Soulbound Items

The concept of soul binding is central to both the Champions of Meregaer and Narae campaigns.

How It Works
A soul binding is a connection between a creature and an item. When you (the creature) are summoned from one plane of existence to another, e.g., to the Prime Material through the magic of Corcyra, your soul bound items go along for the ride. When you die or the duration of the summons expires, you return to your plane of origin (or the Void). All soul bound items that are equipped by you at the time go along for the return trip. That excludes stuff that is lying on the ground, or in the hands of an enemy.

If you die and are resurrected before the duration of the summons expires, your soul bound items return with your body.

The act of soul binding is a supernatural ability that requires a standard action to exercise. Only one item may be bound to per action. The act of soul binding may, at the user's option, release an existing soul binding simultaneously, in effect transferring the binding from one item to another. This secondary release is in fact necessary to the success of the binding in the case that the user is at the limit of soul bound items.

Limitations
Each creature endowed with the ability to soul bind has a limit on the number of items bound to at any one time. Let's call latent bindings "slots" for convenience. These "slots" are not to be confused with the "body slots" described in the Magic Item Compendium. Narae characters receive 3 soul binding slots upon reaching 3rd level. A deity (level 0 or above) may grant another creature a soul binding slot by expending a  wish  or  miracle  and 10,000 XP. However, a deep understanding of soul binding is required: the deity must succeed at both a DC 25 Knowledge (The Planes) check and a DC 25 Knowledge (Arcana) check to meet this prerequisite.

The absolute limit on soul bindings per creature is 13. You can't soul bind to certain items, including an item that is already soul bound to someone else. You know about a failed attempt.

Must I Soul Bind My Knickers?
For creatures that have soul binding ability, some items are considered soul-bound but do not consume a soul binding slot. Such items include, but are not limited to:
 * a wizard's book of spells
 * an item familiar
 * a scion's legendary weapon
 * a true believer's holy relic
 * clothing (one superhero uniform)
 * accessories to soul-bound items (a sword's scabbard, a helmet to accompany a suit of armor, etc.)

Do Multiple Items In a Set Count As One?
A pack of ammunition counts as one item. See the Player's Handbook for the maximum quantity per ammunition type. That's the only exception to the rule.

Ioun stones count as one item each. Sorry.