Hunt for your Ambitions Alongside the Aspect of Determination

Beings of ancient power and unfailing knowledge walk our world and the other planes constantly, without our knowing. The embodiments of concepts and ideals which bind thinking beings together can walk the world as we know it as a living, thinking being.

These are known as The Keepers. Entities made of the collective unconscious of hundreds, united together by ideas so similar, that they bind together to create a living thing which follows the collected belief. If this way of thinking ends, so to does the keeper. This has happened in history as superstitions gave way to facts. Otherwise, the Keeper is an immortal being, who's form will reappear somewhere else if killed.

We talked about the vision of aggression and violence in our last article. This entity is decidedly much more subdued. To call it benevolent would be an unfair generalisation. It is a fair entity, with an excellent and unending memory.

Aspect of Determination

The Aspect watching ever vigilant - Lantern Wolf by JadeMerien

Some things in this world require attention. Work, strategy, even crossing the street requires a person to take in all their surroundings and get a sense of everything. When a task requires care and attention, the benefits of The Aspect of Determination can be felt.

Each Keeper retains a different look, and often changes between deaths and rebirths. The Aspect of Determination has appeared as a multi tailed wolf since its creation at the dawn of time. Great spines hold natural lights, as its tail holds up an immense lantern, which provides clarity and understanding.

The Aspect of Determination has been tided in many cultures as a good omen. The spirit of the wolf keeps eternal watch, ensuring safe passage and determination. In times when a person must keep watch, or on a dangerous and long journey, this Keeper will follow that person and guide them to where they need to be. Be it a journey or a project which must be brought to completion. The lantern light doesn't brighten the world, it brightens a person's spirit. Many consider that this is why it's called enlightenment.

Unlike most Keepers, there is one force that weakens and hampers the Aspect of Determination. Procrastination. In the presence of a person who hesitates, decides against, or is in some way hampered from acting, the lights that surround the Keeper dim and become less effective. In most cases, the person who stalls becomes aware of this lag and has to choose if the Keeper can bring its light back. Many cases this does not happen, and the Aspect of Determination moves on.

Aspect of Determination Stats generated on Homebrewery

Lead the Pack

Interacting with a Keeper is an unlikely event for most folk in a Dungeons and Dragons setting, but not the players. There may be an immense trial or villain impossible to defeat, and the motivation of an unrelenting entity. Perhaps there's a town that's slowed to a stop, and no work is being done, leading to the players having to seek out this entity in the hope it can inspire life and action back in this place.

With all that to consider, we want to hear from you. How would you use The Aspect of Determination in your games? Would they bring change and virtue in the world, or drive the forces of destruction. Let us know in the comments below or on the Apotheosis Studios Discord server.

Adam Ray contributes much for adventurers here on Apotheosis Studios. As co-founder of fantasticuniverses.com , he writes about card gaming and PC gaming to a corner of the internet he carved out himself. On Youtube, he can be found game mastering for No Ordinary Heroes, or editing the antics on The Hostile Atmosphere. Follow his Twitter @IzzetTinkerer.