Whispering Locket 108

Lore: The Whispering Locket, known as Item 108 of Abandonment, once belonged to a forlorn wanderer who traversed the endless cycles of Saṃsāra in search of meaning after being forsaken by all he loved. The locket is said to contain the echoes of his whispered laments, resonating with those who have experienced loss and solitude.

Description: A delicate silver locket adorned with intricate patterns resembling intertwining paths. When opened, it reveals an empty space where a picture might have been, emitting a soft, melancholic hum. The locket feels cool to the touch and weighs heavier on the heart than in the hand.

Stats:

• Level: Tier: 1
• Type: Magic Amulet
• Specific Slot: Neck Slot (Amulet)
• Defense: None
• Weight: Light
• Durability: High
• Cost: 25 Gold Pieces
• Tags: Common, Magic Item, Emotionally Resonant, Soulbound, Ornate, Humming, Sentient, Empathic, Haunted, Shielding, Charming, Evoking, Comforting, Isolating
• Roleplay Emphasis: Abandonment

Passive Magic Abilities:

• Echoes of Solitude: The wearer gains a passive aura that subtly influences those around them, causing NPCs to be more empathetic towards feelings of loss or abandonment. This grants a +2 bonus to Charisma (Persuasion) checks when discussing such themes.
• Veil of the Unnoticed: The locket dims the wearer’s presence, making them less likely to be the target of enemy attacks in group combat. Enemies must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 10) to focus on the wearer over more prominent targets.

Active Magic Abilities:

• Whisper of the Forgotten (1/day): The wearer can invoke the locket to send a haunting whisper to a single target within 60 feet. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw (DC 12) or become distracted by feelings of abandonment, imposing disadvantage on their next attack roll or ability check.
• Embrace of Emptiness (1/day): For one minute, the wearer becomes immune to charm effects as they embrace the emptiness within. This effect requires an action to activate.

This locket serves as a tangible connection to the theme of abandonment, offering both roleplay opportunities and practical abilities for a Tier 1 avatar in the world of Saṃsāra.

Given the Whispering Locket’s lore, properties, and relatively low tier, here are some possible venues where it might be bought and sold in Saṃsāra:

• Possible Shops and Sellers:
  • Antique Shops: These would be dusty, cluttered establishments found in older districts of cities or in towns with a rich history. Antique dealers in Saṃsāra would likely have a keen eye for magical items and understand the locket’s significance. They might acquire it from estates, auctions, or traveling merchants.
    • Cost: 30-40 Gold Pieces. Antique dealers often inflate prices due to the item’s history and rarity.
  • Pawn Shops: Located in less reputable parts of towns and cities, pawn shops are where people go to quickly sell unwanted possessions. The locket might end up here if a previous owner fell on hard times or didn’t understand its true value.
    • Cost: 15-20 Gold Pieces. Pawnbrokers prioritize quick sales, so the price might be lower, but haggling is expected.
  • Curiosity Shops: These whimsical shops, run by eccentric collectors, would be filled with strange and wondrous objects. The locket might be displayed among oddities from across Saṃsāra and beyond.
    • Cost: 25-35 Gold Pieces. The price would depend on the shopkeeper’s whims and how much they believe the locket is worth.
  • Traveling Merchants: These nomadic traders, often with caravans or wagons, bring goods from far-flung regions. They might have acquired the locket in a distant land or traded for it with another merchant.
    • Cost: Highly variable, perhaps 20-50 Gold Pieces. The price would be influenced by the merchant’s travels, current needs, and assessment of the buyer.
  • Hidden Markets: In the shadowy corners of Saṃsāra, there are markets where illicit goods and forbidden items are traded. The locket might be found here if its previous owner used it for nefarious purposes.
    • Cost: Difficult to say, perhaps 10-100 Gold Pieces. The price in a black market would be highly volatile, depending on the risk involved, the desperation of the seller, and the buyer’s negotiating skills.
• How it might be bought and sold:
  • Direct Purchase: The most straightforward method, where the buyer pays the seller the agreed-upon price.
  • Bartering: Exchanging goods or services of equal value for the locket. This is common with traveling merchants and in less developed regions.
  • Auctions: In-person auctions are likely held in larger cities or trading hubs. The locket could be put up for bid, and the highest bidder would win.
  • Theft: Given the locket’s potential value, it could be stolen from its owner or a shop. This would likely lead to complications and potential danger for the thief.
  • Gifts: Though less likely due to its connection to abandonment, the locket could be given as a gift, perhaps as a gesture of empathy or understanding.

