RPG-a-Day #24: Distance

 Distance loses all meaning when the characters have Atlantean Transit Bubbles! (Although this was written with OGL Modern in mind, it is easily adaptable to any roleplaying game setting where there is technology so advanced it seems like magic.)

 

ATLANTEAN TRANSIT BUBBLES

Advanced Technology Transportation System for d20 Games

 
Overview
Atlantean Transit Bubbles represent the pinnacle of pre-Collapse technological achievement—a fusion of quantum mechanics and arcane engineering that allows near-instantaneous travel across vast distances, dimensions, and even between alternate realities. These shimmering spheres of translucent energy were created by the Atlantean Dimensional Transit Authority in the final golden age of their civilization, intended to connect their far-flung facilities across the galaxy.
   Each bubble appears as an iridescent sphere approximately 8 feet in diameter, with swirling patterns of light dancing across its surface. The interior is surprisingly spacious due to minor spatial warping, comfortably accommodating a single Medium-sized creature. Some equipment can also be carried in the bubble, but it increases the chance for error when it comes to reaching the correct destination. The bubble's shell is neither solid nor liquid, but exists in a quantum state that responds to consciousness and intent.

 
History and Current Status
When Atlantis fell, thousands of these Transit Bubbles were scattered across the world, lost in the chaos of the Collapse. Many lay dormant in forgotten facilities, buried underground vaults, or hidden in remote locations. Some have been discovered by explorers, researchers, and treasure hunters—often with catastrophic results when activated by those who don't understand their operation.
   The Witchkind, a magical race of humans that came to be as a result of Atlantean experiments, have made it their mission to recover these dangerous devices. They exist secretly among normal men and women on Earth, but have homes in several different dimensions. They maintain a massive secure facility known as the Vault specifically designed to contain and study Atlantean technology. The Witchkind believe that untrained users pose a severe threat to the stability of the multiverse—a single miscalibrated jump could tear holes in spacetime, strand travelers in other dimensions, or worse.
Game Mechanics

Activation (Standard Action)
To activate an Atlantean Transit Bubble, a character must be in physical contact with the device and succeed on a DC 15 Willpower check, or possess the ability to cast 3rd-level arcane spells. On a successful activation, the bubble expands from its dormant state (a crystalline sphere the size of a fist) to its full 8-foot diameter and envelops the activator.

Navigation
Once inside an active bubble, the occupant has two options for determining their destination:
   Directed Travel: The occupant must succeed on a Concentration check while clearly visualizing their intended destination.
   The more exposed the user's skin is the energy of the sphere, the easier it is to control. A naked or nearly naked character only has to make a DC10 Concentration check to control the sphere; a character in a shorts and a tank-top, or a one-piece bathing suit hat to make a DC15; and a fully-clothed character must roll a DC 20 check.
   The DC increases by +5 if the destination is on another plane of existence, and by an additional +5 if it's in an alternate research site. On a success, the bubble travels to the intended location (or as close as possible). On a failure, roll on the Random Destination Table (d100).
   Random Travel: If the occupant doesn't attempt to direct the bubble, or if they fail their Concentration check, the bubble automatically transports them to a random location. Roll on the Random Destination Table (d100), below.

Travel Time
Transit is instantaneous from the occupant's perspective, though observers see the bubble vanish in a flash of prismatic light. The bubble reappears at its destination in 1d4 rounds.
Master Bubbles
   Master Bubbles are rare variants that possess enhanced capabilities and distinctive golden threading through their iridescent surfaces. Only approximately one in fifty Transit Bubbles is a Master Bubble.

Linking Capability
 A Master Bubble can establish quantum links with up to six standard Transit Bubbles within 100 feet. This requires a standard action and a DC 15 Computers check from the Master Bubble's occupant. Linked bubbles glow with golden light and move in perfect synchronization.
   When linked bubbles travel, they all arrive at the same destination simultaneously. The Master Bubble's occupant determines the destination, using their Concentration check. If the Master Bubble occupant fails their check or chooses random travel, all linked bubbles go to the same random destination (roll once on the table for all bubbles).

Breaking Links
Links between bubbles break automatically if the bubbles move more than 100 feet apart before transit, if either bubble is destroyed, or if the Master Bubble's occupant uses a standard action to sever the connection. A linked standard bubble's occupant can attempt to break free with a DC 25 Will save as a full-round action.
Bubble Properties

Durability
Transit Bubbles have hardness 15 and 100 hit points. They are immune to most forms of damage while in transit between locations. When stationary, they can be attacked, but any damage that doesn't destroy them completely is regenerated at a rate of 10 hit points per round.

Life Support
Active bubbles provide breathable air, comfortable temperature, and protection from environmental hazards for up to 24 hours. After 24 hours, the bubble's life support begins to fail, and the occupant must succeed on DC 15 Fortitude saves every hour or suffer 1d6 points of nonlethal damage from suffocation and environmental stress.

Visibility
From outside, Transit Bubbles are highly visible—shimmering spheres of light that are difficult to miss. They impose a -10 penalty on Hide checks. However, while in transit through the quantum void, bubbles are effectively invisible and undetectable.

Hazards and Complications

Two random tables (Malfunction and Random Destination) can liven up the adventure surrounding tthe Transit Bubbles.  

Malfunction (10% chance per use)
Atlantean technology is ancient and not always reliable. When a bubble is activated, there's a 10% chance of malfunction. Roll 1d6 to see what the specific malfunction is.:

 
1. Temporal Displacement 

The bubble arrives at the correct location but 1d100 years in the past or future (50% chance each).

 
2. Partial Transit

The bubble arrives at a location halfway between the starting point and destination, requiring a second jump to reach the intended target.

