The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
The Psychic Magic 8 Ball
A mysterious artifact from before the Time of the Rifts, the Psychic Magic 8 Ball knows more than it lets on. Did this mean the ancients were secretly wise in the ways of the mystical, or did this incredible device merely wait among them, biding its time for the return of those who could make use of it? It is a simple black ball, wrought of smooth black plastic. On one side is the sign of the number 8 in black, within a white circle. On another side is a small window. Within the window, floating eternally within a translucent blue fluid, is an icosahedron. Each face of the shape has a message written upon it. When shaken, the hedron spins freely, and bequeaths its answer to your unspoken question with one of its faces.
It never lies. It is only ever misunderstood. No student of the mystical arts misses the fact that an '8' is merely 'infinity' turned on its side.
Follow the ball to destiny.
A psychic can use the ball as a focus for psionic energy, finding it easier to channel and control their inner strength. It also answers questions the owner puts to it, assisting their knowledge of esoteric subjects. When energy is expended, the Ball can reveal elements of the future, though its answers can be cryptic. There are 20 possible responses to any question it can give, listed here:
● It is certain.
● It is decidedly so.
● Without a doubt.
● Yes - definitely.
● You may rely on it.
● As I see it, yes.
● Most likely.
● Outlook good.
● Yes.
● Signs point to yes.
● Reply hazy, try again.
● Ask again later.
● Better not tell you now.
● Cannot predict now.
● Concentrate and ask again.
● Don't count on it.
● My reply is no.
● My sources say no.
● Outlook not so good.
● Very doubtful.
It can only give as much details as those possible answers permit. However, since the Ball itself is delivering the information, it can be used at any time or place, so long as energy is available.
Heroic TW Item:
Minor: +2 Psionics skill
Minor: +2 Occult skill
Minor: Does not need to be used in any particular location (divination comes from the ball, not external spirits)
Major: Divination power
Major: 10 PPE
Major: Channeling edge
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
I like it! The Psionics Skill boost should only be for using Divination Power, but the Occult Skill boost works as a general boost, since you're consulting the 8-Ball when making the roll.
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
I’d say the limited responses balances out the fact that it can be used anywhere, so you can probably get another minor mod. Something like +1 to Agility or Parry to represent her foresight could be neat.
The other minor mods should be +1 instead of +2.
The channeling edge is cool, but its benefits are somewhat outweighed by the increased cost to activate the device.
I really like the flavor you’re going for, here. This is going to be a great item when it’s done.
The other minor mods should be +1 instead of +2.
The channeling edge is cool, but its benefits are somewhat outweighed by the increased cost to activate the device.
I really like the flavor you’re going for, here. This is going to be a great item when it’s done.
Curse of the Crimson Throne GM Bennies: 3/6
Lost Colony GM Bennies: 7/6
Dark Frontier GM Bennies: 6/6
Lost Colony GM Bennies: 7/6
Dark Frontier GM Bennies: 6/6
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
Edges no longer add to the activation cost of Items, so Channeling is pretty useful. That said, i think that, like the bonus to Psionics, it would be limited to just the Divination Power, so fairly limited in application; internal PPE storage of 10 points would probably be of greater use.
Oh, and good catch on the bonuses being too high. I suspect that the player got used to folks burning two Upgrade slots to get +2 to a skill and listing it as one Upgrade.
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
@Freemage I had missed that change. That’s very cool.
I’m curious, why wouldn’t you say the edge and psionics boost could be applied generally (as opposed to just on the built in power)? It’s common enough for a wizard to have a wand or staff that aids in Spellcasting. Assuming she’s holding the magic 8 ball in her hand, why couldn’t she make use of the upgrades built in for all her powers?
I’m curious, why wouldn’t you say the edge and psionics boost could be applied generally (as opposed to just on the built in power)? It’s common enough for a wizard to have a wand or staff that aids in Spellcasting. Assuming she’s holding the magic 8 ball in her hand, why couldn’t she make use of the upgrades built in for all her powers?
Curse of the Crimson Throne GM Bennies: 3/6
Lost Colony GM Bennies: 7/6
Dark Frontier GM Bennies: 6/6
Lost Colony GM Bennies: 7/6
Dark Frontier GM Bennies: 6/6
- Ndreare
- Savage Siri
- Posts: 4410
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 12:55 pm
- Location: Skagit County, Washington
- Contact:
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
Freemage always says that whenever a item provides a bonus to a trait.
