squakhawk 8102 Share Posted August 7, 2023 Name of the Artefact: Vutcimuz, Vessel of The Ruiner Effects of the artefact: Vutcimuz is a titanic, impractical longsword made of a dark flesh-coloured metal which had the properties of bluesteel. The weapon mildly burned the eyes just to look at, as if one was staring into a bonfire- even carrying the warmth of one in the weapon's proximity. When touched, the blade gave off the feeling as if one's skin was being cooked, flesh burning and twisting at even a mere graze. Once held, the weapon would attempt to bind to it's user, imbueing them with the feelings of bloodlust and ceaseless rage. Once bound, the blade would progressively wither and wear it's user, taking control over them as they would lose memories and personality traits- eventually losing their humanity altogether. The blade seemed to speak a prophecy, to whoever wished to hold... "Grant me three kills of hate, and I will grant you power beyond imagining." Artefact redlines: -Vutcimuz is Inferic in nature, and thus is considered "Darkspawn", "Dark Magic", or "Unholy" for all intents and purposes. -Remaining magic slots would be permanently consumed by Vutcimuz, however retaining whatever magics (and their effects) held prior. This does not include magical weakness, which is removed and is replaced with strength of an orc. For flavour purpose, were someone to have magical weakness beforehand, they may roleplay as if their body cannot handle the immense boon in strength granted from the blade and pains them. -Once bound, the binding wielder must contact whoever manages the artefact listed upon this lorepiece. -Vutcimuz would place the user on a one-death PK clause, surpassing any form of immunity or escape to death (Monks, Klones, Lichdom, etc.) triggering upon roleplay death. Roleplay death after PVP combat does not trigger this PK. This does not count if the wielder of Vutcimuz opts for PVP instead of CRP. -Once bound, the wielder may not unbind to Vutcimuz, or void the roleplay associated with binding to Vutcimuz. -Once the 3 month PK clause is triggered, the character is turned over for ST use and artefact redistribution. -Vutcimuz itself has the strength of bluesteel, and is considered a Greatsword. -There is no way to melt down, dismantle, purge, or cure Vutcimuz known. -The spell "Unexorcisable" would summon the blade as if it were there to begin with, with a telegraph. One for example, may summon the blade whilst their sword hand was pointed toward someone (as if they had already stabbed them) - but the blade would not suddenly stab them, and would begin to manifest, allowing a reaction time from the defender. (In short; no insta-stab lightsaber cheese) -Despite mundane flame immunity at stages 2 and 3, magical flame would affect the vessel as normal. -The heat of Vutcimuz would not be enough to melt, pierce through, or otherwise light things on fire it would come into contact with. -The Wielder of Vutcimuz gains no additional vitality, and is functionally the same as their original descendant form. As example, they would not be able to suddenly take a dozen slashing sword hits and be unaffected; attacks would still affect them as normal, they are simply granted more protection Stage 2 onward in the form of Chitin. -Banishing Vutcimuz is the only way to bind to the blade and at any point save one's soul from destruction. -Performing "A Kill of Hate" should be sent to the manager of the artefact, to allow utilization and logging of a spell from the additional spellpool -Unshakeable only affects magics which directly invade the mind of the Vessel; such as Invasion from Voidstalking. Illusion or similar magics which simply present a stimulus would not trigger the effect. -If utilizing Power Beyond Imagining, after the spell concludes, the user would be considered at similar strength to a Voidstalker (twice as weak as a Voidal Mage), and unable to muster any strength or energy; considered completely defenseless. -Hellwalker, Conqueror of Planes requires OOC consent to bring others along. These people must be informed of the ramifications/consequences of shunting prior to consenting. -Prince of The High Hells would not mechanically grant items to those in its range. -Prince of The High Hells would not add “layers” or “extra” armor to those already wearing it. -Armor and weapons spawned from Prince of The High Hells are made of standard steel, and do not bear any nonstandard traits. -A Surrendered Vessel would be a case by case basis ET character to be played for a very short time by the player or an ET to make for eventlike roleplay opportunities which may be appropriate at that moment. When surrendering, should ST Management be directly unavailable, the vessel would simply skip this course and vanish with Vutcimuz. -The Undying Host may not undo PK-claused activities, CAs, or other similar circumstances. -Demonic changes to The Undying Host are cosmetic and temporary only, providing no physical advantage. These include more demonic features overtaking