Nymphs Tear

From: Twisted Labyrinth of the Fae

This teardrop-shaped crystal, harvested from the shattered reflections of a mirror nymph, can store and replay illusions. When activated, it projects a holographic image of the user’s choosing, potentially deceiving or distracting foes.

Lore of the Nymph’s Tear: In the heart of the Twisted Labyrinth of the Fae, where illusions dance and reality bends, there exists a peculiar artifact known as the Nymph’s Tear. Born from the shattered reflections of a Mirror Nymph, this teardrop-shaped crystal holds within it a fragment of the nymph’s essence and a sliver of their illusory power.

Legend tells of a Mirror Nymph who, consumed by sorrow over her fractured reflection, shed a single tear. This tear, imbued with her anguish and magical essence, solidified into a crystal, capturing a moment of her illusory magic. Over time, adventurers discovered these tears and learned to harness their power, using them to create their own fleeting illusions.

The Nymph’s Tear is a coveted item, not only for its magical properties but also for the tragic story it represents. It serves as a reminder of the beauty that once was and the pain of its loss, a poignant symbol of the corruption that has twisted the labyrinth and its inhabitants.

Use of the Nymph’s Tear: The Nymph’s Tear is a versatile tool for those who seek to deceive and misdirect their foes. When activated, it can project a holographic image of the user’s choosing, creating a convincing illusion that can be used to distract, confuse, or even frighten opponents.

The illusions created by the Nymph’s Tear are not limited to simple images. They can be animated, mimicking the movements and sounds of real creatures or objects. This allows the user to create diversions, lure enemies into traps, or even impersonate others to gain access to restricted areas.

However, the Nymph’s Tear is not a weapon of direct combat. Its illusions are temporary and can be dispelled by those with keen senses or magical abilities. Additionally, the emotional residue of the nymph’s sorrow lingers within the crystal, potentially influencing the user’s emotions and causing them to experience fleeting moments of melancholy or despair.

Nymph’s Tear

• Tier: 1
• Type: Wondrous Item
• Cost: Uncommon (100 gp)
• Weight: Negligible
• Requirements: None

Properties:

• Illusory Projection: As an action, you can activate the Nymph’s Tear to project an illusion of your choice. The illusion can be of any creature or object you have seen, up to Medium size. The illusion lasts for 1 minute, or until you dismiss it (no action required). The illusion ispurely visual and auditory; it cannot create smells, tastes, or other sensations.
• Empathic Echo: While holding the Nymph’s Tear, you may experience fleeting emotions of sorrow, regret, or longing, as the crystal resonates with the residual emotions of the Mirror Nymph.

Tags: Magic, Illusion, Fey

Due to their unique nature and inherent magical properties, Nymph’s Tears are sought after by various individuals in Saṃsāra. However, their acquisition is not a simple matter of visiting a local shop. These rare crystals are most likely to be found in the following places:

• Wandering Mystics: Mystics and seers who delve into the secrets of the Feywild and the Twisted Labyrinth may come across Nymph’s Tears in their travels. They might be willing to part with them for a price, or perhaps in exchange for rare herbs, knowledge of forgotten rituals, or a promise to use the Tear for a noble cause.
• Hidden Enclaves: Secretive communities of illusionists and tricksters might trade in Nymph’s Tears, recognizing their value for deception and misdirection. Gaining access to these enclaves requires knowledge of secret signs and passwords or proving one’s worth through cunning and wit.
• Collectors of Curiosities: Wealthy collectors with a penchant for rare and unusual artifacts might be interested in acquiring a Nymph’s Tear for their personal collection. These collectors can often be found in bustling cities or remote estates, and may require a hefty sum of gold or a trade of equal value.
• Adventurers’ Troves: Those who have braved the dangers of the Twisted Labyrinth and emerged victorious may have found Nymph’s Tears among their treasures. These adventurers might be willing to sell them for a profit, or perhaps use them to barter for other rare items or services.

