February next with a look back to January

January is ending as the year moves ever onward.  Hopefully things will warm up soon as it is quite cold here and, I am told, across much of the US.

Our month of 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.

The Sea of Stars will also be hosting the RPG Blog Carnival for February on the theme of Making Magic Wondrous.  Please join in!

What was published on the journal in January, 2019, was:

Tuesday Magic Item – Raven Cloak

“I do admire that cloak,” said Gollaon, gazing from afar at it as it hung from the shoulders of the Supreme Magess of Valm.

“Usually you avoid black,” said Voddick before taking a drink of spiced ale.

“True,” agreed Gollaon nodding, “but it is not just the style, it is the enchantment that I truly desire.”

“Aye, there’s the rub,” nodded Vodick.

“Indeed,” sighed Gollaon.  “I do not suppose . . .”

“No.”

Raven Cloak

These black cloaks are exceedingly black, some are trimmed with feathers, others are covered in them and some have embroidered feathers.  But black with feathers is the impression you will get looking at one of these cloaks.

Tuesday Magic Item – Journeyman’s Boots

Voddick took a deep breath as he strolled through the workshop.  “I have missed the smell of honest work.”

“And ours is not?” asked Gollaon with a sly smile.

“You know what I mean,” said Voddick.

“Indeed I do,” laughed Gollaon.  “But you are right, it is nice to see creation rather than the destruction our work usually brings.”

“Truth.”

Journeyman’s Boots

These boots are strong and well made of the best leather and buckles, the interior is branded with the mark of the guild for which it was made which is sometimes replicated on the buckle designs.  Traditionally, when one becomes a master, they pass their pair onto one of their apprentices.

Review – Shadowrun: Kill Code

Shadowrun: Kill Code is a sourcebook for Shadowrun and providing a useful (and clearer?) overview of the Matrix and how the rules system for it works, with general technological tools more options for technomancers and more information on the state of the Matrix. However to get best use from Kill Code you will need at least the earlier sourcebook Data Trails and several other source books. Unless you are running a Matrix, and especially Technomancer, focused game, this sourcebook is not a priority.

Shadowrun: Kill Code, is the Advance Matrix Rule book for the 5th edition of Shadowrun, this particular book expands ways to interact with and explore the Matrix for hackers, technomancers and others. As well as providing new tools and troubles for all involved in Matrix work.

Did the Gods build the Sea of Stars?

Yes . . . and no.  The world that would become the Sea of Stars was, probably, built by the gods, after some fashion.  The legends have been mostly lost, well, not so much lost as deliberately destroyed and suppressed by the dragons.  Some of the stories told are:

• There was a progenitor race to the gods, titans or such, that created the world or became the world when they were slain by the gods (or both).  The gods took over the rulership of the world from their progenitors until they, in turn, were supplanted by the dragons.  Does this mean that the dragons are destined to be supplanted in turn?  Obviously preaching such an idea will attract . . . unwelcome attention from the draconic authorities.
• The gods created the world as a place for their worshipers to live, for without worshipers what is the point of being a god?  The world, by this reading, was a giant farm for the cultivation of worshipers.  Some philosophers thus argue that the dragons are better, at at least more honest, in their rule than they gods for at least they make their demands and desires obvious.
• The world is composed of the body of some vast, once living being that those that would become the gods slew and consumed the vital parts gaining the power that would propel them to godhood.  The Sundering is the result of the dragons seeking the last edible pieces of that being to gain additional power, as dragons are always hungry for power.
• The world was the shell of the cosmic dragon, bound by the gods, the shell cracked releasing the true power of the cosmic dragon to its descendants allowing the dragons to defeat the gods.  The fact that the sundering happened after the defeat of the gods does not stop this theory from existing.  After all, who really knows what happened (and in what sequence) all those years ago?

The dragons may know the truth of the matter but they are reluctant to talk of the times when the gods ruled, out of embarrassment or fear that speaking of the gods may give them a doorway to return or some other reason, who can say?  (Though accusing dragons of cowardice is not recommended.)

So the origins of the Sea of Stars remains shrouded in mystery but one can always seek answers to mysteries . . . but you will have to seek them in places from from the gaze of the draconic rulers.

Notes: This is my post in support of this month’s RPG Blog Carnival Divine Worldbuilding hosted by In My Campaign.

Image: The Æsir fight against the Vanir during the Æsir-Vanir War by Karl Ehrenberg found on Wikimedia Commons and is in the Public Domain.

Tuesday Magic Item – Spying Songbird

Voddick peered over the mug of his ale at the singer.  “I do not entirely trust this new performer.  They seem too chummy with the officers already.”

Gollaon nodded and poured himself another drink.  “Have you paid attention to their songbird accompaniment?”

Voddick shook his head.  “You know I do not care for cloying love songs.”

“Nor I really,” said Gollaon before sipping at his wine.  “Though watch it next time.  It is not a living bird.”

“Indeed.”  He studied the singer even more intently.

Spying Songbird

These items appear as perfectly normal songbirds except they do not eat, they stay close to their owner and obey the verbal commands that their owner gives.  Otherwise just acting as a normal bird.

Tuesday Magic Item – Boots of the Winter Lords

“I must say,” said Voddick as he tromped through the snow, “it is pleasant to be fighting on the side of the underdog again.”

“The pay is worse but the satisfaction greater,” agreed Gollaon.

“It would have been even better if these invaders had taken the hint and stayed out.  I have no wish to kill conscripts because their ruler is an idiot.”

“Well, our tactics call for cutting their lines of supply.  Hopefully they will get the hint and retreat.  Failing that, we will start targeting the officials, that should drive the point home.”

Boots of the Winter Lords

Contrary to their name, these boots are usually used by rangers and scouts, not nobles.  They are high, fur lined oiled leather boots with extremely thick soles made of tightly woven branches.  The buttons are made of reindeer horn or other such material taken from arctic animals.

Tuesday Magic Item – Another Year Amulet

Gollaon loosened his sword in his scabbard.  “My friend, I am going to have to ask you in joining me in going off mission.”

Voddick’s posture shifted imperceptibly as he set down his mug.  “What is it?” he asked quietly.

Gollaon nodded slightly in the direction of the innkeeper, a tall man of grim mien and harsh words.  “Note that amulet around his neck.”

Voddick squinted.  “The hour glass?  Filled with black sand?”

“Yes, dark and cruel magic that should be ended.”

Another Year Amulet

The origin of these amulets is unknown, some suspect it was a god who wished to test their worshipers, others a devil as a test of purity, in any case they are a simple item, an hour glass filled with grey crystalline sand.  Their power can only be activated on the first day of the year (calendar year, lunar year, whatever people agree on) and it can be used as a gift or as a cruel tool.