Monsters & Mayhem

Bronze Bull of Bethel

A bronze cast of a bull with horns, showing signs of fire damage, about a palm's breadth in height. The sounds of someone speaking reverberate from the bust, always just at the edge of comprehension. If the Bull is held to a person's ear they will start to hear whispered advice on acheiving power in a language they understand. The longer the person listens, the more malignant the advice becomes.

History:
The Bull is believed to be associated with the Golden Calves created by King Jeroboam after the United Monarchy of Israel split into the Kingdoms of Samaria and Juddah. Originally held in the temple at Bethel, it was transported to Jerusalem after it was conquered by Judah in 913 BCE. Thought lost during the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians it was found in Masada by the conquering Romans and taken to Rome. Carried to Constantinople after Rome's fall, it was reportedly looted during one of the Crusades and moving among the royal houses of Europe and Russia. It's current whereabouts are unknown.

Game Stats:
The Bull is more a Meta-Plot driver than a game statistic item. NPCs who utilize it should generally progress toward their goals . For PCs the Bull allows skill rolls such as Persuade, Fast-Talk, Tactics and others a 2R Advantage (or even an automatic success if thematically appropriate) if used in a way to enhance the wielder's power. (A Fast-Talk roll to get a police officer to excuse a speeding ticket would not qualify for the advantage. But a speech to the Police Union seeking their endorcement for elected office would.)