The Nymph’s Tear is most effective in environments where illusions and deception can be used to maximum effect. This could include:

• The Twisted Labyrinth of the Fae: The labyrinth’s confusing layout and numerous illusions make it the perfect environment to utilize the Nymph’s Tear. It can be used to create diversions, mislead enemies, or even to escape from dangerous situations.
• Social Gatherings and Political Intrigues: In the courts of Saṃsāra, where deception and manipulation are commonplace, the Nymph’s Tear can be a valuable tool for spies, diplomats, or anyone seeking to gain an advantage over their rivals. It can be used to create false appearances, to manipulate conversations, or to spread disinformation.
• Theatrical Performances and Entertainments: Illusionists and performers may use the Nymph’s Tear to enhance their acts, creating spectacular illusions that amaze and astound their audiences.

The end results of using the Nymph’s Tear depend on the creativity and intentions of the user. It can be used for good, to protect the innocent, to expose the truth, or to entertain and inspire. However, it can also be used for evil, to deceive and manipulate, to sow discord, or to cause harm. The choice of how to wield this power lies solely with the individual who possesses it.

Activation Perception of the Nymph’s Tear:

• Sight:
  • Perceived: The crystal begins to glow softly, its internal facets shimmering with an otherworldly light. Faint outlines and shapes flicker within the depths of the crystal, hinting at the illusion about to be projected.
  • Description: The glow is subtle and ethereal, shifting between hues of blue, green, and purple. The outlines within the crystal are vague and ephemeral, like ripples on a still pond.
  • Positives: Visually captivating and mesmerizing, creating a sense of anticipation and wonder.
  • Negatives: The glow might attract unwanted attention in low-light conditions.
• Sound:
  • Perceived: A faint, high-pitched hum resonates from the crystal, like the distant echo of a songbird. Whispering voices, barely audible, seem to emanate from the Tear, murmuring cryptic words and phrases.
  • Description: The hum is soft and otherworldly, barely audible above the ambient noise. The whispers are elusive and enigmatic, their meaning obscured by the veil of illusion.
  • Positives: Can serve as a subtle cue to the user that the Tear is activated and the illusion is forming.
  • Negatives: The whispers might be distracting or unsettling, causing a momentary lapse in focus.
• Smell:
  • Perceived: A delicate, floral scent, reminiscent of jasmine and lavender, wafts from the crystal. A subtle undertone of ozone, like the air after a rainstorm, hints at the magical energies at play.
  • Description: The scent is fleeting and elusive, easily overpowered by stronger odors. It evokes a sense of tranquility and mystery, further blurring the lines between reality and illusion.
  • Positives: Pleasant and calming, may help to mask other scents.
  • Negatives: Difficult to detect and may be masked by other odors.
• Touch:
  • Perceived: The crystal feels cool and smooth to the touch, with a slight vibration that seems to resonate with the user’s pulse. A tingling sensation, like a mild static charge, may be felt when the illusion is projected.
  • Description: The vibration is subtle and rhythmic, creating a sense of connection between the user and the crystal. The tingling sensation is fleeting and harmless, a brief surge of energy as the illusion takes form.
  • Positives: Provides tactile feedback of the Tear’s activation and a sense of control over the illusion.
  • Negatives: The tingling sensation may be slightly distracting or disorienting for some users.
• Taste: (Not applicable as it would be inadvisable and potentially harmful to taste the Nymph’s Tear)
• Extrasensory Perceptions:
  • Empathy: A wave of melancholy washes over the user, a faint echo of the sorrow and longing felt by the Mirror Nymph.
  • Aura Sight: The Tear’s aura shimmers with a kaleidoscope of colors, shifting and changing as the illusion takes shape.
  • Precognition: In rare instances, the user may experience fleeting visions of the illusion’s potential outcomes or the reactions of those who perceive it.

The activation of the Nymph’s Tear is a multi-sensory experience that combines subtle visual, auditory, and tactile cues with emotional and extrasensory perceptions. The experience is both mesmerizing and unsettling, blurring the lines between reality and illusion and leaving the user with a lingering sense of melancholy and wonder.

