Copyright © by 2001 Robert J. Hall

Contents

Blade Boots Cinder Boots Clinging Boots Crescent Rider Boots Dancer Shoes Deft Boots Domination Boots

Elevation Shoes Enchantment Boots Feather Boots Insulating Boots Lady Boots Mist Master Boots Sandals of Water Walking

Stilt Shoes Stomping Boots Sylvan Boots Travel Boots Whirlwind Boots Wind Dancer Boots Winter Hunter Boots

Magical boots of various stripes are known to have been constructed in certain locations within the realms. These unique items typically require the combined skills of a master tanner, leather worker, and cobbler. They also have specific requirements for the type of animal hides used. The animals must be carefully skinned with a specially prepared blade, then cleaned and tanned with selected ingredients formulated by an alchemist. Sewing the boots together is the next essential step, as the pattern of the needle holes is all important in maintaining the magical harmony of the whole. Typically only leather from the same beast is used for the thread, although the hairs of certain magical beings have also been employed. Finally the boots are ritually instilled with a portion of the magical essence of the adept, who usually has been supervising all stages of the assembly.

All magical boots are constructed in pairs, and they must be built as exact duplicates of each other in order for their enchantments to function in unison. Wearing only one of the boots will usually have little effect, and may even prove detrimental to the wearer. No items can be worn over these boots, with the possible exception of a pair of stirrups. If properly constructed they will magically adjust themselves to any foot in their size range, unless it is the will of the adept that they only fit a specific individual. The boots are generally sturdy, watertight, very comfortable, and extremely resistant to wear. In all other regards, however, they behave like normal footwear. They are masterworks of their respective artisans, and are free of defects or shoddy workmanship.

Blade Boots

These odd boots bear a closer resemblance to an elaborate metal and leather brace, rather than actual footwear. They consist of a light metal framework attached to leather straps and sleeves, and will wrap snuggly around the feet when properly attached. The boots provide good protection to the feet and can be comfortably worn under most conditions. The primary purpose of these shoes, however, is as a lethal weapon. When the wearer attacks a foe with a kick, sharp blades will rapidly snap out of the framework to slash at the opponent. These blades only emerge at the end of the kicking motion, then retract immediately afterward. In addition, tapping a slot near the top of the boot frame will eject a sleek throwing knife, providing a concealed ranged weapon for use against a distant opponent. As these knives are magically created on demand their supply is unlimited, but as the knives always vanish at the end of a phase they must be used immediately. The concealed combat capabilities of these boots make them a particular favorite of assassins and thugs.

Cinder Boots

Curiously these boots appear to have been left in a fire, as they are badly charred and are black from soot. In actuality they are perfectly functional and fully intact. The inner lining is an odd, slick material made from woven glassy strands that feel pleasant next to the feet. "Cinder", the name of the boots, is emblazoned on the heel inside both boots. When worn the boots magically adjust themselves to snuggly fit the wearer, making an odd grating sound while doing so. The boots are noisy to wear and will leave a slight trail of charcoal dust, a feature that can be a nuisance in a tidy home. However the benefits of these shoes far outweighs any such minor annoyances.

The boots provide almost complete protection to the wearer's feet from any form of heat or fire. The owner can walk comfortably across hot coals or even wade through shallow molten lead, emerging unscathed. He also radiates an aura that places him in high esteem with any creature from the elemental planes of fire or lava. Finally upon speaking the name "Cinder" the wearer can cloak himself in a fiery shield that erupt from the boots, inflicting damage to anything that attempts to touch him and burning everything he contacts. These flames cause no harm to the owner or his possessions, although they will might any frozen materials he may be carrying.

