A vessel of magical essence is a powerful and enchanted object that is believed to hold special powers. Throughout history, different cultures have placed significant importance on these vessels, believing that they possess the ability to channel and control magical energy. These vessels can take on various forms, such as an ancient relic, an ornate chalice, or even a simple stone. Despite their outward appearance, the true power lies within. Legend has it that these vessels are infused with the essence of magic, making them a valuable asset to those who possess them. The magical essence within the vessel can be harnessed and utilized for numerous purposes.
SMW Subobject for (3) High Alchemy value: 138 Examine: 3 doses of magic essence potion. Is members only: true Is variant of: Magic essence Uses infobox: Item Image: File:Magic essence(3).png Weight: 0.030 Value: 230 Version anchor: 3 dose Release date: 11 July 2006 Item ID: 9022
Alternate Casting cost Powerful game changing spells such as the various resurrections and wishes may instead require powerful essence gems as the material component. The Essence Economy Naturally, as more than just monster parts can be obtained from slaying monsters, demand for adventurers read Murderhobos are ever high.
The magical essence within the vessel can be harnessed and utilized for numerous purposes. Some believe that it can grant the holder extraordinary abilities or grant wishes. Others think that it can bestow protection, heal the sick, or even bring good luck.
(Crude)(5e) Alternative Magical Items System: Essence
As a compromise between 5e’s lean rationing of magical items and the previous editions’ status where everyone and their dog had magical rings and crafting items become trivial because of Artificers and gold gluts, I offer an alternative method for characters to obtain magical items, which requires prices beyond mere gold. Heavily inspired by the Elder Scrolls enchanting system. All of the following can (and should) be modified or tweaked to suit a campaign’s needs.
- Essence – Essence is the magical potential inside most beings and magical items. It is what permits wizards and sorcerers to manipulate the fabric of reality to perform their spells. As anybody with enough time and information can study up to become a spellcaster, it is not unreasonable to say that anything that can move and fight can also contain magical potential. Essence is not equivalent to spell slots, as essence is a permanent resource, and if one has essence drained they permanently lose magical potential.
- Optional setting rules: You may rule that non-sentient creatures, like fungi or Gelatinous Cubes do not contain Essence. Further restrictions may state that only beings that are sapient, which excludes mundane animals, can contain Essence. Further grimdark can be done by going full Elder Scrolls and making essence be actual souls.
- Essence Instability – You may rule that essence is not a stable energy, and that it will eventually begin to decay inside its storage medium, making it even more valuable.
- Harvesting essence – After the first spellcasters in a plane developed magic by scratching spells in the dirt, the first artificers devised ways of harvesting essence and storing them inside the gems they find digging in the earth. Essence can be extracted from the anything that had magic going through it. Wands can have their magic completely drained via the harvesting ritual, and so can freshly killed corpses or living beings fitted with the appropriate apparatuses. The essence must immediately be stored within gems or become scattered in the aether. Each hit die of a being counts for one unit of essence. Innately magical creatures and spellcasters can have more units, which would be [Spell level] for each spell slot or magical effect the being has (naturally, at-will effects and extraordinary effects will be worth even more essence). A goblin may only yield two units of essence, while banishing a mighty pit fiend can cause it to leave behind hundreds of units of essence due to how many spells and magical effects it has.
- Simpler essence yield: XP of the monster/50
- Setting rules: More intricate or simple containers for essence can be used. One may also rule out one or more sources of essence.
- Essence extraction: Ritual ONLY. 1st -level abjuration Casting time: 10+ minutes given the amount of essence. (Time could be adjusted) Range: Touch Components: S
More of a specific set of procedures rather than a regular spell. Essence extraction can be performed by any spellcaster or person who is provided with detailed instructions, though non-spellcasters take many times longer to extract essence. It transfers essence from a source to an essence gem or similar container.
Essence Extraction Tool: A peculiar device filled with prongs, needles, and a gem slot, this magical tool is designed for plug-and-play. Simply fit a gem into the slot and stick the device into a source of essence, and it will automatically start extracting essence until either the source is depleted or the gem is full. A must have for any aspiring artificer.
