A prospector's tale

Sublime Words

Tags: magical

"An Ustrina once offered me a mirror, a flawless thing framed in gold. It showed me, but… a better me, you see? They said who made it, one of the Forge Lords, I think? Said she 'poured her Sublime Words into it,' whatever that means. I couldn't pay their price. But I'll never forget that mirror, or how it made me feel."

That old man turned up dead, but you suspect there's some truth to his story.

To unlock it, you must:

• be proficient with some art or craft (pottery, weaving, smithing, etc.);
• find an Ustrina able and willing to teach you the Sublime Words;
• spend a season studying with the Ustrina, practicing the Words;
• risk never mastering the Words, or permanently harming your voice.

Sublime Words

Voice: ○ raspy voice · ○ coughing fits · ○ mute

When you spend Preparation (Value 2) and a full season a-crafting, chanting the Sublime Words all the while, roll. No matter what, you've damaged your voice (mark a status above) but made a thing of true beauty (Value 4).

• On a success with a 6, pick 1 — or 2 and further damage your voice.
• On a success with no six, pick 1 and further damage your voice.
  • Its beauty will persist through the ages
  • It eases pain and lifts grief
  • It inspires others to better themselves
• On a bust, it stokes greed in those who see it and fear in those who own it — worse if those qualities were already there. Expect bloodshed.

When you rest your voice for a season (no shouting, little talking, not using the Sublime Words), clear one status above.