3. System Corruption

The bubble arrives at the destination, but the occupant is affected by exposure to the quantum void. They must succeed on a DC 18 Will save or gain a random minor psychosis (DM's discretion) for 1d4 days.

4. Quantum Echo

The bubble creates a duplicate of the occupant at the destination while leaving the original at the starting point. The duplicate has all the same memories and believes itself to be the original. Both versions are real. This situation typically resolves catastrophically within 1d4 days as reality attempts to reconcile the paradox.

 
5. Spatial Rift

The bubble's transit tears a small rift in spacetime, attracting the attention of extradimensional entities. Within 1d4 hours of arrival, the occupant is hunted by 1d3 dimensional predators (use stats for phase creatures, quantum anomalies, or similar threats).

 

6. Power Surge

The bubble overcharges and immediately makes a second random jump after arriving at the first destination, giving the occupant no time to exit. Roll twice on the Random Destination Table.

If bubbles are linked via a Master Bubble, only the Master needs a malfunction check. That malfunction then applies to all bubbles.

Random Destination Table 
When a Transit Bubble travels to a random destination, roll 1d100 and consult the following table:

1-5: International Space Station
The bubble arrives in orbit, materializing inside or near the ISS. Astronauts react with shock and alarm. The bubble's life support holds, but the occupant can see Earth below and the vast emptiness of space beyond.

6-8: Active Volcano Interior
The bubble materializes inside an active volcano. The bubble's environmental protection holds, but the occupant can see nothing but lava in all directions. The bubble will make another random jump in 1d4 hours if not directed elsewhere.

9-11: Mariana Trench
The bubble appears at the deepest point of the ocean, nearly seven miles below the surface. Strange deep-sea creatures investigate the glowing sphere. The pressure is immense, but the bubble's protection holds.

12-14: Underground Bunker
The bubble arrives embedded in solid concrete deep underground in a Cold War-era bunker. The occupant is surrounded by walls on all sides. The bubble's protection prevents crushing, but the occupant must direct the bubble elsewhere or wait for another random jump in 1d4 hours.

15-17: CERN Large Hadron Collider
The bubble materializes inside the particle accelerator tunnel. Scientists detect the anomaly immediately. Alarms sound as the facility goes into emergency shutdown.

18-20: NSA Data Center
The bubble arrives in a massive server farm housing classified government data. Everything is cold, sterile, and monitored by countless security systems. The occupant feels an overwhelming sense of being watched (DC 15 Will save or suffer -2 penalty to all rolls for 1 hour after leaving).

21-23: Virtual Reality Research Lab
The bubble appears inside a cutting-edge VR facility. The occupant sees researchers wearing headsets, their bodies motionless while their minds explore digital worlds. Advanced AI systems immediately detect the intrusion.

24-26: Automated Manufacturing Plant
The bubble materializes in a fully automated factory. Massive machines and robotic arms move in perfect synchronization as far as the eye can see. Security drones approach to investigate the anomaly.

27-29: Quantum Computing Facility
The bubble arrives in the heart of a quantum supercomputer complex. Reality itself seems unstable here—the occupant witnesses impossible calculations and maddening data streams (DC 16 Will save or be confused for 1d4 rounds after leaving).

30-32: Area 51 (Random Section)
The bubble appears in the infamous military base. Security personnel immediately detect the intrusion. Armed guards and advanced defense systems respond within seconds.

33-35: Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
The bubble materializes in the abandoned city of Pripyat near the Chernobyl reactor. The bubble's protection shields from radiation, but the occupant sees the haunting remains of a city frozen in time. Strange phenomena occur in this area—reality seems thin here.

36-38: United Nations Headquarters
The bubble arrives in the UN building in New York. Security personnel and diplomats approach cautiously, offering assistance while also demanding explanations. They warn about the dangers of uncontrolled dimensional travel.

39-41: Maldives Resort
The bubble appears on a pristine tropical beach. The occupant feels overwhelming peace and contentment (DC 14 Will save or be unwilling to leave for 1d4 hours).

42-44: Ancient Atlantis (Past)
The bubble travels through time to Atlantis at its height, 10,000 years in the past. The occupant witnesses the magnificent crystal spires and advanced technology. Atlantean scientists detect the bubble and approach with curiosity.

45-47: The Collapse (Past)
The bubble arrives during Atlantis's final moments. The occupant witnesses the civilization's destruction—reality tearing apart, dimensional rifts opening, and the great city collapsing into chaos. The bubble automatically makes another random jump in 1d4 rounds due to temporal instability.

48-50: Underwater Atlantean Ruins
The bubble appears in the sunken ruins of Atlantis itself. Strange mutated creatures have made the ruins their home. Advanced technology and artifacts are visible among the rubble.

51-53: Sahara Desert
The bubble materializes in the endless Sahara under a merciless sun. No civilization is visible in any direction. The occupant must choose a direction to travel or make another random jump.

54-56: Antarctic Research Station
The bubble arrives at a remote scientific outpost in Antarctica. Howling winds and driving snow reduce visibility to near zero. In the distance, the occupant might glimpse the lights of the station or the movement of penguins.

57-59: Amazon Rainforest
The bubble appears in the heart of the Amazon jungle. Ancient ruins are barely visible through the thick vegetation. The sounds of unknown creatures echo through the trees.

60-62: Mount Everest Summit
The bubble materializes on the windswept peak of the world's tallest mountain. The view is spectacular but dangerous. Climbers might be attempting the summit nearby.

63-65: Mammoth Cave System
The bubble arrives in one of the world's longest cave systems. Bioluminescent organisms provide eerie illumination. The sound of running water echoes from somewhere in the darkness.

