Spell components are completely consumed in the casting of a spell. The Varisian idols are not just old, but thousands of years old, and adventurers use them so that for a few rounds they can get a different creature (ie one with a couple extra hit points) than usual from the outer planes. Fingernails scrape down the chalk board of my soul just thinking about this.
It's brilliant.
I think that I'd like to do a full-colour, full-page handout for every one of these (each different from the other, of course), and the player has to tear it up to use it. I'm somewhat familiar with ancient Greek, Roman, and Mesopotamian artifacts, but sadly so is my wife (who has a degree in a related field, in fact) and she'll be playing at my table. I need illustrations that won't hurt suspension of disbelief by being instantly recognized. Any suggestions?
Use Mesoamerican or Far East statues and idols. :)
Good call. Thanks!
Spell components are completely consumed in the casting of a spell. The Varisian idols are not just old, but thousands of years old, and adventurers use them so that for a few rounds they can get a different creature (ie one with a couple extra hit points) than usual from the outer planes. Fingernails scrape down the chalk board of my soul just thinking about this.
Familiar with the many wonderful uses for Egyptian mummies?
MUMMY, n. An ancient Egyptian, formerly in universal use among modern
civilized nations as medicine, and now engaged in supplying art with
an excellent pigment. He is handy, too, in museums in gratifying the
vulgar curiosity that serves to distinguish man from the lower
animals.By means of the Mummy, mankind, it is said,
Attests to the gods its respect for the dead.
We plunder his tomb, be he sinner or saint,
Distil him for physic and grind him for paint,
Exhibit for money his poor, shrunken frame,
And with levity flock to the scene of the shame.
O, tell me, ye gods, for the use of my rhyme:
For respecting the dead what's the limit of time?
And that doesn't even mention the guy who sold animal mummies as a cheap substitute for coal.