Browse the Cypher System

This basket can contain up to one cypher per artifact level, as long as each is no larger than a typical cat. Cyphers in the basket do not count against a character's limit.

The action figure carries a number of accessories equal to the artifact level. When the button on their back is pushed, the action figure does nothing, but their accessories grow to the size they would be if they were real, and they become functional. They remain this way for a day. Roll a d20 for each accessory the action figure might carry.

This length of rope has the flexibility of ordinary rope but a hardness greater than steel. It is impervious to damage (including attempts to cut it) from anything less than the artifact's level.

This bag can contain up to one cypher per artifact level, as long as each is no larger than a typical potion bottle or scroll case. These cyphers do not count against a character's cypher limit.

The device has two settings. One fires a beam of energy that acts as propulsion and rockets the artifact away unless the user can hold onto it as a difficulty 1 Might-based task. A user could use this setting to fly a long distance each round, but doing so requires a difficulty 4 Speed-based task each round to move in the direction desired (and not plow into the ground or the side of a building). The other setting fires a reactionless beam that can be used as a very long-range plasma attack that inflicts damage equal to the artifact level. The beam ignores 1 point of Armor from the target. Depletion: 1 in 1d20

The device solidifies the air in a 10-foot (3 m) cube of space, the center of which must be within short range. The air is turned into an amberlike substance, and those trapped in it will likely suffocate or starve. Depletion: 1–4 in 1d6

Once activated, the figurine's spirit emerges and becomes semisolid as a glowing, human-sized winged angel. It follows within 3 feet (1 m) of the figurine owner. Anything within long range that attacks the owner is attacked by the angelic ward, which sends out a bolt of flesh-rotting energy, doing damage equal to the artifact's level. Once activated, it functions for a day.

This clothing is soft and flexible, as expected, except when it is struck or crushed with force, at which point it hardens, providing +1 to Armor. It then immediately returns to its normal state (which is in no way encumbering). This clothing cannot be worn with armor of any kind.

The user can shake the magic ball, causing the creature inside to wake up. They can ask the creature two questions about the future and learn the answer (three questions if the artifact is level 4 or higher, four questions if the artifact is level 6 or higher). Because the future is ever-changing, the answers may not line up perfectly with what will happen, but they usually offer at least one piece of concrete, actionable information.

Allows the user to "borrow" people's minds the same way that one might borrow a library book. The person must be agreeable to sharing their knowledge and must be within short range of the user when the exchange happens. For the next 24 hours, the user has access to the person's brain from anywhere, allowing them to become trained in two noncombat skills or specialized in one noncombat skill. The skill they choose must make sense for the person whose brain they're "borrowing" (for example, a professor of English lit would likely be skilled in speed-reading and storytelling, but maybe not in woodworking or cooking). They can only borrow one person's mind each day.

When the tattoo is activated, the crows fly out of it in a barrage of attacks. Everyone and everything in an immediate area suffers damage equal to the artifact level, unless they are designated safe by the user ahead of time.

When strapped to a target (or when someone wearing the autodoc is damaged), the autodoc activates and restores 1 point to a target's Pools each round for ten rounds or until the target is fully healed, whichever happens first.

After killing a magical creature, the user can place the pipe against the body and suck the creature's magic up into their body. The creature must have been slain by the user, they must be magical in some way, and they must have died within the last hour. The user restores a number of points equal to the artifact level to their Intellect Pool (even if this temporarily puts them above their maximum Pool).

The belt enhances the strength and endurance of the wearer. This increases the wearer's maximum Might Pool by 5 (or by 7 if the artifact is level 6 or higher). If the wearer removes the belt, any excess Might points above their normal maximum Might Pool are lost; if they wear the belt again, the points do not automatically return (they must be restored with recovery rolls, healing magic, or similar effects).

This sword is a medium weapon that inflicts 5 points of damage (6 points if the artifact is level 6 or higher). Additionally, on the first successful attack against a foe, the sword sows a rose vine into the creature's heart. The vine begins to spread through the creature's veins, inflicting 2 additional points of damage each round for one day or until magic is used to remove the vine. A PC can end the effect early by succeeding on a Might defense roll on their turn.

