Boots of Phasing

From: Maelstroms Embrace

Lore: Legend has it that the Boots of Phasing were forged by an enigmatic sorcerer known as Zephyrus the Illusionist. Zephyrus, renowned for his mastery over illusions and manipulation of reality, sought to create a pair of boots that would grant him unparalleled freedom of movement. Through his deep understanding of arcane arts, Zephyrus imbued ordinary leather boots with chaotic energies, enabling the wearer to briefly phase through solid objects and difficult terrain.

The boots became coveted artifacts among adventurers, sought after for their ability to bypass obstacles and evade attacks. However, stories also tell of the dangers associated with prolonged usage. The chaotic energies coursing through the boots have a disorienting effect on the wearer, leading to potential side effects and risks. Some tales speak of adventurers losing their sense of direction or temporarily becoming intangible and unable to interact with the physical world.

Use: The Boots of Phasing provide wearers with a temporary ability to phase through solid objects or difficult terrain. This allows them to bypass obstacles such as walls, locked doors, or treacherous terrain like thorny thickets or unstable ground. Additionally, the boots grant the wearer the advantage of evading physical attacks by briefly becoming intangible.

However, the phasing ability is limited in duration and has a cooldown period before it can be used again. Prolonged or frequent usage of the boots can lead to disorientation, making it challenging for the wearer to maintain their bearings or accurately perceive their surroundings. This can be a significant disadvantage in combat or when navigating complex environments.

Values (Level One):

• Stats: The Boots of Phasing do not provide any direct stat bonuses but grant the wearer the ability to phase through obstacles and evade attacks.
• Skills: The boots do not impart specific skills but enhance the wearer’s agility and dexterity, allowing them to utilize their acrobatic abilities more effectively.
• Preparation: The boots require attunement by the wearer. Once attuned, the phasing ability can be activated by a conscious effort of the wearer.
• Cost: The cost of the Boots of Phasing varies depending on the availability and demand within the setting. As a rare and powerful magical item, they typically command a high price, often requiring a significant investment of gold or valuable resources.
• Process: Crafting the Boots of Phasing involves a complex ritual that combines the infusion of chaotic energies with enchantments placed on ordinary leather boots. The process requires the expertise of a skilled enchanter or wizard capable of manipulating illusion and reality-altering magic.
• Tags: Some applicable tags for the Boots of Phasing could include “Magical,” “Acrobatic,” “Illusion,” “Chaos,” and “Disorientation.”

It’s important to note that the specific values, skills, and costs can vary based on the rules and mechanics of the game or world in which the Boots of Phasing are used. These details can be customized and adjusted to fit the desired balance and gameplay experience.

The Boots of Phasing are typically sought after by adventurers who venture into environments that present physical obstacles or require stealth and agility. They are particularly useful in dungeons, ancient ruins, or any location where there are locked doors, hidden passages, or treacherous terrain that needs to be traversed.

In the context of The Maelstrom’s Embrace, the Boots of Phasing can be an asset for navigating the shifting and unpredictable terrain of the chaos dungeon. The ability to phase through solid objects and difficult terrain allows adventurers to bypass traps, walls, or other obstacles that may impede their progress. They can also use the boots to evade attacks from ethereal creatures or trap-triggering mechanisms.

Within the dungeon, there may be instances where adventurers encounter locked doors that require keys or puzzles to unlock. The Boots of Phasing can provide an alternative method of access by allowing the wearer to phase through the door or the adjacent walls, granting them entry without the need for conventional means.

Furthermore, the Boots of Phasing can be used strategically during encounters with feral creatures or even the chaos master. When faced with a powerful opponent, wearers of the boots can activate their phasing ability to briefly become intangible, avoiding direct physical attacks. This grants them an opportunity to reposition themselves, launch surprise attacks, or find a moment of respite.

It’s important to consider the environment in which the Boots of Phasing are used. In The Maelstrom’s Embrace, the dungeon’s shifting terrain, walls, and objects offer numerous opportunities for the boots’ phasing ability to shine. Adventurers can phase through walls to take shortcuts, evade traps, or surprise enemies from unexpected angles. The boots enable them to navigate through complex mazes, corridors, or chambers more efficiently by bypassing barriers or bypassing hazardous terrain.

