The sun was swallowed whole, and Jie Chue swept swiftly towards his forge as the sun's darkness touched the earth beneath his feet, only to pause as a shadow fell across his own.
Dust-worn and weary the traveller stood, his trials plain and his oaths plainer still; bled dry to his core, betrayer and betrayed against his knowledge. Jie Chue nodded once.
The stranger he gifted with the earth's own darkness and a single breath:
Keep loved ones close, and hated ones closer.
Earth's Ending: This sword is heavy and broad of blade, sharpened on both edges and coming to a blunt point. The blade is forged of one piece with the hilt from a mottled, tawny-bronze alloy and is shot through with silky black marbling along the length of the blade itself. Earth's Ending possesses a simple grip of brown jasper plaques carved with indentations for curled fingers; its quillions are simple, heavy and swept back slightly, its pommel a heavy bronze ring bearing a tassel of tawny leather braids.
Earth's Ending is a two-handed sword +2. Its damage is considered aspected to elemental earth; it inflicts half again its damage against all creatures of the air. At will, the wielder of Earth's Ending may choose to bestow one or more of the blade's bonuses to a companion within 100'; this earthen embrace bestows a bonus to Armour Class equal to twice the blade bonus gifted in the form of a flexible skin of tawny stone, until two turns pass or the the blade's wielder revokes the embrace. When this ability is invoked, the veins of darkness in the sword beat once.
Once the embrace has been bestowed 2-12 times, Earth's Ending promptly erupts in a roiling mass of ink-black energies, engulfing all within a 20' radius of its bearer. This scorched earth inflicts 3-12 hit points of damage on all caught within its reach save for the wielder of Earth's Ending, who instead takes -2 to Strength and Wisdom for twenty-four hours. The count then resets.
Showing posts with label Jie Chue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jie Chue. Show all posts
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Friday, December 17, 2010
Magic Item: The Burning Road
Under the brilliant noonday sun Jie Chue laboured at the forge; a tremor signaled another's presence, and he paused his work.
A brash and stubborn princeling stood before him, his temper quenched as he detailed his desire. Strength and brilliance forged as one, though without the touch of iron; no dainty graces, only the power and the will.
Jie Chue sent the princeling to the south as he turned back to his forge.
At the fall of night, he gave the gift of the earth's own fire.
The Burning Road: A massive two-handed sword, almost too heavy to lift, the Burning Road bears an unnaturally broad blade and a chisel tip. Forged not from any metal but from black basalt, the sword's blade is shot through with glowing veins of red-hot magma; despite this the sword's edge is honed as fine as an obsidian razor. Burning Road's grip is wrapped with rough red leather braiding, and its pommel is decorated with tassels of fire opals and red silk.
The Burning Road is a two-handed sword +1. With each successful strike, the blade stores one "point" and its veins glow even more firey; when four points have been stored they may be expended to fuel the blade as it is used to destroy a single enchantment or similar magical or mental influence. Alternately, the points may be expended to create a firepath -- a focused beam of flame from the blade that unerringly points towards a desired location known to its bearer. The beam lingers for four rounds.
This blade does not approve of those without the will to fight fairly for its gifts; damaging allies or oneself in order to accumulate power results in a backlash of 1-6 points of damage per point in the blade as phantom magma lashes the offender.
A brash and stubborn princeling stood before him, his temper quenched as he detailed his desire. Strength and brilliance forged as one, though without the touch of iron; no dainty graces, only the power and the will.
Jie Chue sent the princeling to the south as he turned back to his forge.
At the fall of night, he gave the gift of the earth's own fire.
The Burning Road: A massive two-handed sword, almost too heavy to lift, the Burning Road bears an unnaturally broad blade and a chisel tip. Forged not from any metal but from black basalt, the sword's blade is shot through with glowing veins of red-hot magma; despite this the sword's edge is honed as fine as an obsidian razor. Burning Road's grip is wrapped with rough red leather braiding, and its pommel is decorated with tassels of fire opals and red silk.
The Burning Road is a two-handed sword +1. With each successful strike, the blade stores one "point" and its veins glow even more firey; when four points have been stored they may be expended to fuel the blade as it is used to destroy a single enchantment or similar magical or mental influence. Alternately, the points may be expended to create a firepath -- a focused beam of flame from the blade that unerringly points towards a desired location known to its bearer. The beam lingers for four rounds.
This blade does not approve of those without the will to fight fairly for its gifts; damaging allies or oneself in order to accumulate power results in a backlash of 1-6 points of damage per point in the blade as phantom magma lashes the offender.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Magic Item: The Waiting Storm
In the falling light of evening Jie Chue found himself approached by the scion of an ancient line.
This pale-haired prince desired a pair of light and shining blades, quick to blood, a hidden sting; though, cursed in his blood, could wield no steel. He asked only for wisdom.
