Xenacious Talisman (A to Z, Tuesday Magic Item)

One of the things that has always bothered me in fantasy world was the default assumption of xenophobia, that anyone from not here was bad and evil.  Fantasy worlds are full of wonders and strange and interesting being may of whom are happy to talk over a cup of tea.  Which is why I subverted this trope to a default of xenophilia in the Sea of Stars.

“I like our new employer,” said Voddick.  “Nice to be traveling with someone one who is exciting about seeing new places.”

“As do I, it is . . . refreshing,” replied Gollaon with a smile.

“It gives me hope for the future, makes it exciting to travel again,” Voddick struck a dramatic pose

“Yes!” Gollaon stepped up and matched the pose.

“Are you two done?  There is an amazing mural here!”

Xenacious Talisman

These talismans are always made in a blend of styles, not two are the same, incorporate coins, symbols and other elements from various cultures and places.

The talisman makes the wearer at ease and welcoming to new cultures and experiences, as well as being aware of new dangers.  The first time they encounter a person from a new culture, a new language or similar problems, they gain a +1d6 luck bonus to their skill check.  Equally, the first time they are confronted by a new danger, they gain a +1 luck bonus to their save against it.

This ease with new things may lead the wearer into difficult situations or just a life of wandering as seeing the same things day in and out, i.e. staying on one place for more than a month, imposes a -4 morale penalty on all skill checks.

Aura moderate abjuration; CL 7th
Slot neck; Price 5,000; Weight –
Construction Requirements
Craft Wondrous Item, Owl’s Wisdom, Prayer, Resistance; Cost 2,500

For D&D 5E:

wondrous item (talisman), rare (require attunement)

First paragraph as above.

The talisman makes the wearer at ease and welcoming to new cultures and experiences, as well as being aware of new dangers.  The first time they encounter a person from a new culture, a new language or similar problems, they gain a +1d4 bonus to their ability roll.  Equally, the first time they are confronted by a new danger, they gain a +1 to the saving throw against it.

This ease with new things may lead the wearer into difficult situations or just a life of wandering as seeing the same things day in and out, i.e. staying on one place for more than a month, the ennui imposes disadvantage on all abilities rolls.

Notes: A word I only just learned today, it means “filled with yearning for change”, as in change of scenery, location, viewpoint.  Having one of these would make a person want to wonder to far ends of the world, seeking new things.  So, a good adventure spur.

Now, the item itself requires some book keeping, so it would be great for the sort of person who already keeps an in character journal or such.  The talisman would reward them for their effort in keeping track of what their character has done and experienced (as an extra award, or sweetener, you could have the “new experience” be tied to when they gained the talisman, so they could get bonuses when they returned home for “the first time” after acquiring it).

Image Marine Recruitment poster by Flagg, James Montgomery, 1877-1960, artist, Library of Congress, and is in the Public Domain.