The result of using the Boots of Phasing is the successful navigation of the chaotic dungeon, overcoming obstacles, and potentially reaching hidden areas or discovering valuable treasures. By utilizing the boots’ phasing ability strategically, adventurers can gain an advantage in combat, bypass traps and locked doors, and access areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.

The Boots of Phasing can also serve as a means of survival within The Maelstrom’s Embrace. As the chaos master’s creations and traps become more formidable at deeper levels, the ability to phase through obstacles and evade attacks becomes increasingly valuable. Successfully utilizing the boots can be the difference between life and death in this treacherous environment.

Ultimately, the result of using the Boots of Phasing depends on the goals and motivations of the adventurers. They may seek to conquer The Maelstrom’s Embrace, claim its treasures, uncover its secrets, or simply survive the harrowing challenges it presents. The boots enhance their chances of achieving these objectives by providing a unique and powerful ability that complements their acrobatic skills and allows them to overcome the dungeon’s obstacles and adversaries.

Activation Perception of the Boots of Phasing

• Sight
  • What is Perceived:
    • When activated, the boots emit a faint, ethereal glow, and the arcane symbols etched into the leather light up with a chaotic energy.
  • Description:
    • The glow is subtle but noticeable, casting a faint, ghostly light around the wearer’s feet. The symbols pulse rhythmically, indicating the activation of the phasing ability.
  • Positives:
    • Visually indicates the boots’ activation status.
    • Helps the wearer and allies identify the effective range and duration of the phasing effect.
  • Negatives:
    • The glow may attract unwanted attention in dark environments.
    • The pulsating light can be distracting or disorienting in combat situations.
• Sound
  • What is Perceived:
    • A soft, humming sound, reminiscent of a distant echo, is heard when the boots are activated.
  • Description:
    • The hum is low and rhythmic, almost like a gentle vibration, aligning with the wearer’s footsteps as they phase through obstacles.
  • Positives:
    • Provides an auditory cue of the boots’ activation.
    • Can help the wearer maintain a rhythm and focus while moving through solid objects.
  • Negatives:
    • The hum might be heard by others, revealing the wearer’s presence.
    • In noisy environments, the sound may be drowned out, reducing its effectiveness as a cue.
• Touch
  • What is Perceived:
    • A tingling sensation spreads from the boots up through the wearer’s legs when activated.
  • Description:
    • The sensation feels like a mild electric current or pins and needles, indicating the activation of the phasing ability and the wearer’s temporary intangibility.
  • Positives:
    • Immediate physical feedback ensures the wearer is aware of the boots’ active state.
    • Enhances the wearer’s alertness and readiness for phasing.
  • Negatives:
    • The sensation might be uncomfortable or distracting to some wearers.
    • Prolonged use can cause slight numbness or fatigue in the legs.
• Smell
  • What is Perceived:
    • A faint, ozone-like scent fills the air when the boots are activated.
  • Description:
    • The smell is subtle, similar to the scent after a lightning storm, signifying the boots’ activation and the chaotic energy flowing through them.
  • Positives:
    • The scent can invigorate the wearer and improve focus.
    • Provides a multi-sensory confirmation of the boots’ activation.
  • Negatives:
    • The smell may be noticeable to nearby creatures or adversaries.
    • In certain situations, the scent might be distracting or overpowering.
• Taste
  • What is Perceived:
    • A slight metallic taste can be perceived in the mouth when the boots are activated.
  • Description:
    • The taste is similar to that of biting on a coin, a mild yet distinct flavor that indicates the presence of active chaotic energy.
  • Positives:
    • Offers an additional sensory cue for activation, useful in the absence of other cues.
    • Can help the wearer stay grounded and aware of their surroundings.
  • Negatives:
    • The taste might be unpleasant for some wearers.
    • Persistent metallic taste can lead to discomfort or reduced concentration over time.
• Extra-Sensory Perceptions
  • Spatial Awareness
    • What is Perceived:
      • An enhanced sense of spatial relationships and distances within the vicinity.
    • Description:
      • The wearer can intuitively sense the dimensions and solidity of objects, aiding in the precise activation of the phasing ability.
    • Positives:
      • Improves navigational abilities and situational awareness.
      • Useful for detecting hidden traps, passages, and obstacles.
    • Negatives:
      • The influx of spatial data can be confusing without proper training.
      • Can lead to vertigo or spatial disorientation if overused.
  • Temporal Perception
    • What is Perceived:
      • A subtle awareness of the passage of time and potential temporal anomalies.
    • Description:
      • The wearer can perceive minor shifts in time, such as delays or accelerations, often feeling as if time is slightly slowed or sped up around them.
    • Positives:
      • Allows for better reaction times and planning during encounters.
      • Can help avoid or counteract time-based magical effects.
    • Negatives:
      • The altered perception of time can cause disorientation.
      • Prolonged use may lead to a skewed sense of time, affecting the wearer’s normal temporal awareness.
  • Magical Awareness
    • What is Perceived:
      • A heightened sensitivity to magical energies and constructs within the vicinity.
    • Description:
      • The wearer can intuitively sense the ebb and flow of magical fields, gaining insight into their nature and structure.
    • Positives:
      • Enhances the wearer’s ability to detect and understand magical threats.
      • Can aid in strategic planning and decision-making in magically charged environments.
    • Negatives:
      • The influx of magical information can be overwhelming to untrained users.
      • May cause sensory overload in areas with high magical activity.
  • Dimensional Perception
    • What is Perceived:
      • An awareness of the boundaries between physical and non-physical realms.
    • Description:
      • The wearer can sense the thinness of reality and the potential to phase through solid objects, aiding in precise and effective use of the boots.
    • Positives:
      • Enhances the wearer’s ability to phase through objects accurately.
      • Helps in identifying the safest and most effective paths through obstacles.
    • Negatives:
      • The perception of multiple dimensions can be disorienting.
      • May cause difficulty in distinguishing between solid and phased states, leading to potential errors in judgment.

