically containing 20 arrows, can range from 500 to 1000 gold pieces, depending on the availability of celestial fragments and the craftsmanship involved in their creation.

Tags:

• Legendary: Starfall Arrows are renowned for their celestial origins and extraordinary power, making them legendary ammunition sought by skilled archers and collectors.
• Celestial: The arrows are closely tied to celestial energies and possess unique properties derived from the stars.
• Magical: Starfall Arrows have the ability to pierce through magical defenses, making them invaluable against magical creatures or enemies relying on arcane protection.
• Additional: Ammunition, Piercing, Ranged Combat, Stardust Trail, Precision, Anti-Magic, Legendary Artifact, Enchanted Weaponry, Celestial Energy, Arcane Disruption

Starfall Arrows are a precious resource in the hands of archers who seek to vanquish magical foes or overcome powerful enchantments. Their use is often reserved for pivotal battles, where the archer can exploit the arrows’ celestial power to turn the tide in their favor. The radiant stardust trail left behind by the arrows serves as a testament to their extraordinary nature and the awe-inspiring skill of the archer wielding them.

The sale and acquisition of Starfall Arrows would typically occur in specialized locations and through specific channels due to their rarity and unique properties. Here are some possibilities for where and how the recipe for Starfall Arrows is sold:

• Celestial Outposts: Hidden deep within sacred celestial realms or located atop remote celestial mountains, celestial outposts serve as the primary hub for the sale and distribution of Starfall Arrows. These outposts are accessible only to those who have gained the favor of celestial beings or have proven themselves as champions of the light. Within these sanctuaries, skilled archers and celestial artisans offer their expertise in crafting and selling the revered arrows.
• Archery Guilds: Exclusive archery guilds or organizations dedicated to the mastery of ranged combat may have access to the recipe for Starfall Arrows. These guilds serve as a gathering place for talented archers seeking to hone their skills and acquire rare ammunition. The recipe could be available as a reward for achieving a certain level of mastery within the guild or as a secret known only to the highest-ranking members.
• Celestial Traders: Travelling merchants or traders who have established connections with celestial beings might offer Starfall Arrows as part of their wares. These merchants journey across realms, seeking rare and powerful artifacts to sell to those who can afford them. Finding one of these celestial traders would require venturing to distant and hard-to-reach locations or having the right connections within the celestial realms.
• Celestial Quests: The recipe for Starfall Arrows could be obtained as a reward for completing a celestial quest or fulfilling a divine mission. Celestial beings or their emissaries might grant access to the recipe as a token of gratitude for the hero’s service. These quests often involve overcoming trials, battling powerful celestial guardians, or undertaking perilous journeys through celestial realms.

Environment and Usage:
Starfall Arrows are best utilized in environments where magical creatures or enemies wielding powerful enchantments are prevalent. Here are some scenarios in which the arrows can be employed:

• Battling Magical Creatures: The primary use of Starfall Arrows is in combat against magical creatures such as dragons, elementals, or other mystical beings. The arrows’ ability to pierce magical defenses makes them particularly effective in dealing damage and neutralizing the inherent magical abilities of these creatures.
• Disrupting Enchantments: Starfall Arrows can be used strategically to disrupt or counter enemy enchantments. When shot at an area affected by a powerful magical effect, the arrows can interfere with the enchantment’s stability or even dispel it entirely. This makes the arrows valuable assets in battles against spellcasters or enemies relying heavily on magic.
• Celestial Rituals: In certain celestial rituals or ceremonies, Starfall Arrows may be used as offerings or as tools to channel celestial energies. The radiant stardust trail left behind by the arrows can enhance the potency of the rituals, providing a conduit for celestial blessings or facilitating communication with celestial beings.
• Special Assignments: In some quests or missions, Starfall Arrows may be specifically required to overcome challenges or accomplish certain objectives. These assignments may involve protecting important individuals from magical threats, retrieving rare artifacts guarded by powerful enchantments, or eliminating high-value magical targets.

