Ever since we were young most of us have had some manner of Object of Power. When we were young it was a security blanket or favorite stuffed animal that we put our faith in, something that we believed as a youngster would protect us from the monsters.
An Object of Power is, simply put, any object which we put our faith in and comforts us. For me, it's weapons. As a United States Marine, my weapons and equipment kept me safe in combat situations, and took on an almost supernatural status as providing security to my subconscious. When I was armored and armed, I didn't worry about enemy bullets or bombs any more than was prudent, but without them I felt naked, paranoid. My rifle and armor became items of power, items which I unconsciously put my faith in.
This attitude carried on beyond my time in the service, and I still feel a lot safer and better prepared holding one of my swords, knives, or guns than without.
Why are Objects of Power important?
Quite frankly they can give you the edge in a confrontation. It doesn't matter what it is you're facing, from the lowest fear spirit to the mighty queens of Faerie, having confidence you'll succeed is the first step to success. Should I be called upon to perform an exorcism at some point, I'll feel much more confident with a Kabar on my belt and a pistol on my hip than if I just had some fancy clothes and a book.
Many supernatural entities work on faith, so to speak. Not the kind of faith you put in deities, unless it's something pretty big, but more of the innate faiths and superstitions we've lived with our whole lives without realizing it. They use the old, primal fears, like darkness and fire, and then mix in some of the new fears.
If you're afraid of a particular movie monster or something like that, chances are you've unconsciously put some faith into it's power. When a fear takes the form of that dreaded monster, it can tap into that faith and use it as additional power. An object of power takes that edge away by giving you something you have an equal or greater faith in to use as a weapon or armor.
Maybe it's a favorite bible verse, or a lucky pocket watch, or even an actual weapon like me, but chances are you've got that one thing that makes you feel a little more empowered.
So if you're going up against a big ol' nasty critter and don't have a trained pro to help you through it it's best to snag that item and keep it on hand, and tap into it's strength when you get spooked.
Don't have an Object of Power? No problem. It's easy for something to become an Object, and usually all it takes is a little effort of will. Say for example you're a Harry Potter nut. While you might not be able to sling real magic, holding that replica Hermione wand might make you feel a little more empowered, so I'd suggest carrying it around for about a week, preferably close to the skin. Make sure you'll remember you're carrying it, make sure you think about it every so often. Imagine this item as a sort of talisman, a powerful relic that works only for you. Every enemy is a Bram Stoker vampire and this object is your holy water soaked garlic clove carved into a cross that shoots stakes. It takes real faith in the object to make it work, but it can pay off.
If you're the religious type, I recommend praying to your favorite deity to bless the object. If you've got real faith, that's a kind of magic of it's own that can bump your Object of Power up a few points on the scale.
Bottom line here is always be prepared. The supernatural predators are out there, and having a shred of comfort in your hand can make all the difference in the world.
For more info on Objects of Power and their uses, information on how to make one step by step, or just advice or questions, you can always contact us here on this blog, or you can ask me personally over at my catchall blog, Mandalorian Musings.