Capturing the Ephemeral: Crafting a Nymph’s Tear

• Materials Needed:
  • Shattered Mirror Shard: A fragment of a mirror that has reflected the image of a Mirror Nymph, preferably one that has recently been defeated. The shard should still retain a faint echo of the nymph’s essence.
  • Dreamwisp Filament: This delicate, shimmering thread is spun by dreamwisps, creatures that dwell in the ethereal realm of dreams. It is said to capture and weave fragments of memories and emotions.
  • Tear of Sorrow: A genuine tear shed in a moment of deep grief or loss. This tear acts as a catalyst for the emotional resonance of the Nymph’s Tear.
  • Reflective Pool Water: Water collected from a pool or spring that has been frequented by Mirror Nymphs, imbued with their lingering magic.
• Tools Required:
  • Alchemist’s Kit: A set of tools and equipment used for brewing potions and conducting alchemical experiments.
  • Crystal Shaping Tools: Specialized tools for cutting, polishing, and shaping delicate crystals.
  • Enchanter’s Lens: A magnifying glass used to focus magical energy and channel it into the crafting process.
  • Silver Phial: A small, silver container used to hold and preserve the Tear of Sorrow.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Alchemy: Proficiency in alchemy is essential for the delicate process of combining the various ingredients and extracting their magical essence.
  • Enchanting: A basic understanding of enchanting is required to imbue the crystal with the power to store and project illusions.
  • Empathy: The ability to connect with and understand the emotions of others is crucial for capturing the essence of the Mirror Nymph’s sorrow.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Infuse the Mirror Shard: Place the shattered mirror shard in a bowl filled with Reflective Pool Water. Leave it overnight under the light of the full moon, allowing the shard to absorb the residual magic of the Mirror Nymph.
  • Extract the Tear of Sorrow: Gently collect the Tear of Sorrow using a fine-tipped brush and deposit it into the silver phial. Seal the phial with beeswax to preserve its emotional energy.
  • Weave the Dreamwisp Filament: Carefully weave the Dreamwisp Filament around the mirror shard, creating a delicate cocoon that will hold the forming crystal. As you weave, focus on the memories and emotions associated with the Tear of Sorrow.
  • Shape the Crystal: Using the crystal shaping tools, carefully shape the mirror shard into a teardrop form. As you work, chant an incantation to invoke the powers of illusion and memory.
  • Activate the Nymph’s Tear: Place the shaped crystal on the Enchanter’s Lens and focus your magical energy through it, channeling the emotional resonance of the Tear of Sorrow and the illusory power of the Mirror Nymph.

The completed Nymph’s Tear will shimmer with an ethereal glow, ready to capture and project illusions at the will of its wielder. Remember, crafting this artifact requires skill, patience, and a deep understanding of the delicate balance between reality and illusion.

Tear of Reflections Lost

In times long past, when mirrors shone bright and true, Nymphs of Reflection danced, in forests of dew. Their laughter like chimes, their forms a delight, reflecting the world, in shimmering light.

But chaos did whisper, a dark, twisting song, shattering mirrors, where shadows belonged. A Nymph’s tear fell, from a heart filled with pain, a fragment of magic, forever to remain.

This Tear, so fragile, a memory’s embrace, held within it, a glimpse of that place. Of laughter and beauty, of light and of grace, now lost in the shadows, a tear on a face.

The Tear, it was taken, by hands seeking power, to conjure illusions, in the darkest hour. Deception and trickery, the Tear’s new guise, a weapon of shadows, a sorcerer’s prize.

But with every illusion, a flicker of pain, the Nymph’s sorrow, echoing again. For the Tear remembers, the beauty it held, and the cost of its magic, forever compelled.

So, heed this tale, of the Tear’s magic art, for illusions may shimmer, but cannot mend a heart. And remember this well, as you wield its deceit, that truth’s reflection, is the only retreat.

The Moral: Let not illusion mask your soul, for in seeking deception, you lose control.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Nymph’s Tear

• Type: Magical Artifact
• Description: A teardrop-shaped crystal that allows the user to project a temporary illusion (Keeper’s discretion). The illusion lasts for 1D4 rounds and can be of any creature or object the user has seen.
• Sanity Loss: 1/1D6 on first use, as the user glimpses the fractured psyche of the nymph.

Blades in the Dark

Nymph’s Tear

• Quality: Gear, Arcane
• Effect:
  • The Tear can be used to create a convincing visual and auditory illusion.
  • This can be used to misdirect, distract, or deceive others.
  • Overuse may lead to unpredictable side effects or emotional instability.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Nymph’s Tear

• Wondrous item, uncommon
• Properties:
  • As an action, you can activate the Nymph’s Tear to project an illusion of your choice. The illusion can be of any creature or object you have seen, up to Medium size. The illusion lasts for 1 minute, or until you dismiss it (no action required). The illusion is purely visual and auditory; it cannot create smells, tastes, or other sensations.
  • While holding the Nymph’s Tear, you may experience fleeting emotions of sorrow, regret, or longing, as the crystal resonates with the residual emotions of the Mirror Nymph.