Jie Chue smiled and turned away.
In the rising light of morning he gifted the prince with dawn's own lightning.
The Waiting Storm: Paired shortswords, The Waiting Storm is crafted of transparent glass as strong as steel; pale gold and rose and colourless, the glass of the blades appears rippled and dimpled though is perfectly smooth and bearing a razor's edge. Though hilt and pommel are cast as one with the blades, the grip of each sword is wrapped with twisted white and jade green silks and bear a white silk tassel tipped with gold. Each of the Storm's blades holds within a bit of the power of lightning, released at the will of the wielder.
Each blade of The Waiting Storm is a shortsword +1. With every successful strike, a blade will generate one hit point's worth of stored damage to a maximum of six points stored in each blade. These points may be expended as electrical damage during an attack; alternately, three points may be expended to hold a target for one hour if a save vs. paralysis is failed.
This pale-haired prince desired a pair of light and shining blades, quick to blood, a hidden sting; though, cursed in his blood, could wield no steel. He asked only for wisdom.
Jie Chue smiled and turned away.
In the rising light of morning he gifted the prince with dawn's own lightning.
The Waiting Storm: Paired shortswords, The Waiting Storm is crafted of transparent glass as strong as steel; pale gold and rose and colourless, the glass of the blades appears rippled and dimpled though is perfectly smooth and bearing a razor's edge. Though hilt and pommel are cast as one with the blades, the grip of each sword is wrapped with twisted white and jade green silks and bear a white silk tassel tipped with gold. Each of the Storm's blades holds within a bit of the power of lightning, released at the will of the wielder.
Each blade of The Waiting Storm is a shortsword +1. With every successful strike, a blade will generate one hit point's worth of stored damage to a maximum of six points stored in each blade. These points may be expended as electrical damage during an attack; alternately, three points may be expended to hold a target for one hour if a save vs. paralysis is failed.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Magic Item: Terror's Fury
Lost in darkness, body and mind both lost to corruption; in such a state, what is there left untouched?
Staring calmly into the void, Jie Chue saw at once;
and, carving those tainted parts of his self free, forged his final contemplation of the fallen state.
The last to fall to corruption is the spirit.
Terror's Fury: Possessing all the length of a typical two-handed sword, Terror's Fury is single-edged and slightly curved, with a curving sharpened spur at the root of the blade. The blade's blued surface is ragged with streaks of cinnabar like strikes of lightning; the quillions and pommel-nut are simple bronze, the grip wrapped in the hide of a tiger.
Terror's Fury is a two handed sword +2. With every successful attack the sword inflicts an additional 1-4 hit points of damage from its electrified edge and immediately forces a morale check with a -2 penalty or the victim flees in mindless fright. By sacrificing a point of Charisma and Constitution for a day, the bearer of Terror's Fury may invoke a deathfrenzy in another -- or in themselves -- causing all damage to be increased by half again and granting +3 to initiative and to-hit rolls, -2 penalty to Armour Class, and +2 to saves vs. paralyzation, poison or death. However, the subject of a deathfrenzy may not stop attacking until all viable targets, including allies, are off the field of battle or slaughtered. If the deathfrenzy is invoked on a subject that is not the bearer of Terror's Fury, the sword's bearer loses one hit point permanently.
Staring calmly into the void, Jie Chue saw at once;
and, carving those tainted parts of his self free, forged his final contemplation of the fallen state.
The last to fall to corruption is the spirit.
Terror's Fury: Possessing all the length of a typical two-handed sword, Terror's Fury is single-edged and slightly curved, with a curving sharpened spur at the root of the blade. The blade's blued surface is ragged with streaks of cinnabar like strikes of lightning; the quillions and pommel-nut are simple bronze, the grip wrapped in the hide of a tiger.
Terror's Fury is a two handed sword +2. With every successful attack the sword inflicts an additional 1-4 hit points of damage from its electrified edge and immediately forces a morale check with a -2 penalty or the victim flees in mindless fright. By sacrificing a point of Charisma and Constitution for a day, the bearer of Terror's Fury may invoke a deathfrenzy in another -- or in themselves -- causing all damage to be increased by half again and granting +3 to initiative and to-hit rolls, -2 penalty to Armour Class, and +2 to saves vs. paralyzation, poison or death. However, the subject of a deathfrenzy may not stop attacking until all viable targets, including allies, are off the field of battle or slaughtered. If the deathfrenzy is invoked on a subject that is not the bearer of Terror's Fury, the sword's bearer loses one hit point permanently.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Magic Item: Silken Deception
The darkness and the flesh are corruption's easy meat; the first is its birthing, the second feeds it.
But other facets called themselves to Jie Chue's mind as he swept bone-ashes from the forge. Little under heaven and in earth is content with flesh alone.
