Arcane Tools: Arcane tools are devices conceived long ago by the Old Empire engineers in order to aid the humans of the coast. Nobody really knows who or when the first arcane tools were made, but the creation can certainly be traced to one of the greatest human craftsman Cortez De’ Samerium. Arcane tools very greatly in their use and in their price. The simplest arcane tools are used by farmers to create “mage lifts”, unseen servants, mage hands, or to conjure water where needed. And the most complex arcane tools can be used to teleport entire armies, stop time on the battle fields, and bring back those who have fallen.
All arcane tools have a purpose and are lovingly created by the Old Empire humans. In fact, arcane tools have become heavily integrated into the life style of the humans in the south, and “Old Faith” design arcane tools are very common. Arcane tools have capacity to store and endure modifications, allow the same arcane tool to be used from early childhood into late adult hood. As the user of the arcane tool grows and gains experience, that person may buy a new arcane tool or upgrade an existing one.
Because of their common use, many cities use arcane tools for public service. Natural or unnatural disasters cannot be overcome by simple arcane raw power, however thousands of citizens can participate in a ritual at a moments notice to stop or slow down a possible threat.
It is however, rare to see arcane tools among non south human people. Although there are no laws or licenses concerning arcane tools, the humans always make it seem that ownership of arcane tool is restricted and a form of honor that will not be granted to outsiders. This is only due to their own arrogance and self superiority.
Old Faith: This is one of the most basic arcane tools. Initially, it allows user to cast a modified mage hand, that can lift up to 60lb for five minutes requiring 1gp worth of residium. In addition the user gains +1 to ritual castings, and is able to draw “runes”.
Pestilinye: This tool is favored by hard laborers. Initially it can grant the user 5 resistance to any one element for 5 minutes at cost of 4gp and this tool can create any physical non magical item for 6gp worth of residium. It grants a +1 to ritual casting.
Were the examples you gave going to be magic items (i.e. items with levels), or just basic items? If they're just basic items, they need to be rebalanced - the powers they're granting are along the same lines as ones you'd find on level 6+ magic equipment.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention lack of qualifiers. I know this was first-draft, but ANY non-magical item means, for example, that one could lean over a ledge, feed the Pestilinye 6 gp worth of residuum, and crush an unsuspecting creature with a non-magical 2-ton sandstone block. The simple way to restrict such ridiculousness is put a gp limit on the created item's value (like, say, 6 gp) AND specify that it has to be small enough to be held in one hand without difficulty. Beyond that, these look kinda cool. That five minutes of 60 Lb mage hand could be used to float a halfling to where-ever, though.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit though, feeding something residuum and crushing an unsuspecting creature with a sandstone block... now I want to do that.
ReplyDeleteA lot.
There is a default limit of only being able to spend residium once. Im also working on more arcane tools and ill try to figure out how to make them work. The main purpose is the drawing of arcane runes.
ReplyDeleteHumans of the Old Empire have absolutely no natural magical ability. They are also not very strong or fast. The only thing they have going for them is their smarts.
Due to the nature of residium (and Im not talking about "fun" uses) a connection to the alternate planes exists dormant. Burning residium gives off a radiation that seeps throughout most of the planes. Therefore, using precise and carefully choreographed movements, as well as trails of residial radiation, Old Empire Humans are able to harness mystic force without any natural abilities.