66-68: Yellowstone Supervolcano
The bubble appears above the massive magma chamber beneath Yellowstone. The bubble's protection holds, but the heat is intense. The occupant can see a network of geothermal features throughout the area.

69-71: Oil Rig in North Sea
The bubble materializes on an offshore oil platform in the middle of the ocean. Workers react with shock and confusion. Helicopters and supply boats service the platform regularly.

72-74: Mariana Trench Research Station
The bubble arrives at an experimental deep-sea research facility. Scientists in pressure suits investigate the anomaly. Strange bioluminescent creatures drift past the windows.

75-77: Silicon Valley Tech Campus
The bubble appears in the private laboratory of a major tech corporation. Engineers and researchers are startled but intrigued by the unexpected visitor. Their reaction depends on corporate policy and current projects.

78-80: Fort Knox Gold Vault
The bubble materializes in the legendary gold depository. Mountains of gold bars surround the bubble. Security systems have detected the intrusion, and armed response teams are en route.

81-83: Active War Zone
The bubble arrives in the middle of an active conflict. Two military forces clash around the bubble, which is ignored in the chaos of combat. The occupant must decide whether to flee, hide, or intervene.

84-86: Times Square, New York
The bubble appears in the heart of Manhattan. Crowds of people react with shock and wonder. Police arrive within 1d4 rounds to investigate.

87-90: Pripyat, Ukraine
The bubble materializes in the abandoned city near Chernobyl. Buildings stand empty, streets are silent, and an eerie atmosphere pervades everything. Signs of a hasty evacuation are evident, but no bodies are present.

91-94: Alternate Research Site (Mirror Facility)
The bubble travels to an alternate research site where everything is reversed or opposite. Allies are enemies, enemies are allies, and familiar places are subtly wrong. The occupant might encounter alternate versions of people they know.

95-96: Alternate Research Site (Post-Collapse)
The bubble arrives in an alternate timeline where civilization has collapsed. Ruins of familiar cities are overgrown with vegetation, and survivors struggle to exist in a harsh, post-apocalyptic landscape.

97: The Quantum Void
The bubble becomes stuck in the quantum void between locations. The occupant sees swirling colors and impossible geometries. Strange entities drift past, taking no notice of the bubble. The bubble will make another random jump in 1d6 hours.

98: Temporal Loop
The bubble arrives at its starting location, but 1d100 years in the past. The occupant might encounter younger versions of people they know or witness historical events.

99: Convergence Point
The bubble arrives at a location where multiple realities intersect. The occupant can see ghostly images of alternate versions of the same location overlapping. Reality is unstable here—strange things happen, and the laws of physics are unreliable.

100: GM's Choice
The bubble arrives at a location of the DM's choosing—perhaps a location relevant to the campaign, a place the occupant has been seeking, or somewhere that advances the story in an interesting way.

RPG-a-Day #23: Fortune

"This set of dice are among my favorite treasures. Sometimes, I use them to help guide me. Sometimes, I bring them to D&D Night to mess with the players. More rarely, I leave them somewhere for humans to find, just to see what they do with them."

--Brigid the Red, a dragon living secretly among humans

THE ORACLE'S DICE

Description

This set contains six polyhedral dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20) carved from a single meteorite that fell during a lunar eclipse. Each die radiates moderate divination magic, is translucent crystalline stone with a faint purple hue, and arcane symbols are etched into every face—not numbers, but glyphs representing concepts like "danger," "opportunity," "deception," "ally," "journey," and "transformation."

They come in a velvet-lined case made from darkwood, with compartments for each die.

Mechanics

Activation: Using the Oracle's Dice requires a ritual that takes 1 minute. The user must clearly state their question or the subject of divination, then select which dice to roll (minimum 2, maximum all 6).

Rolling and Interpretation: Roll the selected dice. Each die contributes information based on:

1. Which die was rolled (the die type determines the category of information)

2. The result shown (which specific symbol appears)

3. The total of all dice (determines overall clarity and accuracy)

Die Type Categories:

• d4 (Immediate): Events within the next 24 hours

• d6 (Personal): Information about individuals or relationships

• d8 (Material): Wealth, objects, physical dangers

• d10 (Mystical): Magic, curses, supernatural forces

• d12 (Journey): Travel, quests, long-term endeavors

• d20 (Fate): Major turning points, destiny, life-or-death matters

Symbol Interpretation Tables:

d4 - Immediate Events (Next 24 Hours)

Roll	Symbol	Meaning
1	Dawn	New beginning, fresh start, opportunity
2	Storm Cloud	Sudden conflict, unexpected trouble
3	Hourglass	Time pressure, urgency, deadline approaching
4	Closed Fist	Confrontation, decisive action needed

d6 - Personal & Relationships

Roll	Symbol	Meaning
1	Clasped Hands	Alliance, friendship, cooperation
2	Broken Heart	Betrayal, loss, emotional pain
3	Mask	Deception, hidden identity, false appearance
4	Mirror	Self-reflection, truth about oneself
5	Two Faces	Duality, choice between loyalties, duplicity
6	Embracing Arms	Love, protection, deep connection

d8 - Material & Physical Dangers

Roll	Symbol	Meaning
1	Coin	Wealth, trade, material gain
2	Broken Coin	Financial loss, poverty, squandered resources
3	Crossed Swords	Physical combat, violence, armed conflict
4	Shield	Protection, defense, safety from harm
5	Dagger	Hidden danger, assassination, treachery
6	Treasure Chest	Discovery of valuables, hidden cache
7	Shackles	Imprisonment, restriction, being trapped
8	Flame	Destruction, purification, consuming danger

