A Shakti is a magical item created by the reigar in the Spelljammer campaign setting.[1][2]
Description[]
A shakti is a small (palm-sized) statuette that resembles a figurine of wondrous power (an item rumored to have been first created by a reigar). In its dormant form it may be worn around the neck on a chain or cord, or hung from a kirtle or belt, or carried in a pouch or bag. Each shakti is designed by and for its user, and is traditionally inspired by their chosen animal totem,[3] rendering each one effectively unique. A shakti will typically resemble an animal or magical creature, such as a panther, a dragon, a phoenix, etc.
Powers[]
A shakti has three distinct forms:
In its dormant form, the shakti is usually worn as a decorative item or piece of jewellery.
When a command word (usually only known to the creator/user) is spoken, the shakti transforms into a mode of transport. It resembles the creature incorporated into the shakti's design, lying prone, and increases in size to roughly eight-feet in length. The reigar may sit or stand on the shakti in this form, and command it mentally to move or stop.
When a second command word (again, only known to the creator/user) is spoken, the shakti transforms into a suit of armor and an accompanying weapon. The armor is reminiscent of the animal or beast totem represented by the shakti's dormant form, as is the special attack it bestows on its wearer. The weapon can be anything from a sword to a trident to a weighted net, and always generates a specific magical effect when used in combat. This may be merely for flash and effect, or it may relate to the damage caused. For example, a sword might emit a shower of colored light when swung at an opponent, but inflict no extra damage, or a net might paralyze a trapped victim.
The armor is always made of a metal known only to the reigar, and is harder than steel. More often than not, the chest plate is decorated with an embossed head of the creature incorporated into the shakti's design. As mentioned previously, the armor also bestows a special attack on its wearer. If the creature depicted is a panther, for instance, the attack might be the ability to perform a rending attack by making a slashing motion with the arms. If the armor represents a dragon, the attack could be a simulation of that dragon's breath weapon, activated by placing the wrists together with the palms facing outward.
A third command word returns the shakti to its dormant form from either of the other forms.
Creation[]
Reigar usually only create shakti's for themselves or for their elite lakshu bodyguards.[4] The items will only function in the hands of their creator or designated user, and should anyone else gain possession of a shakti, by way of theft (not likely) or spoils of battle (less likely), the shakti is inoperable. However, a reigar may create a shakti as a gift or as a reward for someone who has done something very, very important for them – like save their life or provide them with transportation. This kind of "gift-shakti" is typically far less powerful and is only capable of undergoing a single transformation once per day, either into a vehicle, suit of armor or a weapon.
Appendix[]
External Links[]
- Reigar article at the Forgotten Realms Wiki, a wiki for the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.
- Reigar article at the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition Wiki, a wiki for official Dungeons & Dragons content from 2nd edition AD&D.
References[]
- ↑ Karen Boomgarden, Newton Ewell, MC7 Monstrous Compendium Spelljammer Appendix, 1990, (TSR Inc.), Reigar entry
- ↑ Steve Kurtz, "An Artist's Errand", Dungeon Magazine issue 45, January/February 1994, (TSR Inc.), page 10
- ↑ Elaine Cunningham, The Cloakmaster Cycle, The Radiant Dragon, 1992, (TSR Inc.), Prologue, page 3
- ↑ Karen Boomgarden, Newton Ewell, MC7 Monstrous Compendium Spelljammer Appendix, 1990, (TSR Inc.), Lakshu entry