One of the options available to players in our recent Fantasy Fate offering (links provided below) is access to what are known as Items of Power. This category is a catch-all for abilities that are derived from possession of an object that is imbued with supernatural powers.
The concept of faith as a power source as defined in The Dresden Files RPG is not limited to any particular deity, creator, or omnipotent being. Instead, faith in any number of pantheons could be described using the mechanics set forth in the pages of Your Story. To use a real-world example, a Jewish character would manifest the ‘Bless This House’ power differently than their Christian or Wiccan counterpart might, but the mechanical effects will be much the same: powerful supernatural entities are going to have a tougher time getting through the door. (You can read more about the power of faith in Your Story on page 187.)
Divine intervention thus isn’t limited to devotees of any particular religion, and one need not be a cleric or paladin of any particular god to gain their favor. With access to the True Faith section of supernatural powers, and some creative Items of Power even the humblest disciple can serve as an instrument of their god or goddess.
By using blessed components to draw supernatural power for a character, these examples grant some in-game benefits that would be unavailable or quite expensive for players during basic character creation. GMs who want to help their players customize their own Items of Power for their appropriate faith can check out Your Story, page 167. Note that taking an item of power prevents you from being a “Pure Mortal”.
GILDED GAUNTLETS [-1]
Description: These durable gloves have been woven of the finest materials, including thin strands of gold that reflect light normally, and seem to give off a supernatural glow when they begin channeling a higher power.
Musts: The wearer must be pure of heart and selfless in purpose, and wear both Gilded Gauntlets for them to bestow their boon. In addition, the user must have an Aspect that directly references this Item of Power.
Skills Affected: Many.
Effects: Holy Touch. (YS188) Wearers of the Gilded Gauntlets need not take the prerequisite power of Righteousness to gain the benefits of the Gilded Gauntlets.
HOLY SYMBOL [-1]
Description: Holy symbols are as varied and unique as the faiths they represent. They are crafted by hand from a material sacred to their respective deity, and worn in full view of the world to demonstrate the wearer’s divine devotion.
Musts: Holy symbols must be visible at all times to grant their gift, and must be worn by one who truly believes in the deity they represent. In addition, the user must have an Aspect that directly references this Item of Power.
Skills Affected: Conviction, others.
Effects: Righteousness. (YS188) Wearers of a Holy Symbol must specify its patron when taking this item.
RING OF REDEMPTION [-1]
Description: Usually wrought from a precious or semi-precious metal, these rings are imbued with holy energies. Those who serve nature deities may use rings of wood or bone as well.
Musts: Rings of Redemption must be worn on the same finger of the same hand for three days and three nights before their boon can be enjoyed; should it be removed for any reason, another 3-day dedication period must be observed. In addition, the user must have an Aspect that directly references this Item of Power.
Skills Affected: Fists.
Effects: When making an attack with Fists, one who wears a Ring of Redemption may count these attacks as satisfying the Catch for creatures vulnerable to ‘holy’ damage sources.
CINCTURE OF SHIELDING [-1]
Description: Cinctures of Shielding may be fashioned from spring vines, new leather, fine chain, or opulent silk, and may be lashed around the wrist, ankle, thigh, arm, waist, or even the throat of a devotee. Whatever their origin, these rope-like ornaments are meant to represent the character binding themselves to the service of their deity. In return, the deity grants them some measure of physical protection.
Musts: In order for a Cincture of Shielding to grant its gift, it must first have a drop of the user’s blood smeared onto it. In addition, it must remain tightly bound to some part of the user’s body at all times; once applied, removing a Cincture of Shielding would strip it of its power. Finally, the user must have an Aspect that directly references this Item of Power.
Skills Affected: Endurance, other physical skills.
Effects: Inhuman Toughness. (YS185) This item of power serves as the Catch normally required of this power. As such, no other Catch should be needed or taken.
Faithful Servant. The character gains one Mild Physical Consequence.
BANNER OF UNITY [-1]
Description: Found in many forms throughout multiple faiths, Banners of Unity are potent reminders of the strength of believers when gathered as one. Said to be woven from one continuous thread, they most often use intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and depictions of holy icons to stir the faith of those around them. While they are usually found in a congregation’s place of worship, they are sometimes carried abroad for inspiration when the need arises.
Musts: A Banner of Unity must never be allowed to touch the ground. In addition, the user must have an Aspect that directly references this Item of Power.
Skills Affected: Conviction, Presence
Effects: Preacher’s Zeal. The bearer is capable of inspiring a new level of belief in those around them. All of his allies in the same zone are affected by a Banner of Unity, regardless of their religion, and even if they have no belief in a higher power.
The bearer is able to do maneuvers at +2 to their roll (using Conviction for members of the same faith, and Presence for all other allies) that create an undeniable connection to the divine (represented as a temporary aspect). Allies ‘defend’ with their Discipline skill, to see if they are swept up in the bearer’s religious fervor, or if they are too distracted by worldly concerns to hear the higher calling.
RELATED POSTS
- Introducing Fantasy Fate: Part 1
- Fantasy Fate, Part 2: Dwarves & Goblins
- Fantasy Fate, Part 3: Half-orcs, Elves & Half-elves
- Fantasy Fate, Part 4: Equipment, Magic & Travel
- Elemental Items of Power for Fantasy Fate
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