Ranged 17 of Dramatic Flourish – GearAscendancy.com

Lore: The Ranged 17 of Dramatic Flourish is a coveted item for aspiring actors and performers. This elaborately designed hand crossbow was crafted by famed elven artisan, Tira Lustra, a well-known dramaturge who also dabbled in arcane craftsmanship. The crossbow features delicate engravings that depict various scenes from elven theater. Lustra specifically designed the crossbow to amplify one’s theatrical presence, allowing even the most timid actor to steal the spotlight on the battlefield and the stage alike.

Stats:

Range: 20/60 feet
Damage: 1d6 piercing
Weight: 3 lbs
Rarity: Common
Tier: 1

Roleplay: Equipping the Ranged 17 of Dramatic Flourish grants the wielder a unique, flamboyant aura that aids them in their theatrical endeavors. When speaking or acting, the user’s voice gains a melodious quality, resonating with dramatic gravitas. During combat, the crossbow’s bolts leave a trail of sparkling, magical dust that catches the eyes of allies and enemies alike.

Costs:

Gold: 50 GP
Crafting Materials: 15 GP worth of enchanted elm wood, 10 GP worth of ethereal ink for engraving, 5 GP worth of minor arcane components.

Magics:

Enthralling Shot: Once per day, you can make an attack that captivates the attention of your target. On a hit, the target is at disadvantage for attacks against anyone other than you until the end of their next turn.
Curtain Call: Twice per day, you can make your next shot a “curtain call,” adding dramatic flair to your shot. If the attack is successful, all allies within 30 feet receive a +1 morale boost to their next action.

Tags: Ranged, Piercing, Enchantment, Arcane, Theater, Artistic

Defense and Offense in Different Environments:

In a conventional battlefield setting, the Ranged 17 of Dramatic Flourish serves as a solid, dependable ranged weapon, offering standard piercing damage. The magical abilities add a tactical layer, allowing the wielder to either distract enemies or boost allies’ morale.
In social and roleplay settings, it serves as a potent symbol and tool for those involved in the performing arts. During a performance or negotiation, the crossbow can be dramatically brandished or fired into the air for effect, catching everyone’s attention and possibly swaying the mood of the room.
In heavily wooded or naturally magical areas, the crossbow’s arcane elements may resonate with the surroundings, making the ethereal ink and enchanted wood more potent. In contrast, in areas where magic is suppressed or nullified, the crossbow loses its special abilities but remains a functional, albeit mundane, weapon.

Perception of the Five Senses:

Sight:
- What is Perceived: The intricate engravings and the polished wood of the crossbow, along with the trail of sparkling dust left behind by the bolts.
- Description: It is a feast for the eyes, immediately drawing attention.
- Positives: Aesthetically pleasing and distracting to enemies.
- Negatives: May attract too much attention, making the wielder a target.
Sound:
- What is Perceived: A melodious “twang” when the bowstring is released.
- Description: The sound is harmonious, almost musical, capturing ears.
- Positives: Adds to the theatrical experience, possibly disorienting enemies momentarily.
- Negatives: The distinct sound could give away the wielder’s position.
Touch:
- What is Perceived: The smooth, well-crafted elm wood against the hands.
- Description: Feels high-quality and comfortable to wield.
- Positives: Enhances the wielder’s confidence and ease of use.
- Negatives: None.
Smell:
- What is Perceived: A faint aroma of enchanted wood and arcane ink.
- Description: Smells mystical, like a blend of fresh wood and old books.
- Positives: Adds to the overall experience and allure of the weapon.
- Negatives: May be overly fragrant for some, potentially revealing the wielder’s presence.
Taste:
- What is Perceived: N/A
- Description: This item is not meant to be tasted.
- Positives: None.
- Negatives: None.

Extra-Sensory Perceptions:

Arcane Resonance:
- What is Perceived: A low-level magical aura emanating from the item.
- Description: Detectable by those with arcane sensitivity.
- Positives: Signals the item’s magical nature.
- Negatives: Could attract magical predators or be detected by magic-sensitive traps.
Emotional Echo:
- What is Perceived: A feeling of dramatic flair or theatrical presence.
- Description: Those holding the crossbow feel a surge of charisma.
- Positives: Boosts the wielder’s confidence in social settings.
- Negatives: May induce overconfidence, leading to overly dramatic actions that could be detrimental.

Recipe for Crafting:

Ingredients:
- 1 elm wood shaft (preferably enchanted)
- 1 small vial of ethereal ink for the engravings
- 1 bowstring woven from elven silk
- Arcane components for minor enchantments (mana crystals, elemental salts, etc.)
Steps:
- Prepare the Wood: Treat the elm wood with an alchemical solution to prepare it for enchantment.
- Inscribe Engravings: Carefully use the ethereal ink to inscribe the intricate engravings onto the elm wood. This step is crucial, as it is part of what imbues the weapon with its magical properties.
- Enchantment: Cast minor enchantments on the crossbow. Focus particularly on the engravings and the bowstring, chanting incantations that imbue the weapon with its special abilities.
- Attach Bowstring: Attach the elven silk bowstring, ensuring it is tightly secured and aligned with the body of the crossbow.
- Apply Arcane Components: Crush the mana crystals and mix them with elemental salts. Apply this mixture to the engravings, then channel magic into it to seal the enchantments.
- Final Blessing: As a final step, perform a theatrical monologue or recitation, pouring the emotional and theatrical essence into the weapon, fully activating its magical abilities.
- Quality Check: Test the crossbow for both its mundane and magical attributes, making sure everything from the pull of the bowstring to the effects of the enchantments are in perfect order.

The Ballad of Actor and Weapon of Drama

In time, very old, once upon, a tale told of crossbow magnificent, called Ranged 17 of Dramatic Flourish. This weapon, born from hands skillful of artisan elf Tira Lustra, lover of stage and spell both. She whisper into wood and ink both, secret words from long-ago script, lost to winds of time.

Actor, called Veril, heard tale. Wanted magic, wanted fame. Searched forests, crossed rivers large and mountains high, to find Lustra. Asked for Ranged 17. “You understand true purpose?” Lustra asked. Veril nodded, eyes full of stars and future applause. Given was the weapon.

Soon, Veril perform on stage and battleground. Both theatres his. Arrows fly, sparkle trails they leave, enemies confounded. His name grew, echo in lands many. But caution forgotten, Veril’s steps became dance of vanity. Thought himself invincible, alone shining star in night.

Came play final, play of war. Veril, center stage, ignored allies. Shot arrow at enemy chief, spell of enthralling used. Enemy smitten, but allies not boosted by curtain call, fell they did, one by one. Veril left alone, no encore for him. Captured, curtain close.

Years later, Ranged 17 found by wanderer. Taken to Tira Lustra. “Ah, returns it does. But essence changed.” Lustra took crossbow, whispered new words. Now it waits, waits for hands worthy, who understand balance of stage and life, of flair and substance.

Moral of the Story: Magic and glamour powerful, but alone not enough. For spotlight bright to shine, must have balance and purpose true, else stage turns to prison.

Suggested conversion to other systems:

Dungeons & Dragons 5e