Chimeric Ring
The chimera is a trifold beast, and the Chimeric ring likewise is a trifold item, both magical, and cursed.
The Chimeric ring is a handsome mans ring, and if donned on a womans hand does nothing. It is a heavy gold band set with three stones, a ruby (dragon), emerald (goat), and topaz (lion) in a circular setting. It is always warm to the touch, and is obviously a magical item. If donned by a man, the ring will resize itself to fit his finger.
If worn by a virtuous man, the ring is a potent magical item, gifting the wearer with a number of boons. If worn by a base man, the ring is cursed and brings woe upon the bearer and those close to him.
Each aspect of the chimera, represented by a stone, has a boon, and a curse, depending on the virtue of the wearer. At first, telling the difference between curse and boon is difficult, but as the curse increases it becomes obvious.
The ruby, the eye of the dragon is the first stone. The boon of the dragon is power of the sorcerous variety. When donned by a virtuous man, the wearer becomes invulnerable to weapons crafted of metal, gains the reptilian strength of the great beasts, and is rendered immune to illusions and deceptions of the mind.
The curse of the dragon is that of greed. The wearer becomes possessed with the urge to gain as much gold as possible, to hoarde it. Magic items and weapons are also sought. At first it is a minor impulse, and later grows into a life shaping domination. The resultant hoarde draws heros and dragons alike to the wearer, and the ring passes from the corpse to a new owner along with the treasure and misery accrued by the previous.
The Emerald, or the stone of the goat is a potent one. The virtuous man is rendered immune to any posion, and can eat food that is spoiled with no ill effect, other than the taste of eating rotten food. The wearer is also blessed with near limitless virility, and endurance. He will never tire in strenuous activity such as running, or other - ahem - endurance events.
The lecherous man who dons the Chimeric ring becomes irresistable. At first this is a boon, until the wearer is assaulted by would be paramours, jilted lovers, and angered spouses. The wearer will also begin to suffer from cholic and slowly become ruled by his basest nature. Eventually his heart will stop, and the lech will die.
The topaz, or the eye of the lion is the last of the three stones. The power of the virtuous lion is unfailing courage and pussiance with any weapon, ranging from swords, to bare fists. The wearer is also rendered immune to wound penalties, though does not suffer the ill effects of reduced senses.
The avaricious lion suffers from the vice of wrath. Anyone who displeases him will be attacked and maimed or slain. The wrathful lion leaves a bloody swath through the community until new heros rise and the monster is slain and the ring again is taken.
The ring was created by one of the divinities, one strongly in favor of women. The ring benefits virtuous men who care for and protect women, while it punishes those who treat them poorly. Often the victims of the unvirtuous ring powers are themselves lacking in virtue.
Magical Properties:
The Chimeric ring is the first item in a series of 12 inspired by the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Instead of the normal dog, rabbit, and goat, there will be twelve mythic beasts and one magic item for each of them.
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? Responses (12)
Awesome. I might argue that the benefits are a bit over-powerful, but then, who is completely virtuous, eh? After all, even a righteous man may have a moment where he considers taking more than his fare share in the gold.
Can a man have some qualities and some detriments? for example, what if someone is not greedy nor lecherous, but gets impatient with people easily? can they become dragon-strong, immune to poison and kill everyone he dislikes? Sounds like a good, powerful villian to me. Perhaps a king - elected for his great qualities, but feared for his ruthlessness when dealing with those who oppose him.
Also, what if someone has a change of heart throughout life? Can a curse become a gift, and vice-versa if the people change from good to bad?
In spite of these couple questions, i give this a definite 5/5. I commend your efforts!
I take it that the first animal is the Chimaera then. I look forward to seeing the other 11.
What will we get next? Griffon? Hydra?
the only problem with implementing such an item is that with less-than-perfect players, it would lead to endless debates about whether the character's acts are still within the bounds of VIRTUE.
anyway, I sure like it. Two thumbs up, plus happy smile on my face :D
Probably yes to both Echo ;)
Then less than perfect players shall suffer the wrath. Like in all things, subjectivity exists.
Long, long ago, a friend of mine kept track of every notable 'good', 'evil', 'lawful', and 'chaotic' act the player performed. Notable usually meant a conscious choice, usually when it was easier to be evil or chaotic, than good or lawful. (The log was pretty darn long, as he noted every action. He also had a tabulation sheet (manual spread sheet) for everyones action.) He used it to determine if the character could use certain items or receive clerical boons.
It kept people honest, as their stated allignments were one thing and their effective allignments were another.
It is a lot of book keeping I admit, but a very useful tool.
4/5.
love the idea Scrasamax. I can't help but throw out a few I'd love to see (trying to avoid some overly-obvious ones)
1- cockatrice
2- naga
3- roc
I don't know how I missed this. It is excellent. I particularly like Shadoweagle's comment as well.
A ring that will cause trouble for the majority of wearers. (and PC's.)
hehe...my first ever 'BUMP'. This means you have to do more rings now Scras!
An excellent item, if dangerous.
Great Job!
Shadoweagle raised some strong points, but what roleplaying opportunities does the use of the item provide a PC.
Example A: A virtuous character gets the ring and now can kick some major ass, and get his bling on at the same time. Sometimes loading up your character with magic is a good way to light a fire under their ass. But this would hold true for all powerful magic items.,
Example B: A good meaning but flawed character gets the ring, and the ring locks the character in a closet with a box of cigars-so to speak. So the character must quest to lift the curse or be stuck an having item rewrite his character. Maybe this good be interesting, (i.e. you could give the Laconic character a chance to chase women) but what roleplayer likes to have their character's persona affected by an item.
Example C: A base character gets the item, and notices when he hads another vice or his vices ridden impulses get stronger. Then the ring kills him.
3.5/5
A neat and troublesome little item.