Utilizing Starfall Arrows may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the archer’s skill. However, the arrows are highly regarded for their effectiveness against magical foes and their ability to pierce through arcane defenses, making them coveted by archers seeking to make a significant impact in battles against supernatural adversaries.

Tale of the Starborn Hunters

In days veiled by the mists of forgotten ages, there is told the story of the Starborn Hunters, a league of archers forged under the moon’s silver gaze. These warriors of the heavens, bound not by clan or king, wielded arrows of radiant starlight, said to fall from the heavens in trails of celestial fire. These arrows, known as Starfall Arrows, were whispered to contain the essence of the stars themselves, fragments from the heavens that rained upon the land during an event called the “Shower of Veiled Suns.”

A time arose when the skies darkened, and an age of shadow threatened the world. Creatures birthed from the void, immune to blade and flame, roamed freely, spreading chaos. The Starborn Hunters, armed with the radiant arrows, answered the call of the desperate. Their leader, named Lyrin the Lightpiercer, claimed to have heard the voices of the stars themselves, guiding him to fallen fragments scattered in the barren Vale of Shards. With each arrow crafted from the celestial remnants, the Starborn gained strength to pierce the darkness, both literal and figurative.

Legends recount the final stand of the Starborn Hunters at the Rift of Silent Wails, where the dark tide surged the strongest. Lyrin, his quiver emptied of all but a single Starfall Arrow, aimed for the heart of the abyssal rift. Guided by the shimmering stardust that lingered in the arrow’s flight, he loosed it with a prayer to the stars. The arrow’s radiance cleaved the rift, scattering the shadows, and sealing the void forever.

Lyrin disappeared with the light of the arrow, and the Starborn Hunters faded into myth. Yet, the arrows remained, hidden among the stars’ faithful, awaiting another era when their celestial might might once again be needed to drive back the dark.

Moral of the Story: Even the smallest fragment of light, if guided true, can pierce the greatest darkness.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

    Starfall Arrow

• Damage: 1d10 + 2 (piercing)
• Special: When used against entities with magical resistance or supernatural origins, the arrow ignores 10 points of magical armor or natural resistance.
• Effect: Creates a luminous trail, granting a +20% bonus to Track rolls to locate the target or trajectory.
• Sanity Impact: Witnessing the arrow’s celestial glow causes unease; observers roll a SAN check (0/1 loss).

Blades in the Dark

    Starfall Arrow

• Load: 1 per arrow
• Effect: Grants potency when targeting supernatural entities or entities warded by magic.
• Special: Generates a radiant effect that creates a setup for allies, improving their position or effect when exploiting the distraction.
• Crafting: Requires access to rare celestial materials and a successful Tinker roll with a Tier IV clock (8 ticks).

Dungeons & Dragons (5e)

    Starfall Arrows

• (Magic Ammunition)
• Type: Ammunition (arrows), uncommon
• Damage: Deals an additional 2 radiant damage on a hit.
• Special: These arrows ignore resistance to non-magical piercing damage and gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls.
• Shimmering Trail: Upon hitting or missing, creates a visible stardust trail granting advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks to track the target until the end of your next turn.
• Crafting: Requires celestial fragments, 100 gp worth of Xyronium, and a successful DC 18 Arcana check over 5 downtime days.

Knave

    Starfall Arrow

• Damage: d6 + 2
• Effect: Bypasses magical and supernatural resistances, allowing the user to damage incorporeal foes or bypass arcane wards.
• Radiant Trail: Creates a luminous streak that persists for one round, giving allies advantage to spot enemies within the path.
• Crafting: Requires fragments of celestial iron, a night under a full moon, and success on a crafting check using a related skill.

Fate

    Starfall Arrows

• Aspect: “Celestial Arrows of Piercing Light”
• Invoke: To ignore magical defenses, inflict extra stress on supernatural creatures, or impress witnesses with the radiant display.
• Compel: The stardust trail makes the shooter easier to locate or attracts unwanted attention.
• Effect: Once per scene, spend a Fate Point to bypass magical defenses entirely or add +2 to an attack roll against a supernatural foe.

