Redoubts

This system is pretty much cribbed directly from Stonetop. Check it out!

When a spirit inhabits and binds itself to a physical object, the result is called a redoubt. Such items often manifest strange powers related to the affinities of the spirit they harbour - powers which can be shared with their possessor.

No petty trinket or rudimentary enchantment, a redoubt inhabited by a sufficiently powerful spirit can be an artifact of historic potency. Even lesser redoubts can confer indispensable powers on those who take the time to unlock their secrets. This power does not come easily or without a cost, however.

Unlike mere workings of arcane craft, redoubts are inhabited by a living and capricious entity. They have opinions and desires of their own, and they do not reveal their full power to anyone who lays hands upon them. Some redoubts speak; most do not, and it is their possessor’s burden to figure out what they might want.

Mysteries. Each redoubt has at least two mysteries that must be pursued in order to awaken the spirit within and convince it to share its magic with you. A mystery might be something you must do, some knowledge or intuition that you must seek, or some sacrifice you must make. Some redoubts will remain dormant until you have solved their mystery entirely; others will grow stronger as you deepen your bond with them.

Powers. Each redoubt has one or more powers which you may call on, once you have unlocked its mysteries. These powers always stem from the nature of the spirit which inhabits the redoubt. You might unlock the redoubt’s powers all at once, or slowly over time.

Caveats. Each redoubt comes with hidden consequences or conditions, which may not be immediately apparent. Some are capricious, and will only function if you keep them happy. Some might be difficult to wield, with consequences that arise when you fail a roll or use them without thinking. Some cannot be used at all without paying a cost - whether because they demand it, or because their nature does not leave room for restraint.

Example Redoubt: The Swan Spear

A royal heirloom of the Isle of Swans, this magnificent weapon was wielded by a royal castellan before the calamity which broke the kingdom claimed him as well. It’s inhabited by a spirit of winds who values courage, honour and gracefulness above all others things, disdaining ignoble or loutish behaviour. It has been a royal heirloom for so long that it does not even remember the naive spirit that was once bound by the swan-sorcerers of old.

Pursue the mysteries of the Swan Spear in order, and unlock one power for each mystery you resolve.

Mysteries:

• The swan spear disdains those who are not of the royal line. Convince it that you are a worthy wielder, capable of acting with nobility befitting your armaments.
• Bear the spear on a selfless endeavour for the benefit of another, and win an honourable duel with the spear in hand.
• Help the spear discover the truth of who it was before it was bound, then help it make sense of its fractured identity.
• Let the spear fly free and disappear amidst the clouds, without knowing whether it will ever return to you.

Powers:

• The spear is capable of conjuring a gust to direct its movements, allowing it to be thrown with exceptional accuracy and distance.
• Hold the spear in hand to conjure up a wall of wind. It will turn aside dangerous gases and small projectiles such as arrows or stones, and produces breathable air.
• The spear is able return to your hand when thrown, and can even fight independently of you. It is not very skilled and fights as a Tier 1 warrior, but will improve with practice.
• The spear has learned to summon an intangible “body” of zephyr and earth. It is capable of carrying things, interacting with the world, and levitating.

Caveats:

• The spear’s standard are very strict. Disappoint it, and it will withdraw all of its powers until you have redeemed yourself in its eyes.
• Each time the spear conjures a physical form for itself, it will be able to maintain it for a little longer. Eventually, it will have no need of a wielder.