Ethereal Amulet

From: Tanglebark Menagerie

Crafted from Valeshadow fangs and Aquaquill feathers, this amulet allows the wearer to phase briefly into the ethereal plane, becoming immune to physical harm but unable to interact with the material world. This can be a tactical advantage in dodging attacks or passing through obstacles.

Lore: Ethereal Amulet
The Ethereal Amulet is a marvel of creation, born from the harmonious melding of two distinct yet interconnected aspects of the Tanglebark Menagerie’s magic. Crafted from the fangs of Valeshadows and the feathers of Aquaquills, it represents the intricate dance between the material and ethereal realms. The Valeshadow fangs, embodying the creatures’ ability to shift between planes, are paired with Aquaquill feathers, symbolizing the dungeon’s affinity for water and life. Wearing the amulet grants the wearer a fleeting connection to the ethereal plane, allowing them to become intangible and immune to physical harm for a brief duration, while also rendering them unable to interact with the material world.

Use: Ethereal Amulet
The Ethereal Amulet grants its wearer the power to momentarily phase into the ethereal plane, granting immunity to physical harm but preventing interaction with the material world. This unique ability offers tactical advantages in combat, evasion, and exploration. It enables adventurers to evade physical attacks, pass through obstacles, and navigate dangerous environments with enhanced safety.

Values: Ethereal Amulet

• Level Requirement: 1 (Attunement required)
• Special Feature: When activated, the Ethereal Amulet allows the wearer to become ethereal for up to 1 minute (twice tier level per day). During this time, they are immune to physical damage but cannot interact with the material world.

Skills:

    Arcana: +2 (Proficiency bonus) giving 8 resulting temporary hit points which expires (if not used) then added back on character daily at dawn.

Cost and Requirements: Acquiring the Ethereal Amulet is not a straightforward process. It requires an understanding of the unique qualities of both Valeshadows and Aquaquills and the interconnectedness of their abilities. Adventurers seeking the amulet must demonstrate their willingness to balance the ethereal and material aspects of existence, as well as their respect for the Menagerie’s magical ecosystem. To obtain the amulet, one might need to complete trials that involve passing between planes, forming bonds with Valeshadows and Aquaquills, or proving their mastery of the ethereal and material realms.

Tags:

• Ethereal: The Ethereal Amulet grants the wearer the ability to phase into the ethereal plane temporarily, providing immunity to physical harm.
• Interdimensional: While in the ethereal state, the wearer is intangible and unable to interact with the material world.

Strategy: The Ethereal Amulet offers unique and versatile advantages in various situations:

• Combat: Phasing into the ethereal plane renders the wearer immune to physical attacks, granting them an opportunity to reposition, evade enemies, or prepare a counterattack.
• Exploration: The ability to pass through obstacles can grant access to otherwise inaccessible areas, revealing hidden paths or shortcuts.
• Evading Traps: Phasing through pressure plates or other traps can allow the wearer to bypass dangers that are triggered by physical contact.
• Stealth and Espionage: The amulet’s ability to become ethereal can aid in stealthy operations, allowing the wearer to pass through barriers undetected.

The Ethereal Amulet is a tangible representation of the Tanglebark Menagerie’s interwoven magic and its emphasis on balance between different planes of existence. Those who possess the amulet are seen as individuals who have mastered the delicate art of traversing between realms, demonstrating an affinity for both the material and the ethereal. It is a testament to the dungeon’s capacity for teaching adventurers to embrace the unknown and adapt to diverse challenges.

Selling and Obtaining the Ethereal Amulet: The Ethereal Amulet is not an item that can be readily purchased or sold in traditional markets. Its unique nature, crafted from the fangs of Valeshadows and the feathers of Aquaquills, signifies its deep connection to the Tanglebark Menagerie’s magical ecosystem. As such, obtaining the Ethereal Amulet often requires direct interaction with the dungeon itself.