Numenera & Cypher System

    Starfall Arrows

• Level: 5
• Effect:
  • Adds 3 points of damage to a ranged attack.
  • Ignores Armor from magical or energy-based sources.
  • Creates a glowing trail, granting an asset for tasks involving locating or pursuing the target.
• Usage: One arrow is expended per attack.
• Crafting: Requires celestial fragments and Xyronium, and a successful crafting roll (Difficulty 5).

Pathfinder (2e)

    Starfall Arrows

• Ammunition (Uncommon, Magical)
• Damage: As normal for the bow, plus 2 radiant damage.
• Effect: Ignores resistance to physical damage, and attacks count as magical for overcoming resistances.
• Shimmering Trail: The arrow leaves a visible stardust path, granting allies a +1 circumstance bonus to track the target.
• Activation: Free Action; upon a critical hit, the target is dazzled for 1 round (DC 17 Will save negates).
• Crafting Requirements: Celestial fragments (50 gp each), Xyronium (25 gp), and a DC 20 Crafting check.

Savage Worlds

    Starfall Arrows

• Type: Ammunition (Rare, Magical)
• Damage: +2 damage to ranged attacks.
• Effect: Ignores magical Armor and Toughness bonuses.
• Special: When fired, the arrow creates a glowing trail, granting allies a +2 bonus to Notice rolls to locate or track the target.
• Crafting: Requires celestial fragments, an Alchemy or Weird Science roll (Target Number 8), and rare materials costing 500 credits or equivalent.

Shadowrun

    Starfall Arrows

• Type: Ammunition (Exotic, Magical)
• Damage: +2 to standard arrow damage.
• Effect:
  • Bypasses Magical Armor: Starfall Arrows ignore any magical protection provided by Armor spells.
  • Tracking Bonus: Provides a +2 bonus to Perception (Tracking) checks due to the glowing stardust trail left in flight.
• Cost: 1,500 nuyen for a bundle of 5.
• Availability: 10R (restricted, requires magical licensing).
• Crafting: Requires a magical artisan (Enchantment 4+), celestial fragments, and an Arcane Materials Facility.

Starfinder

    Starfall Arrows

• Level: 7
• Damage: Weapon’s normal damage plus 2d4 radiant (fire and light) damage.
• Effect:
  • Piercing Enhancement: Treats targets’ Energy Resistance as 10 lower for this attack.
  • Shimmering Trail: Leaves a bright stardust path in its wake, granting allies a +2 insight bonus to Perception checks to track the target.
• Capacity: N/A (arrows are consumed per use).
• Cost: 3,500 credits for a pack of 10.
• Crafting Requirements: Requires celestial stardust and a successful Craft Magical Ammunition check (DC 25).

Traveller (Mongoose 2e)

    Starfall Arrows

• Type: Ammunition (Advanced, Rare)
• Effect:
  • Adds +2 to damage rolls.
  • Ignores personal energy shields and technological force fields.
  • Creates a glowing trail that provides a +1 DM to allies tracking the target.
• Cost: Cr. 2,500 per set of 5.
• Availability: Rare, typically available through black markets or celestial artifact merchants.
• Crafting: Requires Artificer (3+), access to rare celestial materials, and a successful Engineering (Ammunition) roll (DM -3 due to rarity).

Warhammer (Age of Sigmar: Soulbound)

    Starfall Arrows

• Rarity: Very Rare.
• Damage: Standard bow damage +2 radiant.
• Special:
  • Celestial Strike: On a critical success, the arrow inflicts Ignite (Burning condition) as it leaves behind celestial fire.
  • Bypass Magical Defenses: Ignores magical wards and defenses.
• Crafting: Requires celestial star-metal fragments, an Enchantment roll (DN 5:2), and a celestial forge with access to Xyronium.
• Cost: 500 drops of aether-gold per arrow.