GearAscendancy.com

The Orb of Emotional Spectrum

—

by

Dale
in

From: The Divine Masque of Thespion

Description: A crystal orb imbued with varying colors that swirl and blend into each other, mimicking the range of emotions Thespion governs.

Properties:

  • Can be used to enact an “Emotional Diffusion,” calming or exciting a crowd of people within a certain radius.
  • Allows the user to manipulate their own emotions, providing temporary boosts to attributes like charisma or willpower, thus enhancing their performance in both theatrical and combat roles.

The Lore of The Orb of Emotional Spectrum: The Orb of Emotional Spectrum is a coveted artifact associated with Thespion, the deity governing the realm of emotions and theatrics. Crafted through an intricate ritual that involves capturing the ethereal essence of myriad emotions, the orb is considered a masterpiece of magical craftsmanship. The swirling colors within the orb are said to be fragments of emotions experienced by worshippers and even Thespion themself. The artifact is usually held in the inner sanctums of Thespion’s temples, used in significant religious ceremonies to manipulate the emotional atmosphere of the crowd. However, a few have been given to devoted champions of the faith, who use them in various ways, from uplifting the spirits of an army to swaying the hearts of a political council. These orbs are rare and considered heretical if used for nefarious purposes.

Specific Level One Stats and Skills

  • Item Type: Magical Orb
  • Level Requirement: None
  • Skills Enhanced: Persuasion, Performance
  • Durability: Fragile; requires delicate handling
  • Weight: 2 lbs
  • Cost and Requirements
    • Cost: Around 500 gold pieces for those outside the faith
    • Requirements: Must be attuned by someone who worships Thespion or has significant influence in the realms of acting, performance, or emotional manipulation.
  • Tags: Emotional Manipulation, Crowd Control, Religious Artifact, Thespion’s Gift, Emotional Alchemy, Theatrical Influence, Aesthetic Enchantment, Sentient Spectrum, Mood Manipulation, Arcane Empathy, Harmonized Presence, Divine Persuasion, Performer’s Aura, Celestial Expression

Where and How It Might Be Sold: The orb is usually not sold publicly due to its sacred nature. It might be granted to especially devoted followers or won as a prestigious award in a religious competition honoring Thespion. If one were to appear on the black market, it would garner immense interest and potentially instigate a sectarian conflict.

Environment and Usage in Combat: The orb is typically used in ritualistic settings within the temples of Thespion or in theaters during religious performances. In combat, however, its emotional manipulation abilities can be quite potent. By focusing on the orb, a wielder can enact an “Emotional Diffusion” to calm an aggressive enemy or boost the morale of their allies. Its attributes-enhancing properties can also turn the tide in a fight, making the wielder more persuasive or more resistant to emotional attacks.

Perception of The Orb of Emotional Spectrum Through the Five Senses and Extra-Sensory Perceptions

  • Sight
    • What is Perceived: A crystal orb with swirling, ever-changing colors
    • Description: The colors within the orb are vibrant and seem to dance as if alive, capturing the onlooker’s attention.
    • Positives: Aesthetically mesmerizing; attracts curiosity and wonder.
    • Negatives: Prolonged staring may induce a trance-like state, making one vulnerable to emotional manipulation.
  • Touch
    • What is Perceived: A smooth, glass-like surface with a slight warmth to it
    • Description: The orb feels soft to the touch, as if welcoming the holder into its emotional landscape.
    • Positives: Comforting and inviting, inducing a sense of emotional openness.
    • Negatives: Over-reliance on the orb’s tactile comfort can lead to emotional dependency.
  • Smell
    • What is Perceived: A subtle aroma of various incense
    • Description: The scent evokes different emotions; some claim to smell lavender when feeling calm, or spices when feeling excited.
    • Positives: Augments the emotional experience and assists in concentration during rituals.
    • Negatives: Some sensitive individuals might find the changing scents disorienting.
  • Taste
    • Description: The orb is not meant to be tasted.
    • Negatives: Attempting to taste the orb is considered heresy and may lead to loss of its powers.
  • Hearing
    • What is Perceived: A soft, harmonic hum
    • Description: When held, the orb emits a low, nearly inaudible hum that resonates with the holder’s current emotional state.
    • Positives: Enhances focus and emotional clarity.
    • Negatives: The sound might distract or annoy some individuals, particularly those sensitive to sound.
  • Extra-Sensory Perceptions
    • Empathy: The orb resonates emotionally, offering glimpses into others’ feelings when focused upon.
    • Magical Awareness: Those with a heightened sense of magical perception can feel the potent magical energy radiating from the orb.
  • Positives for Extra-Sensory
    • Empathy: Offers deep emotional insight, aiding in social interactions.
    • Magical Awareness: Enhances understanding of emotional magic and can assist in magical rituals.
  • Negatives for Extra-Sensory
    • Empathy: Exposure to extreme emotions can be overwhelming and may require emotional fortitude to handle.
    • Magical Awareness: The orb’s powerful aura may attract unwanted magical or divine attention.