Adventurers seeking the Ethereal Amulet might be drawn to the Tanglebark Menagerie by tales of its ethereal inhabitants and the interconnectedness of its magical forces. To acquire the amulet, they would need to embark on a journey through the Menagerie, demonstrating their understanding of the balance between the ethereal and material realms. This might involve interacting with Valeshadows and Aquaquills, solving ethereal puzzles, or mastering the art of phasing between planes.

Environment and Usage: The Ethereal Amulet is most effective and resonates with its true potential within environments where the barriers between the material and ethereal planes are thin. It is in places where the dungeon’s ethereal inhabitants are most active, and where magic flows freely between different realms. The amulet’s power becomes amplified in these areas, allowing the wearer to better harness and manipulate the ethereal forces.

The uses of the Ethereal Amulet are both strategic and practical:

• Combat: Phasing into the ethereal plane during combat grants a significant advantage, making the wearer immune to physical attacks. This allows them to strategically evade enemies or set up surprise attacks.
• Exploration: Passing through obstacles can grant access to hidden or restricted areas, leading to discoveries and shortcuts that might otherwise remain inaccessible.
• Evasion and Stealth: The ability to become ethereal is a powerful tool for evasion and stealth, allowing the wearer to bypass enemies and obstacles that could hinder their progress.
• Survival: The amulet’s power can be used to survive hazardous situations, such as evading traps triggered by physical contact.

Possession of the Ethereal Amulet not only grants practical advantages but also signifies a deep connection to the Tanglebark Menagerie’s magical ecosystem. Wearers of the amulet are seen as individuals who have embraced the Menagerie’s ethereal magic and have mastered the art of phasing between different planes of existence. It is a symbol of adaptability, resourcefulness, and a willingness to explore the unknown depths of the magical world.