It is because the bonus needs be based on the nature of the items and how it is used.
It is because the bonus needs be based on the nature of the items and how it is used.
, and of course update your signatures!
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
Okay, the Psionics and Channeling thing is super not what I'm looking for from this.
The item has two functions. It's a psionic focus (bonus to Psionics, Channeling) and it's a source of timeless wisdom from beyond space and time (Divination and PPE).
If we're saying it can't be the first (except in a very niche way), then those items aren't worth the slots.
And yeah, my bad...I completely mentally flaked on the actual bonus value.
So...looking at probably a total redesign at this point. I'll think about where to go from here. Probably more emphasis on powers or something.
Thanks for the feedback!
The item has two functions. It's a psionic focus (bonus to Psionics, Channeling) and it's a source of timeless wisdom from beyond space and time (Divination and PPE).
If we're saying it can't be the first (except in a very niche way), then those items aren't worth the slots.
And yeah, my bad...I completely mentally flaked on the actual bonus value.
So...looking at probably a total redesign at this point. I'll think about where to go from here. Probably more emphasis on powers or something.
Thanks for the feedback!
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
Note: That's me. Some folks are okay with a wider interpretation of the Skill Bonus and Edge rules--if your GM is in that camp, I won't argue against it.
- Ndreare
- Savage Siri
- Posts: 4410
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 12:55 pm
- Location: Skagit County, Washington
- Contact:
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
While I do not think it matches at all for enchanted items, it is explicitly how it is written for TW items. Which in turn affects how it works for enchanted items per RAW.
However for enchanted items Staves, Rings, and Amulets of that overall amplify magical power/skill are common as can be in fiction. So I agree with Freemage, a GM may fiat and overrule it. But maybe not.
, and of course update your signatures!
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
Flavor-wise, this feels more enchanted than TW, come to think of it. Might be worth a re-do as an enchanted item.
Curse of the Crimson Throne GM Bennies: 3/6
Lost Colony GM Bennies: 7/6
Dark Frontier GM Bennies: 6/6
Lost Colony GM Bennies: 7/6
Dark Frontier GM Bennies: 6/6
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
Enchanted items are basically the same as TW items in the new rules though, yeah?
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
At Heroic, they have fewer slots--two major, two minor. But they don't suffer from Technical Difficulties because they aren't mechanical or electronic in nature.
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
That seems like a big price to pay for a very niche advantage.
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
Until your signature item blows up.
They also don't require the expenditure of power points/hour to work.
They also don't require the expenditure of power points/hour to work.
Curse of the Crimson Throne GM Bennies: 3/6
Lost Colony GM Bennies: 7/6
Dark Frontier GM Bennies: 6/6
Lost Colony GM Bennies: 7/6
Dark Frontier GM Bennies: 6/6
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
Okay, revision!
The Psychic Magic 8 Ball
A mysterious artifact from before the Time of the Rifts, the Psychic Magic 8 Ball knows more than it lets on. It thrums with power...power it is willing to share. Did this mean the ancients were secretly wise in the ways of the mystical, or did this incredible device merely wait among them, biding its time for the return of those who could make use of it? It is a simple black ball, wrought of smooth black plastic. On one side is the sign of the number 8 in black, within a white circle. On another side is a small window. Within the window, floating eternally within a translucent blue fluid, is an icosahedron. Each face of the shape has a message written upon it. When shaken, the hedron spins freely, and bequeaths its answer to your unspoken question with one of its faces. The ball is a focus for psionic energy as well, pulling it...concentrating it...some quirk of its construction, or perhaps of the mysterious intelligence that guides its answers...puts the mystical world closer at hand.
It never lies. It is only ever misunderstood. No student of the mystical arts misses the fact that an '8' is merely 'infinity' turned on its side.
Follow the ball to destiny.
A psychic can use the ball as a focus for psionic energy, finding it easier to channel and control their inner strength. When energy is expended, the Ball can reveal elements of the future, though its answers can be cryptic. There are 20 possible responses to any question it can give, listed here:
● It is certain.
● It is decidedly so.