d10 - Mystical & Supernatural

Roll	Symbol	Meaning
1	Spiral	Magic in flux, wild magic, unpredictable power
2	Rune	Ancient magic, forgotten lore, arcane knowledge
3	Crescent Moon	Illusion, shadow magic, things not as they seem
4	Pentagram	Summoning, binding, pacts with otherworldly
5	Broken Wand	Magic failure, dispelling, anti-magic
6	Third Eye	Psychic power, mental magic, divination
7	Serpent	Curse, poison, corrupting influence
8	Phoenix	Resurrection, renewal, magical transformation
9	Void	Necromancy, undeath, life-draining forces
10	Lightning Bolt	Raw magical power, sudden arcane intervention

d12 - Journey & Long-term Endeavors

Roll	Symbol	Meaning
1	Road	Clear path forward, straightforward journey
2	Crossroads	Major decision, diverging paths, choice ahead
3	Mountain	Obstacle, challenge requiring perseverance
4	Ship	Voyage, exploration, venturing into unknown
5	Compass	Guidance, finding direction, mentor appearing
6	Footprints	Following another's path, learning from the past
7	Bridge	Transition, connection between two states
8	Chasm	Impassable barrier, journey interrupted
9	Torch	Illumination of the way, revelation during travel
10	Anchor	Being held back, delay, inability to progress
11	Wings	Swift progress, flight, overcoming obstacles
12	Destination Mark	Journey's end approaching, goal within reach

d20 - Fate & Destiny

Roll	Symbol	Meaning
1	Broken Chain	Freedom, escape, severed ties, liberation
2	Crown	Authority, leadership, rise to power
3	Fallen Crown	Loss of status, dethronement, fall from grace
4	Skull	Death, ending, mortality, transformation
5	Scales	Justice, judgment, karmic balance
6	Tipped Scales	Injustice, imbalance, corruption of order
7	Eye	Revelation, truth unveiled, being watched
8	Closed Eye	Blindness, ignorance, truth hidden
9	Star	Hope, guidance, divine favor, destiny fulfilled
10	Falling Star	Lost hope, divine disfavor, destiny thwarted
11	Sun	Glory, success, triumph, enlightenment
12	Eclipse	Darkness, doom, overshadowing threat
13	Tree	Growth, legacy, roots and consequences
14	Withered Tree	Decay, dying legacy, ancestral curse
15	Wheel	Cycle of fate, inevitable change, fortune's turn
16	Sword in Stone	Destiny awaiting, potential unfulfilled
17	Raised Sword	Destiny claimed, heroic moment, defining choice
18	Chalice	Blessing, gift of fate, sacred purpose
19	Shattered Stone	Foundation destroyed, world-changing event
20	Infinity Symbol	Eternal consequence, unbreakable fate, prophecy

Accuracy Rating: Add the numerical results of all dice rolled together:

• 6-15: Clouded vision (50% accurate, vague imagery)

• 16-30: Clear vision (75% accurate, specific details)

• 31-45: Perfect vision (90% accurate, includes timeline)

• 46+: Prophetic vision (95% accurate, reveals hidden factors)

Interpretation Check: After rolling, the user must make a DC 15 Spellcraft check or DC 18 Wisdom check to properly interpret the symbols. Success reveals the divination's meaning; failure by 5 or more results in misinterpretation.

Limitations and Risks

Corruption Mechanic: Each time the dice are used, there is a cumulative 2% chance they become "tainted" by chaotic energies. When tainted (DM rolls secretly), the dice provide false information that seems accurate. The taint persists until the dice are cleansed with remove curse or dispel magic (DC 20).

Addiction: Users who consult the dice more than once per week must succeed on a DC 12 Will save or become psychologically dependent, suffering a -2 penalty on all checks when making decisions without consulting the dice first. This penalty increases by -1 for each additional week of overuse.

Conflicting Symbols: If two dice show directly contradictory symbols (e.g., "Life" and "Death"), the divination reveals a paradox or choice-point. The user must succeed on a DC 16 Intelligence check to understand that multiple futures are equally possible.

Cooldown: The dice can be used once per day. Additional uses in the same 24-hour period automatically result in clouded visions with 25% accuracy.

Question Limitation: The dice cannot answer yes/no questions effectively. They provide symbolic information that requires interpretation, not direct answers.

Adventure Hooks

D&D 3e:

• The Paradox Prophecy — A scholar uses the Oracle's Dice to research an ancient mystery, but the symbols keep showing contradictory information: the same question yields different answers each time, even accounting for interpretation. The scholar believes they've discovered a temporal paradox—an event that both will and won't happen. They hire the party to investigate the prophecy's subject, but the party discovers the dice are slowly becoming corrupted, and the contradictions are a sign of their degradation. The party must race to cleanse the dice before the scholar makes irreversible decisions based on paradoxical information.

d20 Modern:

• The Stock Market Prophet — A financial analyst uses the Oracle's Dice to predict market trends with uncanny accuracy, building a fortune and attracting the attention of the SEC, rival traders, and organized crime. When the dice become tainted, the analyst's predictions flip, causing massive losses. A federal agent hires the party to investigate whether the analyst is running a scam or if something genuinely supernatural is happening. The party must navigate corporate espionage, regulatory agencies, and dangerous criminals while uncovering the truth about the dice—and deciding whether to help the analyst, expose them, or use the dice for their own gain.

RPG-a-Day #22: Grit

 Here are three OGL Modern feats for characters with grit. (They are easily adaptable to other d20 System games, and they are released under the Open Game License and may be reproduced in accordance with its terms.)

Ornery
Prerequisite: Constitution 13+
You refuse to go down easy. Whenever you would be reduced to 0 hit points or fewer, you may make a Fortitude save (DC 10 + the amount of damage in excess of your current hit points). If successful, you are instead reduced to 1 hit point and become fatigued. You can use this feat once per encounter.