Activation Perception of the Ethereal Amulet

• Sight
  • Perceived:
    • The central gem of the amulet glows with a soft, ethereal light.
    • The fangs and feathers appear to shimmer and become translucent.
  • Description:
    • When activated, the amulet’s gem emits a faint, otherworldly glow that bathes the immediate area in a gentle, eerie light. The Valeshadow fangs and Aquaquill feathers shimmer, appearing to blur the lines between the material and ethereal planes.
  • Positives:
    • The glow provides a visual cue that the amulet is active.
    • The shimmering effect enhances the mystical and enchanting appearance of the amulet.
  • Negatives:
    • The light might attract unwanted attention in dark or stealthy environments.
    • Prolonged viewing can cause mild eye strain due to the shifting translucence.
• Hearing
  • Perceived:
    • A soft, melodic hum that resonates with the activation.
    • Faint, whispering sounds, almost like distant echoes.
  • Description:
    • The activation of the amulet produces a melodic hum that is both soothing and otherworldly. Accompanying this hum are faint whispers that seem to come from all around, adding to the sense of stepping into another realm.
  • Positives:
    • The hum can be calming and focus-enhancing for the wearer.
    • The whispers provide an auditory indicator of the amulet’s activation.
  • Negatives:
    • The whispers might be distracting or unsettling for some individuals.
    • The continuous hum could become annoying over extended periods.
• Touch
  • Perceived:
    • A cool, tingling sensation when touching the amulet.
    • A slight vibration through the fangs and feathers.
  • Description:
    • When activated, the amulet feels cool to the touch, and a tingling sensation spreads through the wearer’s fingers. The fangs and feathers vibrate slightly, indicating the shift to the ethereal plane.
  • Positives:
    • The tactile feedback provides a clear indication of activation.
    • The cool sensation can be refreshing and invigorating.
  • Negatives:
    • The tingling and vibration might be uncomfortable for some wearers.
    • The coolness could be unpleasant in cold environments.
• Smell
  • Perceived:
    • A faint, earthy scent reminiscent of damp forest soil.
    • A subtle aroma of fresh rain and ozone.
  • Description:
    • The activation of the amulet releases a light, earthy fragrance that evokes the scent of a forest after rain. This is accompanied by a hint of ozone, adding to the ethereal experience.
  • Positives:
    • The natural scents can be grounding and calming.
    • The smell enhances the overall sensory experience of using the amulet.
  • Negatives:
    • The scent might be too strong or distracting for individuals sensitive to smells.
    • The earthy aroma could attract wildlife or insects.
• Taste
  • Perceived:
    • A faint metallic taste in the air when the amulet is activated.
  • Description:
    • When the amulet is activated, a barely perceptible metallic taste lingers in the air, adding to the sensation of being on the cusp of the ethereal plane.
  • Positives:
    • The taste can serve as an additional confirmation of activation.
    • It complements the other sensory perceptions, creating a holistic experience.
  • Negatives:
    • The metallic taste might be unpleasant for some wearers.
    • Prolonged exposure could lead to a dry mouth.
• Extra-Sensory Perceptions
  • Magical Aura Perception
    • Perceived:
      • A strong, pulsating aura of ethereal energy.
      • The aura’s intensity increases with the duration of activation.
    • Description:
      • The amulet radiates a powerful aura that is felt as a pulsating energy field. This aura grows stronger the longer the amulet is in use, creating a sense of heightened magical presence.
    • Positives:
      • The aura provides a clear indication of the amulet’s active state.
      • Enhances the wearer’s awareness of nearby magical energies.
    • Negatives:
      • The strong aura might be overwhelming for those sensitive to magical energies.
      • Prolonged exposure could lead to magical fatigue.
  • Spatial Awareness
    • Perceived:
      • An altered perception of spatial dimensions.
      • Awareness of both the material and ethereal planes simultaneously.
    • Description:
      • The activation of the amulet grants the wearer an expanded sense of spatial awareness, allowing them to perceive the boundaries between the material and ethereal planes. This dual awareness can reveal hidden pathways or obstacles.
    • Positives:
      • Enhances the wearer’s ability to navigate complex environments.
      • Provides strategic advantages in both exploration and combat.
    • Negatives:
      • The altered perception can be disorienting or confusing.
      • The wearer might struggle to focus on the material plane alone.
  • Temporal Awareness
    • Perceived:
      • A heightened sense of the passage of time.
      • Awareness of temporal distortions in the ethereal plane.
    • Description:
      • The amulet’s activation sharpens the wearer’s perception of time, making them acutely aware of its flow and any anomalies in the ethereal plane. This heightened awareness can help in timing actions precisely.
    • Positives:
      • Improves the wearer’s ability to make timely decisions.
      • Provides insights into temporal anomalies or distortions.
    • Negatives:
      • The heightened sense of time can be mentally exhausting.
      • The wearer might become overly fixated on temporal details.

These perceptions enhance the wearer’s interaction with the Ethereal Amulet, providing a rich, multisensory experience that deepens their connection to both the material and ethereal planes and enhances their tactical and strategic abilities.