The answer came in a faint grey whisper as he beheld the shattered mourners --
The second influence was of the corruption of the mind.
Silken Deception: A slender sword and graceful, Silken Deception is a smaller weapon than its fellows though no less deadly. The blade is sharpened along both edges and its tip is reinforced for piercing; a delicate abstract pattern of blackened arabesques and webwork traces its way down the blade's rib. Though Silken Deception's quillions and pommel-nut are of unornamented, bluish steel, the grip is wrapped in braided grey silks that trail free of the hilt like hazy scarves.
Silken Deception is a short sword +2. With each successful strike, the blade taints the victim's mind with a drugged haze, causing a charm effect that lasts until the victim makes a successful saving throw, allowed once every two rounds. By sacrificing a point of Wisdom for a day, the bearer of Silken Deception may create a mindwraith that draws out the victim's psyche and turns it against them. This mindwraith is semi-tangible, has all the statistics and equipment of the victim and attacks mercilessly; it may only be harmed by the victim.
But other facets called themselves to Jie Chue's mind as he swept bone-ashes from the forge. Little under heaven and in earth is content with flesh alone.
The answer came in a faint grey whisper as he beheld the shattered mourners --
The second influence was of the corruption of the mind.
Silken Deception: A slender sword and graceful, Silken Deception is a smaller weapon than its fellows though no less deadly. The blade is sharpened along both edges and its tip is reinforced for piercing; a delicate abstract pattern of blackened arabesques and webwork traces its way down the blade's rib. Though Silken Deception's quillions and pommel-nut are of unornamented, bluish steel, the grip is wrapped in braided grey silks that trail free of the hilt like hazy scarves.
Silken Deception is a short sword +2. With each successful strike, the blade taints the victim's mind with a drugged haze, causing a charm effect that lasts until the victim makes a successful saving throw, allowed once every two rounds. By sacrificing a point of Wisdom for a day, the bearer of Silken Deception may create a mindwraith that draws out the victim's psyche and turns it against them. This mindwraith is semi-tangible, has all the statistics and equipment of the victim and attacks mercilessly; it may only be harmed by the victim.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Magic Item: Withering Bite
Through meditation upon corruption, the smith had forged an edge of frozen darkness.
But on this unhallowed subject Jie Chue sought to discern a finer point; in what means could corruption's touch be brought to bear upon the world.
The answer came in a darkling flash as he beheld a shattered grave --
The first influence was of the corruption of the body.
Withering Bite: This single-edged, curved and deep-bellied weapon is mottled with a patchy pattern of corroded copper along both sides of the blade; though the sickly green causes the sword to look almost diseased, it has no effect on the weapon's integrity. The smooth brassy quillions curve forward like paired fangs and the pommel tapers to a simple cinnabar bulb, while the grip is wrapped tightly in an unidentifiable reptilian hide.
Withering Bite is a sword +2. With each successful attack, Withering Bite's corroded blade leaves silvers of flesh-eating vitriol in the wound, dissolving flesh, blood and bone at a rate of 2 hit points per round until the injury is treated by magic. By sacrificing a point of Strength for a day, the wielder of Withering Bite may inflict a bonemelt on a single target, causing the victim's bones to splinter into osseous clots and their Armour Class to immediately worsen by six as their movement rate is dropped to one-third.
But on this unhallowed subject Jie Chue sought to discern a finer point; in what means could corruption's touch be brought to bear upon the world.
The answer came in a darkling flash as he beheld a shattered grave --
The first influence was of the corruption of the body.
Withering Bite: This single-edged, curved and deep-bellied weapon is mottled with a patchy pattern of corroded copper along both sides of the blade; though the sickly green causes the sword to look almost diseased, it has no effect on the weapon's integrity. The smooth brassy quillions curve forward like paired fangs and the pommel tapers to a simple cinnabar bulb, while the grip is wrapped tightly in an unidentifiable reptilian hide.
Withering Bite is a sword +2. With each successful attack, Withering Bite's corroded blade leaves silvers of flesh-eating vitriol in the wound, dissolving flesh, blood and bone at a rate of 2 hit points per round until the injury is treated by magic. By sacrificing a point of Strength for a day, the wielder of Withering Bite may inflict a bonemelt on a single target, causing the victim's bones to splinter into osseous clots and their Armour Class to immediately worsen by six as their movement rate is dropped to one-third.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Magic Item: Midnight's Claw
As the year turned and the skies grew dark, Jie Chue meditated on corruption.
A worthy subject, as he deemed it; one does not understand a thing without touching it at the core. Very well, so should it be. A month and a day did he consider this.
In the darkest nights of winter, the smith returned to the forge and brought forth a blackened talon.
This, he mused upon; then gifted the blade to a wandering swordsman whose heart was blackened and whose way was lost.