Crafting Recipe: “Conjuring the Orb of Emotional Spectrum”

  • Materials Needed
    • One (1) Pure Quartz Crystal Orb – at least 5 inches in diameter
    • Three (3) Vials of Essence of Joy
    • Three (3) Vials of Essence of Sorrow
    • Two (2) Vials of Essence of Anger
    • Two (2) Vials of Essence of Calm
    • One (1) Spool of Silver-Infused Thread
    • One (1) Ounce of Phoenix Feather Dust
    • Four (4) Drops of Moonlit Dew
    • One (1) Pinch of Stardust
  • Tools Required
    • A Ritual Circle with Emotional Runes
    • Alchemy Set for mixing essences
    • Celestial Compass for alignment
    • Silver Chalice for collecting the mixed essences
    • Enchanter’s Wand with an Emotional Affinity Core
  • Skill Requirements
    • Advanced Alchemy – Level 8 or higher
    • Enchantment – Level 7 or higher
    • Emotional Awareness – Proficient understanding of emotional states and their magical correspondences
  • Crafting Steps
    • Preparation: Cleanse and consecrate the crafting area using a blend of Essence of Calm and Moonlit Dew. Draw the Ritual Circle and place the Celestial Compass at its center to align the magical energies.
    • Alchemy Phase: In the Alchemy Set, mix together the Essences of Joy, Sorrow, Anger, and Calm according to the ancient recipe of Emotional Harmony. Pour the resulting liquid into the Silver Chalice.
    • Charging the Orb: Place the Pure Quartz Crystal Orb in the center of the Ritual Circle, directly above the Celestial Compass.
    • Weaving Emotional Threads: Unspool the Silver-Infused Thread and walk around the Ritual Circle, weaving the thread through the Emotional Runes while chanting the Invocation of Emotional Binding.
    • Essence Infusion: Hold the Silver Chalice above the orb and carefully pour the mixed essences over it while reciting the Blessings of Thespion.
    • Magical Dusting: Sprinkle the Phoenix Feather Dust followed by the Stardust over the orb, imbuing it with transformative and celestial properties.
    • Final Enchantment: Take the Enchanter’s Wand and channel focused magical energy into the orb, sealing the blend of emotional essences and magical dusts within.
    • Validation and Sealing: Check the orb’s alignment using the Celestial Compass. If aligned, seal the ritual by reciting the Final Words of Emotional Oneness, extinguishing the circle, and safely storing the orb.
    • Rest: Allow the orb to rest for one full lunar cycle before using it, to ensure that all energies are perfectly harmonized within.

The crafting of the Orb of Emotional Spectrum is complete.

The Tale of Solara and the Orb of Emotional Spectrum

In times older than memory, when the world was still a raw, uncarved block of potential, lived Solara, a priestess devoted to Thespion. She was revered and feared, for she had the power to sway the emotions of those around her. Yet, she felt incomplete, unable to command her own emotions which swayed like tides affected by an unknown moon. Desperate to gain control over herself, she prayed fervently to Thespion.

Moved by her sincerity, Thespion granted Solara a vision, directing her to seek the elusive Orb of Emotional Spectrum. The vision guided her to the Temple of Everchanging Hues, hidden deep within the Forest of Whispering Shadows. There, among forgotten idols and tapestries woven from dreams, lay the Orb. It was said to contain the essence of the god Thespion itself, an artifact of unparalleled power capable of bringing balance to the chaos of the world’s emotional landscape.

Braving countless obstacles, Solara reached the temple. Her heart pounded in her chest as she finally laid eyes on the Orb, its colors shifting and blending into one another in an eternal dance. With trembling hands, she picked it up and immediately felt an overwhelming rush of emotions flood her senses. For a moment, she was joy, sorrow, anger, and peace, all at once. Then, as quickly as it had come, the flood subsided, leaving her in a state of emotional equilibrium she had never before experienced.

Taking the Orb back to her homeland, Solara used its power to bring peace to warring tribes, joy to the downtrodden, and clarity to the confused. However, she always remembered to use the Orb on herself, keeping her own emotions in check. And so, she became the most balanced and emotionally mature being in the realm, finally able to fully serve her deity and her people.

In time, the story of Solara and the Orb of Emotional Spectrum became a cornerstone of the faith devoted to Thespion. It was often recounted as a parable to remind the followers of the importance of emotional balance, both within oneself and in the world at large.

Moral of the Story: The mastery of others begins with mastery of oneself; he who rules his emotions can hope to bring balance to the world.

Suggested conversion to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu

Orb of Emotional Spectrum

  • Sanity Cost: 0/1D4
  • Spell Effect: Manipulate Emotions within 20 ft.
  • Requirements: Must be attuned by performing a ritual.

Dungeons & Dragons 5e

Orb of Emotional Spectrum

  • Wondrous Item, Rare (Requires Attunement)
  • Properties: Allows the user to cast “Calm Emotions” and “Enhance Ability (Charisma)” once per day.
  • Range: 30 feet.

Knave

Orb of Emotional Spectrum

  • Slot: 1
  • Use Time: 1 action
  • Effect: Calms or excites up to 10 people within 30 feet.

Numenera & Cypher System

Orb of Emotional Spectrum

  • Level: 5
  • Usable: 2 times a day
  • Effect: Allows the user to influence emotions in a short range.

Pathfinder 2e

Orb of Emotional Spectrum

  • Item 5
  • Invested, Magical, Enchantment
  • Usage: held in 1 hand; Bulk L
  • Activate: 1 action (command), Effect: Calm or excite up to 5 creatures within 30 feet.

Savage Worlds

Orb of Emotional Spectrum

  • Type: Magical Item
  • Range: Smarts x2
  • Duration: 3 (1/round)
  • Effects: Calm Emotions or Boost/Lower Trait.

Shadowrun

Orb of Emotional Spectrum

  • Type: Magical Artifact
  • Range: 10 meters
  • Availability: 14F
  • Effect: Manipulates emotions in AOE.

Starfinder

Orb of Emotional Spectrum

  • Level: 5
  • Bulk: L
  • Special: Use to perform a once-per-day “Emotion Control” with a 20-foot radius.

Warhammer Fantasy

Orb of Emotional Spectrum

  • Type: Arcane Object
  • Range: 12 yards
  • Casting Number: 7
  • Effects: Calms or excites emotions, affecting Will Power and Leadership tests.