Knave

Nymph’s Tear

• Type: Trinket
• Special Qualities:
  • Once per day, can create an illusion of a creature or object the user has seen.
  • The illusion lasts for 1D6 rounds and can be used to deceive or distract others.
  • Overuse may cause the user to experience negative emotions or suffer disadvantage on certain rolls (GM discretion).

Fate (Accelerated Edition)

Nymph’s Tear

• High Concept: Crystal of Fleeting Illusions
• Trouble: Whispers of Sorrow
• Aspects:
  • Fragment of Shattered Beauty
  • Echoes of Lost Laughter
  • Veil of Deception
• Extra: When used to create an advantage related to deception or distraction, grant a +2 bonus or reroll. May be invoked once per scene to create a powerful illusion with a moderate cost or consequence.

Numenera & The Cypher System

Nymph’s Tear

• Level: 1d6
• Form: Artifact (Oddity)
• Effect:
  • The user can activate the tear to create an illusion of a creature or object they have seen.
  • The illusion lasts for a short duration (GM discretion) and can fool most senses.
  • Repeated use may cause the user to experience fleeting moments of melancholy or despair.

Pathfinder (Second Edition)

Nymph’s Tear

• Wondrous item, uncommon
• Properties:
  • As an action, you can activate the Nymph’s Tear to project an illusion of your choice. The illusion can be of any creature or object you have seen, up to Medium size. The illusion lasts for 1 minute, or until you dismiss it (no action required). The illusion is purely visual and auditory; it cannot create smells, tastes, or other sensations.
  • While holding the Nymph’s Tear, you may experience fleeting emotions of sorrow, regret, or longing, as the crystal resonates with the residual emotions of the Mirror Nymph.

Savage Worlds

Nymph’s Tear

• Type: Power (Arcane Background)
• Trappings:
  • Illusory Projection: As an action, the user can create an illusion of a creature or object they have seen. The illusion lasts for 2d6 rounds and has a Smarts-based opposed roll to determine its effectiveness.
  • Emotional Echo: When activated, the user must make a Spirit roll or suffer a -1 penalty to all trait rolls for the duration of the illusion due to the lingering emotions of the Mirror Nymph.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Nymph’s Tear

• Type: Focus (Oddity)
• Rating: 4
• Availability: 12R
• Special:
  • Illusory Projection: The user can activate the tear to create a visual and auditory illusion (GM discretion). The illusion lasts for 1D6 Combat Turns and can be of any person or object the user has seen.
  • Emotional Feedback: Each time the tear is used, the user must make a Composure Test (3). Failure indicates a lingering sense of melancholy or despair, resulting in a -2 dice pool modifier to all actions until the end of the next Combat Turn.

Starfinder (First Edition)

Nymph’s Tear

• Level: 1
• Price: 1,000 credits
• Category: Magical
• Activation: Standard (command word)
• Capacity: 3 charges
• Usage: 1 charge
• Effect:
  • The user creates an illusory image of a creature or object within 30 feet. The illusion lasts for 1d4 rounds and has a Will save DC of 12.
  • After using the tear, the user must succeed on a DC 12 Will save or become shaken for 1 round due to the residual emotional energy.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Nymph’s Tear

• Type: Technological Gadget
• Price: Cr500
• Encumbrance: 0
• Effect:
  • The user can activate the tear to create an illusion of a creature or object within 10 meters. The illusion lasts for 2d6 Combat Rounds and requires a successful Deception skill check to maintain.
  • After using the tear, the user must pass an END test or suffer a -1 DM to all rolls for 1 hour due to emotional fatigue.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Nymph’s Tear

• Type: Arcane Trinket
• Availability: Rare
• Effect:
  • The user can cast the Illusionist spell (Minor Illusion) once per day.
  • After casting the spell, the user must pass a Challenging (+0) Willpower test or suffer a -10 penalty to Fellowship tests for the rest of the day due to the emotional strain of using the tear.