...The ring slid onto her finger as if it were lovingly crafted just for her. Its diamond seemed to take in the sunlight, amplify and reflect it in every direction. Then almost immediately, the light waned and the stone went dark. Her throat clutched in a constricting gurgle before she slumped to the ground, still and lifeless.
Codex introduction
Full Item Description
Fate is a rather lavish looking ring. A platinum band with emerald vine inlays; headed by a brilliant round diamond that would rival the jewels of most queens.
History
Fate is a ring of legend, talked about in stories but never seen. The Circle of Blood is a potent trio; three rings forged by a single mage, Railus Shadowhisper. Bloodmail, Agony, and Fate; all cursed because of a single act of betrayal.
Railus’ knowledge of magic was unrivaled, and his ability to channel his magic into rings remains legendary. Stories say the 3 rings were created as a gift to 3 apprentices of Railus when they took positions in the Mages Council. Many of his apprentices went on to take positions in the council, but never before had any of his apprentices taken seats on the council.
His apprentices; Gerarg, Kyrius, and Cyul, often came to him for advice and he happily gave it. Times were changing in Aeristi and Railus felt honored to have a part in the shaping of magic’s place in the world.
Fate was given to Cyul. She was more than an apprentice; she was the love of his life. Nothing could come of this love, however; an affair between master and apprentice would not be tolerated by the council. They could not stop him from giving her this token of affection, something more grand than the gifts he gave his other apprentices.
Towards the end of his days, Railus started experimenting with the forbidden magic, necromancy. He took to it like a fish to water and it sent a shiver down the spine of the council. His former apprentices were looked to in an effort to stop Railus, to lead a coup to take down the aging (yet still powerful) wizard.
The full council stormed his tower, lead by Kyrius. Railus was not caught off-guard and noticed the three of them still wore the rings he gave them so many years before. He thought this quite brash and foolish to wear such things he could alter, and to don them in his sanctum would prove costly.
Never again would they be able to remove the rings, and the powers that once came freely would cost them dearly. In the end they were dark gifts from a scorned master.
The rings have traveled through history, wreaking havoc on those foolish enough to wear them. It has been suggested that the only way to destroy them is to unite them at the site of Railus betrayal.
Magic/Cursed Properties
Fate bears a curse. If a female wears it, it can not be removed unless the finger is no longer attached to the hand. The diamond seems to amplify the light it takes in, sending it out even brighter in all directions. Once the ring is worn, this changes. The brilliance of the stone fades, leaving behind a stone so dark it seems that not even hope can penetrate it.
The ring slowly drains the life from its wearer. The green vines wane over time as the darkness of the stone begins to penetrate their lush green color until darkness is all that remains. If this happens, the wearers fate is sealed.
The wearer has one moon cycle to remove the ring before the curse is complete. During this time, they need to profess love to another and the curse is broken, but a mark is left on their soul. This could be as simple as letting a family member know how they feel or as complex as finding their true love. Either will work (it seems Railuss affection was not completely lost).
During this time the wearer is granted the gift of true sight, the ability to see things as they really are. Even magical illusions are penetrated by this gift in the hopes the wearer can find the way to break the curse.
Since time is ticking from the moment the ring is worn, the wearer no longer has the need to sleep or eat to sustain themselves. Nothing should impede them on their search.
Since the message may not be as crystal clear as the diamond once was, the wearer is contacted telepathically by those who failed in the past. The ring possesses small traces of every person who has worn it and they all make attempts to warn those who wear it.
If the moon cycle passes and the wearer has not completed their task, the ring transforms them into a creature that can cause pain with her very voice. The change happens suddenly and without notice, wracking the body with pain, draining the essence of life without mercy. All color drains from the body (eyes, hair and clothing included), and the skin tightens against bone. The poor woman undergoing this change lets out a wailing scream, an ominous precursor to what they will shortly become.
