Tuesday Magic Item – Devilskin Unmentionables

“The new superintendent seems much more commanding since that package arrived from home,” said Voddick watching the action.

Gollaon nodded.  “I wonder what was in it?  I see no new jewelry or symbol of office, nor a new sword or baton . . .”

“Maybe it was just good news from home.”

“Perhaps, but I just cannot but think there was something more.”

“If you think it is a matter of concern, we will watch,” said Voddick, shifting to keep the superintendent in view.

“I think we had best.”

Devilskin Unmentionables

These underthings look like thin leather, usually black or deep red, and fit like silk adapting both shape and form to the wearer.  This effect is mostly under the control of the wearer though given its choice, the unmentionables will always choose revealing and enticing styles.

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Tuesday Magic Item – Showman’s Blade

“It is good to have some time to enjoy a carnival,” said Voddick enjoying a mug of spiced ale.

“But we should keep our wits about us,” said Gollaon eating some honeyed almonds.

“Truth.  Some here are looking for entertainment of a more violent fashion.” Voddick nodded to a group of swaggering toughs.

“We had best keep an eye on them so they do not spoil the festival for the rest,” said Gollaon with a sigh.

Showman’s Blade

These weapons, almost always swords, have elaborately decorated hilts and are often decorated with runes or designs on the blade that flare with magical power when it is used.  Unlike many swords with overly elaborate hilts, the blades are well made and suiting to combat not just show.

RPG Blog Carnival – Making Magic Wondrous

In February, 2019, the Sea of Stars once again hosts the RPG Blog Carnival!  We hope you will join in.

Magic is the defining characteristic of fantasy settings, it is even one of the primary way we use to define fantasy settings: the Low Magic (magic is rare and dangerous) to High Magic (magic is everywhere) spectrum.  But too often, magic just becomes another game mechanic and it loses the wonder and, well, magic of it all.

For this month’s RPG Blog Carnival, we will be looking at how to bring the wonder back into magic and the fantastical into fantasy games.  All ideas and contributions are welcome.

Some suggestions on themes to explore:

• How magic works in your game world and ways to describe it.
• The origin of magic in your world and how that shapes its form and function.
• How the magic of gods and wizards differs or does not.
• Do the different cultures in your world have different magical traditions?  If so, how does that express itself in play and description?
• Is magic new or old?  Traditional or innovative?  Constrained or disruptive?
• How do you make magic items more interesting than just their mechanics?

As to that last question, I devoted an article to it back when the journal was just starting up, Putting the Wonder Back into Wondrous Items. (And more recently, it has been discussed on RPGNet thread, Making Magic Items more Unique)  So it seems a topic of continued interest.

Expect more on other magical subjects here through out the month and please share links to your thoughts and posts in the comments section, let us get some ideas and discussion flowing!

Have a magical February!

Notes: The Sea of Stars previously hosted the RPG Blog Carnival in May, 2017 with the Theme of Occult Mysteries and Magic.

Photo “The Magic Flute @ BAM” by Global X is licensed under CC by 2.0

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.

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.