Clinging Boots

These heavy boots are made from thick, dark brown leather that has been reinforced by row upon row of polished metal studs. The soles of the boots are studded with dull metal cleats that can prove particularly noisy when walking across a hard surface. However these cleats have the unusual property of allowing the wearer to walk across any solid surface, including vertical walls and even ceilings. This property of clinging will only work when there is material into which the cleats can bite, and these shoes are not appropriate for surfaces that need to be carefully preserved. If the wearer should fall from his precarious perch, the shoes will magically aid him by righting his direction of fall.

Crescent Rider Boots

Crafted for the commander of an elite cavalry unit, these fine riding boots are made of dark brown polished leather, with thick heels and tapered toes. The boots cover the lower portion of the leg to just below the knee, and they are ideally shaped for riding and controlling a mount. The only distinguishing features are the bronze crescents attached behind the ankles and the short protruding knobs of bronze at the back of the heels. The boots are magically enchanted to allow the owner to apply exquisite control of his mount, freeing his hands to fight any opponents. This improved control of the mount also allows him to fight more effectively, even better in fact than if he were not mounted. The boots are less well suited for marching and provide little benefit while on the ground.

Dancer Shoes

Slender and light, these plain cloth and leather shoes will fit snuggly about the wearer's feet. They provide almost no protection from attacks, but are extremely durable and nearly impossible to cut or penetrate. While worn they will make their owner feel unusually graceful, nimble, and flexible, bestowing a solid bonus to certain skills that demand high agility. They also give their wearer an almost instinctive ability to dance smoothly and artistically in any known style. Finally the wearer will be able to leap gracefully about, performing astonishing jumps he previously could only imagine. These shoes are in much demand by performing artists and will fetch a high price in a cosmopolitan settlement.

Deft Boots

These boots are made of bleached leather that has been sewn so as to appear as a tower of white masonry about the feet and legs. The soles and thick heel are made from tough black leather that will never wear. Despite their light appearance, the boots will never scuff and can be readily cleaned with a light wash. They appear to have no mechanism with which to tighten them onto the legs, but once they are pulled on the leather magically stretches and tightens until it is snug and comfortable. The wearer will feel an astonishing lightness, as if he could move about with almost no effort. Indeed the boots do allow a much greater rapidity of travel, as the fete literally seem to glide across the ground with ease.

Domination Boots

These sleek, polished boots are expertly crafted out of fine black leather. The craftsmanship is exceptional, and the surface of the footwear is always well polished and free from scuff marks. The heels of the boots are unusually thick and shaped somewhat like a wedge. As a result the smaller tip of the heels makes a loud rapping noise whenever the owner is walking across a wooden surface. Regardless of the dimensions of the wearer or how often these boots are worn, they never seem to fit quite right or break in properly. They crimp the feet tightly, enough to prevent the wearer from feeling comfortable but never sufficiently to make it painful. This tight fit makes the boots difficult to pull on or take off, and assistance is often required despite the leather loops at the top.

The boots have two magical powers that make them quite valuable despite their shortcomings. In order to activate these powers, they require the rapping of a heel twice in rapid succession. Rapping the right heel will allow the wearer to inflict a sudden stab of unbearable pain on any nearby being. No amount of mental defenses will completely block out this painful power, although it can be reduced to some degree. Rapping the left heel allows the wearer to command a service of any nearby creature. For this second power, either a mental defense or a strong will can help to resist this command, although the urge to obey is almost overwhelming under any circumstances. Finally, the wearer of the boots is strongly warded against any verbal compulsions.

Elevation Shoes

A distinctive pair of leather shoes, these have the outer face dyed to a dark brown hue while the inner edge is bleached a stark white. They have an unusually wide sole that is almost circular near the front. Indeed an examination of the underside of the shoes will reveal a pattern of four concentric rings with a seven-sided star at the center. The shoes will buckle snuggly with a strap across the front and are reasonably comfortable to wear once accustomed to the ungainly shape. Upon speaking a command word, they will bestow the magical ability to hover in mid-air or to levitate up or down. This levitation will support any amount of weight up to the maximum amount the individual can normally carry.

