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Post by hengest on Oct 26, 2019 12:51:50 GMT -5
mao suggested a thread for EB magic items, so here it is. Some of the "objects" in another thread are obviously magical, but not quite in that "use or wear magic item" way. The ShoesThese shoes are plain, of good make, and very comfortable. The effect most wearers will notice is that they give +1 Dex. If the wearer dies, they will trap his or her soul for one full day and then restore it to the body, which will be brought to life at 1 HP. Remaining HP will be recovered only through nonmagical means. This will occur only once per user. Edit: if the player already has a new PC, the old character might become an NPC.
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Post by hengest on Nov 2, 2019 19:22:09 GMT -5
These few are intended as strange and unique items, not very powerful, but potentially useful. Their origin should be unknown. I confess I take some inspiration from the novel Roadside Picnic here.
The Buckets
Fill one of these wooden buckets with water and the other slowly fills as the first one drains. After a few fillings, the buckets seem to get tired and behave as usual for the rest of the day.
The Stone Ceiling
Well underground, the stone ceiling of a large chamber, not shaped by men, shows what occurs aboveground in that place, as if the stone itself and all the earth above it were clear as glass.
The Lyre
The instrument has a fine tone, but needs tuning when found. Observers will notice that the fingers of one who plays it appear to move strangely. A closer look will show that the tip of each finger, as it touches a string, seems to be cleanly cut from the finger, hover for a moment, and rejoin itself. The player cannot see this and feels nothing.
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Post by hengest on Feb 25, 2021 22:04:59 GMT -5
Ducky Dander
This stone duckling comes to life at its owner's command. It will guard any path, growing to the size of an adult duck, quacking, pecking, and fluttering ever more flappingly into the air, finally seeming to burst or come apart in a big ball of fluff. Leaving observers uncertain as to its fate, it reappears in its owner's pack in its stone form again.
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Post by hengest on Feb 25, 2021 22:06:41 GMT -5
The Companion
This loaf of bread acts as a servant to the first person who takes a bite of it. Its service lasts until it is consumed by mold or otherwise eaten. With each piece its lord eats, the remainder grows more loyal and fierce. However, it can do for its lord only those things that bread can do (plus some basic animacy).
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Post by hengest on Feb 26, 2021 0:39:02 GMT -5
Ball of Needles
The ball of needles is a small sphere make of loosely packed needles joined at their eyes at the invisible center. The ball becomes the servant of first person to prick a finger on one of the needles. It then functions as a kind of needle-cushion for use when sewing and as a defensive item: when its master is seriously threatened, the ball will explode and strike everyone nearby save its master. It is unknown whether a ball can take a new master after being unused for many years.
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Feb 26, 2021 2:44:15 GMT -5
The CompanionThis loaf of bread acts as a servant to the first person who takes a bite of it. Its service lasts until it is consumed by mold or otherwise eaten. With each piece its lord eats, the remainder grows more loyal and fierce. However, it can do for its lord only those things that bread can do (plus some basic animacy). Even after looking the word up not sure what you mean by "basic animacy." Hmm "more loyal and fierce" and only those things that bread can do." With every bite it grows more nutritious, life sustaining, and rest restoring; the perfect food for a forced march at double speed over rough terrain. Split into a thousand bites, the consumer arrives at full rested vigor(and then some), ready for whatever awaits him. |
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Post by hengest on Feb 26, 2021 17:15:21 GMT -5
Hmm "more loyal and fierce" and only those things that bread can do." With every bite it grows more nutritious, life sustaining, and rest restoring; the perfect food for a forced march at double speed over rough terrain. Split into a thousand bites, the consumer arrives at full rested vigor(and then some), ready for whatever awaits him. I like what you did with it. But by "basic animacy," I just meant it has the basic power to move around. Think of the animated slime toaster in Ghostbusters II. So I was imagining an item that you can eat or that will be your wingman in a fight, at least as well as it can, given its limitations. |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Feb 26, 2021 17:21:22 GMT -5
Hmm "more loyal and fierce" and only those things that bread can do." With every bite it grows more nutritious, life sustaining, and rest restoring; the perfect food for a forced march at double speed over rough terrain. Split into a thousand bites, the consumer arrives at full rested vigor(and then some), ready for whatever awaits him. I like what you did with it. But by "basic animacy," I just meant it has the basic power to move around. Think of the animated slime toaster in Ghostbusters II. So I was imagining an item that you can eat or that will be your wingman in a fight, at least as well as it can, given its limitations. Gotcha! I pictured this loaf of bread in an animated cartoon following behind a fighter in a battle going "Oops" "Watch Out" "Oh No" etc. when I read that. |
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Post by hengest on Feb 26, 2021 17:30:34 GMT -5