The cost of the Whispering Locket would vary depending on the seller, its condition, and the buyer’s negotiating skills. The suggested price of 25 Gold Pieces is a good starting point, but the final price could be higher or lower depending on the circumstances.

The Whispering Locket, while primarily a support item, can be creatively used for both defense and offense in various roleplaying scenarios within Saṃsāra. Here’s how:

• Defensive Roleplay:
  • In a crowded marketplace: Surrounded by jostling crowds and potential pickpockets, activate the Veil of the Unnoticed. The locket helps you blend in, making you less of a target for thieves or those seeking to cause trouble. You can navigate the bustling market with less worry, focusing on your shopping or information gathering.
  • During a tense negotiation: Facing a hostile noble or a suspicious merchant, the Echoes of Solitude subtly soften their demeanor. As you discuss terms, your words resonate with them on an emotional level, making them more receptive to your proposals and less likely to resort to aggression.
  • When confronted by city guards: Accused of a crime you didn’t commit, the Echoes of Solitude can help you appeal to the guards’ sense of justice and compassion. By emphasizing the unfairness of your situation, you might convince them to reconsider their accusations or at least grant you a fair hearing.
  • While exploring a dangerous ruin: Venturing into ancient ruins, you encounter hostile spirits or guardians. The Veil of the Unnoticed makes it harder for them to target you, allowing your companions to take the lead in combat while you provide support from the shadows.
• Offensive Roleplay:
  • In a duel against a rival: Facing a skilled opponent, use the Whisper of the Forgotten to momentarily distract them. As they grapple with feelings of abandonment, you seize the opportunity to strike a decisive blow or gain a tactical advantage.
  • During an interrogation: Trying to extract information from a captive, the Whisper of the Forgotten can weaken their resolve. As their mind is flooded with negative emotions, they might become more susceptible to your questioning, revealing secrets they would otherwise keep hidden.
  • While infiltrating a cult: Undercover within a group that uses charm effects for manipulation, activate Embrace of Emptiness. This protects you from their mental influence, allowing you to observe their activities and gather evidence without succumbing to their control.
  • When facing a charismatic villain: The villain attempts to sway the crowd with promises of power and glory. Using the Whisper of the Forgotten, you disrupt their speech, causing the audience to doubt their intentions and question their motives.
• Additional Considerations:
  • Creativity is key: The locket’s abilities provide a foundation, but your roleplaying choices truly bring them to life. Think outside the box and find unique ways to utilize its powers in different situations.
  • Combine abilities: For instance, use the Veil of the Unnoticed to approach an enemy unnoticed, then follow up with the Whisper of the Forgotten for a surprise attack.
  • Consider the environment: The locket’s effectiveness might be influenced by the surroundings. In a place filled with sorrow or loneliness, its powers might be amplified, while in a joyous celebration, they might be less potent.
  • Remember the limitations: The locket’s abilities have limited uses per day. Use them strategically and conserve them for crucial moments.

By creatively incorporating the Whispering Locket’s abilities into your roleplaying, you can enhance both the defensive and offensive capabilities of your character while adding depth and intrigue to your interactions within the world of Saṃsāra.