Crafting Recipe for the Boots of Phasing

• Materials Needed
  • High-Quality Leather (2 pieces): Durable and flexible leather suitable for crafting sturdy boots.
  • Chaotic Essence (1 vial): Distilled energy of chaos required to imbue the boots with phasing abilities.
  • Arcane Ink (1 vial): Special ink used to inscribe arcane symbols on the leather.
  • Zephyr Threads (1 spool): Threads infused with elemental air, used to sew the leather pieces together.
  • Rune Stones (2 pieces): Small stones inscribed with runes to stabilize the chaotic energy.
  • Silver Filigree (2 strips): Decorative silver inlays to reinforce and enhance the magical properties.
• Tools Required
  • Leatherworking Kit: Tools for cutting, shaping, and sewing leather.
  • Enchanting Tools: Instruments for handling and infusing chaotic essence.
  • Engraving Tools: Used for inscribing arcane symbols onto the leather and rune stones.
  • Rune Carving Tools: Tools to carve and activate protective runes on the stones.
  • Needle and Thread: For stitching the leather pieces together with Zephyr threads.
• Skill Requirements
  • Leatherworking (Advanced): Expertise in crafting high-quality leather items.
  • Arcane Knowledge (Advanced): Understanding of chaotic energies and their manipulation.
  • Rune Carving (Intermediate): Proficiency in carving and activating runes.
  • Enchanting (Advanced): Skill in infusing items with magical properties.
• Crafting Steps
  • Preparation of Materials:
    • Select two pieces of high-quality leather. Ensure they are free of imperfections and suitable for crafting sturdy boots.
    • Gather all required materials and tools in a well-lit, clean workspace.
  • Shaping the Leather:
    • Use the leatherworking kit to cut the leather pieces into the required shapes for the boots.
    • Shape the leather pieces using the leatherworking tools, ensuring they fit together seamlessly.
  • Engraving Arcane Symbols:
    • Use the engraving tools to inscribe intricate arcane symbols onto the leather pieces. These symbols are essential for channeling the chaotic essence.
    • Carefully apply the arcane ink to the engraved symbols, enhancing their magical conductivity. Allow the ink to dry completely.
  • Infusing with Chaotic Essence:
    • Set up the enchanting tools and prepare the chaotic essence. Handle the vial with care to avoid any spills or contamination.
    • Slowly pour the chaotic essence onto the leather pieces, allowing it to soak into the material and bond with the arcane symbols.
  • Sewing the Boots:
    • Use the needle and Zephyr threads to sew the leather pieces together. Ensure all stitches are tight and secure to maintain the structural integrity of the boots.
    • Reinforce the seams with silver filigree strips, adding both durability and enhancing the magical properties.
  • Embedding Rune Stones:
    • Carve protective runes onto the rune stones using the rune carving tools. These runes will help stabilize the chaotic energy within the boots.
    • Attach the rune stones to strategic points on the boots, securing them with Zephyr threads. Ensure the runes are properly aligned and activated.
  • Final Enchantments:
    • Perform a final enchantment ritual to bind all magical components together. This step requires precision and focus to ensure the phasing ability functions correctly.
    • Channel your arcane knowledge and enchanting skills to complete the ritual, infusing the boots with the power to phase through solid objects and difficult terrain.
  • Attunement and Testing:
    • Spend time attuning to the boots by meditating and aligning your energies with them. This step is crucial for fully integrating the magical properties.
    • Test the boots in a controlled environment to ensure they properly phase through obstacles and function as intended.