Midnight's Claw: With blade and hilt forged of one solid length of pitch-black steel, Midnight's Claw is a massive and yet surprisingly maneuverable weapon. Simply ornamented, the sword's hilt is wrapped in white wolfskin, the pommel a heavy ring; down the blade runs a series of etchings that resemble a lacework of frost.
Midnight's Claw is a two-handed sword +2. With every successful strike, the blade freezes the victim's flesh, inflicting an additional 1-6 hit points of damage unless the victim makes a save vs. death ray; the wielder may choose instead to envelop the victim in darkness, rendering them permanently blind. By sacrificing a point of Constitution for a day, the wielder of Midnight's Claw may invoke a netherbolt of roiling, clinging black "lightning" that inflicts 3-18 hit points of damage -- healing the undead, and inflicting half again the damage to Lawful creatures -- and paralyzes for 2-7 rounds.
A worthy subject, as he deemed it; one does not understand a thing without touching it at the core. Very well, so should it be. A month and a day did he consider this.
In the darkest nights of winter, the smith returned to the forge and brought forth a blackened talon.
This, he mused upon; then gifted the blade to a wandering swordsman whose heart was blackened and whose way was lost.
Midnight's Claw: With blade and hilt forged of one solid length of pitch-black steel, Midnight's Claw is a massive and yet surprisingly maneuverable weapon. Simply ornamented, the sword's hilt is wrapped in white wolfskin, the pommel a heavy ring; down the blade runs a series of etchings that resemble a lacework of frost.
Midnight's Claw is a two-handed sword +2. With every successful strike, the blade freezes the victim's flesh, inflicting an additional 1-6 hit points of damage unless the victim makes a save vs. death ray; the wielder may choose instead to envelop the victim in darkness, rendering them permanently blind. By sacrificing a point of Constitution for a day, the wielder of Midnight's Claw may invoke a netherbolt of roiling, clinging black "lightning" that inflicts 3-18 hit points of damage -- healing the undead, and inflicting half again the damage to Lawful creatures -- and paralyzes for 2-7 rounds.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Magic Item: Wayedge
In a morning of frost, Jie Chue was approached by a cohort of young wanderers.
They were young, and unblooded; the blade-smith shook his head, knowing their fates.
All requests he refused; and the youths turned away with bitter pride.
Unmoved, Jie Chue returned to his forge.
The last returned to him, and spoke of the wish to lead his companions home.
Without a word, Jie Chue gave him the path.
Wayedge: A sword with a single sharpened edge -- though not curved, as a sabre would be -- Wayedge is forged of steel as reflective as water, its lone edge a thin line of burning cinnabar. The sword's hilt is of twisted cords of copper and black iron, wrapped in white silk; the pommel-nut is a single teardrop of silver.
Wayedge is a sword +1. At any time the bearer of Wayedge may choose to sacrifice the sword's bonus to instead be granted a +1 magical bonus to Armour Class. The blade's enchantments are more useful outside of combat; When set pointmost on the ground and released, Wayedge will yet stand upright upon its point, swiveling to direct the edge of its blade towards any location requested by (and familiar to) its bearer.
The sword also contains a hidden power, revealed only when its bearer is under extreme duress. With the sacrifice of all hit points to ignite the blade, Wayedge may be used to carve a cinnabar portal -- in the very air itself, if necessary -- that will stand open for two rounds and transport the allies of Wayedge's bearer to a single closen location. Activation of this power kills the bearer of Wayedge.
They were young, and unblooded; the blade-smith shook his head, knowing their fates.
All requests he refused; and the youths turned away with bitter pride.
Unmoved, Jie Chue returned to his forge.
The last returned to him, and spoke of the wish to lead his companions home.
Without a word, Jie Chue gave him the path.
Wayedge: A sword with a single sharpened edge -- though not curved, as a sabre would be -- Wayedge is forged of steel as reflective as water, its lone edge a thin line of burning cinnabar. The sword's hilt is of twisted cords of copper and black iron, wrapped in white silk; the pommel-nut is a single teardrop of silver.
Wayedge is a sword +1. At any time the bearer of Wayedge may choose to sacrifice the sword's bonus to instead be granted a +1 magical bonus to Armour Class. The blade's enchantments are more useful outside of combat; When set pointmost on the ground and released, Wayedge will yet stand upright upon its point, swiveling to direct the edge of its blade towards any location requested by (and familiar to) its bearer.
The sword also contains a hidden power, revealed only when its bearer is under extreme duress. With the sacrifice of all hit points to ignite the blade, Wayedge may be used to carve a cinnabar portal -- in the very air itself, if necessary -- that will stand open for two rounds and transport the allies of Wayedge's bearer to a single closen location. Activation of this power kills the bearer of Wayedge.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Magic Item: Silent Scales
For many days a spell-weaver came to visit Jie Chue at his forge.