Perception of Activation:

• User’s Perspective:
  • Sight: A soft, silvery glow emanates from the locket’s intricate patterns, subtly illuminating the space within. The empty frame where a picture might have been seems to deepen, as if drawing your gaze inward.
  • Sound: The melancholic hum intensifies, resonating within your mind and chest, almost like a heartbeat. You might hear faint whispers carried on the wind, though you can’t discern any distinct words.
  • Touch: The locket grows colder against your skin, sending a slight chill down your spine. You feel a weight settle upon your heart, not a physical one, but an emotional heaviness that reminds you of past losses.
  • Smell: A faint scent of rain and dust fills your nostrils, bringing with it a sense of longing and nostalgia.
  • Taste: A metallic tang lingers on your tongue, leaving a bitter taste of sorrow.
  • Extrasensory:
    • You feel a profound sense of isolation, as if a veil has been drawn between you and the rest of the world.
    • Memories of past losses and moments of abandonment surface, bringing both pain and a strange sense of comfort.
    • You become acutely aware of the emotions of those around you, particularly feelings of loneliness and sorrow.
• Observer’s Perspective:
  • Sight: The locket’s glow is faint, barely noticeable unless closely observed. The wearer might seem to fade slightly, becoming less distinct from their surroundings.
  • Sound: The hum is inaudible to others, but they might perceive the wearer as being more withdrawn and quiet.
  • Touch: No noticeable difference.
  • Smell: No noticeable difference.
  • Taste: No noticeable difference.
  • Extrasensory:
    • Observers might feel a sense of unease or sadness in the wearer’s presence, as if their emotions are subtly influencing the atmosphere.
    • Empathic individuals might experience a wave of melancholy or a sense of shared loss.
• Positives:
  • The locket’s activation provides a sense of emotional connection for the wearer, reminding them that they are not alone in their experiences of loss and abandonment.
  • The heightened awareness of others’ emotions can be valuable in social interactions, allowing for greater empathy and understanding.
  • The sense of isolation can be a source of strength, enabling the wearer to focus inward and draw upon their inner resilience.
• Negatives:
  • The locket’s activation can be emotionally draining, stirring up painful memories and feelings of sadness.
  • The heightened awareness of others’ emotions can be overwhelming, especially in crowded or emotionally charged environments.
  • The sense of isolation can lead to detachment and difficulty connecting with others on a deeper level.

The perception of the Whispering Locket’s activation is a multi-sensory experience that affects both the wearer and those around them. While it offers comfort and connection, it also carries the weight of sorrow and the potential for isolation.

Crafting Recipe: Replica of the Whispering Locket — This recipe guides the creation of a locket bearing a resemblance to the original Whispering Locket, though it may not hold the same potency or lore significance.

• Materials Needed:
  • High-quality silver (at least 1 ounce)
  • Fine silver wire
  • Small, polished gemstone (moonstone or pearl preferred)
  • Whisper moss (a rare moss found in secluded groves, said to hold faint echoes of past sounds)
  • Tears of sorrow (collected from a mourner at a gravesite)
  • Empty vial with secure stopper
• Tools Required:
  • Jeweler’s tools (hammer, anvil, pliers, files, etc.)
  • Fine-tipped engraving tools
  • Crucible and heat source for melting silver
  • Mortar and pestle
  • Clean cloth
• Skill Requirements:
  • Proficiency in Jeweler’s Tools
  • Knowledge of Arcana (DC 12 check to identify and properly handle whisper moss)
  • Empathy (DC 10 check to respectfully collect tears of sorrow)
• Crafting Steps:
  • Prepare the Silver: Melt the silver in the crucible. While molten, carefully shape it into two halves of a locket, ensuring they fit together seamlessly.
  • Infuse with Emotion: Grind the whisper moss in the mortar and pestle. Add a single tear of sorrow to the mixture, stirring gently. Apply this paste to the inner surfaces of the locket halves.
  • Engrave the Patterns: Using the engraving tools, etch intricate patterns resembling intertwining paths onto the outer surfaces of the locket.
  • Seal the Locket: Carefully join the two halves of the locket, ensuring the paste is sealed within. Use the silver wire to create a hinge and clasp.
  • Set the Gemstone: Incorporate the gemstone into the locket’s design, either as a central adornment or as an accent within the patterns.
  • Activate the Locket: Hold the locket in your hands and focus your thoughts on feelings of loss and abandonment. Channel these emotions into the locket, visualizing them swirling within the empty space where a picture might have been.
  • Cleanse and Polish: Gently wipe the locket with the clean cloth, removing any residue and bringing out the shine of the silver.

