Curio's
A Curio is a compact, specialised device crafted to aid in a single facet of Pattern weaving. Whether amplifying a Weaver’s control over exotic matter or easing the mental and physical toll known as backlash. Typically worn, attached to the relic or carried close to the hand, like a ring, pendant, or medal; each Curio must be in direct contact during Weaving to confer its benefits.
At the time of creation a Curio is attuned to provide a +1 per level bonus to either weaving that Pattern or resisting its backlash. If tucked away in a pocket or backpack, however, the Curio remains dormant. Many Weavers attach their Curios to a Relic or wear them to ensure they can channel these potent energies on demand.
Constructing a Curio
A Curio is fundamentally simpler than a Relic, aiming to boost a single facet of Pattern Weaving. While the core methods of crafting a Curio mirror the process used for Relics, the steps and costs are notably less demanding.
Construction Time
- 1 day per Curio level to build and attune the device.
- Each day involves meticulous tuning of the Curio’s internal components and a brief focus session to establish Resonance with the chosen Pattern.
Construction Skill Check
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One Weaving Skill check is required at the end of each day of work, using the formula:
Curio Construction TN = 4 + (Curio Level × 1)
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This check represents both the technical assembly of the Curio and the alignment of its micro-circuitry (or arcane conduits) with the Weaver’s unique frequency.
| Skill Check | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Critical Failure | Resonance collapses; you lose half the materials and must start from scratch. |
| Failure | No materials are lost, but you must repeat the day’s crafting process (and Skill check). |
| Success | Construction proceeds as expected—carry on to the next day (or finish if it’s the last). |
| Critical Success | Reduce the next day’s Curio Construction TN by the number of criticals achieved (e.g. two criticals = –2). |
Material Cost
Because Curios are smaller and target a single Pattern, their material requirements are less extensive than those of larger or more complex Relics.
Crafting Requirements: You’ll need the relevant materials (Primitive/Low-Tech or High-Tech) plus the chosen Energy Type core.
| Size | Max Level | Primitive/Low Tech Mats (CS) | High Tech Mats (CS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring, Earring, Cufflink | 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Bracelet, Chain, Choker | 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Large Amulet, Pendant, Brooch | 4 | 10 | 5 |
| Bracers, Flask | 4 | 10 | 5 |
| Crystal Ball, Magus Cuber | 4 | 15 | 8 |
Script Cost
Each Curio is attuned to a specific Pattern and energy type, influencing how it augments or protects the Weaving process. Below is a list of possible energies with suggested Script values, reflecting their relative rarity or potency.
Game Masters: You can increase or decrease these costs to match your setting’s availability and balance.
Of course, the exact material composition can vary from exotic crystal shards that resonate at the perfect frequency to cunningly repurposed scrap from alien tech. Once the Curio is fully assembled, the Weaver attunes it to a single Pattern, granting either a bonus to Weaving that Pattern or resisting its backlash (as described in the Curio rules).
| Energy Type | Base Script Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical | 1,000 | Manipulates chemical reactions and compounds |
| Electric | 1,200 | Harnesses electrical currents and lightning |
| Gravitational | 2,000 | Alters gravitational forces, uncommon & specialised |
| Ionisation | 1,800 | Influences charged particles |
| Kinetic | 1,500 | Directs momentum and motion |
| Magnetic | 1,500 | Manipulates magnetic fields |
| Atomic | 3,000 | Taps into subatomic forces, quite advanced |
| Radiant | 2,200 | Channels light or radiation for potent effects |
| Sonic | 1,400 | Generates or shapes sound waves |
| Thermal | 1,600 | Raises or lowers heat, mid-range rarity |
| Plasma | 2,500 | Utilises ionised gas, highly volatile energy |
| Entropy | 3,500 | Governs decay and erosion, extremely risky |
| Synaptic | 2,000 | Enables mental or illusionary manipulations |
| Crystalline | 2,800 | Employs stable, structured energy for precision |
- Time Required: 2 days total.
- Daily Checks: Each day requires one Skill check against a TN of (4 + 2 × 1) = 6.
- Outcome: If you succeed on both days, you’ve crafted and attuned your Curio without incident. If you fail at any point, you repeat that day’s construction process. A critical success lowers the next day’s TN, while a critical failure forces you to lose half the materials and start anew.