February appears and a look back to January

February is just around the corner and the first month of 2018 is nearly over.

February gets its name from Latin term februum, which means purification, via the purification ritual Februa performed at this time of year.  The Romans considered February an ill-omened month which is why it is only twenty-eight days long.   For this month we return to the theme of curses, cursed items, ill-fortune and, perhaps, defense against such terrible things.

As usual, suggestions, comments and ideas are welcome.

Take a look at what was published on the journal in January, 2018:

Tuesday Magic Item – Swift Sparrow Amulet

“It is so good to be back in a city,” said Voddick with a wide sweep of his hands.

“Agreed, and this one is exceptionally fine,” said Gollaon watching some of the young nobles ride by.

“Watch where you are going!” shouted Voddick as a messenger ran by him quickly followed by another.  “You too!”  He shouted as they vanished into the crowds.

“Fast and skillful,” said Gollaon.

“But a little rude.”

“They get paid for speed I imagine.”

Swift Sparrow Amulet

These amulets can be plain or gaudy but they always feature a sparrow, usually in flight but not always.  They are never worn on a chain but always on a cord.

Shadowrun Campaign Update for the New Year (’18/’74) and new Seattle Scream prop (#54)

The Shadowrunning continues apace, with monthly introductory games at Tyche’s Games (every first Sat, feel free to join us), and the occasional game as part of our Thursday night rotation.  Indeed, the central story (about metahumans and schools) ties into these Monthly games and how the last two have played out.

The NorCal set game on occasional Thursdays, which I am a player in, remains great fun and still moving forward (last report from that here) though we have just lost one of our stablest players due to medical reason.

I even had a chance to play my Seattle based character Slappy in a one-shot adventure themed to the New Year!  Rah!

Again, I have fallen behind on keeping up on the Seattle Scream but here is a new issue for the New Year (#54, February 2074)!

Now, be careful out in the shadows my friends.  Trust no one and keep your weapon handy  More news soon.

 

Tuesday Magic Item – Trail Guides

Gollaon set a piece of bread and poured a drop of wine on the standing stone, reciting a few words in an ancient language.

Voddick bowed his head and waited patiently until he finished.

“That is done,” smiled Gollaon, taking a quick pull of wine for himself.

“No problems?  The spirits or whatever will help us travel this twice-overgrown wilderness?”

“I believe so, the ritual I used was at least as ancient as the stone and their was no rejection of the gifts.”

“Good, then let us get going,” Voddick shouldered his heavy pack.  “The sooner we are back in civilization the better.”

“I could not agree more.”

Trail Guides

These marker stones are placed at the beginnings, and thus also the ends of trails, through the wild corners of the world.  Each is marked with runes or symbols that the initiated can understand warning of the dangers ahead.  A small sacrifice will enlist the aid of the spirits aligned with each stone to make travel along the trails less hazardous.

Tuesday Magic Item – Incense of Swift Travel

Voddick watched the smoke curl up from the incense set on the milestone, he whispered to Gollaon.  “It is rare to see such ceremonies, their roots obviously date far back.”

“Well spotted,” replied Gollaon with an appreciative raised eyebrow.  “I do would place it origins in the mists of time before the Imperium.”

“Will it still work?”

“I suppose that we will find out soon enough.”

Incense of Swift Travel

This incense must be made specifically for each road requiring either careful study of the route or access to an existing formula.  It is usually made in discs or coils to be placed on shrines or milestones.

Tuesday Magic Item – Door of Diminution

Voddick was about to pound on the door when Gollaon pulled him back.  “Do not touch the door!”

“Why not?” asked Voddick a little unbalanced by the interruption and demand.

Gollaon pointed to the ground in front of the door where there was a tiny shoe.  “I have heard of wizards using such traps for the unwary.  An enchantment on the door shrinks those who try to open it.  Most wizards who use such a trap also have many large and hungry cats who also know of the door’s properties.”

“The fiend,” said Voddick.

“We had best find another way to approach the wizard within.”

“Agreed.”

Door of Diminution

It is not known what cruel wizard first created these nasty traps, but legend said they was killed by a very angry (though very small) dragon.  These doors are always very heavily built with magical glyphs and sigils worked into the design, often along the edge where they cannot be seen by the casual observer.

New Magic Item – Lantern of Dancing Shadows

Voddick sipped his mulled ale and listened to the beautiful song.  He smiled as the shadows began to dance in tune with the music.

Gollaon sat down beside him with his spiced wine.  “Sublime music and subtle magic, how beautiful.”

“Indeed,” nodded Voddick.

Lantern of Dancing Shadows

These lanterns are always of the highest craftsmanship and are usually decorated with scenes of entertainment and merriment.  While rarely made of material more valuable than copper and glass, they are sometimes adorned with crystals and decorations in gold or silver.

Fare thee Well December and the Year MMXVII, let us Welcome MMXVIII

January, 2018, and the New Year and are just around the corner.   Good fortune to all in MMXVIII!

January is named after Janus (Ianuarius) the god of doorways, usually pictured as looking both forward and back.   We will revisit the themes of doorways, transport and travel for January what with moving into the New Year and all its possibilities.  As usual, if there is something on this theme you would like to see, let me know.

Looking back over December, 2017, we find a rather tame month but not without interest: