The Art of the Second Story

Embellishment is the art of adding a new layer of meaning to a pre-existing object. It takes a functional tool, weapon, or piece of apparel and transforms it into a unique, personal, and often more powerful item. The embellisher is a storyteller who works in the medium of engraving, embroidery, and inlay.

• Tier 1 (Personalization): Simple [Engraving] or [Embroidery]. The artist can add a name, a simple symbol, or a personal motto to an item. This has no mechanical effect but increases the item’s sentimental value to its owner.
• Tier 2 (Cultural Sigils): The artist can inscribe complex [Factional Crests] or [Religious Icons]. This can add minor buffs when the item is used by a member of that faction, or add social effects (e.g., an engraved sword might be more [Intimidating]).
• Tier 3 (Eidic Inlay): This is the highest form of this art, bordering on a metaphysical ritual. The artist takes a powerful, raw material: a [Krystallos Grief-Shard] or a sliver of [Sunken City Coral]; and carefully inlays it into an existing masterwork weapon or armor. This is a high-risk skill check. Success can imbue the object with a unique property, turning it into a nascent Artifact. Failure can destroy both the inlay material and the object itself.