Hexed Items

Hexed Items
Rules
Section:	Gameplay
Summary:	Hexes are powerful magics that are difficult to remove and cause lasting harm to people. They are most commonly caused by traps and items.
Primary Topics:	The Hexed condition
Secondary Topics:	Hexed items, removing and destroying hexed items
Condition
Condition Name:	Hexed
Effect:	This condition augments another effect making it difficult to remove.
Duration:	Variable
Common Sources:	Fragile Traps, Hexed Items
Common Cures:	The Remedy ritual, waiting

Because the word "curse" is associated with the 'Curse!' call, items that are designed to negatively impact characters are known as hexed items (rather than cursed items). Some particularly powerful magic can also inflict the Hexed condition making negative effects significantly harder to remove.

Hexes

A hex is a type of jinx or curse (the word cursed is associated with the 'Curse!' call so we try to avoid using it when describing a hex). Hexes can come from powerful traps or from terrible or protected items not meant to be disturbed. When a hex comes from a trap it typically lasts for the remainder of the game day, though its possible for the most powerful traps to last even longer. Hexes from items can potentially last forever or until the hex is broken.

The Hexed Condition

Characters can gain the Hexed condition from a variety of sources. The source of the hex will indicate how long it lasts. A character can have the Hexed condition multiple times.

The Hexed condition will always be accompanied by a hexed item, a different condition, or some effect. An accompanying item cannot be discarded until the Hexed condition is removed. When the Hexed condition accompanies an condition or effect they cannot be ended through normal means. The accompanying condition or effect ends automatically only when the Hexed condition ends.

The Hexed condition cannot be removed through the Dispel magic spell or the Cleansing ritual, regardless of the source. To remove the Hexed condition a character must either wait for the duration to expire or perform the Remedy ritual. Some sources of the Hexed condition will mention specific ritual components (or sometimes other things) that must be provided when the Remedy ritual is performed. If these components are not included with the Remedy ritual, it will fail and the Hexed condition will not be removed.

Hexed Items

A hexed item is a magic item designed to cause trouble for the bearer. All hexed items are difficult to get rid of, otherwise their drawbacks would be easy to avoid. When a character picks up a hexed item that is not attuned to a character it immediately becomes attuned to them. The character gains the Hexed condition for as long as they have the item.

After being attuned a hexed item it can't be dropped, though it can be stored on the person it has attuned to (they don't need to keep it in their hands, just on their person).

The event a character acquires a hexed item it counts as slotless, but if you begin an event with a hexed item it MUST occupy the item's normal slot following all magic item slot rules.

A hexed item will list that it is one in its entry in the identify magic listing. The item description will also include how to break the Hexed condition. Generally when a character obtains a hexed item as part of a plot, an NPC will let you know out-of-character that the item is hexed.

Transferable Hexed Items

Some hexed items will be labeled in their entry as "Transferable" this means that the hexed item can be passed to someone who voluntarily takes it. Magical compulsion CAN be used, but you can't surprise someone by shoving it into their hands and saying it's theirs now. When a valid transfer happens the new person immediately becomes attuned and can no longer drop it just like someone newly acquiring the item. "Transferable" hexed items can't be given back to someone who has successfully given it away.

Removing Hexed Items

To get rid of a hexed item typically requires the Remedy ritual to be performed. Many hexed items will require a special ritual component as part of that ritual. When a special ritual component is required it will be listed in the item's identify magic entry.

Upon being removed a hexed item will say that it is either destroyed (return it to logistics) or transformed (inform logistics and they will update the entry with new information (this is listed in the item's non-public description).

A Sample Hexed Item's Entry: Martial Length Sword of Nox's Boon, Bearer has the Diseased condition that can't be cured. Hexed item (Transferable, Requires a Remedy ritual with a vial of troll's blood to remove, Destroy on removal).

References

The Remedy Ritual

Categories: Gameplay Rules | Item Types