This book covers a particular topic or area of knowledge determined by the GM. A reader who studies it for an hour has an asset on a related Intellect task.

This mysterious spellbook is said to contain knowledge of hundreds of spells—perhaps even all spells. Each set of facing pages includes the magical runes for one spell and a description of the spell and how to use it. When a character first opens the book, the GM randomly determines what type of spell is shown by rolling on the following table, then rolling on the indicated table in the Cypher System Rulebook:

When opened, the Book of Inversion shows a pair of pages that detail a magic spell in the reader's language, complete with disturbing diagrams. The spell's effect varies, but it is always some kind of horrible attack—a target is driven mad, a target is turned inside out, a target seeks to murder their best friend, several targets are cursed with a rotting disease, and so forth. The reader can automatically cast the spell as an action, one time only. More insidiously, if successful, the spell confers pleasure to the caster and fully restores all of their Pools. The caster must make an immediate Intellect defense roll or be compelled to use the book (and thus a new spell) again the next day. This compulsion is so strong that the caster will kill their dearest loved one to complete the task. If they are unable to use the book again, they are driven permanently mad. Woe to the caster who uses the book on the last time before it is depleted (at which point it crumbles to dust).

Taking a round to read a recipe from the book aloud causes everyone within short range to feel as if they've eaten the meal from the recipe. They all add +1 to their recovery rolls for the next ten minutes.

The boots are an asset for jumping and running (easing one of these skills by two steps if the artifact is level 6 or higher).

The boots assist the wearer's every step to make jumping and running easier. The boots are an asset for jumping and running (easing one of these skills by two steps if the artifact is level 6 or higher).

Any nonliving item held in the bag becomes a slightly more valuable item. For example, an inexpensive item becomes a moderately priced item, while a moderate item becomes an expensive item. The bag has no effect on items that are very expensive or exorbitant. The change takes a full day to take effect, during which time the item cannot leave the bag and the bag should not be opened. If the bag is opened, the process is canceled and must be started over.

When playing a lullaby, the horn puts every hearing living being in short range (including the user) to sleep for two rounds. When the horn plays something upbeat, the user and all allies within short range add +1 to their recovery rolls for ten minutes.

This bag can hold a number of magic items (including cyphers and artifacts) equal to the artifact level. Every item the user places inside the bag instantly turns into a patch on the bag's surface. Only the user can recognize these patches as the objects they once were, and only the user can turn them back into their original items (doing so takes an action). The bag can also be used as a regular bag to hold mundane items, which does not affect how many magic items it can hold. Cyphers in the bag do not count against the user's cypher limit.

Opening the box reveals a dazzling array of enticing things to do, see, hear, and experience. These enticements are magically geared to those experiencing them. Everyone who fails an Intellect defense roll within short range of the box is so distracted that they're hindered on all actions for a number of rounds equal to the artifact level. (NPCs whose level is less than the artifact level are automatically affected.) The remote will open and close the box from up to long range away.

This weapon fires a beam that transmutes the matter of targets within short range into powdery ash, inflicting damage equal to the artifact's level that ignores Armor (including Armor granted by force fields). A target killed by a carbonizer is turned completely to dust.

This device fires a beam that transmutes the matter of targets within short range into powdery ash, inflicting damage equal to the artifact level that ignores Armor from force fields and natural scales, leather, and other organic sources. Depletion: 1 in 1d20

This weapon functions as a normal knife of its kind. When the wielder gets a special major effect when attacking, they can choose to lop off one of the target's limbs.

Outside, the wearer can see at night as if it were daylight. Inside, the wearer can see in pitch darkness up to short range (or to long range if the artifact is level 5 or higher).

The ring allows the user to slink into the shadows, hide their true motives, and otherwise go mostly unseen and unnoticed. This provides an asset to sneaking, lockpicking, disguise, and deception tasks.

The wearer can calm winds of the artifact's level or lower in a radius of 1 mile (1.5 km). Up to once a day, the wearer can create a destructive windstorm up to that size, lasting one minute; this storm's level is equal to half the artifact's level.