regular ones, such as chitinous skin, horns, claws, exposed muscle, excess teeth, discolouration of skin/eyes, and so on. This is not a transformation into an inferi, merely a corruption of the vessel that does not last. -It is optional for those who opt for revival after death through The Undying Host to have memories and dreams which haunt them relating to death, but follow death and revival rules prohibiting knowing any details of events leading up to or causing their death. -When casting The Undying Host, The Vessel must be within [10] blocks of the dead, and not currently blocking, parrying, or attacking to cast. -Those affected by Commander would not be forced to commit to orders of Vutcimuz, and cannot be physically compelled to. -Those marked with The Demonbrand should be sent to the manager of the artefact to add to a hidden comment on the CArt post with confirmation of branding. -The Demonbrand is a permanent marker that transfers through transformations, revivals, and so forth. It would be custom to each individual vessel of Vutcimuz. -Shunting using Vutcimuz would submit all involved to standard rules and redlines regarding shunting, such as the PK clause and informed OOC consent to join. -Shunting with an unbound Vutcimuz would shunt one irreversibly (unless one was, or was in presence of, another shunter) to Moz’Strimoza. -Shunting with a bound Vutcimuz would allow them to planeswalk freely as if they possessed the Arcane Displacement feat. -If Vutcimuz is not properly sealed and warded if not being utilized, it may traverse elsewhere upon the mortal plane at ST discretion. Upon sealing, a related prophecy post is released regarding it’s current state. Sealing and warding may degrade over time in effectiveness. -Indentured unto Death requires OOC consent from the party, and functions as a PK. Explanation of the effects: -Binding to Vutcimuz is a simple process; bearing the sword for longer than a few seconds, or using it to harm another creature, would begin the three-month PK countdown. When someone binds to Vutcimuz, they send a PM to the ET responsible for the artefact (Currently squakhawk). This cannot be avoided by wearing gloves, holding it at a distance, or some other utilization to avoid the clause but still use the sword. If one does not wish to bind to the sword, the blade gives off a sweltering heat which would inflict burns upon the attempted-wielder. -Vutcimuz itself is an exceptionally powerful Inferi which has it's soul living within the blade, corrupting any it comes into contact with. Outside of full possession and consumption of the vessel, Vutcimuz may not be communicated with and spoken to. -Vutcimuz, despite it's impracticality, would be utilized with utter ease as if any other sword to it's user due to the supernatural bond between blade and wielder. -Vutcimuz was scorching hot, as if fresh out of the forge; if pressed against someone, it would immediately inflict second-degree burns, and cauterize any wound it created through slashing or piercing attacks. -Vutcimuz would give off a passive, non-harmful heat as warm as a bonfire in a 5 block radius around the wielder. Looking at Vutcimuz directly would aswell give the same sensation of looking into a bonfire. -Vutcimuz may perhaps be cleansed, but the methodology of how is currently unknown. There as well seems no way to retrieve the demon from within the blade, and no ability to cure one of it's possession. -If Vutcimuz were to kill three soul-bearing individuals in an offensive (Striking first) manner, an ability (one per-kill) would be unlocked from the Stage 4 section. If all three kills were performed, the vessel would unlock Power Beyond Imagining. -Vutcimuz would place the user on a one-death PK clause, surpassing any form of immunity or escape to death (Monks, Klones, Lichdom, etc.) triggering upon roleplay death. Roleplay death after PVP combat does not trigger this PK. Vutcimuz most characteristically has four stages of possession, depending on how long the wielder has been bound to Vutcimuz. Stage 1 [0 Months, 0 days total] Possession Physical Changes: Over the heart (or whatever functions as it's heart) of the user, a bright flaming orange-red glow would emit warmth and light similar to a torch from the front and back of the user's torso. This would show through clothing, though be obscured under armour. Surrendering ones humanity, the need to eat or drink diminishes greatly, and the user ceases aging. Mental Changes: The vessel would become more easily irritated and irate, quicker to anger and annoyed at even the most trivial of things. They would be less goal oriented and focused on immediate gains, having little foresight or care for planning. Impatient and untactful. Unexorcisable - [1] Emote cast During stage one, the wielder of Vutcimuz would find it impossible to rid themselves of the sword from their person, permanently attached to them in some way. With [1] emote, they may cause the blade to apparate within their sword-hand, or disappear from the same hand. In