Revised Rules for a World of Living Relics
Magic items in Elandorel are more than mere enchanted tools—they are Living Relics, bound to history, memory, and the actions of those who wield them. As a result, identifying their true nature is a process of discovery, trial, and understanding, rather than a simple magical scan. For more information, see Magic Items in Elandorel and Magical Weapons and Armor in Elandorel.
Identify reveals only surface-level properties (e.g., enhancement bonus, resistances, or basic effects).
It does not reveal hidden abilities, curses, or evolutions.
Sentient or resistant items may reject being identified, failing entirely unless the item allows itself to be understood.
🜂 Example: A Shifting Relic sword that grows in power with the wielder will not reveal its full abilities through Identify—its wielder must earn/research them.
Legend Lore reveals pieces of the past, often in cryptic, metaphorical, or poetic form rather than clear facts.
If an item is undocumented, Legend Lore may fail or only provide vague impressions from its lingering echoes.
Items with divine or fate-bound significance may only reveal what the gods wish mortals to know.
🜂 Example: Casting Legend Lore on an Echoed Relic staff might reveal visions of past wielders but not the conditions for unlocking its true potential.
Detect Magic confirms an item has magic but not its full nature.
Dormant, cursed, or resistant relics may appear faintly magical or completely inert until awakened.
Some relics may trigger brief emotional surges, whispered words, or visions when scanned.
🜂 Example: A Burdened Relic ring may appear non-magical until worn by someone worthy—only then does its power awaken.
Gods and powerful beings may refuse to answer direct questions about powerful relics.
Responses may come as riddles, warnings, or partial truths, especially for fate-bound items.
Some relics, especially those tied to deities, may react to divine magic—glowing, whispering, or unlocking new powers.
🜂 Example: A Bonded Relic shield might glow faintly during a Commune spell, but the god may only respond with "It shall serve those who prove worthy."
A successful Arcana check can determine if an item is magical or simply a +1 to +3 masterwork weapon/armor of exceptional craftsmanship.
Arcana can identify techniques used in crafting, such as divine blessings, arcane sigils, or fey enchantments.
A simple Arcana check cannot determine an item’s hidden abilities, curses, or evolution conditions. These might be discovered an Complex Skill Check (difficulty and possibility determined by the DM).
In addition to Arcana, other skills might be usable during the challenge.
History → Understands historical context, past wielders, or legends tied to the item.
Religion → Identifies divine influences, blessings, or curses.
Investigation → Discovers hidden markings, ancient scripts, or signs of past use.
Some relics have contradictory origins, lost histories, or misinformation, making Arcana less reliable than direct experience.
Some relics respond when examined by skilled magic users.
A high Arcana check may cause a rune to glow, a whisper to be heard, or a memory to surface.
If an item has a strong will, it may actively mislead an examiner—appearing mundane or hiding its power.
🜂 Example: A wizard examining a Shifting Relic may detect latent energy, but not know how it evolves without further investigation/research.
Some relics do not reveal their full power until they are wielded and tested.
A wielder may need to attune to an item for several days or complete a task tied to its history before unlocking hidden effects.
Some relics actively resist attunement until the wielder proves themselves worthy.
🜂 Example: A Burdened Relic longsword that demands honor may refuse to function fully until its wielder defends an innocent.
Some relics test their wielders, only revealing their true powers once a challenge is met.
This could involve visions, combat trials, or the relic guiding the wielder toward a significant event.
Failing a trial may cause an item to remain dormant or reject its wielder entirely.
🜂 Example: A Burdened Relic shield may briefly reveal a vision of its past battle, but until it deems the wielder worthy, it may remain dormant.