Tuesday Magic Item – Shoes of the Wilis

Gollaon frowned and moved to get a better look at the dancer.  Voddick thought nothing of it at first, used to his friend trying to get a better look at handsome folk, but then he noticed that his friend’s attention was focused almost entirely on the dancer’s shoes.

Voddick sidled up to Gollaon.  “What is it, my friend?” he asked in a whisper.

“Those shoes, there is something about them, but I just cannot put my finger on it . . .”

Voddick looked closer.  “Something fae perhaps?”

Shoes of the Wilis

These shoes are always well made from the best of materials, though no iron or steel is ever used in their construction.  While obviously of the highest quality and value, to those who appreciate such things, they are never overly decorated or gaudy.

Tuesday Magic Item – Solstice Ring

Gollaon gently played the viola as the happy couple took their vows under the Summer sun.  It was a beautiful day and the couples’ whole extended family had arrived.

Voddick oversaw the drinks that had been brought passing them out and, occasionally, keeping more from those who had gone too far down the path of inebriation.

As the event wound down, the two friends met up.  “A task well done,” said Gollaon.

“Indeed, may they be happy and safe together,” nodded Voddick.

Solstice Ring

These rings are always made of gold or a gold alloy, as gold is the metal of the sun, and are usually undecorated on the outside though they sometimes bear an inscription on the interior.  These rings draw upon the light of the longest day to bless and protect those pledged to each other with the rings.  

Tuesday Magic Item – Librarian’s Ring

Voddick looked up at the seemingly unending shelves of books.  “So much knowledge,” he whispered.

Gollaon nodded in agreement.  “This library has been gathering the written word for centuries. I suspect they have books they do not even remember.”

Voddick gave a low whistle.  “If only we had more time.”

“Truth, now let us find that librarian.”

Librarian’s Ring

These items are usually in the form of a signet ring bearing the seal of the library they were made for.  They are usually undecorated apart from the seal, though sometimes a motto or such is inscribed on the interior of the ring.

Tuesday Magic Item – Guitar of the Golden Singer

Gollaon leaned forward, waiting for the next song to start.

Voddick handed his friend a glass of wine.  “You seem very excited about the singer.”

“They are very . . . dynamic,” replied Gollaon, taking a sip of wine.  “It is a whole new way to present music.  It may be the birth of a new style.”

Voddick shrugged.  “They do play well.”

Guitar of the Golden Singer

These guitars are beautifully made of finest woods oiled and polished to a golden sheen, sometimes with a small amount of gold used in decoration.  Their creator’s name is inscribed on the back and each new owner should add their name as well.  The strings are made of finely drawn silver wire.  The first one was made for the songmaster known as the Gold Singer for their love of cloth of gold garments.

Tuesday Magic Item – Scythe of the Harvest God

“That is one fancy scythe,” said Voddick, looking over the supposed agricultural tool, that was decorated with gold leaf and the blued steel blade was decorated with pastoral scenes in gold and silver.

“Truth,” agreed Gollaon, “it is a powerful ensorcelled item as well.  I have seen one other like it, though far away.”

“So it will be used for the harvest tomorrow?”

“Yes, it will be impressive, though taxing upon the reaper.”

Scythe of the Harvest God

These scythes are beautiful, as much works of art as tools for agricultural work.  Harvest scenes or abstract versions of grains are popular as are marks of the gods of harvest.  The scythes are virtually indestructable requiring divine intervention or specific circumstances unique to each scythe.

Tuesday Magic Item – Comfortable Saddle

Gollaon leaned back, “This is the nicest saddle I have ever had.  Why could we not have had these before?”

“Because we are simple mercenaries who cannot afford the finer things in life,” replied Voddick.  “But you speak truth, these saddles are fantastic.”

“We should try and make them part of our pay.”

“Superb idea.”

Comfortable Saddle

These saddles are always decorated, sometimes ornately, sometimes simply, but decorations seem to be part of the enchantment process to create these magic items.  Some are made from exotic leather but this does not seem to actually be required to make them but seems to have become common perhaps so that the creators can pad out the price.

Tuesday Magic Item – Boar Crest Helmet

“Well, we seem to be on the side of the underdog, yet again,” said Voddick checking his gear.

“Well, they are enthusiastic at least,” said Gollaon with a smile, checking that the arrows in the quiver were loose and ready.  “It is nice to be support rather than leading the charge.”

“Truth.  Though it will still be dangerous.”

“Such is our lot in life.”

Boar Crest Helmet

These helmets are exquisitly made of steel and shaped horn decorared with copper and gold and always with a boar on the crest.  They are a symbol of a warrior chieftan and anyone who wears one had best be able to fight with the best of them.

Tuesday Magic Item – Bone Flute of Spirit Stilling

Gollaon listened to the distent music of a flute.  “Rather haunting, no?” he said to Voddick.

“Yes, though I think it is being used to reveal a haunting,” Voddick replied quietly.

“Ghost hunters?” Gollaon asked looking to Voddick.

“Yes, did you not see them arrive?”

“I must have been otherwise occupied.”

Bone Flute of Spirit Stilling

These flutes are made from carved bone, the bone often comes from a person, and they are enchanted, often blessed as well, to play notes that reach beyond this word into the next.  The music of the flute affects those beings who are in the liminal state between life and death, calming and soothing them.

Tuesday Magic Item – Peacock’s Eye Jewelry

Gollaon surveyed the assembled nobles.  “They seem to taking the threat of assassination very seriously,” he noted.

“With three of there number slain in the last month, I should not wonder,” said Voddick.  “But you are referring to their choice of jewelry are you not?”

“Perceptive as always my friend,” nodded Gollaon.  “I wonder if they are pieces they had in storage or if some clever merchant was prepared to cash in on their fear?”

Peacock’s Eye Jewelry

These useful items are always in the shape of a peacock eye, often incorporating the feathers directly into the design.  They can be any sort of jewelry, bracelet, collar, earring, necklace, and all have the same effect, helping to protect the wearer by enhancing their perception of threats.

What is a “Dungeon”?

So, my wife and I were talking with some other gamers at our local game store, Tyche’s Games, as you do.  The people we were talked mentioned that their campaign did not not have dungeon and then described what their campaign did have . . . which sounded just like a dungeon just under another name.

Which lead to a discussion among my wife and I about what defines a dungeon.  I think I know what defines a dungeon, in the classic Dungeons & Dragons sense, to me and which I will elaborate on in a moment.  But what does the term dungeon mean to you?  What images does the word conjure?  Is there anything that you immediate think of, for good or ill?