And for many days unending he spoke of his quests in the great Burning Lands to the east; he spoke of his wish to travel there again, and of his wish to run with the blade-dancers there.
He spoke of the wild and unforgiving beasts, and of many such marvels to be found within the ruby and gold of the sands.
He spoke without cease, and Jie Chue grew weary.
With a wordless smile he gifted the weaver of spells with a blade to cool the Lands, and bid he learn the value of silence.
Silent Scales: Forged from water-steel of a paticularly translucent nature, and marked with a pattern of overlapping reptilian scales just barely visible in torchlight, Silent Scales is an elegant blade of perfect symmetry. Its hilt is frosted steel tinged faintly peacock-green, with coiling tendrils for a hand-guard; and a single rosy pearl is mounted as a pommel-nut.
Silent Scales is a sword +1 which may be wielded by any character as if they were a fighter of their level. Against creatures of desert or flame the sword inflicts half again its damage per successful strike, and so long as at least one such creature is killed by the blade each day its bearer is protected from the ravages of the desert and other such environments.
However, as long as Silent Scales is in its bearer's possession -- not merely actively borne or wielded -- its owner is rendered mute.
And for many days unending he spoke of his quests in the great Burning Lands to the east; he spoke of his wish to travel there again, and of his wish to run with the blade-dancers there.
He spoke of the wild and unforgiving beasts, and of many such marvels to be found within the ruby and gold of the sands.
He spoke without cease, and Jie Chue grew weary.
With a wordless smile he gifted the weaver of spells with a blade to cool the Lands, and bid he learn the value of silence.
Silent Scales: Forged from water-steel of a paticularly translucent nature, and marked with a pattern of overlapping reptilian scales just barely visible in torchlight, Silent Scales is an elegant blade of perfect symmetry. Its hilt is frosted steel tinged faintly peacock-green, with coiling tendrils for a hand-guard; and a single rosy pearl is mounted as a pommel-nut.
Silent Scales is a sword +1 which may be wielded by any character as if they were a fighter of their level. Against creatures of desert or flame the sword inflicts half again its damage per successful strike, and so long as at least one such creature is killed by the blade each day its bearer is protected from the ravages of the desert and other such environments.
However, as long as Silent Scales is in its bearer's possession -- not merely actively borne or wielded -- its owner is rendered mute.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Magic Item: Blind Reflection
Blind Reflection: This fey and enchanted weapon is a slender spear, its shaft of rowanwood ornamented with brass and black iron. The blade of the weapon, its tang sunk into a black iron socket, is long and shaped like a wickedly sharp prism; the weapon's head gleams with an impossibly reflective surface, like a crystal formed of a mirror's glass.
Blind Reflection is a spear +1, +2 vs. shapechangers and undead. The bane of enchantments and magics of all kinds, Blind Reflection may have its warding light invoked at any time: its blade flashes brilliantly, and any magical effect -- be it spell, magic item usage, mental influence, or even onrushing dragon breath -- is immediately nullified. However, Blind Reflection may only exercise this power six times; on the sixth usage of the warding light its blade shatters into dust.
The style of the weapon is a peculiar blend, resembling both the weaponry of the fallen neu empires and, most notably, the work of the bladesmith Jie Chue. Should that worthy ever be queried, however -- if he lives still -- the smith merely shakes his head with a small smile, reminding that he forges only swords.
Blind Reflection is a spear +1, +2 vs. shapechangers and undead. The bane of enchantments and magics of all kinds, Blind Reflection may have its warding light invoked at any time: its blade flashes brilliantly, and any magical effect -- be it spell, magic item usage, mental influence, or even onrushing dragon breath -- is immediately nullified. However, Blind Reflection may only exercise this power six times; on the sixth usage of the warding light its blade shatters into dust.
The style of the weapon is a peculiar blend, resembling both the weaponry of the fallen neu empires and, most notably, the work of the bladesmith Jie Chue. Should that worthy ever be queried, however -- if he lives still -- the smith merely shakes his head with a small smile, reminding that he forges only swords.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Magic Item: Grey Fangs
Jie Chue -- as happened on occasion, fate being what it will be -- once found a risen spirit lurking within his forge.
This spirit was a vengeful thing. Cursing and clawing, the spectre lay its fate at the swordsmith's feet. Jie Chue's gift did not prevent its death --
Unmoved by the prickling at his life, Jie Chue crafted four slim fangs from shining spirit and silver steel; marked out the cardinals about his forge, and turned his back on the wailing dead one.
A mendicant holy one came, after a time, and struck down the spectre to its proper hell.
Jie Chue gifted her the fangs without a word.