Once the color is drained and no semblance of life remains in the body, the ring falls to the ground; the diamond returning to its once brilliant state and the lush green color flowing through the vines. All that remains of the wearer is a frail shell of what she once was, pallid and cold to the touch. Her voice is now a potent weapon, the wail of a banshee.
Codex
Gathered submissions
This hub collects similar pieces — an “if you liked this, try these” shelf. Skim the summaries; open a title for a light reading preview, then follow through to the full piece to finish, award XP, or leave a scroll.
2 pieces
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Bloodmail
...The rubies seemed to withdraw into the ring and then into his flesh. The man howled in pain, two small holes were the only reminder the rubies existed, but he could feel them still. -
Agony
...The light reflected off its pale green surface, glinting off what seemed to be veins coursing through the stone. A curious ring, just lying there as if asking to be found…
Also in
Codex hubs that gather this piece with similar work.
- Bloodmail Railus
- Agony Railus
- Compilation of Rings Mourngrymn
Scrolls
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Retellings
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Bonds
Outbound links for this Codex live in the gathered list above. Bind as Codex to add another piece to the shelf after you sign in. Kindred Favors gather here too.
Links to this article 3
- Agony Railus linked by Dossta
- Bloodmail Railus linked by Strolen
- Compilation of Rings Mourngrymn linked by Pieh
Use alongside
Submissions that pair well with this one at the table.
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Agdan the Friendly Butcher
Agdan is an urbane and polite dwarf of older years, and is known to be a master butcher, a procurer of carcasses
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My Notes on Blood as a Component of Magic
Blood. Ah, yes. Blood. Such a wonderful tool when you know how to use it. Welcome, my friend, to the wonderful world of Blood Magic.
-
Wolve's Revenge
The ring he found in the entrails of the wolf that killed his father served him well. He would use it to avenge his fathers death. Those that sent him out to hi…
-
The Blood Beast
The Blood Beast, while originally a construct, has surpassed its beginnings to assume a place of infamy.
-
Carpenter's Ring
Made for a wealthy carpenter to ease his workload, those that have it can find other uses for it. Used to cut perfect holes in wood or create wood doll rods.
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Horse Brass
Small bits of precious metal, and flawless jewels woven into the mane of a noble steed
Cool, a Banshee. Didn't see that coming! I really like this trio and can't wait for Agony. Yay! Keep these ideas coming, I know you have them all in there you just need to speed up their output. YOU CAN DOO IIT!
Well, this one is quite good. Not overpowering and with many roleplaying aspects - I like it!
My only concern is that losing a finger to avoid a lethal curse is a no-brainer.
The big problem is with the entry text - the wearer is given 1 month to solve the curse before they transform, but the teaser text has it causing immediate death. Looks like a movie trailer :)
The ring carries the curse, so if the finger it becomes attached to is severed, then the curse has no hold over the person. It is a simple way around the curse, but why should things be difficult? Losing a finger is a constant reminder of what could have happened, because someone was foolish enough to blindly put on a ring.
I like this as a follow-up to Bloodmail. I like the roleplaying possibilities and like Valadaar said, the teaser text is a little misleading (but that is the only downside to the post in my oppinion.) Excellent sub.
I like it. Very good.
What valadaar said!
Wonder what the third ring is going to turn somebody into. I am finding that I am liking the theme of this set. Get a few of these cursed creatures together seeking revenge and you got a serious problem on your hand.
The third ring will surface soon enough, and yes the theme holds true for it as well. I won't say what it turns people into however.
What val, Ria, and Strolen said.
I really like this one. Definatly getting a good theme going! Now where is Agony!!!
Like I mentioned on Bloodmail, I think that these rings have an interesting backstory that could definately be adapted with some minor changes. Additionally, I have not seen a lot of items dealing with turning people into various undead, especially a Banshee. I like this one a lot.
As for people who say that removing a finger is a small price to pay, I agree. That does not detract from the item in my opinion though.
Nice theme and I see you have posted Agony, I will go check that out next.
Good theme here. Have to check out the others as well.
4/5
What about males? What effect would the ring have on them?