Enchantment Boots

There are several different forms of these boots, but their general purpose remains the same. They resemble a carefully preserved lower limb or appendage of a beast, complete with the outer hide and any particular hoof, paw, or tail the creature possessed. The only feature that would indicate these are actually boots rather than a stuffed trophy of a hunt are the openings into which the feet can be thrust. From the shape and size of these boots it does not appear that anybody could comfortably wear this footwear, but the interior is magically enchanted to hold the feet and lower legs in a lined extra-dimensional pocket. Upon pulling the boots into place, the wearer will immediately begin to undergo a transformation into the form of an enchanted creature, and gains the special abilities of that life form. The process can be readily reversed merely willing the boots off, after which the boots will work their way off the legs of the wearer.

1. The Boots of the Harpy resembles a pair of claws from a large predatory bird. When worn these will transform the owner into a bird-like being. The wearer will retain the head and breasts of her normal form, but the remainder will change into a huge, filthy bird.

Abilities: +2 PD/+2 ED Armor, Fits Any Humanoid Feet (+1/4), Coverage (15-18) (-2), Real Armor (-1/4), Mass (-1) Shapeshift into a Harpy, 0 END Persistent (+1), No Fine Manipulation While Transformed (-1/2) 2d6 HKA, Reduced Penetration (-1/4), Only while shapeshifted (-1/4) [3 END] +2d6 HA, OIF - Wing Buffet (-1/2), Only while shapeshifted (-1/4) [1 END] +10 PRE, Create Fear Only (-1/2), Only While Attacking (-1/4), Only while shapeshifted (-1/4) Flight 10", OIF - Wings (-1/2), Only while shapeshifted (-1/4) [1/5"] Combined: OIF Boots (-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost: 97; Real Cost: 23

2. The Boots of the Sphinx look like the back legs of a hunting cat. When worn these will transform the body into the shape of a lion while the wings of an eagle will sprout from the back. While in this form the wearer will retain only the original head and chest.

Abilities: +2 PD/+2 ED Armor, Fits Any Humanoid Feet (+1/4), Coverage (15-18) (-2), Real Armor (-1/4), Mass (-1) Shapeshift into a Sphinx, 0 END Persistent (+1) 1/2d6 HKA, Only while shapeshifted (-1/4) [1 END] 11/2 HKA, Continuous (+1), Reduced Penetration (-1/4), Only after target is grabbed (-1/2), Only while shapeshifted (-1/4) [5 END] +5 PD/+5 ED Force Field, Persistent (+1/2), Not versus magic (-1/2), Only while shapeshifted (-1/4) Flight 15", OIF - Wings (-1/2), Only while shapeshifted (-1/4) [1/5"] Combined: OIF Boots (-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost: 133; Real Cost: 32

3. The Boots of the Centaur appear to be made from the lower hind legs of a horse. When worn these will alter the lower body of the wearer into a horse, while the area of the body above the waist retains its normal form.

Abilities: +2 PD/+2 ED Armor, Fits Any Humanoid Feet (+1/4), Coverage (15-18) (-2), Real Armor (-1/4), Mass (-1) Shapeshift into a Centaur, 0 END Persistent (+1), Linked to Growth (-1/2) Growth (15 points), 0 END Persistent (+1) +3d6 HA, Reduced Penetration (-1/4), Only while shapeshifted (-1/4) +10" Running, Only while shapeshifted (-1/4) [1/5"] Combined: OIF Boots (-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost: 90; Real Cost: 22

Other such transforming boots can be found, including the Boots of the Mermaid. But the abilities of such enchanted footwear are left to the reader to determine.

Feather Boots

These low boots are completely covered in a dense coat of owl feathers. Only a strap and buckle protrude over the coat, allowing the boots to be tightened snuggly. The interior of the boots are lined in down and are quite warm and snug. They will wear comfortably for many hours, but can be a little uncomfortable to wear in hot conditions. The boots must be thoroughly washed occasionally to keep the feathers clean. When worn, the boots will allow the owner to land lightly on his feet with no damage from the impact. They will also aid the wearer in recovering quickly from his fall. Finally they will allow him to balance effortlessly on any branch or other slender perch.