Nerve Under Fire
Prerequisite: Charisma 12+, base Will save +2
Your calm demeanor steadies those around you. As a free action, before you or an ally within 30 feet makes a saving throw against an effect that would impose the shaken or frightened condition, you may make a Charisma check (DC = the effect's save DC). If successful, that creature gains a +2 morale bonus on its saving throw against the effect. Additionally, you gain a +1 morale bonus to Will saves against fear effects. You can use the active portion of this feat once per encounter.

Push Through
Prerequisite: Iron Will feat
You've learned to compartmentalize pain and keep moving. Once per day, you may ignore the penalties from a single condition that imposes penalties (such as wounded, fatigued, or shaken) for a number of rounds equal to your Constitution modifier (minimum 1 round). During this time, you function as though you don't have that condition. When the duration ends, the condition returns and you become fatigued; if the condition ends before the duration does, you do not become fatigued.

RPG-a-Day #21: Charity

"One of the more recent hobbies I've picked up is playing D&D. For the past 50 or so years I have been playing in and running games at least one night a week. Here's an outline for some adventures I'll be running. They may or may not have roots in actual events. Heck, if you like the ideas, consider them my gifts to you and YOUR players!"

--Brigid the Red, a dragon living secretly among humans

Part One: The Solstice Disaster

The PCs arrive in Frostholm Village expecting festive cheer, but instead find chaos. Three days ago, Ember the Red descended from the mountains bearing "the greatest Solstice gift ever"—a single melted gold coin for every household. What seemed like generosity has become catastrophe. Prices have skyrocketed overnight as merchants realize everyone has gold. Neighbors who received slightly larger coins accuse others of favoritism. The tavern keeper refuses copper, demanding only gold. Fistfights break out over whose gift was "better."

Meanwhile, Ember circles overhead, genuinely confused why the villagers aren't celebrating. The dragon keeps trying to "fix" things—offering more gold, conjuring ice sculptures, roasting entire herds of cattle—but each gesture makes matters worse. Lord Aldric has sent word that he's marching with soldiers to "deal with the dragon menace," which will surely end in bloodshed. The PCs must restore economic stability, calm social tensions, and somehow explain to a well-meaning but dangerously naive ancient dragon why good intentions aren't enough—all before Aldric arrives with an army.

Part Two: The Rival's Challenge

Frostholm's Winter Solstice celebration is in full swing—Ember has been surprisingly restrained, merely decorating the village square with (harmless) magical lights and singing carols in Draconic. Then Scorathax arrives. The rival red dragon lands with earth-shaking force, sneering at Ember's "pathetic display of weakness." Scorathax issues an ultimatum: Ember must publicly renounce their "shameful" charity and admit that dragons are meant to be feared, not loved—or Scorathax will reduce Frostholm to ash to "restore proper dragon dignity."

Ember refuses to back down, but won't fight near the village. The two dragons circle each other, hurling insults while terrified villagers huddle indoors. Scorathax gives Ember until midnight—three hours away. The PCs must navigate this powder keg: Can they convince Scorathax that Ember's way has merit? Help Ember find a solution that doesn't involve surrender or violence? Evacuate the village before the deadline? Or perhaps discover that Scorathax's challenge masks a deeper motivation—jealousy of the love Ember receives?

RPG-a-Day #20: Promise

"I take great pride in having the Oath Stone as part of my collection of artifacts--especially since it infuriates the gold dragons they don't have it. But I know it's not really mine, so I've kept it in my Australian home, within short distance of the Conclave of Dragon's primary meeting hall. But, hey, be sure to tell me if you need a promise kept!"

--Brigid the Red, a dragon living secretly among humans

 

THE OATH STONE

Artifact (Minor)

DESCRIPTION
The Oath Stone is an ancient relic forged in the Age of Law by celestial smiths who sought to bind mortals to their word. This fist-sized sphere of polished obsidian bears golden runes that glow when oaths are spoken nearby. Legend claims it was created to enforce the first treaties between gods and dragons, ensuring neither party could betray sacred compacts. The stone radiates an aura of absolute authority, and those who handle it feel the weight of every promise they've ever made.

POWERS
The Oath Stone has both constant and activated effects, as well as a few special considerations.

Constant Abilities:
   Oath Detection Aura: The Oath Stone continuously detects all spoken oaths, vows, and promises made within 60 feet. Any creature that makes a deliberate promise while within this radius becomes bound to the stone. The stone glows brightly when an oath is spoken and records the exact wording of the promise. This is a supernatural ability that cannot be dispelled.
   Truth Sense: The wielder gains a +20 insight bonus on Sense Motive checks to determine if someone is lying about a promise or oath. This bonus applies only to matters directly related to sworn oaths.

Activated Abilities:
   Oath Binding (Su): As a standard action, the wielder can force a creature within 30 feet to make a Will save (DC 25) or be compelled to speak truthfully about any promises they have made. The creature must answer three questions about their oaths. This ability can be used three times per day.
   Mark of the Oath-Keeper (Su): Once per day, the wielder can touch a willing creature and grant them immunity to the Oath Stone's punishment for 24 hours. This allows the creature to renegotiate or be released from an oath without suffering retribution.

Special Qualities:
   Indestructible: The Oath Stone cannot be damaged by any means short of a wish or miracle spell cast specifically to destroy it.
   Oath Registry: The stone maintains a supernatural record of all oaths sworn in its presence. The wielder can spend 1 minute concentrating to review any oath recorded by the stone.

Restriction

The Oath Stone cannot be used to bind a creature to an oath that would require them to commit an evil act (as defined by the DM). Any attempt to do so causes the stone to go dormant for 24 hours and inflicts 4d6 points of damage on the wielder.

