Home

imbues

Imbue is a term used in fantasy literature, role-playing games, and game design to describe the act of endowing an object, typically a weapon, tool, or artifact, with a specific quality, power, or energy. An imbue is the resulting enchantment, infusion, or property that remains with the object while the imbue lasts. The word derives from the idea of soaking or saturating an item with a trait.

Mechanisms and forms: Imbuing is usually accomplished through ritual, spellcasting, or the application of sigils, runes,

In usage: In games, imbued items grant advantages such as increased damage, resistance, or unique abilities;

See also: enchantment, infusion, rune magic, artifact.

or
relics.
The
source
of
power
may
be
elemental
energy,
spiritual
essence,
or
a
crafted
core
such
as
a
gem.
Imbues
can
be
permanent,
have
limited
uses
(charges),
or
be
temporary
and
require
ongoing
resource
cost.
Some
systems
distinguish
between
intrinsic
effects
(stat
bonuses,
resistances)
and
activated
effects
(special
abilities)
and
whether
the
imbue
scales
with
the
wielder’s
level
or
craft
skill.
in
fiction,
artifacts
may
be
described
as
saturated
with
a
deity’s
blessing,
a
curse,
or
a
legacy.
The
design
of
imbues
often
considers
balance,
durability,
and
compatibility
with
other
magic
systems
or
item
types.
Imbuing
can
also
be
depicted
as
a
learned
craft,
a
sacred
rite,
or
a
technological
process,
depending
on
the
setting.