When activated (by drawing the hood over the wearer's head), the cloak takes on the colors and textures of everything around the wearer for ten minutes (or one hour if the artifact is level 8 or higher). This eases hiding and sneaking tasks by two steps. While the cloak is activated, the wearer can also see in the dark.

This cloak is woven of beautiful fibers and set with dazzling gems. It automatically fits itself to its wearer in the most flattering way. When activated, it enhances the wearer's appearance, voice, tone, and even their grammar, granting an asset to all interaction tasks for the next minute.

Stores up to five cypher apps at a time. The device is thumbprint-protected by the user, and only the user can add apps and activate them. Any additional apps stored above the user's cypher limit do not count against the limit.

Allows the user to copy a cypher app from any device the user chooses within long range. The ring chooses randomly from the available apps on that device, and the user doesn't know what the app is until they receive it. They can activate the cypher app directly from the ring or download it into a device of their choice. The ring can only hold one app at a time, and that app does count against the user's cypher limit.

The coil of rope can be let out at a rate of 50 feet (15 m) per round; however, no end to the rope can be found no matter how long the user uncoils it. The rope retains its incredible length until recoiled or until it becomes depleted. If cut, any length beyond the coil's initial 50 feet crumbles into powder after a round or two.

Depending on which nozzle is used, the color cannon has the following effects with a successful attack roll by the user. Fear. Sprays a target within short range with a beam of color that frightens them so badly that they flee for a number of rounds equal to the artifact level.

The glasses analyze a foe and display information about the best places to strike them as well as how best to avoid their incoming attacks. If the user spends an action to allow the glasses to analyze a chosen foe, they gain an asset in both melee attacks and Speed defense rolls against the foe. They must take a separate action to analyze each foe, and the glasses can only assist against one foe at a time.

If the wearer polishes, touches, or merely thinks about activating their worn and visible badge as part of a persuasion or intimidation task, the task is eased by two steps, or three steps if the artifact is level 5 or higher.

For as long as the user carries the figurine on their person and does not actively harm, scare, or otherwise offend any living corvids, a flock of crows may show up randomly once per day to assist them. The crows arrive on their own time and act as crows do, attempting to help the user in the way that they deem most useful, such as dropping stones on a foe's head, warning them of incoming dangers, bringing them a snack, and so on.

It takes one round to activate the crown. When activated, the crystal spheres separate from the crown and fly around the wearer at immediate range for an hour. The wearer can see anything the crystal spheres can see. This allows the wearer to peek around corners without being exposed to danger. This gives the wearer an asset in initiative and all perception tasks.

When worn, the headphones provide the user with an enhanced sense of elegance, power, or status. Other people find themselves drawn to the user in the hopes of helping them, granting their wishes, and treating them like the royalty they obviously are. All social interactions are eased.

The crown augments the mind and thoughts of the wearer. This increases the wearer's maximum Intellect Pool by 5 (or by 7 if the artifact is level 6 or higher). If the wearer removes the crown, any excess Intellect points above their normal maximum Intellect Pool are lost; if they wear the crown again, the points do not automatically return (they must be restored with recovery rolls, healing magic, or similar effects). (GF, 149)

This allows the user to scry (view) remote locations and creatures. The user must make a difficulty 2 Intellect task to activate the crystal ball, then use an action trying to make it show a person or location they know. The user must succeed at an Intellect task against the level of the target; otherwise, the crystal shows only indistinct or misleading images. The task roll is modified by how familiar the target is to the user, how available they are to be viewed, and how far away they are.

Fashioned by the primordial entity who created evil magic, the Darkest Book is a record of every vile incantation, curse, and ritual ever performed. It is known to include spells that create werewolves, raise an army of zombies, revive a dead body as a vampire, conjure demons and devils, and release profane energy for various effects. It eases by three steps any task related to magical lore.Even someone unskilled at magic can open it to a random page and read the spell there (the GM randomly determines the spell by rolling on the Fantastic Cypher table), which takes effect at level 10.The Darkest Book is somewhat sentient and can hide its words from anyone it doesn't want reading it. It might require a person casting a spell from it to succeed at a difficulty 6 Intellect defense roll or take 6 points of Intellect damage and move one step down the damage track.The book is technically indestructible; anything strong enough to destroy an object of its level merely destroys one of its pages, and the book can't be destroyed as long as at least one page remains.