Outcome: The resulting locket will bear a visual resemblance to the Whispering Locket and may exhibit some faint magical properties related to emotions and perception. However, its powers will likely be less potent and less reliable than the original. The replica may offer a +1 bonus to Charisma (Persuasion) checks related to themes of loss or provide a minor advantage on Stealth checks in certain situations. Its effects will vary depending on the crafter’s skill and the quality of the materials used.

Wanderer’s Lament

In the age of shimmering dawns and weeping sunsets, long before the chronicles of men, there walked a solitary figure across the tapestry of Saṃsāra.  He was known only as the Wanderer, a soul adrift in the endless cycle of existence, burdened by a grief that clung to him like a shroud.

The Wanderer, it is told, once held a heart brimming with love, a life entwined with the threads of family and kinship. But fate, in its cruel dance, tore these bonds asunder, leaving him stranded on the shores of loneliness. His loved ones, snatched away by the cold hands of destiny, left him with naught but echoing memories and a heart heavy with sorrow.

In his despair, the Wanderer sought solace in the whispering winds, the murmuring rivers, and the sighing trees. He poured his grief into the world, seeking an echo of his lost love in the symphony of nature. But the world, though sympathetic, offered no respite from his pain.

One day, as the Wanderer traversed a desolate plain, he stumbled upon an ancient artisan, a crafter of wonders. Seeing the profound sorrow etched upon the Wanderer’s face, the artisan took pity and offered to create a vessel for his grief, a place where his sorrow could find solace.

From shimmering silver and the whispers of forgotten winds, the artisan forged a locket, a delicate cage for the Wanderer’s lament. Within its empty embrace, the Wanderer poured his tears, his memories, and the echoes of his whispered laments.

The locket, imbued with the essence of his sorrow, became a beacon of empathy, drawing those who shared his pain towards him. Yet, it also cast a veil of solitude, shielding him from the prying eyes of the world.

The Wanderer, adorned with his locket of grief, continued his journey through Saṃsāra, his footsteps echoing with the weight of his loss. He became a guide for others who walked the path of sorrow, offering solace and understanding in their shared pain.

But the locket, though a comfort, could not erase the Wanderer’s grief. It was a constant reminder of his loss, a weight upon his soul that he carried through countless lifetimes.

And so, the Wanderer wandered, his lament echoing through the ages, a testament to the enduring power of love and loss in the endless cycle of existence.

Moral: Though grief may weigh heavy on the heart, and the path of sorrow may seem endless, there is solace to be found in shared pain and empathy. Even in the depths of despair, the whispers of love and memory can guide us through the darkness.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Name: Whispering Locket

• Description: A tarnished silver locket that hums faintly when held.
• SAN Loss: 1/1D4 on a failed Sanity roll when opening the locket and hearing the whispers.
• Skills: Cthulhu Mythos +1, Persuasion +10%
• Effect:
  • The locket grants a +10% bonus to Persuasion rolls when interacting with individuals suffering from grief or loneliness.
  • Once per day, the wearer can activate the locket to inflict a bout of despair on a target within line of sight. The target must make a POW roll with a penalty die. If they fail, they suffer a temporary bout of madness (Keeper’s discretion).

Blades in the Dark

Name: Whispering Locket

• Description: An antique silver locket with strange engravings.
• Effect:
  • When engaging in social interactions involving manipulation or sway, the locket grants +1d to the roll.
  • Once per session, the wearer can use the locket to activate a Fortune roll with 2 dice (instead of the usual 1) when attempting to avoid notice or blend into a crowd.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Name: Whispering Locket

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Description: A silver locket that whispers secrets of the heart.
• attunement: Requires Attunement
• Properties:
  • While attuned to the locket, you gain a +2 bonus to Persuasion checks when interacting with creatures susceptible to charm effects.
  • Once per day, you can use an action to cast the Charm Person spell (save DC 13) without expending a spell slot.
  • Once per day, you can use a bonus action to gain advantage on Stealth checks for 1 round.