Grey Fangs: Slender and almost stiletto-like, though slightly curved, these four small blades are crafted of an enchanted alloy of silver and steel. Blade, quillions and hilt are all of one piece, the blade is honed razor sharp, and the grip is sheathed in bone mounted in silver. The pommel-nut is, on every blade, a hemisphere of brightly polished black iron, and each blade bears a tassel of grey silk cord and an intricate glyph etched onto the blade itself. All four fangs are identical.
If the owner of the Grey Fangs wishes, the fangs may be thrown (15' range, 1-3 hit points damage), and possess a magical +1 bonus to hit but not to damage. However, their true enchantment is one of warding.
Any area demarcated by the four fangs -- whether stuck in the ground, laid out flat, etc -- up to 40' feet in radius will be protected from the physical presence or spiritual invasion by undead creatures. The undead may not cross the intangible barrier created by the fangs. However, any disturbance of the blades will end the protection, as will any interaction with undead creatures held at bay by the fang's power. An undead creature may interfere with the placement of a fang but will suffer 3-12 hit points of damage for doing so. The barrier has an indeterminate duration, but may only be created once a day. All four fangs are required.
This spirit was a vengeful thing. Cursing and clawing, the spectre lay its fate at the swordsmith's feet. Jie Chue's gift did not prevent its death --
Unmoved by the prickling at his life, Jie Chue crafted four slim fangs from shining spirit and silver steel; marked out the cardinals about his forge, and turned his back on the wailing dead one.
A mendicant holy one came, after a time, and struck down the spectre to its proper hell.
Jie Chue gifted her the fangs without a word.
Grey Fangs: Slender and almost stiletto-like, though slightly curved, these four small blades are crafted of an enchanted alloy of silver and steel. Blade, quillions and hilt are all of one piece, the blade is honed razor sharp, and the grip is sheathed in bone mounted in silver. The pommel-nut is, on every blade, a hemisphere of brightly polished black iron, and each blade bears a tassel of grey silk cord and an intricate glyph etched onto the blade itself. All four fangs are identical.
If the owner of the Grey Fangs wishes, the fangs may be thrown (15' range, 1-3 hit points damage), and possess a magical +1 bonus to hit but not to damage. However, their true enchantment is one of warding.
Any area demarcated by the four fangs -- whether stuck in the ground, laid out flat, etc -- up to 40' feet in radius will be protected from the physical presence or spiritual invasion by undead creatures. The undead may not cross the intangible barrier created by the fangs. However, any disturbance of the blades will end the protection, as will any interaction with undead creatures held at bay by the fang's power. An undead creature may interfere with the placement of a fang but will suffer 3-12 hit points of damage for doing so. The barrier has an indeterminate duration, but may only be created once a day. All four fangs are required.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Magic Item: Thorn's Blessing
As Jie Chue was gathering brushwood for his forge-fires, he once met a princely knight amongst the briars. The knight greeted him, and asked to be of service. Such was his purpose.
Jie Chue shook his head; he needed no such aid. With a weary smile the knight continued on his way, and Jie Chue pondered the meeting as he stood before the forge.
A year and a day passed.
The knight crossed Jie Chue's path on the briar-road once more; and Jie Chue gifted him a blade with which to divine that purpose.
Thorn's Blessing: This slender blade is a short sword with a blade of mirror-bright steel. Its hilt, of a darker and frosted steel, mounts a grip of ivory wrapped in braided crimson silk and a knuckle-guard of coiling, thorned arcs of magically-hardened gold. Set in the pommel is a garnet cabochon etched with petals and thorns.
Thorn's Blessing is a short sword +1. The bearer of the blade may, once a day, reroll any one saving throw or attempted attack roll; additionally, the bearer may use the blade's power to divine the wishes and needs of a subject a number of times a day equal to the bearer's Charisma modifier.
Jie Chue shook his head; he needed no such aid. With a weary smile the knight continued on his way, and Jie Chue pondered the meeting as he stood before the forge.
A year and a day passed.
The knight crossed Jie Chue's path on the briar-road once more; and Jie Chue gifted him a blade with which to divine that purpose.
Thorn's Blessing: This slender blade is a short sword with a blade of mirror-bright steel. Its hilt, of a darker and frosted steel, mounts a grip of ivory wrapped in braided crimson silk and a knuckle-guard of coiling, thorned arcs of magically-hardened gold. Set in the pommel is a garnet cabochon etched with petals and thorns.
Thorn's Blessing is a short sword +1. The bearer of the blade may, once a day, reroll any one saving throw or attempted attack roll; additionally, the bearer may use the blade's power to divine the wishes and needs of a subject a number of times a day equal to the bearer's Charisma modifier.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Magic Item: Reaping Harvest
All living things must rest, as all things must one day come to an end. Some must be extinguished that others continue on. Thus will the new replace the old after the sleep of death.
A hard lesson, but a wise one.