● Without a doubt.
● Yes - definitely.
● You may rely on it.
● As I see it, yes.
● Most likely.
● Outlook good.
● Yes.
● Signs point to yes.
● Reply hazy, try again.
● Ask again later.
● Better not tell you now.
● Cannot predict now.
● Concentrate and ask again.
● Don't count on it.
● My reply is no.
● My sources say no.
● Outlook not so good.
● Very doubtful.
It can only give as much details as those possible answers permit. However, since the Ball itself is delivering the information, it can be used at any time or place, so long as energy is available.
The bonus to Psionics and the Channeling edge reflect the ball's potency as a focus and conduit for psionic power, aiding its user in enacting one's will. They only function when the ball is actually in hand and being visibly used as the practitioner stares at it fixedly and concentrates. The Divination power and PPE reservoir reflect its ability to answer questions about the future. It can do so 'for free' once per hour, in essence. Any more usage than that requires ISP from the user.
Heroic Enchanted Item:
Minor: +1 Psionics skill
Minor: 5 PPE reservoir for fueling its power
Major: Divination power
Major: Channeling edge
The Psychic Magic 8 Ball
A mysterious artifact from before the Time of the Rifts, the Psychic Magic 8 Ball knows more than it lets on. It thrums with power...power it is willing to share. Did this mean the ancients were secretly wise in the ways of the mystical, or did this incredible device merely wait among them, biding its time for the return of those who could make use of it? It is a simple black ball, wrought of smooth black plastic. On one side is the sign of the number 8 in black, within a white circle. On another side is a small window. Within the window, floating eternally within a translucent blue fluid, is an icosahedron. Each face of the shape has a message written upon it. When shaken, the hedron spins freely, and bequeaths its answer to your unspoken question with one of its faces. The ball is a focus for psionic energy as well, pulling it...concentrating it...some quirk of its construction, or perhaps of the mysterious intelligence that guides its answers...puts the mystical world closer at hand.
It never lies. It is only ever misunderstood. No student of the mystical arts misses the fact that an '8' is merely 'infinity' turned on its side.
Follow the ball to destiny.
A psychic can use the ball as a focus for psionic energy, finding it easier to channel and control their inner strength. When energy is expended, the Ball can reveal elements of the future, though its answers can be cryptic. There are 20 possible responses to any question it can give, listed here:
● It is certain.
● It is decidedly so.
● Without a doubt.
● Yes - definitely.
● You may rely on it.
● As I see it, yes.
● Most likely.
● Outlook good.
● Yes.
● Signs point to yes.
● Reply hazy, try again.
● Ask again later.
● Better not tell you now.
● Cannot predict now.
● Concentrate and ask again.
● Don't count on it.
● My reply is no.
● My sources say no.
● Outlook not so good.
● Very doubtful.
It can only give as much details as those possible answers permit. However, since the Ball itself is delivering the information, it can be used at any time or place, so long as energy is available.
The bonus to Psionics and the Channeling edge reflect the ball's potency as a focus and conduit for psionic power, aiding its user in enacting one's will. They only function when the ball is actually in hand and being visibly used as the practitioner stares at it fixedly and concentrates. The Divination power and PPE reservoir reflect its ability to answer questions about the future. It can do so 'for free' once per hour, in essence. Any more usage than that requires ISP from the user.
Heroic Enchanted Item:
Minor: +1 Psionics skill
Minor: 5 PPE reservoir for fueling its power
Major: Divination power
Major: Channeling edge
- Venatus Vinco
- Bronze Patron
- Posts: 2872
- Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2016 3:30 pm
- Ndreare
- Savage Siri
- Posts: 4410
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 12:55 pm
- Location: Skagit County, Washington
- Contact:
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
Approved
, and of course update your signatures!
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
"Possible and practical are two comrades who rarely see eye to eye."
Rob Towell
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
Approved.
- Tribe of One
- Posts: 1208
- Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2017 9:28 am
Re: The Psychic Magic 8 Ball (Sig Item)
For sure. Approved.
Curse of the Crimson Throne GM Bennies: 3/6
Lost Colony GM Bennies: 7/6
Dark Frontier GM Bennies: 6/6
Lost Colony GM Bennies: 7/6
Dark Frontier GM Bennies: 6/6