Talisman of Occasional Luck
Lucky Talismans are common fare amongst adventurers. Most are of course superstitious nonsense, but every now and then there’s an item touched by, more rarely blessed by, or rarer still home to a genuine Spirit of Luck.
First Wielder:
A Talisman of Occasional Luck has a number of charges equal to your proficiency bonus, and regains all charges at the start of each day. When you fail a d20 test (the type of which determined by the rarity of the item) by a total less than your proficiency bonus while the talisman is in your possession, there is a 50% chance for the talisman to activate. If it does, it consumes one charge and the triggering d20 test succeeds.
It is possible for a talisman to spontaneously upgrade from one tier to the next or downgrade to a previous tier based on events.
Some events that might trigger an upgrade include:
The talisman has successfully activated a certain number of times for the same character, drawing increased attention from the spirit that created it
The talisman successfully activates in a truly tense situation such as disarming a lethal trap, catching yourself on the edge of a cliff to prevent a perilous fall, or trying to sneak past a dragon
Some events that might trigger a downgrade include:
The talisman is never called upon to activate for a lengthy period of time
The talisman is passed between many different owners in a relatively short amount of time
Uncommon
Most owners of one of these talismans are completely unaware of the fact that it is more than a typical superstitious lucky talisman.
The Talisman can trigger on any ability check that you already add your proficiency bonus to, such as skill or tool checks in which you are proficient.
Rare
Owners of these talismans are far more likely to recognize that some form of supernatural luck is at play.
The Talisman can trigger on any ability check.
Very Rare
The Spirit of Luck actually lives in this talisman, at least occasionally. Owners are very much aware that their luck is real, and may even know of the spirit itself.
The Talisman can trigger on any ability check or saving throw.
Legendary
Owners of these talismans have developed an actual relationship with the Spirit of Luck.
You will never randomly find a talisman of this potency for if the owner dies or loses ownership of the talisman, the spirit immediately loses interest and the talisman downgrades to a Rare quality one.
The Talisman can trigger on any d20 test, and it possesses double the normal number of charges.