Shadowsteel Ghoul
The cloaked figure hunches over a dusty tome, incanting
words of power. At intervals, the figure caresses a dark
rod with a sharp point, then jabs themself, causing a
sharp gasp of pain. The victim of the figure’s curse, sleeping
across town, rolls over in his sleep. He will soon suffer
the ravages of a Shadowsteel curse. But the curser has
a much worse fate awaiting them.
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In Etharis, sometimes the metal of the earth itself carries
an enormous, vile power. Such is the case with
Shadowsteel, a material that has absorbed corrupt power.
This makes the substance perfect for warping the magic
that passes through it, making it perfect for cursing or
enhancing spells.
Cursing an enemy, however, requires an enormous
amount of work and personal power. These efforts, though enhanced when passing through Shadowsteel, take a toll upon the magic-wielders handling it. By using it, spellcasters and ritualists bind their soul, a bit at a time, to the energies of the fell metal. Those who use Shadowsteel often feel its effects as they move closer and closer to undeath
The following are examples of possible level milestones for the Shadowsteel Ghoul​
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• Casting a Shadowsteel curse on a powerful creature that later reaches culmination.
• Casting a ritual that consumes a Shadowsteel magic item, allowing you to absorb its power.
• Making a bargain with a Fiend who gifts you with a new object made of Shadowsteel.
• Slaying a powerful foe with a weapon forged from Shadowsteel.
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These are few events that staff will consider during the decision to progress your transformation.
Stage 1 Flaw - Debilitating Magic
The power of the Shadowsteel slowly eats away at your body, soul, or both. The more you use it the works your state of being becomes.
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Stage 2 Flaw - Friendliness
You are no longer able to connect with other creatures on a social level. You prefer isolation and twisted contemplation to friendship and camaraderie. You cannot be considered an ally to any Humanoids or Beasts, and no living creature can be Friendly toward you.
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Stage 3 Flaw - Healing Resistance
You heal at a slower rate than normal, whether that healing is magical or natural. Your healing cooldown is 48 Hours.
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Stage 4 Flaw - Shadowsteel Overruns
The Shadowsteel within you has begun to think for itself. It crawls beneath your skin like a living thing, reacting to threats before you do. When you are overwhelmed—physically, mentally, or emotionally—the metal surges outward in jagged growths, twisting your posture and warping your silhouette into something monstrous.
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During these episodes, the Shadowsteel may lash out at anything nearby, not out of malice but instinct. Objects may be shredded, walls pierced, and allies forced to retreat as the metal seeks to “protect” you in the only way it knows: through violence. (Attack all creatures withing 10m. Make it known that it is your flaw allowing it)
Becoming an Shadowsteel Ghoul
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Curses are wrought from and woven with intense feelings of loathing, spite, and bitterness. Humanoids who choose to wield such deeply evil magic leave an indelible mark upon their own soul. When enough of these marks pollute a person, their spirit begins to rot. Be wary of Hags.
A creature who uses a Spellcasting Focus made of Shadowsteel, particularly to cast curses, risks acquiring the Shadowsteel Ghoul curse. Being attuned to a Shadowsteel magic item or wielding a Shadowsteel weapon for a prolonged period also carries a similar danger.
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