Gotcha! I pictured this loaf of bread in an animated cartoon following behind a fighter in a battle going "Oops" "Watch Out" "Oh No" etc. when I read that. I guess. But it doesn't last long enough to become a comical bread sidekick. I was thinking more a tragic figure. Shades of this:  |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Feb 26, 2021 22:27:40 GMT -5
I guess. But it doesn't last long enough to become a comical bread sidekick. I was thinking more a tragic figure. Shades of this: I can see that too, the difference in where our minds go.  |
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Post by hengest on Mar 3, 2021 21:31:55 GMT -5
The Gloves of Milkban The gloves are fine but not especially beautiful. They are always found in a place of honor that seems too great for them. Anyone who puts them on is immediately blessed with an 18 DEX (18/00 if already 18) for one week. The following week, 19, then 20, and so on up to the maximum of 25. The wearer is also drawn to performing good works in a humble manner. Regardless of the uses for mechanical bonuses, in the last several weeks, the wearer can perform with ease feats of dexterity (anything involving motor skills, really) that are far beyond those of any human, although they seem plausible in their immediate context. These may include but are not limited to musical performance, various crafts, even some aspects of healing (setting bones, massage, stitching). The wearer's skills outstrip anyone's previous capacity for belief. Even enemies display signs of joy and genuine respect on witnessing these feats. Once donned, the gloves cannot be removed. Neither does the wearer have any desire to remove them. After the eighth week of wear, the wearer dies and can never be resurrected or raised. The wearer's life has been completely consumed. It is likely that the wearer will be remembered well for a generation at least and may be considered a saint (or the local equivalent) or local hero. On the wearer's death, the gloves vanish and may be found in another place of true honor 1d10 miles away 1d100+50 years in the future. |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Mar 3, 2021 21:39:19 GMT -5
Wow, now that is an Artifact! Well done, have an Exalt.
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Post by hengest on Mar 4, 2021 19:00:25 GMT -5
The Ring of Malladine An ostentatiously cheap-looking ring, almost a parody of costume jewelry such as a young child might play with. The setting holds a gaudy, poorly-cut, and chipped blue stone that would be proud to be called semi-precious. Its color is not displeasing but does not quite go with the gray and scratched metal of the band. The effects stack as the wearer wears the ring for a long period of time. Removing the ring is difficult and and attempt to remove it signals to the wearer that the abilities gained will be permanently lost if the ring is removed, while the penalties will be retained. 1) On putting on the ring, the wearer gains the ability to see through solid matter at will. 2) 1d10+2 days later, the wearer gains the ability to see through all kinds of mundane and magical illusions. 3) 1d10+2 months later, the wearer gains the ability to read the hearts of anyone who is speaking. 4) 2d4+2 years later, the wearer gains the ability to read the hearts of anyone in sight. 5) 1d4 decades later, the wearer gains the ability to read the hearts of anyone known to the wearer. There are penalties for each stage as well: 1) STR drops permanently to a maximum of 5. Wearer is temporarily blinded and distressed by direct sun (daylight is fine). 2) DEX drops permanently to a maximum of 5. Sensitivity increases to include any bright daylight. 3) CON drops permanently to a maximum of 5. Sensitivity increases to include any daylight. 4) Sensitivity increases to include moonlight. 5) Sensitivity increases to include all light except that of stars and candles. Note: "read hearts" here means to understand, with attention but without effort or strain, the desires and motivations of the person, in general or with regard to the situation at hand. It is not at the level of mind-reading (tracking every conscious thought). |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Mar 4, 2021 20:37:08 GMT -5
Wow, that is one cursed ring. All of the benefits is not worth even one of the penalties. "Shudder" |
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Post by hengest on Mar 4, 2021 20:50:23 GMT -5
I was thinking a PC with the ring might remain playable for the first two stages, nursed along by friends. Once CON goes at level 3, however, it becomes very hard to imagine this PC as an active adventurer. Seems the character would become a player's secondary character, ultimately (if enough time passes) becoming an extremely useful political servant (or ruler) with crippling personal limitations that, a couple decades in, might involve never seeing anyone but a select few, sitting in a tent or cell with a candle or maybe venturing out on a moonless night for some air. I was imagining that the (former?) PC might be useful in game-interesting ways while also being so reduced in power that their personal power wouldn't go too insane, and that they would be retired (or semi-retired) as a PC. The later stages are more for the "Construction of Castles and Strongholds." Neither this nor the previous Gloves of Milkban were intended as cursed items (but yes, as described, the one kills you and the other cripples your character as normal PC). My idea was that they might fit in with my fairy tale material, but I will try to post about that separately (not today). |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Mar 4, 2021 21:37:42 GMT -5
