Miedvied/CrystalMtx
Crystalline Binding Matrix</b> (Miedvied)
<b>Artifact • • • Commitment: Special
A handful of crystals, closely related to Yasal Crystal in nature, these shimmering azure stones each appear to be a small sphere of almost infinite facets. If gazed into for any long period of time, a black spark seems to be born within it's heart, forming an orobouros of black sparks and smoke, which expands until the stone turns black. This has no mechanical effect, beyond having a tendency to scare the hell out of those that play with the stones.
Usually found in groups of five, the stones can not be charged with the essence of their bearer as usual. Instead, each stone must be used to capture and bind a Little God - if touched to a Little God of Essence higher than three, the Little God and the bearer of the crystal engage in contested willpower rolls (once per round of contact.) Every success which the bearer gains over the spirit drains the spirit of five motes of essence; if the spirit succeeds, the bearer is not drained of essence. If the Little God is not of Essence above 3, then each of the bearer's successes drain ten motes instead of five. When the Little God is completely drained of Essence (if he has not fled), it will be drawn into the crystal and bound there; it's usual regenerative abilities will be bestowed on the crystal, allowing it to draw on ambient essence in the spirit's stead.
The crystal may be mounted like a hearthstone into a weapon; in such an instance, every health level of damage caused to a spirit (only if the crystal does not yet contain a spirit) causes an additional five motes of essence drain.
The purpose of catching these spirits is only to provide to the Binding Matrix with power; they are neither it's purpose nor it's special ability. Rather, once fully charged (each of the five crystals must contain a spirit in order to function), the bearer may at any time produce the crystals and throw them into the air. They will immediately begin to trail black flames and circle the bearer's body in a pattern so complex as to appear completely random. The crystals will attempt to interpose themselves between the bearer and any incoming melee or ranged (they have no ability to stop sorcerous) attacks.
The Crystalline Binding Matrix provides five groups of three parry dice each, which may be divided up throughout the round (in groups of three.) No more than one crystal (three dice) can be used to block any one incoming attack. The crystals cannot botch. The crystals cannot be used in conjunction with a parry used by the bearer on the same attack, but they can be combined with a dodge (the bearer may dodge and parry with a sword, he may dodge and parry with a crystal, but he may not parry with a crystal and parry with his sword.)
