One of the few enchanted items commonly used in the realm of Verden, Branding Rods allow both the creation of Elementalist's Brand as well as control over those who bear them.
While the creation of a new brand is possible with the use of any Rod, the process is complex and requires more magical knowledge than is typically possessed by their users. The creation of a brand is a process similar to a tattoo but much more quick and painful, taking 3 actions, and requiring a DC 25 Arcana and Medicine check in order to be performed successfully. If either check is failed, the spell cannot be attempted upon the same target again for 24 hours.
Activating the Rod afterwards is a single action with a range of Touch, which enacts the effects of Dominate Person upon the target. DC 30 Will save to resist.
Critical Success: The target resists the Brand's control and is able to act normally.
Success: The target is Stunned 3 as their mind struggles to fight the control.
Failure: The target suffers the effect of Dominate Person for one round.
Critical Failure: The target suffers the effect of Dominate Person and cannot make a new saving throw for one Day.