I was thinking a PC with the ring might remain playable for the first two stages, nursed along by friends. Once CON goes at level 3, however, it becomes very hard to imagine this PC as an active adventurer. Seems the character would become a player's secondary character, ultimately (if enough time passes) becoming an extremely useful political servant (or ruler) with crippling personal limitations that, a couple decades in, might involve never seeing anyone but a select few, sitting in a tent or cell with a candle or maybe venturing out on a moonless night for some air. I was imagining that the (former?) PC might be useful in game-interesting ways while also being so reduced in power that their personal power wouldn't go too insane, and that they would be retired (or semi-retired) as a PC. The later stages are more for the "Construction of Castles and Strongholds." Neither this nor the previous Gloves of Milkban were intended as cursed items (but yes, as described, the one kills you and the other cripples your character as normal PC). My idea was that they might fit in with my fairy tale material, but I will try to post about that separately (not today). What I can see is that a King would give the ring to a fully informed super loyal follower, in return for the use of the abilities of the ring for the King and Kingdom and the raising of his son to the nobility or something of that sort. Perhaps a follower who was already crippled or otherwise hindered. |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Mar 4, 2021 21:39:19 GMT -5
I was thinking a PC with the ring might remain playable for the first two stages, nursed along by friends. Once CON goes at level 3, however, it becomes very hard to imagine this PC as an active adventurer. Seems the character would become a player's secondary character, ultimately (if enough time passes) becoming an extremely useful political servant (or ruler) with crippling personal limitations that, a couple decades in, might involve never seeing anyone but a select few, sitting in a tent or cell with a candle or maybe venturing out on a moonless night for some air. I was imagining that the (former?) PC might be useful in game-interesting ways while also being so reduced in power that their personal power wouldn't go too insane, and that they would be retired (or semi-retired) as a PC. The later stages are more for the "Construction of Castles and Strongholds." Neither this nor the previous Gloves of Milkban were intended as cursed items (but yes, as described, the one kills you and the other cripples your character as normal PC). My idea was that they might fit in with my fairy tale material, but I will try to post about that separately (not today). What I can see is that a King would give the ring to a fully informed super loyal follower, in return for the use of the abilities of the ring for the King and Kingdom and the raising of his son to the nobility or something of that sort. Perhaps a follower who was already crippled or otherwise hindered. Since most of these things are for the people you can see, the light sensitivity would make it impossible to use the talent after a while, so you might tweak it to make it work on anyone the ring wearer can hear. |
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Post by hengest on Mar 4, 2021 21:44:11 GMT -5
I like this a lot, I hadn't thought of this at all. Although I wonder how the King knows how it works. That sounds like it could be useful and stimulating on the ref's side, and then a bit of interest should PCs ever get their hands on this spy-mole guy. |
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Post by hengest on Mar 4, 2021 22:16:38 GMT -5
Since most of these things are for the people you can see, the light sensitivity would make it impossible to use the talent after a while, so you might tweak it to make it work on anyone the ring wearer can hear. Yes, maybe an edit to penalties 4 and 5. I thought about this stuff, but I tried to avoid overthinking. That is a bit of a problem for years. Although I like keeping all its powers about sight (gaining and losing it). So maybe: 1) STR drops permanently to a maximum of 5. Wearer is temporarily blinded and distressed by direct sun (daylight is fine). 2) DEX drops permanently to a maximum of 5. Sensitivity increases to include any bright daylight. 3) CON drops permanently to a maximum of 5. Sensitivity increases to include any daylight. 4) Sensitivity increases to include twilight, but not moonlight and starlight. 5) Sensitivity increases to include all light except that of stars and small artificial lights, candles, torches, lanterns. So the wearer can always see people, and at level 4, could not really travel for political purposes, but would still be fairly young and useful as an "ace in the hole" by being present at nighttime or indoor negotiations, meetings, parlays, etc. And then, should we get to level 5, the wearer is extremely restricted (and advancing somewhat in age), but can make use of knowing many people now and being able to have a sense of them even at a great distance. A real power behind the throne, perhaps having been there for more than one monarch, but likely unable to have any real political power of his own because of his limitations. Might be interesting if a woman NPC were the wearer, perhaps a mother or aunt of someone at court, someone expected to have a degree of social power, her absences are explained by illness as the penalties grow, although in fact her influence and local power are growing. I like the ring as an item but these thoughts are also leaning towards fiction. I am reminded of Chade in the Assassin's Apprentice books by Robin Hobb, although as I recall there is no magical item. He is just a mostly-secret person who works from the shadows. Although this could be quite different. I like how there seems to be potential for the character here, but also for shaping the realm over years or even decades. |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Mar 5, 2021 3:34:53 GMT -5
I like this better, because it keeps the wearer much more functional. I also like the idea of the wearer being a woman. It makes since that a woman would take the long view and make the sacrifice to wear the ring.
