Tuesday Magic Item – Revolution’s Crimson Banner

Gollaon looked out the window.  “The crowds are gathering and they do not seem happy.”

“Time to take our charge and leave,” said Voddick as he finished packing.  “It will not be a good time to be a noble in this city if I am reading the political winds correctly.”

“I fear you are correct, best to flee the storm rather than try and weather it,” Gollaon grabbed his cloak and bag.  “Shame, I was enjoying the theatre here.”

“We can find other theatres.”

A hue and cry when up from the not to distant crowds.  “Right you are.”

Revolution’s Crimson Banner

These banners are often roughly made, and contrary to their name can be of any color or design, but they usually express a desire or concern of the people who made it.  The banner is deigned to inspire and support those seeking change or redress of wrongs.

Those who can see the banner are are aligned with its cause gain a +4 morale bonus to resist fear effects.

When the banner leads those who follow it into non-violent conflict gain a +2 morale bonus to appropriate skill checks.

If matters turn violent, the banner’s bearer can choose:

• To Retreat, if so all allied people within 120′ of the banner gain a +1 shield bonus to armor class and 2d4 temporary hit points for an hour or until the banner and it followers have retreated to safety, whichever is shorter.
• To Victory, if so all allied people within 120′ of the banner gain a +1 morale bonus to attack and damage, along with 2d4 temporary hit points for an hour or until the victory has been achieved (however victory may be defined, usually by seizing a point or chasing off a rival group), whichever is shorter.  If the named victory is achieved, a new objective may be chosen, resetting the hour and continuing the conflict.  Each Victory gives the banner bearer a +2 enhancement bonus to Charisma, up to a maximum of +6, while leading the people to victory.  This bonus remains for the banner bearer whenever they interact with anyone who had participated in the victories.

Aura moderate enchantment (compulsion); CL 9th
Slot none; Price 50,000; Weight 4 lbs
Construction Requirements
Craft Wondrous Item, eagle’s splendor, heroism, shield; Cost 25,000

For D&D 5E:

Wondrous item (banner), rare (requires attunement)

First paragraph as above.

Those who can see the banner are are aligned with its cause gain advantage to saving throw to resist fear effects.

When the banner leads those who follow it into non-violent conflict gain a +1d4 bonus to appropriate attribute rolls.

If matters turn violent, the banner’s bearer can choose:

• To Retreat, if so all allied people within 120′ of the banner gain a +1 to armor class and 2d4 temporary hit points for an hour or until the banner and it followers have retreated to safety, whichever is shorter.
• To Victory, if so all allied people within 120′ of the banner gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls, along with 2d4 temporary hit points for an hour or until the victory has been achieved (however victory may be defined, usually by seizing a point or chasing off a rival group), whichever is shorter.  If the named victory is achieved, a new objective may be chosen, resetting the hour and continuing the conflict.  Each Victory gives the banner bearer a +2 enhancement bonus to Charisma, up to a maximum of +6, while leading the people to victory.  This bonus remains for the banner bearer whenever they interact with anyone who had participated in the victories.

Notes: It is, after all, Bastille Day!  The fact is, revolutions tend to get out of control very quickly even when people have a good idea where they want them to go.

Compare and contrast with the Black Banner of the People.

Image from the the People’s History Museum Marx Memorial Library banners display and is used without permission.