this "sheathed" state, the blade takes place inside of them, and causes their skin to mildly redden and warm greatly, their eyes turning either a shade of orange or crimson. This could be done while attacking or defending, however once in the "sheathed" state, the blade would functionally be gone. Hellwalker, Conqueror of Planes - [6+] Emote Ritual cast When Vutcimuz is not bound to a vessel; Vutcimuz is an artefact of Moz'Strimoza, and bound between both it and the material plane. With this, those within the proximity of Vutcimuz may instead channel through their own methods (whether it be divine, cultural, or personal ritual) to one-way planeswalk to Moz'Strimoza as the blade attempts to return to its owner with mortal aide. The blade and those within [5m] proximity would be teleported irreversibly (unless one were to possess the means of shunting themselves) to the realm with the blade, placed on the same permanent PK clause that overrides others per shunting lore. This must be organized with an ST for an event in advance. When Vutcimuz is bound to a vessel; Vutcimuz, The Ruiner, is an artefact used by demonic generals of days past to traverse the planes freely and lead conquest of realms beyond imagining. While bound to its wearer, Vutcimuz may act as a vessel of shunting for its bound user and any within a [5m] proximity to freely traverse planes as if they had full access to shunting. This does not teach them the feat, nor does it give anyone the inherent understanding of its mechanism. This utilization follows all rules and redlines of Arcane Displacement lore. Notably, when shunting utilizing Vutcimuz, it would look far different and more distinct than the traditional method of shunting. From the point at which they shunted, a flaming sigil upon the ground of a cat branded into the ground. The smell of salt, sulfur, and smoke would permeate the air throughout the ritual and even sometime afterward, with those shunted possibly returning with mild malflame burns upon them from the violent nature of the planar traversal. Commander - [Passive] A general is only as strong as the men beneath their command; Vutcimuz would grant the vessel at this stage two traits. The Speaker - Necessary to command The Ruiner’s Army, The Vessel would be able to project his voice his unholy clarity throughout a battlefield, heard even over the most chaotic battles. The Feared - When commanding his armies, those marked by The Demonbrand would feel a strong urge to follow the orders of The Vessel, near compelled as if the orders of the vessel were thoughts of their own. Those unmarked by The Demonbrand, merely in the presence of The Vessel’s voice would feel a bristling, intimidating fear that only the most valiant of soldiers could be unaffected by. General of Numbers Beyond Counting - [2+] Emote Ritual cast The Iron Utilizing Vutcimuz, the bound user may inscribe its demonbrand upon a follower who succeeds one of their assigned trials. These trials are assigned by the general, and constitute acts considered ruinous upon others (Be it killing, raiding, razing, maiming, simple violence, vandalism, and so on). If one is to succeed the trial once directly assigned so by Vutcimuz, they may be blessed in its immediate presence through ritual to reward the Demonbrand. The Demonbrand A cursed singe upon flesh that could never be undone as now a permanent taint and marker upon the soul, The Demonbrand would both bless and curse its affected. Those marked by the demonbrand would significantly desire forms of power in any state offered, considering less of the cost and further how it may benefit them personally. This may manifest as shortsightedness, lust for power, bloodthirst, scheming, and manipulation. The Demonbrand would feel hindered in the direct presence of Vutcimuz, as a reminder of its original gifted power. The Demonbrand would only have active power whilst the current wielder of Vutcimuz lives. Were they to die, The Demonbrand would go dormant and while visible, remove any affected benefits or traits inflicted other than the physical presence of the brand itself. Should another descendant claim Vutcimuz, The Demonbrand would feel called to serve its new wielder and complete once again another trial to activate the Demonbrand. To the user, those with The Demonbrand would gain a myriad of differences. These manifest as; -Loss of sleep requirements, optionally completely inable to sleep -A stronger devotion to personal creed, whether that be religion, authority, culture, or so on -The ability to witness prophecy -The ability to spark small flame with their hands similar to a lighter or flint and steel -Resistance to first degree burns and a heightened tolerance to mundane heat The Ruiner's Sight - [Passive] Able to forge and unravel fate, Vutcimuz allows its vessel to witness prophecy in realtime, and in nightmares which would constantly plague the vessel. Unknowingly, when particularly impassioned or stricken by emotion, the vessel may trigger a prophetic event itself. Indentured