“That new arrival, the one with the staff, seems quite devoted to the defense of the local people,” said Voddick, watching them spar with several men-at-arms.
“Worthy ideals inspire righteous people,” replied Gollaon idly watching the fight.
“We should try and find some of those.”
“Worthy ideals or righteous people?”
“Both.”
Steadfast Staff
These simple wood staves are usually only decorated in the most simple manner, perhaps with the owner’s name or a local symbol.
“Thrice damned bloodsuckers,” cursed Voddick slapping at a bug as he waded through the swamp. “How did we end up here any way?”
“We needed to get out of Glost quickly and this was the only contract leaving directly,” replied Gollaon, scanning the undergrowth.
“Well, those two nights in the palace were worth it,” sighed Voddick. “Do you have any more of the alchemical paste? The one to keep the bugs away?”
Gollaon reached forward and plucked a small dark from Voddick’s armor. “It is not bugs that are trying to bite you my friend.” He shouted, “Be alert, we have hidden enemies with darts around!”
Mosquito Blowgun
These blowguns are usually made of wood or reed and decorated with carvings and inlays dedicated to mosquito. They will buzz lightly in the hand when they have not been used in a long time to indicate their hunger.
“I do not think this is the contract for us, even with the weapons they are offering to provide,” said Voddick quietly.
“I cannot but agree,” replied Gollaon. “But how to extricate ourselves from the situation without raising their ire?”
“We shall have to come up with a plan.”
“A plan so cunning you could put a tail on it and call it a weasel.”
Sword of Slaying Dragons
These sword are usually quite plain as to disguise their purpose and made with elongated hilts. The hilt and tang of the swords are made so that a thin vial or fragment of scale can be securely inserted in contact with the metal and held firm.
Theses weapons are +1 dragon bane sword, a useful if basic tool for one wishing to hunt dragon, it further provides its wielder with a +4 morale bonus to saves against fear-effect from dragons.
“Look, they are bringing up their elite. The knights of the doomsday?” Voddick asked, not sure if he remembered the name correctly.
“Indeed, armed with weapons left over from the Gods War, forged in hell flames and other such fanciful nonsense,” said Gollaon.
“Does that indicate that they are not exceedingly dangerous?”
“Well, yes, but less so because of the weapons. They were forged primarily to fight a divine foe that no longer exists, but they are still potent magic items.”
Hell Lance
These weapons are deliberately constructed to look cruel and vicious with hooks and barbs common motifs, made of black or red tinted steel with poles of dark wood reinforced with strips of metal and studs. They are as much a tool of intimidation as a weapon of war.
Gollaon looked down on the cavalry start to dress its lines in preparation for a charge. “Oh this is going to be ugly. I am not sure if I can watch.”
“Why?” asked Voddick recocking his crossbow.
“The skirmishers have javelins that will magically pin the horses’ hooves to the ground.”
“If they were not on the other side I would warn them.”
“Well, send a warning shot their way, it will not dissuade them but at least we will have tried. I hate the thought of those horses suffering.”
“Agreed,” said Voddick taking aim.
Charge Breaker Javelin
These heavy javelins are often marked with simple images of people stumbling or legs breaking, which demonstrate their intent.
Gollaon ducked behind a tree and Voddick knelt behind his shield, both tree and shield caught arrows. “As long as the left flank holds, I think the battle is ours,” said Voddick.
“They will hold, their commander will see to it,” replied Gollaon, stepping out long enough to loose an arrow and then ducking back.
“The soldiers are solid too. Now we just have to keep from being perforated before the fight ends.”
Sword of the Saopha
The blades of these finely made swords are usually decorated in gold or silver, detailing the heritage of the noble it was made for. The grip is usually horn wrapped with leather or cord. They are prized possession of the noble caste and losing one is seen as a stain on a family’s honor.
“Charge!” yelled the knight, his men-at-arms and mercenaries followed, some more rapidly than others.
“Charging wizards is not the best for our health,” muttered Voddick.
“They said they had protection,” said Gollaon, “and we are about to find out.” He gestured to a warmage crafting a spell.
The mercenaries dove for cover as the mage unleashed a bolt of fire. As it reached the knight, he reached in a blur of motion, his polearm cutting through the fire, weakening the blaze but not entirely dispersing it. The remanant of the flame washed over the pair. “That was surprisingly effective.”
“Hope he can keep it up.”
Storm-Cutting Glaive
These pole arms are decorated with elemental wards and often with other symbolism depending on the who it was made for. The wood of the shaft shows damage from where it has been burned or otherwise damaged but intense energies but its structural integrity remains intact.