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Post by hengest on Jun 21, 2021 19:14:53 GMT -5
Olga's Ring
Much "taller" than a normal ring, it comes about halfway up to the next knuckle. Made of wrought iron, the ring does not look like much save for four milk-white gems set into the inner surface so that they are invisible but in contact with the wearer's skin.
The ring grants +2 to WIS, a telekinetic earth-moving ability that can deal with about 3 cubic yards an hour, and a pyrokinetic ability that can set fire to any wooden structure in sight.
The WIS bonus works for any wearer. The other abilities can be used only by women of childbearing age.
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Post by mao on Jul 14, 2021 6:07:03 GMT -5
Ducky DanderThis stone duckling comes to life at its owner's command. It will guard any path, growing to the size of an adult duck, quacking, pecking, and fluttering ever more flappingly into the air, finally seeming to burst or come apart in a big ball of fluff. Leaving observers uncertain as to its fate, it reappears in its owner's pack in its stone form again.
This is awesome, totally going to give this out if I start running again. |
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Post by mao on Jul 14, 2021 6:08:42 GMT -5
The CompanionThis loaf of bread acts as a servant to the first person who takes a bite of it. Its service lasts until it is consumed by mold or otherwise eaten. With each piece its lord eats, the remainder grows more loyal and fierce. However, it can do for its lord only those things that bread can do (plus some basic animacy). Sentient bread??? !!! ?? WILDE!!!!!!(I guess I shouldn't be surprised, I have sentient Turnips) |
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Post by mao on Jul 29, 2021 5:32:12 GMT -5
I guess. But it doesn't last long enough to become a comical bread sidekick. I was thinking more a tragic figure. Shades of this: I can see that too, the difference in where our minds go. , I like it your way better. We tend to think similarly, that's why our synergies work so well. |
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Post by mao on Jul 29, 2021 5:34:35 GMT -5
Olga's RingMuch "taller" than a normal ring, it comes about halfway up to the next knuckle. Made of wrought iron, the ring does not look like much save for four milk-white gems set into the inner surface so that they are invisible but in contact with the wearer's skin. The ring grants +2 to WIS, a telekinetic earth-moving ability that can deal with about 3 cubic yards an hour, and a pyrokinetic ability that can set fire to any wooden structure in sight. The WIS bonus works for any wearer. The other abilities can be used only by women of childbearing age. For once, not enuf fluff, this is almost all crunch. I did not think that you had this in you, lol. |
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Post by hengest on Aug 2, 2021 7:57:30 GMT -5
Olga's RingMuch "taller" than a normal ring, it comes about halfway up to the next knuckle. Made of wrought iron, the ring does not look like much save for four milk-white gems set into the inner surface so that they are invisible but in contact with the wearer's skin. The ring grants +2 to WIS, a telekinetic earth-moving ability that can deal with about 3 cubic yards an hour, and a pyrokinetic ability that can set fire to any wooden structure in sight. The WIS bonus works for any wearer. The other abilities can be used only by women of childbearing age. The ring is an heirloom of a royal house, but its primary abilities have been forgotten. Two generations ago it was worn for nearly seventy years by Queen Lily. In her youth she rode with advance troops and roasted the enemy's halls and barns with a look. As enemies turned to vassals and allies, there was less call for Lily's fiery eyes. And as she aged, her ability to use the ring dwindled. By the time of her death, her youthful exploits were already passing into legend, and if anyone knew of the powers of the ring, they said nothing. Without the strength and foresight of Queen Lily, her old alliances are fading and the borders are unwatched. (Formatted as a quote but is an edit for mao . Also curious to hear from The Perilous Dreamer on this one. And also restless and solfe ! And anyone I forgot.) |
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Post by mao on Aug 2, 2021 8:21:55 GMT -5
