A pin effigy is a magical doll. The practice of using them is banned in most countries, and if any is detected, punishment will usually be used.
A pin effigy is made in the image of an entity called a paradigm. When the pin effigy is damaged, the paradigm will feel pain equivalent to that damage due to a sympathetic link between the paradigm's soul and the effigy itself.
Historically, they have been used as a torture method as they can leave the target physically unharmed. Only after severe torture would the patient's hormones cause actual somatic illness. Of course, the psyche is still generally harmed.
They harm their paradigm with chironemata which they constantly emit. If one is cut, another will be created to again reach the paradigm and cause corresponding pain.
The effigy must first have a "body" similar in appearence to the paradigm. The "skin" must be made with dried mandrake leaves tied with mandrake fibers, which shall be painted to mimic the skin of the paradigm. The inside must be filled with down feathers of any bird. The eyes must be buttons made of condone.
Then the doll must be bathed in a potion called an effigiopoton. The recipe consists of 2 part blood of the paradigm, 15 parts water, 1 part absinth tincture and 1 part pomegranate juice, well mixed on low heat. After around an hour, the pin effigy will develop a false soul.
Finally, a spell must be cast to ask the doll to extend its false soul to reach the paradigm.