Inktober XIII: Defend

The seas threw all their force at Kor, trying to get through his defenses, but Kor held his shield high overhead and called out. "Foul waters of Ellidean, dost thou seek to smite me and other of Inigo's kin? If that is thy true goal, then thou shalt be sorely disappointed on this day." It was then he screamed its name, Atensan, up to the highest of the heavens. A shining light emitted from the clouds above and bounced off the shield, which reflected into the core of the high wave nearly swallowing Kor. And lo, the wave was stopped.

-The Plight of the Holy, S3-35

Atensan is a shield built to protect its wielder against the murky depths of the waters and whatever they may hold within. It was created by Inigo, the patron-saint of novelty and travelers, but was lost to the seas in 819.

Appearance

Atensan is worn from years of battle and improper maintenance, but still has a clear gleam to its plating. It is a rounded kite shield with a transparent gem faceted on 12 sides. The edge is reinforced with a smooth bronze plating and the front features two black footprints below a golden halo surrounding the inset gem.

Function

In addition to these features, Atensan functions as a regular shield (+2 AC).

Intact

Still Water - while equipped, this shield will dramatically reduce the speed and force of moving water within a 15-ft sphere.

Light's Journey - Atensan's wielder can call out its name, at which point a beam of light from the sky will reflect off the shield and at one selected target for 6d10 radiant damage. Must have direct line of sight to the sky and target. 1 use/day.

Corrupted

Calm Water - while equipped, this shield will reduce the speed and force of moving water within a 10-ft sphere.

Light's Passage - Atensan's wielder can call out its name, at which point a beam of light will propel from the user's chest, through Atensan's gem, and at one selected target for 8d10 radiant damage. Must have direct line of sight to the target. May only be used by a follower of Inigo or someone who has traveled on foot at least 100 miles in the last week. 1 use/day.

Homesickness - whenever A Call to Above is used, the user gains a level of exhaustion that can only be removed by returning to whatever the user identifies as "home."

History

Atensan was created by Inigo to protect his travelers heading along the treacherous Teal Pass against monsters in the nearby sea like baschiel or tyrrish. It was sent down to the first man who had gone through the Teal Pass untouched, Kor of Glazcreel, who was told to defend others of his faith against the wretched beasts of the seas. Kor agreed and held his own against the waves, using Atensan and Inigo's blessing to calm the churning waters.
Atensan was wielded by many afterwards, present at the blessing of each new travelers' haven and battle between feuding gods until 819, when its protector slipped while walking along Teal Pass and accidentally dropped it into the sea below.