Artifacts/FoundationStaves

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The Foundation Staves of the College of Sorcery

While the Solar Exalted stood astride the world as the premiere masters of Sorcery, the other Celestial Exalted were none the less possessed of great prowess in these matters -- thus it was that, even though the Solars shined brighter than all others, the Lunars were among the members of the College of Sorcery (the Sidereals were not, for their own ineffable reasons). Just as the Solar Faction was headed up by the all-powreful Ghal`Asun, Master of the Sun's Sorcery, so were the No Moons represented by the Dhal`Amun.

The two stood as the opposite ends of the symbolic mastery of magic. The Ghal`Asun was the raw power and majesty of the Solar Circle, and all that the Gods' Chosen could accomplish. The Dhal`Amun was the subtle mastery and cunning of the No Moons and Celestial Circle Sorcery, less potent but wielded with great care and prowess. The two were always husband and wife, though frequently this bond was arranged for no more reason than the fact that both wished to assume the position. Each, also, carried his own ceremonial tools -- key to these were the Foundation Staves.

Two such staves existed. One was primarily made of Orichalcum, but alloyed with a bit of Moonsilver and topped with a large diamond known as 'Hope'. This was the staff of the Ghal`Asun. The other was primarily made of Moonsilver, but alloyed with Orichalcum and topped with a large ruby known the 'Lord of Dragons'. This was the staff of the Dhal`Amun.

the Ghal`Asun's Foundation Staff

Foundation Staff
Artifact •••••
Moonsilver and Orichalcum Staff
(statistics) Accuracy +3, Damage +9B, Defense +2, Rate 3, Speed +8
(minimums) S *, D **
Commitment: 10

Other powers of the Ghal`Asun's Foundation Staff:

• Powerful Magic. The Orichalcum in your Foundation Staff makes your magic powerful and pure, filtering out all that is imperfect in the essence and creating a spell that is sublime and perfect in every way. The wielder's Essence rating is considered to be four higher for the purposes of casting sorcery spells. Other numerical effects are increased by 1/4rd (i.e., a Flying Guillotine inflicts 23L). This power only works for a Twilight Caste Exalted, and causes his anima banner to flare at the 8-10 level. You cannot use Efficient Casting or Energy Matrix while using this power.
• Flowing Magic. Any counterspell against one of your spells requires an Essence roll, at difficulty 2, to be successful.
• Hope Diamond. You gain +2 dice to your Conviction roll to regain willpower every morning.
• Power of Choice. Whenever you are casting a Sorcery spell with the aid of the Foundation staff (it must be in hand and obviously used during the casting of the spell), you have the choice of using one of the following abilities:

1. 1. Efficient Casting. You may reduce the cost of any sorcery spell you cast by one willpower point. Terrestrial Circle spells require no willpower, Celestial Circle spells require 1 willpower, and Solar Circle spells require 2 willpower.
   2. Energy Matrix. The Matrix within allows you to contain the powerful display of Essence that normally accompanies any casting of Sorcery within the Foundation staff. The staff glows and radiates power, but this is not highly visible to anyone that cannot directly see the staff.

the Dhal`Amun's Foundation Staff

Foundation Staff
Artifact •••••
Moonsilver and Orichalcum Staff
(statistics) Accuracy +3, Damage +9B, Defense +2, Rate 3, Speed +8
(minimums) S *, D **
Commitment: 10

Other powers of the Dhal`Amun's Foundation Staff:

• Cunning Magic. The Moonsilver in your Foundation Staff makes your magic flowing and supple, easily able to gush and shape itself to some extent -- resisting even attempts to tear it apart. Any counterspell requires an Essence roll, resisted by your Essence + Occult, to be successful in dispelling one of your spells. This requires that your No Moon caste banner be active, and takes the place of the usual cost break. You cannot use 'Fast Casting' or 'Energy Matrix' while using this power.
• Strong Magic. Your Essence total is calculated as one greater than normal for all purposes related to casting sorcery spells.
• the Lord of Dragons' Ruby. You recieve +3 dice on any social checks relating to Lesser Elemental Dragons. Your bonus is only +1 die should you be in a position to socialize with a Greater Elemental Dragon.
• Power of Choice. Whenever you are casting a Sorcery spell with the aid of the Foundation staff (it must be in hand and obviously used during the casting of the spell), you have the choice of using one of the following abilities:

1. 1. Fast Casting. You may reduce the casting time of the spell by one turn, so Terrestrial Circle spells cast in the same turn you begin them and Celestial Circle spells cast the next turn.
   2. Energy Matrix. The Matrix within allows you to contain the powerful display of Essence that normally accompanies any casting of Sorcery within the Foundation staff. The staff glows and radiates power, but this is not highly visible to anyone that cannot directly see the staff.