Upon completion, the Boots of Phasing should be a finely crafted pair of leather boots, imbued with chaotic energy and capable of granting the wearer the ability to phase through solid objects and difficult terrain.

Legend of Zephyrus and the Phasing Boots

In olden days, when magic was new and lands were wild, there was a sorcerer named Zephyrus, who was called the Illusionist. He was known to bend reality and shape visions with ease. Seeking freedom like no other, he crafted the Phasing Boots, a wonder of leather and chaos.

It is told that Zephyrus took simple boots of leather, and with spells and ancient rites, he filled them with energies that dance and change. These were no ordinary boots, for with them, one could walk through walls and tread on air.

Adventurers heard of these boots, and many sought them. They wished to pass unseen and step where no path led. The boots were coveted, for they made solid things soft and let the wearer evade danger.

Yet, tales also spoke of dangers. For those who wore the boots too long, the world would twist and turn. They might lose their way or become as ghosts, neither here nor there, unable to touch or be touched.

One story tells of a brave adventurer named Lyra, who donned the boots to enter a dragon’s lair. With each step, she passed through stone and flame, reaching treasures deep within. But when she tried to leave, the world seemed to melt. She wandered lost, phasing in and out, until she remembered Zephyrus’ words: “Use wisely, lest the world unravel.”

Finally, she focused and found her way, emerging with riches and tales of caution. The boots gave great power but demanded respect and care.

Moral of the Story: With great power comes great responsibility. Use wisely, or face the chaos within.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Boots of Phasing

• Description: A pair of ancient leather boots with arcane symbols etched into them, glowing faintly when activated.
• Stat Block:
  • Sanity Cost: 1d6 per use
  • Magic Points Cost: 10 MP per activation
  • Duration: 1 minute
• Effects:
  • Phase Through Solid Objects: Allows the wearer to pass through solid objects such as walls or locked doors.
  • Evade Attacks: The wearer becomes intangible, granting a +50% to Dodge rolls.
  • Risks: Each use has a 10% chance of causing temporary disorientation (roll Intelligence; failure results in 1d4 rounds of confusion).
• Mechanics:
  • Activating the boots causes them to emit a faint glow and a low hum.
  • While active, the wearer can move through solid objects and has an enhanced ability to evade physical attacks.
  • Prolonged use may lead to temporary disorientation and a loss of bearings.

