Seraphim of Sarov’s Icon and Lestovka

Origin
Seraphim of Sarov is one of the most renowned Russian monks and mystics in the Eastern Orthodox Church, considered the greatest of the 19th century elders. He spent much of his life as a hermit, living a solitary life of prayer and work. One day, while chopping wood, Seraphim was attacked by a gang of thieves who beat him mercilessly with the handle of his own axe. He never resisted, and was left for dead. The robbers never found the money they sought, only an icon of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) in his hut. Seraphim had a hunched back for the rest of his life. However, at the thieves' trial he pleaded to the judge for mercy on their behalf. Seraphim later spent 1000 continual nights in prayer, even in spite of his painful injuries.

Years later, he allowed pilgrims to met him and confess, all while demonstrating his supposed healing powers and gift of prophecy. He often used the lestovka daily during prayers through ordeals and triumphs. As extraordinarily harsh as Seraphim often was to himself, he was kind and gentle toward others — always greeting his guests with a prostration, a kiss, and exclaiming "Christ is risen!", and calling everyone "My joy." He died while kneeling before an Umilenie icon of the Theotokos which he called "Joy of all Joys".

Effects
The user must kneel before the icon and pray while holding the lestovka in either of their hands. They will be able to heal themselves and others with ease. Through spreading joy to others and with constant prayer, they will achieve a sense of spiritual bliss. However, the artifacts will amplify any pain the user feels to excruciating levels. They will weather the pain, usually without healing themselves, to instead comfort the needy and maintain their peaceful composure.