An Arcane Leech is a curious spirit which inhabits an enchanted item, restricting its use and feeding from the item's energy. When the item's magical energy is activated, its power barely functions, siphoned off by the Arcane Leech.
An Arcane Leech causes an item to function irregularly (about half the time) or at half (rounding down) of the usual effect- an item that usually glows with power functions with a bare glimmer, an armour that protects from flames builds soot on its surface, a wand that fires magic missiles might pulse little sparks instead. The form of the Arcane Leech can be seen with an Int (Arcana) or Wis (Perception) check of 15 when the item is used. How to remove an Arcane Leech: Removal of an Arcane Leech can be quite a quest, and is never an easy task. Often, this involves trekking to a remote location - an arcane wellspring - and dipping the item inside, an overload of energy which slays the Leech. Another option can be to call upon practitioners from at least four arcane disciplines, casting spells on the item in chain, overwhelming its ability to function. How you can use an Arcane Leech in your game: - If you find you have given your players an item that is far too powerful for them, awakening an Arcane Leech that has somehow crept into the item over time. This can depower the item or make it function only sometimes, which can stop the item overpowering your game- at least until your players have time to go and cleanse the Leech. - An Arcane Leech that has inhabited an item can reproduce by interacting with other magic items for long enough, or intensely enough. In this manner, a foe's magic weapon might infect a PC's weapon or armour by fighting against them. Canny PCs might be able to deliberately infect the items of a villain in this manner. - A quest to rid themselves of an Arcane Leech can be used if you don't have a lot planned, and need to derail your PCs for a few sessions. If there's one thing that can be counted on, taking away your players' toys is sure to catch their attention. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 13 May 2020. Comments are closed.
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