Olga's RingMuch "taller" than a normal ring, it comes about halfway up to the next knuckle. Made of wrought iron, the ring does not look like much save for four milk-white gems set into the inner surface so that they are invisible but in contact with the wearer's skin. The ring grants +2 to WIS, a telekinetic earth-moving ability that can deal with about 3 cubic yards an hour, and a pyrokinetic ability that can set fire to any wooden structure in sight. The WIS bonus works for any wearer. The other abilities can be used only by women of childbearing age. The ring is an heirloom of a royal house, but its primary abilities have been forgotten. Two generations ago it was worn for nearly seventy years by Queen Lily. In her youth she rode with advance troops and roasted the enemy's halls and barns with a look. As enemies turned to vassals and allies, there was less call for Lily's fiery eyes. And as she aged, her ability to use the ring dwindled. By the time of her death, her youthful exploits were already passing into legend, and if anyone knew of the powers of the ring, they said nothing. Without the strength and foresight of Queen Lily, her old alliances are fading and the borders are unwatched. (Formatted as a quote but is an edit for mao . Also curious to hear from The Perilous Dreamer on this one. And also restless and solfe ! And anyone I forgot.) Ok that si way more of what I expect ! Nice! |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Aug 2, 2021 11:38:26 GMT -5
Olga's RingMuch "taller" than a normal ring, it comes about halfway up to the next knuckle. Made of wrought iron, the ring does not look like much save for four milk-white gems set into the inner surface so that they are invisible but in contact with the wearer's skin. The ring grants +2 to WIS, a telekinetic earth-moving ability that can deal with about 3 cubic yards an hour, and a pyrokinetic ability that can set fire to any wooden structure in sight. The WIS bonus works for any wearer. The other abilities can be used only by women of childbearing age. The ring is an heirloom of a royal house, but its primary abilities have been forgotten. Two generations ago it was worn for nearly seventy years by Queen Lily. In her youth she rode with advance troops and roasted the enemy's halls and barns with a look. As enemies turned to vassals and allies, there was less call for Lily's fiery eyes. And as she aged, her ability to use the ring dwindled. By the time of her death, her youthful exploits were already passing into legend, and if anyone knew of the powers of the ring, they said nothing. Without the strength and foresight of Queen Lily, her old alliances are fading and the borders are unwatched. (Formatted as a quote but is an edit for mao . Also curious to hear from The Perilous Dreamer on this one. And also restless and solfe ! And anyone I forgot.) Great adventure hook, a kingdom in trouble, an artifact level ring whose powers are unknown, was it buried with the Queen? Love the writeup. |
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Post by hengest on Aug 2, 2021 11:40:57 GMT -5
Great adventure hook, a kingdom in trouble, an artifact level ring whose powers are unknown, was it buried with the Queen? Love the writeup. I decided to leave questions like that open. Was it buried with her? Did anyone know? Did she leave it to an heir? What did she say? Did she herself know or remember its power? Happy to discuss all these questions and more.  |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Aug 2, 2021 11:52:53 GMT -5
Great adventure hook, a kingdom in trouble, an artifact level ring whose powers are unknown, was it buried with the Queen? Love the writeup. I decided to leave questions like that open. Was it buried with her? Did anyone know? Did she leave it to an heir? What did she say? Did she herself know or remember its power? Happy to discuss all these questions and more. Yeah, that is the way to do it, leave it a little vague and then the individual ref can take it any direction they want. That is why a book of hooks is IMO much better than an adventure module. Not a bad idea to list some of the possible questions, but leave room for other questions too. Like this Possible Questions/Hooks 1. Was it buried with her? 2. Did anyone know? 3. Did she leave it to an heir? 4. What did she say? 5. Did she herself know or remember its power? 6. 7. 8. etc ... |
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