Valik
Professor of Alchemy
Image Source: http://zeldawiki.org/Ocarina
Intent: To create some fun minor artifacts for the people of Tash-Taral and flesh out the history and culture of the planet more.
Development Thread: If Necessary
Manufacturer: Tashai Talisman Makers
Model: N/A
Affiliation: Tashai, Salvagers(if they go lootin)
Modularity: None
Production: Limited
Material: Sithspawn bones, with the bones of more powerful Sithspawn being more prized. For example, while an Ocarina could be made from a Tuk'ata the Ocarina formed a Terentatek Horn would be considered the mostly 'holy'.
Description:
Being a planet that is filled with Sithspawn and perhaps horded with negligible Force Artifacts it is only natural that that a Force-based organization sprawled out of Tash-taral. Unfounded legends state that it may have began as an analog to Sith Alchemy, Sith Magic, or perhaps Je'dai Force Imbuement, but whatever the roots the largely unorganized Force Culture began crafting 'scrimshaw' artifacts, normally the bones of Sithspawn imbued through the Force to have minor but useful effect. Though many of the talismans became lost in time as tribes and cultures died off the 'Spirit Ocarina' was one traditional Talisman that spread from tribe to tribe and lasted the test of time. The Spirit Ocarina is believed to be a focus for the 'knack'(what the natives of Tash-Taral refer to as the Force), that allow the user to focus the summon varying effects such as summoning Sithspawn, warding away Sithspawn, altering the weather, blessing the birth of a newborn child, or taking the power of the recently dead and 'taking' it back, recycling it into the tribe as a whole. Some observers have theorized that the Spirit Ocarina merely serves as a focus for the user's natural abilities in the Force, or that perhaps it does grant differing abilities, but all agree that the effects are minor, and take dedication. While playing for a few hours may summon the rain(or it may be a simple coincidence) it'll never come in a few simple minutes, nor will it be controlled. Old legends tell of tribes being wiped out by floods, too eager to call for water.
It should be noted that while the Ocarina is a more common talisman amongst the Tashai that as a whole the Force Culture and artifact crafting is extremely decentralized and unorganized. No two tribes have the exact same beliefs or histories, and as such no two Ocarina's are built the same, or for the same purpose. One tribe might use one solely to summon the rain in times of famine, another might use it bless hunters before a party braves the catacombs, another solely for the commemoration of births, or any combinations of the above. The Ocarina's themselves might be given to the most honorable priest, the eldest of the tribe, the most powerful warrior, or even a man or woman dedicated to nothing but the playing of songs. Some cultures have passed down their instruments for generations, while others, namely one's who bestow their Ocarina's to warriors, find that the song-bringer must craft their Ocarina themselves from whatever beast they have slain, whether in a hunting party or one on one. The large majority of tribes that follow this 'culture' or making Scrimshaw however usually only have two Ocarina players, a master and an apprentice, dedicated to the role.
Overall the Spirit Ocarina is a highly variable talisman, often with subtle though noticeable power attached. It isn't necessarily an artifact that will win fights or bring prosperity, but to the many of the Tashai people it is an important part of their culture nonetheless.