Blades in the Dark

Boots of Phasing

• Description: High-quality leather boots, etched with glowing arcane symbols.
• Stat Block:
  • Type: Arcane Item
  • Load: 1
  • Uses: 2 charges, recharges after downtime
• Effect:
  • Phase Through Obstacles: Roll Attune. On a 4/5, pass through solid objects or difficult terrain for one minute. On a 6, also gain increased evasion from physical attacks (+1d to Prowess resistance rolls).
  • Disorientation: On a 1-3, the wearer suffers from temporary disorientation, reducing effect level of actions by one tier for the remainder of the scene.
• Mechanics:
  • Activating the boots allows the wearer to phase through obstacles, aiding in stealth and evasion.
  • Each use carries a risk of disorientation, requiring careful and strategic application.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Boots of Phasing

• Wondrous Item, Rare (Requires Attunement)
• Description: Leather boots with glowing arcane symbols, imbued with chaotic energy.
• Stat Block:
  • Ability: Phasing (3 charges per day, regains charges at dawn)
  • Activation: Bonus action
• Effect:
  • Phase Through Solid Objects: For up to 1 minute, the wearer can move through solid objects as if they were difficult terrain.
  • Evade Attacks: Grants advantage on Dexterity saving throws to avoid physical attacks.
  • Disorientation: After the effect ends, roll a d20. On a roll of 1, the wearer becomes disoriented and has disadvantage on all attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws until the end of their next turn.
• Mechanics:
  • When activated, the boots glow faintly and allow the wearer to phase through solid objects.
  • The wearer also gains increased evasion but risks becoming disoriented after use.

Knave

Boots of Phasing

• Description: Rugged leather boots with arcane symbols that glow faintly when activated.
• Stat Block:
  • Inventory Slot: 1
  • Charges: 3 (recharges after a long rest)
• Effect:
  • Phase Through Obstacles: Activating the boots allows the wearer to pass through solid objects and difficult terrain for 1 minute.
  • Evasion: Grants a +2 bonus to Defense against physical attacks while active.
  • Disorientation: After use, roll a d20. On a roll of 1-2, the wearer is disoriented and suffers a -2 penalty to all rolls for 1d4 turns.
• Mechanics:
  • The boots’ activation grants the wearer the ability to phase through obstacles and evade attacks.
  • The risk of disorientation adds a strategic element to their use, requiring careful planning and timing.

Fate Core

Boots of Phasing

• Description: Sturdy leather boots inscribed with glowing arcane symbols.
• Aspects:
  • High Concept: Boots that Allow Phasing Through Obstacles
  • Trouble: Risk of Disorientation with Prolonged Use
  • Aspect: Enhanced Evasion when Intangible
• Mechanics:
  • Invoke: Use the boots to phase through obstacles or evade attacks. Gain a +2 to Overcome or Create an Advantage when moving through solid objects or avoiding physical harm.
  • Compel: The boots’ chaotic energy causes disorientation, making it difficult to maintain bearings or accurately perceive surroundings.
• Stunt:
  • Phase Through Solid Objects: Once per scene, spend a Fate point to pass through a solid object or difficult terrain for one minute.
  • Enhanced Evasion: When the boots are active, gain a +2 bonus to Athletics or Physique to defend against physical attacks.

Numenera & Cypher System

Boots of Phasing

• Level: 5
• Type: Artifact
• Effect: Enables wearer to phase through solid objects and difficult terrain.
• Stat Block:
  • Depletion: 1 in 1d20
• Effect:
  • Phase Through Solid Objects: For 10 minutes, wearer can phase through solid objects or difficult terrain.
  • Enhanced Evasion: Grants an asset on Speed defense rolls while active.
  • Disorientation: Each use has a 10% chance of causing temporary confusion (roll Intellect; failure results in 1d6 rounds of confusion).
• Mechanics:
  • The boots allow the wearer to pass through obstacles and evade attacks effectively.
  • Risk of disorientation adds a layer of strategic consideration to their use.
  • Roll for depletion each time the boots are used; on a roll of 1, the boots become inert until repaired.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Boots of Phasing

• Item Level: 10
• Price: 8,500 gp
• Usage: Worn; requires attunement
• Stat Block:
  • Category: Wondrous Item
  • Charges: 3 (recharges daily at dawn)
  • Activation: [two-actions] command
• Effect:
  • Phase Through Solid Objects: For up to 1 minute, the wearer can move through solid objects and difficult terrain as if they were difficult terrain.
  • Evasion: Grants a +2 circumstance bonus to Reflex saves against physical attacks.
  • Disorientation: After the effect ends, the wearer must make a DC 17 Will save or become disoriented, suffering a -2 penalty on all checks and saves for 1 minute.
• Mechanics:
  • Activating the boots allows the wearer to phase through obstacles, providing significant tactical advantages.
  • The boots also enhance the wearer’s evasion capabilities, though with a risk of disorientation after use.

