Tuesday Magic Item – Poet’s Walking Staff

Voddick walked along the path, comfortable for once.

Gollaon kept an easy pace with him.  “This is a relaxing path and with good company.”

“Truth,” agreed Voddick.  “Guarding poets seems an odd task for us, but one I am happy to do.”

“Yes, walks in the wood are a nice way to spend time,” nodded Gollaon.  “Though I am not sure why were are needed.”

“Well, so far we have not been,” replied Voddick, “let us hope that continues.”

Poet’s Walking Staff

These staves are very particular to their original owner, some are simply cut branches, worn smooth with use, to finely worked wood with metal fittings, or even a dried and treated kale stalk as fits the person who first owned the staff.

The staff is beautifully balanced and, if used as a weapon is treated as magic with a +1 enhancement bonus to attack, exceedingly sturdy.

Used for it purpose, as a walking staff, the owner finds travel easier, freeing their mind to ponder the world.  The owner can traverse ground for travel purposes as though their walking speed was 5′ greater and during combat can ignore the first 5′ of difficult terrain they pass through each round.

After a long walk, at least two hours, the owner gains a +4 competent bonus to all Perform checks for the rest of the day.

Aura moderate divination and transformation; CL 5th
Slot none; Price 2,400; Weight 2 lbs
Construction Requirements
Craft wondrous item, expeditous retreat, owl’s wisdom; Cost 1,200

For D&D 5E:

Wondrous item (staff), uncommon

First paragraph as above.

The staff is beautifully balanced, if used as a weapon is treated as magic with a +1 to hit, and exceedingly sturdy.

Used for it purpose, as a walking staff, the owner finds travel easier, freeing their mind to ponder the world.  The owner can traverse ground for travel purposes as though their walking speed was 5′ greater and during combat can ignore the first 5′ of difficult terrain they pass through each round.

After a long walk, at least two hours, the owner gains advantage to all Charisma (Perform) checks for the rest of the day.

Notes: Partly inspired by the fact that today is Robert Burns Day, Poet and Scotland’s favorite son and that I wanted something travel themed to round out the month.  Besides, it would be lovely to good for a long walk in Scotland.  And, yes, walking sticks made from kale stalks are a thing, especially in the Victorian era, you can read about it here.

Image A man holding a walking stick, a hat and some heather is standing on the top of a hill looking over the land. Engraving by C.H. Jeens after P. Foltz from the Wellcome Collection and used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.