Agimat
Agimat are protective amulets or charms that provide protection or enhance the wearer's capabilities. These types of charms follow the traditions of the Talin Islands, and are usually made from bone, hair, wood, or stone. They tend to be less expensive than charms made from precious metals and gemstones by university wizards and metropolitan clergy. They are certainly as effective, if less durable than more expensive magic charms.
I prefer a bespoke talisman made from the remains of my enemies over a soulless gold and diamond amulet made by some poncey wizard in a dumb hat! And Lola Carly makes the best agimat in the Zone by infusing magic into her baked goods! Nothing better than getting rid of a brain worm with a nice bibingka!
Agimat are a type of protective talisman or charm, that protects its wearer from evil spirits, dark magic, and bad luck. They are created by babaylin shamans who follow the magical tradtions of the Talin Islands. They are made from stone, metal, bone, wood, or even herbs. The choice of material is often linked to the purpose of the charm. Salt and stingray skin can be used to repel aswang. Stone and wood could be used for durability and strength.
They are created through rituals performed by clerics and shamans with the participation of the individual that they're made for. The process can include chanting, prayers, a feast, and the infusion of elements. The most famouse ritual, the Celebration of Children creates an especially powerful interwoven set of charms that protect the children of the Kirinal Concordance Zone from the evil spirits that hunger for their innocence.
The most famous babaylin in the Zone, Lola Carly, specializes in creating agimat that are infused into meals and baked goods. Her bibingka are famous throughout the multiverse and Lola's Comfy Kitchen is considered a prime stop at the outset of any dangerous campaign.
Agimat Plot Hooks
Counterfeit Agimat
In a poor part of town residents cover themselves in agimat to protect themselves from the evil spirits, aswang, and hags that live among them. With no regulations their quality ranges the gamut from incredibly effective charms to completely counterfeit baubles. The hags are especially pernicious, selling cursed items that render actual agimat useless. The town council hires the party to help sort out the mess.
The Fading Charm
A village has been protected by an especially powerful agimat for generations. Now its power has begun to fade and the elders have no idea how to repower or replace it. They hire the adventurers to find the rituals and materials they need to reinvigorate their agimat.
Protecting the Innocent
Something goes awry during this year's Celebration of Children and their protective agimat don't work like they should. Panicked parents across the Zone spend the night in temples, holy places, and other buildings warded against spirits. The party must discover how to fix the malfunctioning charms and eliminate the curse at its source.
Lola Carly's Secret Recipe
Lola Carly is getting ready to bake a special batch of protective bibingka, but her pantry has been emptied! She gives the party a list of ingredients that she needs and sends the party on a quest to bring them back to her in time for that year's Celebration!
I for one would love to stop by a tavern as wonderful as Lola's for a nice pre-adventure meal that has the added benefit of conferring some protections. Couldn't hurt to leave an offering for the gator either. wonderful bit of worldbuilding.
I set a lot of adventures in that tavern! One of the most useful things I've created for my world!
Take a look at my Institutions of Learning challenge article.
Learn about the World of Wizard's Peak and check out my award winning article about the Ghost Boy of Kirinal!