Forward into February and looking back at January 2011

The first month of the new year draws to a close and we hope it has gone well for you.   As we move forward into February, which gets its name from Latin term februum, which means purification, via the purification ritual Februa performed at this time of year.  The Romans also considered it an ill-fortuned month which is why it is shorter than the others.  So the theme  for this February will again be curses, cursed items, ill-fortune and, perhaps, defense against such terrible things.

As usual, suggestions, comments and ideas are welcome.

What was published on the journal in January, 2011:

New Magic Item – Zardarian’s Doorways

“Come Aurea,” said Zardarian with a smile, “I have something to show you.”

“Yes?” she asked, following curiously.

“Here we go,” he said gesturing to a newly installed door as he produced a silver chased key.  With a soft ‘snick’ he unlocked the door and pushed it open.  On the other side was a well appointed study, soft light coming through the window.

“Is that not you study . . . in Taren Kost?”

He nodded and smiled. “Yes, a hundred miles away.”

Zardarian’s Doorways

These doorways are made together, with the frames are all made from a single section of wood cut for each frame.  Each is constructed to be as close too identical with each of the others as possible, down to matching the grain of the wood and the polish of the handle.

Review – Legendary Races: the Cyclops

If your campaign or world has a greater place for those enigmatic one-eyed giants of legend, the cyclops, this product should provide you with a multitude of tools and ideas for their place and use in your game.

Legendary Races: The Cyclops is a 16-page PDF (13-pages if you remove the cover/credits and OGL pages) for the Pathfinder RPG written by Stefen Styrsky and published by Purple Duck Games.

New Magic Item – Spy’s Candle

Listening

Vordorik’s fist slammed down on table, rattling the candelabras illuminating the maps marked with colored blocks representing the positions of various units.  “How are they always one step ahead of us, Cov, how?”

“We have been hunting their scouts, sir.  Perhaps it is simple luck?”

“That I cannot believe.  Keep looking, Cov.  The solution must be out there.”

Spy’s Candle

These come in all shapes and sizes, just like any other candles.  They are always made in pairs however.

Tuesday Magic Item – Tyrant’s Sword

Atherak ‘the Bloody’, King by right of conquest of all of lands of the west, ruled by strength and fear.  Atherak was never afraid of bloodying his sword, Throat-Opener, to personally send a message to those who thought to oppose him.

Atherak met his end at the hands of the Four Heroes of Eagleholm, who gave their lives to kill the tyrant.  Throat-Opener was not found and since then it has appeared in the hands of one petty ruler after another, none who have been able to use it to restore Atherak’s kingdom.

Tyrant’s Sword

These swords are always made of dark metal, only the edge is bright and razor sharp.  The hilt is plain or ornate as befits the tyrant for which it was made.  Their sheaths are always made in such a way to enhance the sound of drawing fourth the blade.

New Spell – Wax Ward

Wax Ward

The old thief looked at the door and the plain wax seal hanging from the latch.  “We cannot open this, young man,” he said to his apprentice.

“Why not?  It will be easy to cut and the lock is not expensive.”

“It is a magic ward, it keeps the door sealed,” the old thief replied, studying the door.  “And it will mark any who does manage to open it.  There are easier picking to be found, leave this to the fools of the Red Glove.”

Wax Ward
School abjuration; Level Brd 3, Sor/Wiz 3

New Monster – Tasked Servitor: Traveling Companion

The Arch-Wizard and Master Conjurer Vablake arrived mounted on a beautifully sleek winged mare, its coat as black as a starless night.  As soon as the conjurer dismounted, the winged mare shimmered and shrunk, becoming a black hair young woman in a simple gray gown who followed Vablake meekly, carrying his satchel.  I had never seen its like that before and I followed, hoping to learn more about this magic . . . . and the strange shape-changing woman.

Tasked Servitor: Traveling Companion

These summoned servants are unique among the tasked servitors in possessing two distinct forms: one humanoid, the other that of a winged mount (usually a horse but occasionally more exotic forms are chosen).

Their humanoid form is almost inevitably attractive and graceful while the mount is always swift and determined in travel.

Tasked Servitor: Traveling Companion CR 4 (1,200 XP)

Tuesday Magic Item – Vanguard’s Shield

Vanguard's Shield in action

The brave young men took up the shields of their fathers, uncles and brothers, proud to be able to prove their bravery by leading the attack against the invaders.  Proudly, they lead the charge, braving arrows and spears to close with the enemy.  At the end of the day, the handful that survived were feted as heroes.

Vanguard’s Shield

These shields are solidly build, even for shields, with reinforced edges and straps.  The fronts are battle scarred and usually recently repainted.  The interior is usual etched with the names of previous owners.  These shields are given to those who will lead an assault who will triumph or die in the attempt.

New Magic Item – Navigator’s Wine

Navigator’s Wine

The seven children of the great navigator swore to continue their father’s legacy, they toasted this with a bottle of his favorite wine and promised to meet again every twelve years to share their discoveries.  The cleverest of the children took with them bottles for their father’s cellar.  When they met again, there were only six of them, but with maps and charts to fantastic lands.  The next time there were only four and they all took wine with them and they all arrived for the next meeting.

Navigator’s Wine

This is a careful blend of enchanted spices added to fortified wine, usually a sweet red following the recipe from the first time it was made.  The bottle it is stored in is usually blue glass etched with a compass rose and sealed with red wax marked with the crest of the winery.

Review – Demon Hunter

The Demon Hunter class provides a wuxia spin on combating evil, mixing martial skill with specialized and focused monster hunting abilities.  While it is -as written- very culturally specific class, it should be easily possible to adapt to most settings.  If your world has a place for wandering Demon Hunters, give this product a look.

Demon Hunter is a 21-page PDF (16-pages if you remove the cover, credits, OGL page and ads) for Monte Cook’s Arcana Evolved/Jade Oath and Pathfinder written by Frank Carr and published by Rite Publishing.  This is part of Rite Publishing’s Jade Oath support.