Recipe: Crafting the Ethereal Amulet

• Materials Needed
  • Valeshadow Fangs: 2
    • Fangs collected from a Valeshadow, a creature capable of shifting between planes.
  • Aquaquill Feathers: 3
    • Feathers plucked from an Aquaquill, a bird with an affinity for the ethereal plane.
  • Ethereal Gem: 1
    • A rare gemstone that naturally resonates with ethereal energy, found in the depths of the Tanglebark Menagerie.
  • Silver Wire: 2 feet
    • High-quality silver wire used for binding and setting the components.
  • Binding Resin: 1 jar
    • A natural resin collected from enchanted trees, used to hold the components together.
  • Essence of Phasing: 1 vial
    • A distilled liquid that embodies the properties of shifting between planes, extracted from ethereal flora.
• Tools Required
  • Enchanted Forge
  • Precision Carving Tools
  • Alchemical Workbench
  • Binding Apparatus
  • Infusion Cauldron
• Skill Requirements
  • Alchemy: Advanced level
  • Enchanting: Advanced level
  • Crafting and Forging: Intermediate level
  • Nature Knowledge: Expert level
  • Planar Magic: Advanced level
• Crafting Steps
  • Preparation of Materials:
    • Valeshadow Fangs: Carefully extract and clean the fangs. Ensure they are free from impurities.
    • Aquaquill Feathers: Harvest the feathers with care, preserving their natural iridescence.
    • Ethereal Gem: Polish the gem to ensure its maximum resonance with ethereal energy.
    • Silver Wire: Cut the wire into appropriate lengths for binding and setting the components.
  • Crafting the Amulet Base:
    • Shape the Fangs: Use precision carving tools to shape the Valeshadow fangs into a suitable form for the amulet’s frame.
    • Create the Feather Setting: Carefully weave the Aquaquill feathers into a pattern that will adorn the frame, ensuring they are evenly spaced and secure.
  • Embedding the Gem:
    • Prepare the Gem Setting: Use the silver wire to create a secure setting for the ethereal gem at the center of the amulet.
    • Set the Gem: Place the gem into its setting and secure it with the silver wire, ensuring it is stable and properly aligned with the fangs and feathers.
  • Infusing the Amulet:
    • Prepare the Infusion Cauldron: Fill the cauldron with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the Essence of Phasing to the water.
    • Infuse the Amulet: Submerge the partially completed amulet into the infusion cauldron. Allow it to soak for one hour, absorbing the ethereal properties of the Essence of Phasing.
  • Binding the Components:
    • Apply Binding Resin: Use the binding resin to attach the fangs, feathers, and gem securely to the amulet’s base. Ensure the resin is evenly applied and allow it to set.
    • Secure the Structure: Use additional silver wire to reinforce the connections between the fangs, feathers, and gem, ensuring the amulet is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Final Enchantment:
    • Enchant the Amulet: Place the completed amulet on the alchemical workbench. Channel planar magic into the amulet, imbuing it with the ability to phase into the ethereal plane.
    • Seal the Enchantment: Perform a sealing ritual to lock the enchantment into the amulet, ensuring its stability and longevity.
  • Final Inspection and Blessing:
    • Inspect for Flaws: Carefully examine the amulet for any imperfections or weaknesses. Make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
    • Blessing Ritual: Perform a final blessing ritual in a serene natural environment within the Tanglebark Menagerie. This involves offering thanks to the spirits and elements that contributed to the amulet’s creation.
  • Storage and Usage:
    • Proper Storage: Store the Ethereal Amulet in a padded, protective case when not in use. Keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain its integrity.
    • Activation: To use the amulet, hold it gently and focus on its central gem. Activate the phasing ability by channeling a small amount of personal energy into the amulet, allowing the wearer to become ethereal for up to one minute.

By following these steps, a skilled alchemist or enchanter can successfully recreate the Ethereal Amulet, a powerful tool for navigating the material and ethereal planes. Handle with care and respect, as the amulet’s abilities are both profound and delicate.

Tale of the Phantom Amulet

In days of yore, in the midst of dense forest of Tanglebark, there was talk of an amulet of great mystic. This tale, passed from elder to youth, speaks of the Phantom Amulet, an artifact of many marvels, forged from nature’s own gifts.

In those elder times, there lived two beings of great power: the Valeshadow, a creature of the night, shifting betwixt realms, and the Aquaquill, a bird of the sky, with feathers like the morning dew. One sage, wise in the ways of both flora and fauna, sought to create a token to harness their essence. The sage did travel deep within the Menagerie, seeking the fang of the Valeshadow and the feather of the Aquaquill. With great peril, these were obtained.

Upon a moonlit night, with stars as witness, the sage did craft the amulet. Fangs were shaped to frame the gem, feathers woven to hold its heart. The gem, shimmering with ethereal light, was placed in the center, binding the powers of both creatures into one. Thus was born the Phantom Amulet.

The amulet, it was told, held the power to shift its wearer to the ethereal plane. In this realm, they could not be harmed by sword or spear, nor could they touch or move the world they left behind. Many a hero used the amulet to escape peril, pass through walls, or spy upon foes unseen. It became a token of great renown, sought by those who wished for the power of the unseen.