- Crafting: Magical items, from the humblest scroll of acid splash to a mighty ring of wish, require essence to be crafted. To craft a magical item, take one half of its market price (25000 gp for very rare items, for example) in material costs, and then get the spell level of the magical effect(s). Every spell on an item requires a spellslot 2 worth of essence to craft (4 units for a 2 level spell, etc) and every additional maximum charge requires spellslot/8 worth of essence (0.25 essence units for another charge).
- Optional rule: Unique Essence – Essences from different creatures do not play well with each other or require different techniques to craft. Each individual effect or charge of a magical item can only be sourced from a single essence gem.
- Alternate Casting cost – Powerful game changing spells such as the various resurrections and wishes may instead require powerful essence gems as the material component. Thematically appropriate (Life for a life).
- The Essence Economy – Naturally, as more than just monster parts can be obtained from slaying monsters, demand for adventurers (read: Murderhobos) are ever high. Conflicts can arise over control of monster nests or other ethical essence sources, and essence itself is also a valuable trade good, which raises the demand for adventurers even higher to protect caravans and stockpiles of essence. Powerful nations may keep strategical reserves of essence, to be made into wands of healing in the wake of a natural disaster or flaming tongue swords when a war breaks out.
- Story ideas:
A ruthless essence-gathering company has been driving unicorns in an ancient forest to near extinction. A local circle of druids have called upon your party to help them
An evil tyrant is slaughtering entire villages and towns in his warpath to provide magical arms and armor for his troops.
A grief-stricken king had lost the love of his life due to a wasting disease (beyond the powers of Raise Dead), and has put out a bounty for the enormous essence gem necessary for the resurrection spell.
SMW Subobject for (4) High Alchemy value: 168 Examine: 4 doses of magic essence potion. Is members only: true Is variant of: Magic essence Uses infobox: Item Image: File:Magic essence(4).png Weight: 0.035 Value: 280 Version anchor: 4 dose Release date: 11 July 2006 Item ID: 9021
Regardless of the exact capabilities, it is clear that the vessel of magical essence holds tremendous value and potential. In many myths and folklore, finding and possessing these vessels becomes the ultimate quest for heroes and adventurers. Legends tell tales of treacherous journeys and immense challenges undertaken in the pursuit of a vessel. Often, it is said that only those with pure hearts and noble intentions are worthy of unlocking the true power held within. In popular culture, the concept of a vessel of magical essence has been portrayed in films, books, and games. From the Holy Grail in Arthurian legend to the One Ring in "The Lord of the Rings," these vessels of power captivate and inspire our imagination. While the existence of a vessel of magical essence may remain a fantasy, its underlying symbolism persists. It represents the desire for control over the mysterious forces of the universe, the longing for something greater than ourselves. More than just an object, the vessel of magical essence is an embodiment of our dreams and aspirations, reminding us of the infinite possibilities that exist in the realms of the unknown..
Reviews for "Embracing the Vessel of Magical Essence: A Journey of Self-Discovery"
1. Samantha - 2/5 - I found "Vessel of magical essence" to be quite underwhelming. The plot lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. The storytelling seemed rushed and the world-building was poorly developed. I couldn't connect to the magical elements as they were introduced sporadically without much explanation. Overall, the book failed to captivate my interest and I was left feeling disappointed.
2. Mark - 1/5 - "Vessel of magical essence" was a complete letdown. The writing was mediocre at best, with clichéd dialogue and predictable plot twists. The author seemed to rely heavily on overused tropes without adding any originality. The pacing was slow, and I often found myself losing interest in the story. The characters lacked depth and I couldn't find myself caring about their fates. I regret wasting my time on this book.
3. Emily - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Vessel of magical essence" but sadly, it fell short of my expectations. The world-building felt incomplete, leaving me confused about the rules and limits of the magical system. The dialogue was stiff and unrealistic, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed action scenes. The potential for an intriguing story was there, but the execution failed to deliver.
4. Benjamin - 2.5/5 - While "Vessel of magical essence" had some potential, it ultimately failed to impress me. The writing style was lackluster and failed to draw me into the story. The characters were flat and lacked development, making it hard to invest in their journey. The plot twists felt contrived and predictable, leaving no room for surprise. I was disappointed by the lack of originality and innovation in this book, as it felt like a recycled version of many other fantasy novels.