With hard-won acceptance of this wisdom, Jie Chue bent his head and taught the harsh rest of autumn to harder steel.
Reaping Harvest: Balanced yet oddly heavy, this hilt of this sword is wrapped in copper wire. In the pommel is set a high-domed cabochon of garnet, and a ragged leaf picked out in carnelian ornaments the blade on either flat. With a regretful smile, Jie Chue left the blade in the hands of a famed physicker, as a reminder that even healing may come with an unforseen price.
Reaping Harvest is a sword +2. Once a day, the blade's bearer may drain the life-fluids from a victim struck by the sword, dessicating them and healing their own self by the amount of damage inflicted; if the injury did not kill the target, they are forced into magical sleep until harmed again if a save vs. spell is failed.
A hard lesson, but a wise one.
With hard-won acceptance of this wisdom, Jie Chue bent his head and taught the harsh rest of autumn to harder steel.
Reaping Harvest: Balanced yet oddly heavy, this hilt of this sword is wrapped in copper wire. In the pommel is set a high-domed cabochon of garnet, and a ragged leaf picked out in carnelian ornaments the blade on either flat. With a regretful smile, Jie Chue left the blade in the hands of a famed physicker, as a reminder that even healing may come with an unforseen price.
Reaping Harvest is a sword +2. Once a day, the blade's bearer may drain the life-fluids from a victim struck by the sword, dessicating them and healing their own self by the amount of damage inflicted; if the injury did not kill the target, they are forced into magical sleep until harmed again if a save vs. spell is failed.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Magic Item: Flickering Mirage
The promise of life's renewal in turn became the too-bright sunlight and the heat-haze of summer.
What appears to be under the high season's bright light is not always there;
This truth Jie Chue forged with a faint smile at the deception of nature.
Flickering Mirage: Razor-keen and gleaming of blade, this sword bears a hilt wrapped in gold wire. In the pommel is set a many-faceted topaz, and a sunburst picked out in amber ornaments the blade on either flat. Furthering the gentle deception, Jie Chue gifted the sword to a practitioner of magic, who fled those who sought to take his life with bitter curses.
Flickering Mirage is a sword +2. Once a day, its bearer may grasp the bare blade, or press against a tiny barb tucked into the hilt; when blood is drawn, the blade's bearer may shift in a shimmering heatwave up to fifteen feet in any direction, so long as there is space for them to arrive, as if they were always at the arrival-point.
What appears to be under the high season's bright light is not always there;
This truth Jie Chue forged with a faint smile at the deception of nature.
Flickering Mirage: Razor-keen and gleaming of blade, this sword bears a hilt wrapped in gold wire. In the pommel is set a many-faceted topaz, and a sunburst picked out in amber ornaments the blade on either flat. Furthering the gentle deception, Jie Chue gifted the sword to a practitioner of magic, who fled those who sought to take his life with bitter curses.
Flickering Mirage is a sword +2. Once a day, its bearer may grasp the bare blade, or press against a tiny barb tucked into the hilt; when blood is drawn, the blade's bearer may shift in a shimmering heatwave up to fifteen feet in any direction, so long as there is space for them to arrive, as if they were always at the arrival-point.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Magic Item: Lifewarden
If the winter months brought stillness, then what came on the winds of spring?
The answer came readily to Jie Chue's hands:
Abeyance of death, and the renewal of life.
Lifewarden: Finely balanced and weighted, the hilt of this sword is wrapped in electrum wire. In the pommel is set a leaf-green cabochon of jade, and a five-petaled flower picked out in rosy quartz ornaments the blade on either flat. When the sword was complete, Jie Chue brought it to an ancient shrine; on the worn steps, he gifted Lifewarden to a wandering medicant who had given up his violent ways.
Lifewarden is a sword +2. Once a day, its bearer may cause the sword's blade to run wet with wine-dark sap. If this fluid is introduced into the bloodstream via the blade, it will cleanse the effects of a single poison or disease. As a pre-emptive treatment it will last only one hour.
The answer came readily to Jie Chue's hands:
Abeyance of death, and the renewal of life.
Lifewarden: Finely balanced and weighted, the hilt of this sword is wrapped in electrum wire. In the pommel is set a leaf-green cabochon of jade, and a five-petaled flower picked out in rosy quartz ornaments the blade on either flat. When the sword was complete, Jie Chue brought it to an ancient shrine; on the worn steps, he gifted Lifewarden to a wandering medicant who had given up his violent ways.
Lifewarden is a sword +2. Once a day, its bearer may cause the sword's blade to run wet with wine-dark sap. If this fluid is introduced into the bloodstream via the blade, it will cleanse the effects of a single poison or disease. As a pre-emptive treatment it will last only one hour.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Magic Item: Frozen Moment
Jie Chue forged many blades at the request of others. It was his calling, and his pleasure.