But, as all things of power, it had its risks. Some, in their arrogance, did forget the balance of realms. They lingered too long in the ethereal, lost to the world they knew, becoming shades themselves. The wise sage, maker of the amulet, warned all who sought it: “Use this gift with care, for the ethereal is not a place for mortals to dwell.”

The tale, as it traveled through ages, became a lesson to all who heard it. It spoke of the balance between realms, the respect of powers beyond understanding, and the wisdom of the sage who dared to harness them.

The Moral of the Story: Power, even that which is granted by nature, must be wielded with respect and wisdom. To traverse between realms is a gift, but to dwell in places not meant for mortals is to court peril. Balance and humility are the keys to using such power wisely.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Ethereal Amulet

• Description: An amulet crafted from Valeshadow fangs and Aquaquill feathers, allowing the wearer to phase briefly into the ethereal plane.
• Stats:
  • Sanity Loss: 1d4/1d6
  • Skill Bonus: +10% to Occult and Cthulhu Mythos checks.
• Mechanics:
  • Ethereal Shift: The wearer can activate the amulet to become ethereal for 1 minute, twice per day. While ethereal, the wearer is immune to physical harm but cannot interact with the material world.
  • Activation: Requires a successful POW roll to activate.

Blades in the Dark

Ethereal Amulet

• Description: A mystical amulet that allows the wearer to phase into the ethereal plane, avoiding physical harm but unable to interact with the material world.
• Quality: Tier IV
• Mechanics:
  • Ethereal Shift: The wearer can activate the amulet to become ethereal for 1 minute, twice per score. While ethereal, the wearer is immune to physical harm but cannot interact with the material world.
  • Attunement: Requires an Attune roll to activate. On a 4/5, the wearer is ethereal but takes 1 stress. On a 6, the wearer is ethereal without additional stress.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Ethereal Amulet

• Wondrous Item, Rare (Requires Attunement)
• Description: An amulet crafted from Valeshadow fangs and Aquaquill feathers, allowing the wearer to phase into the ethereal plane.
• Stats:
  • Special Feature: When activated, the amulet allows the wearer to become ethereal for up to 1 minute, twice per day. During this time, they are immune to physical damage but cannot interact with the material world.
  • Skills: Arcana: +2 (Proficiency bonus) giving 8 resulting temporary hit points which expire if not used and are added back daily at dawn.
• Mechanics:
  • Ethereal Shift: The wearer can use a bonus action to activate the amulet, becoming ethereal for up to 1 minute. This ability can be used twice per day.
  • Activation: Requires attunement and a successful Wisdom (Arcana) check (DC 15) to activate.

Knave

Ethereal Amulet

• Description: An amulet that allows the wearer to phase into the ethereal plane, making them immune to physical harm but unable to interact with the material world.
• Stats:
  • Armor Class: N/A
  • Usage: Twice per day
• Mechanics:
  • Ethereal Shift: The wearer can activate the amulet to become ethereal for 1 minute, twice per day. While ethereal, the wearer is immune to physical harm but cannot interact with the material world.
  • Activation: Requires a successful Intelligence roll to activate.

Fate Core

Ethereal Amulet

• Description: An amulet crafted from Valeshadow fangs and Aquaquill feathers, allowing the wearer to phase into the ethereal plane.
• Aspects:
  • High Concept: Amulet of Ethereal Shifting
  • Trouble: Fragile Connection to the Material World
• Skills:
  • Ethereal Shift: Grants a +2 to Overcome rolls when attempting to avoid physical harm by phasing into the ethereal plane.
• Stunts:
  • Ethereal Phase: Twice per session, the wearer can become ethereal for one minute, making them immune to physical attacks but unable to interact with the material world.
• Mechanics:
  • Activation: Requires a Fate point to activate the Ethereal Phase ability.