 
OATH BREACH MECHANICS
   Valid Oaths: An oath becomes binding when a creature deliberately makes a promise, vow, or sworn statement within the stone's 60-foot detection radius. The promise must be specific and include clear terms. Casual statements ("I'll try my best") do not trigger binding. Formal oaths ("I swear upon my honor to deliver the message by dawn") always trigger binding.
   Detection Range: The Oath Stone can detect oath breaches anywhere on the same plane of existence once an oath has been recorded. Distance is irrelevant after the initial binding.
   Breach Determination: The stone determines breach through supernatural judgment of intent and action. It evaluates:

 
  * Whether the oath-breaker had the ability to fulfill the promise
  * Whether they made genuine effort to honor their word
  * Whether they deliberately chose to break the oath

   Loopholes based on exact wording provide no protection—the stone judges the spirit of the promise, not merely the letter. A creature that is physically prevented from fulfilling an oath (imprisoned, killed, etc.) is not considered an oath-breaker unless they engineered their own inability.

Initial Punishment

When an oath is broken, the violator immediately suffers the following effects:
   Searing Pain: The oath-breaker takes 3d6 points of damage (no save). This damage cannot be reduced by resistance or immunity.
   Mark of Shame: A glowing golden brand appears on the oath-breaker's forehead, visible to all creatures. This mark grants all creatures a +4 bonus on Sense Motive checks against the oath-breaker and imposes a -4 penalty on the oath-breaker's Diplomacy and Bluff checks. The mark is a curse effect (caster level 20th).
   Guilt Compulsion: The oath-breaker must succeed on a Will save (DC 25) or be compelled to confess their broken oath to the next intelligent creature they encounter. Failure to confess within 24 hours results in the oath-breaker becoming shaken (this condition does not stack with itself but persists until confession occurs). If 72 hours pass without confession to an intelligent creature, the compulsion becomes irresistible—the oath-breaker is magically compelled to actively seek out an intelligent creature to confess to, and cannot rest, hide, or avoid intelligent beings until they do so.

Escalating Penalties

For each day the oath remains unfulfilled after being broken, the punishment intensifies. The stone grants a brief mercy period in the first week, allowing the oath-breaker a window to make amends before divine retribution reaches its full severity:

  * Day 2-7: The oath-breaker takes 3d6 points of damage each dawn (no save) and suffers a -2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks.
  * Day 8-30: Damage increases to 6d6 per dawn. The penalty increases to -4. The oath-breaker cannot benefit from natural or magical healing until they make genuine effort to fulfill or atone for the broken oath.
  * Day 31+: Damage increases to 10d6 per dawn. The penalty increases to -6. The oath-breaker gains one negative level each week (Fortitude DC 25 to remove after 24 hours, as per standard negative level rules). These negative levels stack.

Ending the Punishment

The curse ends when:

  * The oath-breaker fulfills the original promise (or as much as is still possible)
  * The oath-breaker performs a quest of atonement determined by the Oath Stone's wielder (minimum one month of service)
  * The creature to whom the promise was made formally releases the oath-breaker
  * An atonement spell is cast by a cleric of 15th level or higher, followed by a successful DC 30 caster level check
  * The oath-breaker dies (punishment does not follow into afterlife or affect resurrected versions unless the same soul deliberately breaks a new oath)

Multiple Breaches

A creature that breaks multiple oaths suffers the effects of each breach simultaneously. Damage stacks, and the worst penalty to rolls applies (penalties do not stack with each other).

CURSE/DRAWBACK
Claiming ownership of the Oath Stone carries its own hazards.
   Wielder's Burden: Any creature that claims the Oath Stone as their own or carries it for more than 24 hours becomes subject to its judgment. The wielder cannot break any formal oath as defined in the Valid Oaths section—deliberate, specific promises with clear terms and explicit conditions—without suffering the full punishment as described above. Casual remarks, off-hand comments, and vague statements do not bind the wielder, regardless of context. However, the wielder is held to a stricter standard of clarity than other oath-breakers: ambiguous or poorly-defined oaths are interpreted against the wielder's favor, and the stone requires only a preponderance of evidence (rather than absolute certainty) that an oath was broken.
   Compulsive Honesty: The wielder suffers a -10 penalty on all Bluff checks and cannot voluntarily make false promises or oaths. Any attempt to do so causes 2d6 points of damage and fails automatically.
   Weight of Justice: The wielder becomes obsessed with enforcing oaths and punishing oath-breakers. Each week, the wielder must succeed on a Will save (DC 20) or become preoccupied with hunting down known oath-breakers, spending at least 4 hours per day on this pursuit. This is a mind-affecting compulsion effect.
   Separation Anxiety: If the wielder is separated from the Oath Stone by more than 100 feet for more than 1 hour, they suffer a -2 penalty on all rolls until reunited with it. This penalty increases by -1 for each additional day of separation (maximum -10).

RPG-a-Day #19: Desire

"Another of my favorite possessions is the Lover's Compass. Over the centuries, I have let a few humans have it so they could find their way to their true love. Most of those quests have ended happily. Most."

--Brigid the Red, a dragon living secretly among humans

Lover's Compass 

(requires attunement)

This exquisitely crafted compass appears to be made of brass and crystal, with delicate filigree work depicting intertwined vines or hearts around its rim. Unlike ordinary compasses, its needle is fashioned from a sliver of meteoric iron that gleams with an inner warmth. The compass has become a traditional gift among adventurers who must part ways with their beloved, serving as both a practical navigation tool and a promise of eventual reunion.

