The Striped Guardian (Patreon)

Armor (breastplate), rare (requires attunement)

Gifted from the majestic tigers of old, this armor confers boons that transcend the earthly realm to those deserving of it. While wearing this armor, you gain a +1 bonus to AC.

Horangi Claws. Your unarmed deal an additional 1d4 force damage and count as magical for the sake of overcoming resistances. When you score a critical hit with an unarmed strike against a creature the target must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save the creature takes 2d4 necrotic damage at the start of each of its turns as it begins to bleed out. This effect lasts until the target or another creature within reach of it uses an action to staunch the bleeding.

This armor is imbued with the will of the great guardian tigers. One who shows true conviction and sacrifice may unlock this armor’s true potential…

The Striped Guardian, Baekho Form

Armor (breastplate), legendary (requires attunement)

This armor’s divine form is granted to one who has shown their willingness to sacrifice themselves for their convictions, imbuing them with incredible power. While wearing this armor, you gain a +3 bonus to AC.

Baekho. If you would die while attuned to the Striped Guardian while it is in its rare form, make a DC 22 Wisdom check. On a success, this item transforms to its legendary Baekho Form and you are revived at half your total hit points instead. The armor turns white with black stripes and your entire body turns stark white with the exception of your eyes.

Horangi Claws. Your unarmed strikes deal an additional 2d4 force damage and count as magical for the sake of overcoming resistances. When you score a critical hit with an unarmed strike against a creature the target must make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save the creature takes 6d4 necrotic damage at the start of each of its turns as it begins to bleed out. This effect lasts until the target or another creature within reach of it uses an action to staunch the bleeding.

Sansin Magic. This armor has 8 charges and regains all charges at the end of a long rest. You can cast one of the following spells (spell save DC 17) by expending the necessary number of charges: Detect Good and Evil (1 charge), Fog Cloud (2 charges; this cloud cannot be dispersed by wind and the area is not heavily obscured to you), Steel Wind Strike (4 charges; you do not need a weapon for material components and you can make unarmed strikes instead of melee spell attacks), Move Earth (6 charges), Astral Projection (7 charges; you can't take any other creatures with you).

If your attunement to this armor ends, this item reverts to its rare form.

Revered for their strength and beauty, the tiger holds a special place in the hearts of the Korean people. Considered a protector and symbol of virtue in the past, myth and legend abounds with mentions of the striped beast. Any that would reach 500 years of age would find their fur stark white and eyes piercing blue, ascended from beast to something greater. The Baekho would appear only before those of great virtue, and uphold the peace of the land for all time.