Numenera & Cypher System

Ethereal Amulet

• Description: An amulet that allows the wearer to phase into the ethereal plane, crafted from Valeshadow fangs and Aquaquill feathers.
• Level: 7
• Stats:
  • Effect: The wearer can activate the amulet to become ethereal for up to 10 minutes, twice per day. While ethereal, the wearer is immune to physical harm but cannot interact with the material world.
• Mechanics:
  • Activation: Requires 3 Intellect points to activate the Ethereal Shift ability, allowing the wearer to become ethereal for up to 10 minutes.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Ethereal Amulet

• Wondrous Item, Rare (Requires Attunement)
• Description: An amulet crafted from Valeshadow fangs and Aquaquill feathers, allowing the wearer to phase into the ethereal plane.
• Stats:
  • Special Feature: When activated, the amulet allows the wearer to become ethereal for up to 1 minute, twice per day. During this time, they are immune to physical damage but cannot interact with the material world.
  • Skills: Arcana: +2 (Proficiency bonus) giving 8 resulting temporary hit points which expire if not used and are added back daily at dawn.
• Mechanics:
  • Ethereal Shift: The wearer can use a bonus action to activate the amulet, becoming ethereal for up to 1 minute. This ability can be used twice per day.
  • Activation: Requires attunement and a successful Arcana check (DC 15) to activate.

Savage Worlds

Ethereal Amulet

• Description: An amulet that allows the wearer to phase into the ethereal plane, crafted from Valeshadow fangs and Aquaquill feathers.
• Stats:
  • Type: Magic Item
  • Effect: The wearer can activate the amulet to become ethereal for up to 1 minute, twice per day. While ethereal, the wearer is immune to physical harm but cannot interact with the material world.
• Mechanics:
  • Ethereal Shift: Activation requires a successful Spirit roll. Once activated, the wearer becomes ethereal for up to 1 minute, twice per day.
  • Bonus: Provides +1 to Stealth rolls when ethereal.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Ethereal Amulet

• Description: An amulet crafted from Valeshadow fangs and Aquaquill feathers, allowing the wearer to phase briefly into the ethereal plane.
• Stats:
  • Type: Magical Artifact
  • Rating: 6
• Mechanics:
  • Ethereal Shift: The wearer can activate the amulet to become ethereal for up to 1 minute, twice per day. While ethereal, the wearer is immune to physical harm but cannot interact with the material world.
  • Activation: Requires a successful Magic + Willpower [Astral] (3) test to activate.
  • Drain: F (Force) / 2 (round up) + 1 (Stun Damage).

Starfinder

Ethereal Amulet

• Description: An amulet that allows the wearer to phase into the ethereal plane, crafted from Valeshadow fangs and Aquaquill feathers.
• Level: 8
• Price: 12,000 credits
• Stats:
  • Usage: Twice per day
• Mechanics:
  • Ethereal Shift: The wearer can activate the amulet to become ethereal for up to 1 minute. While ethereal, the wearer is immune to physical harm but cannot interact with the material world.
  • Activation: Activating the Ethereal Shift requires a move action.

Traveller (Mongoose, 2nd Edition)

Ethereal Amulet

• Description: An amulet that allows the wearer to phase into the ethereal plane, crafted from Valeshadow fangs and Aquaquill feathers.
• Stats:
  • Tech Level: 15
  • Cost: 250,000 credits
• Mechanics:
  • Ethereal Shift: The wearer can activate the amulet to become ethereal for up to 10 minutes, twice per day. While ethereal, the wearer is immune to physical harm but cannot interact with the material world.
  • Activation: Requires a successful Intellect + Recon check (DM+2) to activate.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Ethereal Amulet

• Description: An amulet crafted from Valeshadow fangs and Aquaquill feathers, allowing the wearer to phase briefly into the ethereal plane.
• Stats:
  • Encumbrance: 0
  • Value: 300 Gold Crowns
• Mechanics:
  • Ethereal Shift: The wearer can activate the amulet to become ethereal for up to 1 minute, twice per day. While ethereal, the wearer is immune to physical harm but cannot interact with the material world.
  • Activation: Requires a successful Language (Magick) Test to activate.