Knave

Name: Whispering Locket

• Description: A locket that hums with a sorrowful energy.
• Effect:
  • When making a Save roll to resist fear or emotional manipulation, roll with advantage.
  • Once per day, the wearer can expend 1 Armor point to force an adjacent enemy to make a Save roll vs. Magic or be affected by a Confusion spell (Knave’s rules for Confusion apply).

Fate Core/Condensed

Name: Whispering Locket

• Description: A silver locket that hums with the sorrow of forgotten lives.
• Aspect: Echoes of Abandonment
• Invokes:
  • Spend a Fate Point to gain a +2 bonus to overcome social skill challenges when dealing with themes of loss or isolation.
  • Spend a Fate Point to create an advantage that makes you less noticeable or memorable in a social situation.
• Compels:
  • The GM may compel the locket’s aspect to draw unwanted attention from those sensitive to its aura of sorrow, or to trigger memories of past losses.

Numenera & Cypher System

Name: Whispering Locket

• Level: 1
• Form: Artifact (worn)
• Effect:
  • Reduces the difficulty of tasks related to Persuasion and Deception when interacting with creatures experiencing negative emotions by one step.
  • Once per day, the wearer can use an action to activate the locket and emit a pulse of empathic energy. All creatures within short range must make an Intellect defense roll. On a failure, they are affected by a minor negative emotional effect (GM’s discretion) for one round.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Name: Whispering Locket

• Aura: faint necromancy
• Price: 25 gp
• Activation: {{action|1}}
• Effect:
  • The locket grants a +1 item bonus to Diplomacy checks to make an impression or request.
  • Once per day, the wearer can activate the locket to create an aura of melancholy in a 15-foot radius. Creatures in the aura must succeed at a Will saving throw (DC 12) or become frightened 1.

Savage Worlds

Name: Whispering Locket

• Trappings: Antique silver locket with mournful engravings
• Power Points: 1
• Effects:
  • The locket grants a +2 bonus to Persuasion rolls when interacting with characters experiencing sadness or loneliness.
  • Once per session, the wearer can spend a Power Point to activate the locket’s concealment power, making them -2 to be noticed for one round.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Name: Whispering Locket

• Type: Focus (Magic)
• Force: 1
• Description: An antique locket that resonates with emotional energy.
• Effect:
  • The locket provides a +2 dice pool bonus to Social tests involving Negotiation or Con when interacting with individuals who are experiencing grief or loneliness.
  • Once per day, the wearer can activate the locket to project an aura of despair (Force 1). Targets within 10 meters must resist with a Willpower + Logic test. If they fail, they suffer a –2 dice pool penalty to all actions for one round.

Starfinder

Name: Whispering Locket

• Level: 1st
• Price: 25 credits
• Bulk: L
• Description: This old-fashioned locket whispers secrets of the soul.
• Activation: {{action|1}}
• Effect:
  • While wearing the locket, you gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Diplomacy checks to Make an Impression or Request.
  • Once per day, you can activate the locket to emit a mind-affecting wave of sorrow in a 15-foot cone. Creatures in the cone must succeed at a Will saving throw (DC 13) or become shaken for 1 round.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Name: Whispering Locket

• TL: 3
• Law Level: 2
• Description: An archaic piece of jewelry that emits a faint hum.
• Effect:
  • The locket grants a +1 DM to Persuasion or Deception skill checks when interacting with individuals who are experiencing negative emotions.
  • Once per day, the wearer can activate the locket to attempt to influence a target within close range. The wearer makes an Advocate test with a +2 DM modifier. If successful, the target is more likely to comply with the wearer’s requests for a short period.

Warhammer 40,000 (Wrath & Glory)

Name: Whispering Locket

• Rarity: Scarce
• Type: Minor Artifact
• Description: A locket said to contain the whispers of the lost.
• Effect:
  • The locket grants the wearer +2 DN to any social interaction tests involving intimidation or interrogation.
  • Once per session, the wearer can activate the locket to unleash a psychic shriek. All targets within 2 meters must make a Willpower test (DN 3). On a failure, they suffer 1 point of Shock and are Distracted for one round.