unto Death - [Passive] A foul art, Vutcimuz may enact the cruelest, and most damning of all fates to those it slays. Though imperfect, kills that particularly impassion Zathairn and Vutcimuz would bring their soul into their court; surpassing forms of revival and banishing the slain to The High Hells for eternity. Stage 2 [1 Month, 30 days total] Bloodthirst Physical Changes: Parts of the wielder would begin to harden into an almost chitin-like material, manifesting in varying degrees upon their skin, nails, and teeth, hardening to the strength of iron should these chitin scales manifest in those spots. This chitin-like material should cover at least 2 and no more than 3 appendages of the body (legs, arms, torso, head) Mental Changes: The Vessel would become significantly more bloodthirsty and aggressive, often taking violent and unnecessary actions to maximize pain inflicted upon themselves and others. Their thinking would become more concrete, with abstract or conceptual ideas becoming more hard to make sense of or understand, though not impossible; seen instead of unnecessary and stupid. The Burning Blade - Passive, Activatable [1] Emote cast Willingly or not, whilst in it's unsheathed state, Vutcimuz would be able to light itself aflame with bright orange magical flame. This flame burned as hot as an ordinary campfire, functioning as a form of malflame-burning atop the normal burning effect. However, at all times, Vutcimuz' wielder would be immune to small flames (such as torches, candles, and alchemical weapons) aswell as Vutcimuz itself. Magical flames however would still affect the wielder as normal. Prince of The High Hells - [4+] Emote cast Provisioner and lord of The Ruiner’s host, Vutcimuz would be able to arm its enlisted soldiers in steel armour and weapons which afforded them whatever they may need for the battles to come. This would apparate over the course of the spell's cast, which required utter concentration and line of sight; but was unrestricted by range. The Undying Host - [2] Emote cast Unforgiving of those weak enough to fall in The Vessel’s presence, Vutcimuz may be used to lifebind the freshly dead and twist their forms into that of a much more horrid, demonic nature. A twisted version of reality, the soul would forcibly be returned to the body, sealed of its lethal wounds and granted it’s base strength and stamina once more for [10] Emotes before expiring, unable to be revived through such means again. Stage 3 [2 Months, 60 days total] Ceaseless Rage Physical Changes: Chitinous scales would continue to develop over the wielder, enwreathing 4-6 appendages (legs, torso, arms, head) in them. As well, horns may develop over the user, and spikes may grow from these scales. This would prevent the wearing of armour over those areas, but bear the same hardness of iron as before. As well, the wielder of Vutcimuz would become more averse to Salt, Silver, Incense, Holy Symbols, and holy magicks. These would cause a minor aching pain upon the wielder. Furthermore at this stage, the wielder would become significantly more energetic and amble, seeming to twitch and jump. Their form at this stage could vary, with some vessels growing in life and vigor and others being drained of it completely. Mental Changes: With increasing paranoia, the vessel would begin to feel an impending sense of doom looming over them as Vutcimuz began to take possession over their form. Rage would begin to become an almost everyday occurrence to the vessel, growing distant and uncooperative in any relationship with no foresight or hindsight, completely living in the moment. The Vessel Within - [Passive] The Vessel would, form included or not, be filled with an unholy strength from the demon within. Passively, The Vessel would bear the strength of an Olog and the stamina of a Golem, neverending. As well, their resistance to mundane flame would be complete and all encompassing. Calamity - [Passive] Utilizing Vutcimuz, near the end of The Vessel’s lifespan, the differences between it and the demon within would be nearly indistinguishable from one another. Possessed and with two ambitions merged to one, Vutcimuz would seek out what it had always wanted; Leadership, and power. With Vutcimuz, the vessel may Warclaim a nation similar to a nation-siege ST event. This is done through CRP, and utilizes event assets, actors, and outcomes in addition to players on either side of the battle. This is a cooperative narrative between the ST, The Vessel, and the nation(s) involved. Per war rules, cost and time are negated until a time is agreed upon by all three parties at their discretion. ST Utilization would scale appropriately to the people and amount of parties present to ensure fairness. As with all events, the outcome of the warclaim is not decided until it’s conclusion which best fits preceding and succeeding actions done through roleplay. This could range from outcomes not dissimilar from a raid, pillage, razing, or conquest and follow accordingly. This is at the discretion of