Attunement
To attune to the Lover's Compass, you must spend the dawning of a new day holding the compass while focusing your thoughts on a specific creature with whom you share a romantic bond. This creature becomes your "designated beloved" for the purposes of the compass's magic. The designated beloved need not be present during attunement, nor do they need to consent to or even be aware of the designation—the compass responds to your feelings, not theirs.
   Only one creature can be attuned to a given Lover's Compass at a time, and you can only be attuned to one Lover's Compass at a time. If you attune to a different compass or designate a different beloved, the previous attunement ends. Changing your designated beloved requires breaking attunement and re-attuning during a new short rest, a process that many find emotionally significant as it represents a shift in their heart's devotion.

 
Mechanics
While attuned to the Lover's Compass, its needle functions differently depending on your designated beloved's location and status:

Same Plane, Within 100 Miles

The needle points unerringly toward your designated beloved's current location, updating in real-time as they move. The compass provides directional guidance only—it does not indicate distance, terrain obstacles, or the safest route. If your beloved is directly above or below you (such as on a different level of a dungeon or tower), the needle spins slowly in a circle, and you instinctively sense whether they are above or below your current position.

Same Plane, Beyond 100 Miles

The needle points in the general direction of your beloved but trembles noticeably, indicating the extreme distance. At this range, the compass's accuracy decreases—it points toward your beloved's location as it was within the last 24 hours, not their current real-time position. The trembling intensifies the farther away your beloved is, providing a rough sense of whether they are merely distant or truly far away.

Different Planes

If your designated beloved is on a different plane of existence, the needle spins slowly and continuously, never settling on a direction. However, the compass grows warm to the touch, confirming that your beloved still lives. If your beloved dies while on another plane, the compass becomes cold and the needle stops moving entirely, pointing downward toward the ground.

Beloved's Death

If your designated beloved dies while on the same plane, the needle immediately points toward the location of their body (or the location where they died, if the body has been moved to another plane or destroyed). The compass grows cold to the touch, and the crystal face clouds over with frost. This state persists until you break attunement or your beloved is restored to life, at which point the compass immediately warms and resumes normal function.

Mechanical Benefits

Navigation Aid

 While traveling overland toward your designated beloved (within 100 miles and on the same plane), you have advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks made to avoid becoming lost. The compass's guidance helps you maintain your general heading even through difficult terrain or poor visibility, though it does not reveal the safest or fastest route.

Sense Distance

As an action, you can focus on the compass to gain a rough sense of the distance to your designated beloved, provided they are on the same plane. The DM provides this information in broad categories: "within a mile," "several miles away," "many miles away," or "extremely distant" (beyond 100 miles). This feature can be used a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and all expended uses are restored when you finish a long rest.

Reunion's Clarity

When you are within 1 mile of your designated beloved and on the same plane, the compass's needle glows with soft golden light, and you gain a +2 bonus to Wisdom (Perception) checks made to locate them specifically. This bonus applies whether you're searching a crowded marketplace, a dark forest, or a sprawling dungeon—the compass helps you cut through distractions to find the one you seek.

Beacon of Hope 

As long as the compass indicates your beloved lives (through warmth and movement), you have advantage on saving throws against effects that would cause you to gain the frightened condition when the source of fear relates to your beloved's safety or your ability to reach them. Your determination to reunite with them steadies your resolve against despair.

 

 
Limitations
The Lover's Compass, while powerful, carries several limitations that reflect both magical constraints and the complex nature of love itself:

Unwilling Hearts

The compass responds to your feelings, not your beloved's. If your designated beloved does not reciprocate your romantic feelings, the compass still functions normally—it cannot distinguish between requited and unrequited love. This can lead to uncomfortable situations where the compass faithfully guides you toward someone who may not wish to be found, placing the ethical burden on the wielder to respect boundaries despite the compass's guidance.

Obscured by Magic

Certain powerful magical effects can interfere with the compass's function. If your designated beloved is within an area affected by mind blank, nondetection, or similar abjuration magic of 4th level or higher, the compass needle spins erratically and provides no useful information until the effect ends or your beloved leaves the protected area. Demiplanes and extradimensional spaces (such as a rope trick or magnificent mansion) count as different planes for the compass's purposes.

Emotional Interference

The compass is attuned to romantic love specifically. If your feelings toward your designated beloved shift significantly—such as falling out of love, developing romantic feelings for someone else, or experiencing a major betrayal—the DM may rule that the compass's accuracy decreases or that you must re-attune to maintain its function. This represents the compass's connection to your heart's true direction.

No Shortcuts

The compass points toward your beloved but does not reveal the path to reach them. It cannot detect obstacles, enemies, or dangerous terrain between you and your destination. A compass might point straight through a mountain range, across a monster-infested swamp, or into a hostile army's encampment—following its guidance without planning can lead to disaster.

Finite Guidance

The Sense Distance feature has limited daily uses, representing the mental and emotional energy required to focus your longing into precise awareness. Overusing the compass to constantly check on your beloved's distance can become obsessive, and some wielders find that the constant awareness of separation causes more pain than comfort.

 
Roleplay Hooks

The Lover's Compass might serve as the centerpiece of entire adventures.  

The Long Road Home

The Lover's Compass is perfect for creating reunion narratives. A character separated from their beloved by war, kidnapping, or circumstance can use the compass as both a mechanical tool and a symbol of hope. The DM can create tension by having the needle suddenly change direction (indicating the beloved has moved or been moved), spin wildly (suggesting planar travel or powerful magic), or grow cold (the ultimate fear). The journey to reunite becomes a quest in itself, with the compass providing direction but not safety.