This device fires a beam that transmutes the matter of targets within short range into powdery ash, inflicting damage equal to the artifact level that ignores Armor from force fields and natural scales, leather, and other organic sources. Depletion: 1 in 1d20

This scythe functions as a heavy weapon. In addition, it instantly kills level 1 or level 2 creatures it hits. In addition to the normal options for using Effort, the user can choose to use a level of Effort to affect a higher-level target; each level of Effort applied increases the level of creature that can be instantly killed by the scythe. Thus, to instantly kill a level 5 target (three levels above the normal limit), the wielder must apply three levels of Effort.

Each time the bearer of the deck (or a member of a group linked to the deck) would otherwise die, a random card is drawn and disappears from the deck. The beneficiary of this effect immediately regains Pool points equal to the artifact's level they can allocate however they choose.In addition, different cards grant different effects, as follow. To determine the effect, draw a card from a standard card deck that includes jokers. (If no deck is handy, the GM determines the card drawn.)A character can also choose to draw a card from the deck at any time (regardless of whether they face mortal peril), and gain the additional benefit noted for that card, if any. Number Card, Any Suite. No additional effect other than the bearer's survival.

This firearm is often a heavy long range weapon (but it can take on smaller form factors, becoming a medium or light pistol in the process). Attacks with the demon pistol are eased, or eased by two steps if a light pistol.If the shooter wishes, a successful hit causes the bullet lodged in the wound to transform into a tiny demonic imp (level 3) with mouths for eyes. The imp automatically deals 3 points of damage each round to the target until the target removes the imp with a successful Speed-based roll; once removed or a minute elapses, the transformation magic fades and the body is revealed as no more than a spent bullet.The shooter's attacks and defenses against demons are hindered while they bear this artifact.

When activated, the ball liquefies and coats the body of the user for one hour, appearing to be a form-fitting leather suit veined with pathways of dully glowing blood. As an action, the wearer can become invisible. While invisible, they are specialized in stealth and Speed defense tasks. This effect ends if they do something to reveal their presence or position—attacking, casting a spell, using an ability, moving a large object, and so on. If this occurs, they can regain the remaining invisibility effect by taking an action to focus on hiding their position. The wearer can inflict 3 points of damage with a touch by releasing a dark crackle of demonic power. This attack ignores most Armor, but Armor made to ward against evil or demonic attacks should work against it. (GF, 150)

This longsword functions as a medium weapon, but it is actually a powerful demon transformed into the shape of a sword. The demon cannot speak directly to the wielder, but it can make its desires known by emitting bass rumbles and dirgelike melodies, and by pulling in the direction of its desire. The sword eases all attacks made with it by one step, and it inflicts 4 additional points of damage (for a total of 8 points). If the wielder kills a creature with the sword, the sword eats the creature's spirit and transfers some of its energy to the wielder, adding 5 points to their Might Pool and increasing their Might Edge by 1. This lasts for an hour and allows the wielder to exceed their normal Might Pool and Might Edge stats. If the wielder misses with an attack, the blade sometimes hits an ally of the wielder instead (this always happens on an attack roll of 1).

Playing someone in a game of checkers or draughts eases all of the user's positive social interactions with their opponent. While playing, the user can make a move and interact with their opponent as a single action. The game lasts a number of rounds equal to the artifact level.

A target within immediate range loses their dimension of breadth (which folds into a higher dimension), rendering them as flat as paper. The target adheres to whatever surface it was attached to, set upon, or was standing upon, and resembles particularly realistic art. An affected creature enters stasis. While in stasis, it is unable to take actions, doesn't age, and is immune to damage and effects. It remains in stasis for about a day, until the user returns the missing dimension or the artifact depletes. Depletion: 1 in 1d10

This device fires a beam to suppress the charge of the electrons that make up a creature or object within long range, inflicting damage equal to twice the artifact's level. If the attack reduces the target's health (or combined Pools for a PC) to below the level of the artifact, the target instantly falls to dust. (A PC who would be disintegrated can spend 1 XP and instead descend one step on the damage track.) Depletion: 1 in 1d20

Anyone who steps through it goes to a predetermined point in the past or future (a minimum of fifty years in either direction), which can be anywhere on the planet.