Story and Moderation administration to ensure good faith narrative and roleplay. Stage 4 [3 Months, 90 days total] Consumption of The Vessel At this stage, the vessel would be completely overrun by Vutcimuz, becoming an extension of the blade itself as it overtook the vessel's mind and body. For as long as the vessel still walked, the soul of the now former wielder would become one with Vutcimuz, bearing witness to whatever acts it would then commit until the blade returned to it's dormant form, when the soul would then be utterly destroyed. Normally unachievable, the following abilities would be unlocked for each of three direct kills performed in an offensive manner. Surrender, Banish - [5] Emote Cast Over the course of five emotes, the Vessel would take control over their fate; either allowing Vutcimuz to take full possession over them, or relinquishing control of Vutcimuz at the cost of their life. If Surrendering, Vutcimuz would take over the user as they rapidly become twisted and demonic nature to Vutcimuz' own take upon their appearance. The surrendered vessel would become an Event Character, utilized in-context on a case by case basis to enhance roleplay. Afterward, Vutcimuz would immediately vanish, disappearing back to Moz Strimoza for some time. If Banishing, with the aid of holy artefacts, rituals, or relics, The Vessel would wither and die as the lifeforce was drained completely from them; their soul released intact to the Ebrieates, and Vutcimuz not given a form and falling into a dormant state once again. Unshakeable - Passive Possessed by the demon within, the Vessel would become immune to fear, intimidation, or other similar effects which would try and take control over the user. As well, for any magic which may try and invade the mind of The Vessel specifically, the Vessel would be shielded; and would send back a violent reaction if reached, causing a quick focus-breaking disconnection of whatever magic utilized. Unbreakable - Passive Unhampered by the magical, alchemical, or mundane means of holding, anything stunning, blinding, slowing, or other similar movement/sense impairing effects would be reduced upon the vessel to at maximum a [1] emote duration. If the vessel were to complete three (or more) kills in this manner, the following spell would be available to them. Power Beyond Imagining - [2] Emote Channel, lasting until the end of combat. Whilst standing still and in full focus unable to act, the Vessel would be temporarily immune to any attacks as it began to transform. Bartering with Vutcimuz, the wielder would be able to temporarily allow him control the vessel's body, granting the following effects upon the 2nd emote of cast. This temporary transformation would be particularly gruesome to watch, and excruciatingly painful for the wielder. During this transformation, the vessel would be rendered unaffected, but not immune, to damage. -Skin covered in a thick chitinous material, with the durability of steel. -Claws, teeth, and horns which may be used as natural weapons, with the durability of steel. -Tattered wings which would allow the user to glide and prevent fall damage, and fly up to three blocks upward in height (Note: One may only utilize these wings to access places they can access mechanically.) -Truesight, able to see clearly in all types of darkness and light, unable to have vision obscured or blinded by magical or alchemical means, though physical obstructions still prevent sight. Truesight as well allows one to discern illusion from reality with ease, and see things normally incorporeal. Hallucinations and other delusions of one’s own mind are indiscernible from reality, and often, more convincing than reality itself. This may manifest in The Vessel speaking to, seeing, and attacking things which misrepresented reality, or did not exist to begin with. -Strength of an Olog (Were the vessel not to possess so already) -Stamina of a Golem (Were the vessel not to possess so already) -Immunity to all types of flame, save for malflame specifically. After the transformation, Vutcimuz would be stunned and the demon returning to the blade. The vessel would be greatly weakened, with barely the strength to lift themselves and completely drained and exhausted of stamina for at least one OOC day afterward. ET Responsible for this Artefact: squakhawk Purpose (Optional): After the conclusion of The Three Princes Eventline, a blade was leftover; that which controlled and dominated Siegmund of The Carrion, who had besieged Haense after a months-long eventline leadup started by Naztherak players earlier in the map. As continuation of that and to allow for more continuous story development, the item which caused Siegmund to behave as he did lives on and in player hands to allow for more organic villains and stories to develop from an accursed artefact, both serving as a roleplay device when it is in possession or dormant for players. 14 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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