Savage Worlds

Boots of Phasing

• Description: Leather boots adorned with arcane symbols, emitting a faint glow when activated.
• Stat Block:
  • Type: Magic Item
  • Power Points: 10
• Effects:
  • Phase (5 PP): Grants the wearer the ability to phase through solid objects and difficult terrain for 3 rounds.
  • Enhanced Evasion: Provides a +2 bonus to Agility rolls to evade physical attacks while phasing.
  • Disorientation: After phasing ends, the wearer must make a Vigor roll (TN 4). On a failure, they become Shaken.
• Mechanics:
  • The boots allow the wearer to phase through obstacles and evade attacks, consuming Power Points.
  • After the effect ends, the wearer must contend with the risk of becoming Shaken due to disorientation.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Boots of Phasing

• Description: Leather boots inscribed with glowing arcane symbols, granting the ability to phase through objects.
• Stat Block:
  • Type: Magical Focus (Phasing)
  • Rating: 5
• Effect:
  • Phasing: Provides the wearer with the ability to phase through solid objects and difficult terrain for 5 minutes.
  • Enhanced Evasion: +3 dice to Dodge tests while phasing.
  • Disorientation: After the effect ends, the wearer must make a Willpower + Intuition (3) test. On a failure, they suffer from disorientation for 1d6 rounds, resulting in -2 dice to all actions.
• Mechanics:
  • Activating the boots causes a faint glow and a low hum.
  • While active, the wearer can move through obstacles and has increased evasion against attacks.
  • Prolonged use may lead to temporary disorientation.

Starfinder

Boots of Phasing

• Item Level: 8
• Price: 9,000 credits
• Usage: Worn; requires attunement
• Stat Block:
  • Type: Worn Magic Item
  • Charges: 3 (recharges daily at dawn)
• Effect:
  • Phasing (3/day): Activates as a standard action to phase through solid objects and difficult terrain for 1 minute.
  • Enhanced Evasion: Grants a +2 enhancement bonus to Reflex saves and EAC while phasing.
  • Disorientation: After the effect ends, the wearer must succeed on a DC 18 Will save or become disoriented, suffering a -2 penalty to all attack rolls and skill checks for 1d4 rounds.
• Mechanics:
  • The boots allow the wearer to phase through obstacles, enhancing their evasion capabilities.
  • Risk of disorientation adds a layer of tactical consideration to their use.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Boots of Phasing

• Description: Ancient leather boots with arcane symbols, enabling the wearer to phase through obstacles.
• Stat Block:
  • Type: Artifact
• Effect:
  • Phasing: For 10 minutes, the wearer can move through solid objects and difficult terrain.
  • Enhanced Evasion: Grants a +2 DM to Dexterity checks to evade physical attacks.
  • Disorientation: After use, the wearer must make an Intellect check (8+). On a failure, they become disoriented for 1d6 rounds, suffering a -2 DM to all actions.
• Mechanics:
  • The boots provide the ability to phase through obstacles and enhance evasion.
  • The risk of disorientation adds a strategic element to their use, requiring careful planning and timing.

Warhammer (Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition)

Boots of Phasing

• Description: Sturdy leather boots inscribed with glowing arcane symbols.
• Stat Block:
  • Type: Magical Item
  • Encumbrance: 1
• Effect:
  • Phasing: Allows the wearer to phase through solid objects and difficult terrain for 1 minute (3/day).
  • Enhanced Evasion: Grants a +20 bonus to Dodge tests while phasing.
  • Disorientation: After the effect ends, the wearer must make a Cool test (Hard, -10). On a failure, they suffer from disorientation, suffering a -10 penalty to all tests for 1d10 rounds.
• Mechanics:
  • The boots provide significant tactical advantages by allowing the wearer to phase through obstacles and evade attacks.
  • The risk of disorientation requires careful and strategic use to avoid negative consequences.