When the wearer pulls the bandana up over their mouth and nose as part of another action, time stops for everyone but them, allowing the wearer to act and/or move without interruption from outside forces for one full round (or for two full rounds if the artifact is level 7 or higher). Moving or damaging objects and creatures is possible for a wearer acting during an interval of stopped time, but doing so immediately ends that interval.

The user can dip the pen in ink and draw an object or creature, which becomes real for one minute. The object or creature's level is half the artifact's level, +1 level if the user is trained in drawing, or +2 levels if the user is specialized in drawing. Once released from the page or surface it was drawn upon, the object or creature swells until it reaches the appropriate size, but it grows no bigger than an immediate distance in width, depth, and height. If a creature is made, it does the bidding of the user.Someone familiar with magic made from drawings or illustrations, such as someone who has the Inks Spells on Skin focus, can use the pen as part of casting their spells, easing the task of casting the spell.

This weapon functions as a normal weapon of its type. If the wielder uses it to attack a foe, upon a successful hit, the wielder decides whether to activate the flame. Upon activation, the weapon lashes the target with fire, inflicting additional points of damage equal to the artifact level. The effect lasts for one minute after each activation.

If a tooth is drawn from the bag and cast upon the earth, a dragontooth warrior appears, ready to fight for the user for up to ten minutes before going their own way. The user can draw several teeth at once from the bag, but each tooth drawn requires a separate depletion roll.

This perfume is specially created to be used by a single person. To activate it for the first time, the user must put a single drop of their blood into the bottle, incorporating their own scent into that of the perfume. The result smells amazing to them but is not noticeable to anyone else.After that, whenever the user applies the perfume, it provides +2 Armor (+3 if the artifact is level 9 or higher). Each application lasts for ten minutes per artifact level, and it's an action to reapply the perfume.Anyone else who attempts to wear the perfume quickly realizes it smells awful on their skin, and they take 1 point of damage.

Ghosts, haunts, wraiths, poltergeists, and other spectral creatures can move these objects as easily as a human can, using them to spell out messages visible to anyone in the area. Usually, the magnets are also enchanted so these creatures can't remove them from the surface they're attached to (preventing the creatures from stealing, hiding, or throwing them).

This sword can be used as a normal medium sword that deals 2 additional points of damage (for a total of 6 points). The short sword can cut through any material of its level or lower with ease, owing to its exceptional sharpness. The blade sheds a blue light as bright as a candle to warn when goblins, orcs, trolls, or similar creatures are within 300 feet (90 m).

This device emits an invisible beam of neural-magnetic energy as a short-range attack that instantly reverses how a level 1 target sees the user (turning an enemy into a friend, and vice versa) for up to one day. The user can adjust the settings to increase the ray's effectiveness by making one additional depletion roll per increase in the maximum level of the target. Thus, to alter the attitude of level 5 target (4 levels above the normal limit), the user must make five depletion rolls. If used against a PC, an affected PC can attempt an Intellect task to end the effect once every minute for the first few minutes, then once every hour.

This armor is carefully crafted and reinforced with magic to be stronger and more protective than typical armor. It is armor according to its type (light, medium, or heavy), but it grants an additional +1 Armor (or +2 if the artifact is level 7 or higher) beyond what it would normally provide. For example, chainmail is medium armor (2 Armor), so enchanted chainmail provides a total of 3 Armor (for artifact level 6 or lower) or 4 Armor (for artifact level 7 or higher).The additional Armor provided by the magic also applies to damage that often isn't reduced by typical armor, such as heat or cold damage (but not Intellect damage).