But, after a time, he sought a different inspiration.
For a year and a day, Jie Chue meditated in his gardens; his companions the growing and dying life around him, the snow and summer storms and the earth beneath.
Renewed, he answered the call of his forge.
Frozen Moment: Faintly cold to the touch, the hilt of this sword is wrapped in silver wire. In the pommel rests a domed snowy white opal, and a snowflake picked out in frost agate ornaments the blade on either flat. Frozen Moment was gifted to a passing young knight, that he might seize those scant moments in battle to parley and show his adversaries another path.
Frozen Moment is a sword +2. Once a day, its bearer may strike with the weapon and -- rather than doing damage -- the target will be paralyzed for one hour. If a save vs. paralyzation is made, the target is still at -2 to all rolls for one hour.
But, after a time, he sought a different inspiration.
For a year and a day, Jie Chue meditated in his gardens; his companions the growing and dying life around him, the snow and summer storms and the earth beneath.
Renewed, he answered the call of his forge.
Frozen Moment: Faintly cold to the touch, the hilt of this sword is wrapped in silver wire. In the pommel rests a domed snowy white opal, and a snowflake picked out in frost agate ornaments the blade on either flat. Frozen Moment was gifted to a passing young knight, that he might seize those scant moments in battle to parley and show his adversaries another path.
Frozen Moment is a sword +2. Once a day, its bearer may strike with the weapon and -- rather than doing damage -- the target will be paralyzed for one hour. If a save vs. paralyzation is made, the target is still at -2 to all rolls for one hour.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Magic Item: Bloodflower
Jie Chue was once approached by an angry, vengeance-driven warrior, who desired to have a blade forged after his homeland was savaged by war. He desired this so that he may demonstrate to all who wronged him exactly how much pain they had caused him when his family was torn away.
Jie Chue felt that this was entirely the wrong reason for such a request, but the warrior was adamant; and so the forger set to work with a twinge of regret.
The warrior was pleased with the results, but Jie Chue was not.
Bloodflower: This normal sword has a blade of oddly milky steel, its grip wrapped in black snakeskin and its guard worked into the shape of briars and mandrake plants; the pommel-nut is a slightly-pointed dome of buttery-yellow amber, like a mandrake fruit.
A sword +1, +2 versus humanoids, Bloodflower can once a day inflict a -4 Armour Class penalty upon a successfully struck opponent, causing them to be wracked with pain for four rounds. When this ability is activated Bloodflower's blade turns crimson and seems to drip blood.
Jie Chue felt that this was entirely the wrong reason for such a request, but the warrior was adamant; and so the forger set to work with a twinge of regret.
The warrior was pleased with the results, but Jie Chue was not.
Bloodflower: This normal sword has a blade of oddly milky steel, its grip wrapped in black snakeskin and its guard worked into the shape of briars and mandrake plants; the pommel-nut is a slightly-pointed dome of buttery-yellow amber, like a mandrake fruit.
A sword +1, +2 versus humanoids, Bloodflower can once a day inflict a -4 Armour Class penalty upon a successfully struck opponent, causing them to be wracked with pain for four rounds. When this ability is activated Bloodflower's blade turns crimson and seems to drip blood.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Magic Item: Tears of Ivory
One evening while working at his forge, Jie Chue was presented with a token of a former client's appreciation. Setting aside hammer, tongs and blade, he accepted the gift. Within the bundle was an alicorn.
This distressed Jie Chue, though he made no outward sign; with honest graciousness, he gave his thanks and bid good evening to his guest.
The following morning Jie Chue forged a weapon that would not harm.
Tears of Ivory: This slim, slightly-curved dagger is forged with blade and hilt all of one piece of steel, the grip wrapped in plaited silver wire, and inlaid along both sides of its blade with thin and delicately-etched slices of alicorn in the shape of a stylized unicorn's horn.
The dagger cannot be used to attack; it simply will do no damage. However, each day Tears of Ivory may be touched to wounded individuals to grant healing, to a maximum of 8 hit points total per day. Carrying Tears of Ivory grants its owner a +1 bonus to saves against poison.
This distressed Jie Chue, though he made no outward sign; with honest graciousness, he gave his thanks and bid good evening to his guest.
The following morning Jie Chue forged a weapon that would not harm.
Tears of Ivory: This slim, slightly-curved dagger is forged with blade and hilt all of one piece of steel, the grip wrapped in plaited silver wire, and inlaid along both sides of its blade with thin and delicately-etched slices of alicorn in the shape of a stylized unicorn's horn.
The dagger cannot be used to attack; it simply will do no damage. However, each day Tears of Ivory may be touched to wounded individuals to grant healing, to a maximum of 8 hit points total per day. Carrying Tears of Ivory grants its owner a +1 bonus to saves against poison.
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