Unrequited Devotion

The compass's inability to distinguish between mutual and one-sided love creates rich roleplay opportunities. A character might carry a compass pointing toward someone who doesn't return their feelings, forcing them to confront questions about respect, boundaries, and the difference between love and obsession. Alternatively, a character might discover that someone else carries a compass attuned to them, revealing feelings they never suspected. These scenarios work best when handled with emotional maturity and respect for all characters involved.

The Cold Compass

Few moments are more dramatic than when a Lover's Compass suddenly grows cold, signaling a beloved's death. This can serve as the inciting incident for a revenge quest, a desperate resurrection mission, or a profound moment of grief and character development. The compass pointing toward the body's location might lead characters into dangerous territory—a villain's stronghold, a cursed battlefield, or the depths of the Underdark. Even if resurrection is possible, the journey to recover the body while processing grief creates powerful storytelling opportunities.

RPG-a-Day #18: Directness

 Today, we take a look at a pair of magic rings that bring unfailing directness and honesty to relationships.

 
Rings of Unspoken Words

(matched pair that requires attunement by two creatures in a romantic bond)

These matching rings are crafted from intertwined bands of silver and rose gold, each set with a small gemstone that pulses with soft light when the wearer's beloved thinks of them. The rings bear no visible inscription, yet those attuned to them report feeling as though unspoken vows are etched into the metal itself. Traditionally given as tokens of commitment between adventuring lovers who must face separation, the Rings of Unspoken Words have saved countless relationships—and lives—across the planes.

 
Attunement
The Rings of Unspoken Words come as a matched pair and require attunement by exactly two creatures who share a genuine romantic bond. Both creatures must attune to their respective rings simultaneously during the same short or long rest, holding hands and speaking aloud (or otherwise communicating) their commitment to one another. If either creature's attunement to their ring ends for any reason, both rings immediately lose all magical properties until both wearers re-attune together. A creature can only be attuned to one Ring of Unspoken Words at a time; attempting to attune to a second ring automatically breaks attunement with the first.
   The rings recognize romantic bonds through the sincere intent of the attuning creatures. Attempts to attune through deception, coercion, or false pretenses automatically fail, and the rings remain dormant. The bond need not be formalized through marriage or similar institutions—what matters is the genuine emotional connection between the two individuals.

 
Mechanics
While attuned and wearing your ring, you gain the following benefits in relation to the creature attuned to the matching ring:

Telepathic Communication 

You can communicate telepathically with your bonded partner as long as you are both on the same plane of existence and within 1 mile of each other. This communication requires no action and can be maintained even while unconscious (though not while dead). You can send complex thoughts, images, and sensations, not merely simple words. However, you cannot access your partner's thoughts without their consent—they must consciously choose to share with you. Attempting to "listen in" on unwilling thoughts yields only silence.

Emotional Resonance

You are always aware of your partner's general emotional state (calm, distressed, joyful, fearful, etc.) and whether they are alive or dead, regardless of distance, as long as you remain on the same plane. This awareness is passive and requires no action or concentration. If your partner is subjected to effects that would mask their emotional state (such as mind blank or similar magic), you sense only a gentle numbness where their presence usually resides.

Heartbeat Echo

As a bonus action, you can cause your ring to pulse in rhythm with your heartbeat, allowing your partner to feel the sensation through their own ring. This serves as a simple signaling method that works even when telepathic communication is blocked or unavailable. You can establish simple codes with your partner (such as three quick pulses meaning "danger" or a steady rhythm meaning "all is well").
Mechanical Benefits

Coordinated Defense

When you can see your bonded partner and both of you are wearing your rings, you each gain a +1 bonus to AC. This bonus represents the unconscious awareness and protective instinct that flows between you.

Shared Resolve

If your bonded partner is within 30 feet of you and you can see them, you have advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed. Your partner grants you the same benefit. Love steadies the heart against fear and manipulation.

Emergency Beacon

Once per long rest, if you are reduced to 0 hit points while your bonded partner is within 1 mile, your ring sends an intense pulse of alarm to your partner, conveying your exact location and condition. Your partner immediately knows the direction and approximate distance to you (within 100 feet of accuracy) for the next 10 minutes. This effect occurs automatically and requires no action from you.

Limitations
The rings carry certain limitations that reflect the nature of the bond they represent:

Planar Boundaries

The telepathic communication and heartbeat echo functions cease to operate if the wearers are on different planes of existence. Only the emotional resonance (awareness of life/death and general emotional state) transcends planar boundaries.

Emotional Honesty

The rings cannot be used to lie through telepathic communication. While you can choose not to share certain thoughts, any thoughts you do consciously send through the ring are perceived by your partner as truthful. Attempts to deceive through the telepathic link cause the communication to fail, replaced by a sensation of static or discord.

Concentration Interference

If you are maintaining concentration on a spell, using the telepathic communication feature to send complex thoughts or images requires a DC 10 Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration, as the divided focus strains your mental discipline. Simple emotional impressions or single-word messages do not trigger this requirement.

Roleplay Hooks

Separation and Reunion

The rings provide excellent narrative opportunities for separated lovers. A character might feel their partner's distress through emotional resonance, spurring a rescue mission. Alternatively, the comfort of knowing a distant partner is safe can provide solace during long journeys or dangerous quests. DMs can use the rings to create dramatic moments: a sudden absence of emotional resonance might signal that a partner has crossed into another plane—or worse.

Tactical Coordination

In combat, the rings allow for silent coordination between partners. A rogue might telepathically signal their fighter partner about an ambush or separated party members might maintain communication during a complex infiltration. The heartbeat echo provides a backup communication method when magic is suppressed, and the emergency beacon can turn a potential tragedy into a dramatic rescue scene. DMs should reward creative tactical use while ensuring the rings don't overshadow other party members' abilities.