This multifunction device can receive radio transmissions, automatically map locations the wearer has visited, play various forms of media, keep voice and written records, and provide an asset to any task related to interfacing with other computerized systems or machines. Also, the wearer can scan for specific materials, toxic traces, and life forms within short range.

Once filled from a standard bottle of whiskey or other liquor, the shot glass refills itself with the same quality of liquor each time the previous shot is drained and the glass is set upright on a bar, table, or level surface.The drinker decides whether any given shot has the standard intoxicating effect, or if the shot has no effect whatsoever.

The arrow explodes when it strikes something, inflicting its level in damage to all within immediate range. Roll d100 to determine the type of damage.

The wearer can cling to or climb any surface for up to one hour. Even level 10 climbing tasks become routine while the gloves are activated, but taking any other action while climbing requires a new activation.

For ten hours, the wearer becomes a falcon whose level is equal to the artifact level. The falcon can fly a long distance each round, or up to 60 miles (97 km) per hour when traveling overland.

Blocks electromagnetic signals from reaching the interior of the cage.

Playing the fiddle causes everyone within long distance to become enticed by the music and draw closer to the player. After one round, all creatures in short range begin to dance uncontrollably for a number of rounds equal to the artifact level. The only action they can take while dancing is to attempt to break free from the effect (an Intellect action equal to the artifact level).

The carpet flies a long distance each round, carrying up to five passengers. It flies for up to ten hours per activation. When traveling overland, the artifact can achieve a flying speed of 60 miles (97 km) per hour.

The carpet flies a long distance each round, carrying up to five passengers. It flies for up to ten hours per activation. When traveling overland, the artifact can achieve a flying speed of 60 miles (97 km) per hour.

Any object put inside the sack cannot be detected by physical senses or magic. The sack can hold a single item, of any size and shape, at a time. Cyphers in Fortunate's purse do not count against the user's cypher limit.

When worn, induces a powerful hallucinogenic state in wearer. Hallucinations last for four hours, during which time the wearer seems to disappear from existence. From the wearer's perspective, they are falling through an ever-iterating fractal realm of mind-blowing imagery, possibly some version of hyperspace or dark energy network. At the end of that period they return to existence, either in the same location they left or somewhere they've previously visited. The images leave the viewer shaken, but for several hours all Intellect-based tasks are eased.

Transports the wearer to a time and place in the past or present that they desire for up to ten minutes. The wearer cannot be seen, heard, or sensed by others, and they cannot take any actions other than to watch events unfold. Traveling to and from the time and place causes the wearer to disappear from the present for two rounds.

Creates a full-sized shield that can be used as a regular shield in combat for one character, providing an asset on Speed defense rolls for the duration of that combat, after which it returns to its ring-like form. In addition, the wielder can command the deployed shield to become a functioning star gate that remains open for just one hour, leading to a strange destination (which the wielder is potentially aware of, if they ran sufficient analysis on the ring or otherwise gained information about it before using the function).

Rubbing the lamp produces a genie who grants the user a wish. The GM assigns a level to the wish, so the larger and more difficult the wish, the more difficult it is to have the wish granted. Generally, a wish such as gaining an asset or inexpensive item is level 1, and a wish for an expensive item or for a foe to vanish is level 7. The genie cannot grant a wish above its level. The genie can grant only one wish per day.

This armor is carefully crafted and reinforced with magic to be stronger and more protective than typical armor. It is armor according to its type (light, medium, or heavy), but it grants an additional +1 Armor beyond what it would normally provide. For example, chainmail is medium armor (2 Armor), so ghostly chainmail provides 3 Armor.When activated, the armor randomly makes the wearer ghostly and immaterial for ten minutes (or for one hour if the artifact is level 9 or higher), which hinders attacks on the wearer by two steps without hindering any of the character's abilities. Special multidimensional weapons or attacks (such as abilities meant to harm ghosts) ignore this defense.

Looking through the glass eye allows the user to see anything that's hidden or invisible, including magic, up to the level of the artifact. If they have the glass eye surgically or magically implanted (a task equal to the artifact level), they also gain an asset in using magic in all its forms, including crafting, combat, and defenses.