So I had the idea to create an artifact for monks after reading a real world tale about Thich Quang Duc. If you don't know the story wiki it and you'll see why this important event could perhaps be commemorated in a way here.
Artifact Name:
The Un-burning Heart [or if somebody can make something more witty that.]
Description:
This soot covered human heart is a well respected artifact to any monk of any faith. So well respect that a monk that is known to disrespect the relic will be forever marked with the symbol of a tattooed flame over his brow. This mark is easily noticeable and any other monk will treat a monk with this mark unfavorably.
The heart is said to be that of an ancient monk warrior who saved an innocent village in war by engulfing himself in oil and lighting himself ablaze to block a narrow passage even in death allowing others to survive without actually harming the opposed forces. This sort of self sacrifice from a monk is highly renowned. Even monks who believe in only fighting to benefit themselves see this as a sign of determination, they use it to inspire themselves to fight harder and win at any cost.
While held by a monk in quiet meditation for an hour every morning they receive a spiritual benefit of untold riches. A monk who does this receives a base attack bonus equal five levels above his current level.
He also receives DR/5 against fire as the heart bestows it's heat suppressing power to the worshiper.
Also the monk gains a +5 to his Will and Fortitude saves but a -3 to Reflex saves.
Also he receives the ability to cast himself aflame without any matches or oil. His body is entirely burnt to ash after 5 minutes have passed. This kills the monk that burst into flame this way, however, the heart remains in tact allowing reincarnation or resurrection to be cast on the fallen monk. [But not giving the ability to cast this spell, the necessary components and a proper caster must to be found to cast either spell.]
Any attempts to reincarnate or resurrect made on the actual artifact itself causes The Un-burning Heart to instantly become the shape of the original monk sitting cross-legged in the lotus position. He then begins self-immolation and burns for a full day in a magical fire that cannot be extinguished. This sight demoralizes onlookers one stage. Also any onlooker who sees this act will forever gain a +1 to knowledge religion and knowledge history checks for having witnessed the religious and historical event themselves, because even though this is not the first time the event occur-ed, it is re-enacted in the exact same way it was first enacted. [The +1 bonus to checks can only be gained once by any character.]
Destruction:
The only way this item can be destroyed is if a monk with the flame tattoo over his brow openly displays his mark while dousing himself in oil in a public setting, sitting lotus style holding the Un-burning Heart, and immolating himself while saying aloud. "This is nothing. Anyone can do this. It is not important. It means nothing. I am no one."
This sort of disrespect to the item causes it to lose all heat suppressing power and burn with the disrespectful monk who held it crumpling to dust. However, if the monk screams or moans while burning alive the act causes him to burn slower and the heart remains unaffected to show that this act is not so easily accomplished.
So if you've read into the wiki enough to understand the story let me know your creative ideas. What you think of this sort of relic. And any other bits you wish to share. I hope for some positive feed back from everyone. Please don't be overly critical since this is my first idea submitted, and if you feel it's wildly overpowered remember it is for a artifact please. You can't simply go out and buy it. THANKS!