Insulating Boots

Seemingly a colorful but ordinary pair of colorful walking boots, they are distinguished only by a pair of metal plates mounted beneath the heel. These plates clack noisily whenever the wearer crosses a hard surface, and leave behind a distinctive foot print that is readily tracked. The boots are made of jagged strips of leather that have been firmly sewn together by an iridescent thread that shimmers in the light. The ends of the boots stretch out several centimeters beyond the toes, coming to a smooth, wedge-shaped point. Besides being durable and snug, the boots will serve to protect the wearer against all forms of electrical damage. Most such damage is drawn into the ground, and most of the remainder is absorbed by the materials that glow briefly after being struck. However these benefits only apply when the wearer has at least one such boot in contact with the ground or at least a grounded conductor. When they are brought near a source of electricity, the boots will tingle lightly around the wearer's feet.

Lady Boots

These fashionable shoes are made of polished leather and fastened shut with a strap and silver buckle. They would appear to be an expensive pair of footwear that a wealthy merchant or an important noble might wear. When placed on the feet of a man, however, a remarkable transformation takes place. The shoes immediately become more slender with a raised heel and pointed toes. The transformation spreads up the legs of the wearer until he has been completely transformed into a female of the same species. He is to all appearances a member of the fairer sex and even looks and speaks as a woman. When the shoes are removed the transformation reverses itself and the wearer reverts into his original form. If worn by a woman, these shoes have no effect and merely seem to be overly large and bulky. There may exist a pair of such shoes that will transform a woman into a man, but no such have ever been found.

Mist Master Boots

Once the property of the reclusive mist master of Yalu Woods, these boots have gathered a much-storied history while passing from owner to owner with uncomfortable frequency. Few are the bards who can recount even a majority of the circumstances in which the boots have been employed, however, a fact not aided by the often secretive nature of past owners. These mysterious boots have a strange, nebulous property about them as if they aren't quite solid. Yet a touch will reveal a soft and very comfortable material that is surprisingly tough and durable. They can be readily pulled over the bare feet and lower legs of any being, and will immediately shift to fit themselves snuggly to the wearer. While worn they have the appearance of a misty coat of cotton, with a perfect whiteness that is untouched by any dirt or mud with which they may have had contact. These boots fit so well that the owner is scarcely even aware that they cover his feet.

A master of the watery element created these boots, and they are enchanted with a number of potent qualities associated with mist and vapor. The control of these properties requires merely a thought on the part of their owner, but these powers must be discovered through trial and error. The boots are known to allow their wearer to pierce the veils of any mist or cloud with his eyes, regardless of the density of the vapors. They also allow the wearer to climb upward or downward through a cloud as if the mist were a staircase and he can freely walk across the top of any cloud or fog. The boots can also summon a small but dense cloud of impenetrable mist through which only their owner can gaze. Finally the boots allow their owner to assume the form of a cloud of mist and freely pass through any opening. The boots provide protection against most mist-based powers, including scalding steam, and they allow nearby clouds to be readily thickened or dispersed.

Sandals of Water Walking

These dark, slick sandals are made from the hide of an otter. The sole is soft and flexible, but serves adequately to protect the feet from rough ground. The sandals are attached to the foot by a series of loops and straps that fit snuggly around the lower leg. These shoes are comfortable to wear in hot, summer weather, but are less than adequate protection in inclement weather. They can be worn for long durations without wear. They also possess the unique magical property of allowing the wearer to walk across any body of water or other liquid. Such movement is slower than normal movement across the ground, and it is more difficult to change direction.

Stilt Shoes

These odd shoes have a deep metal sole that spans almost a full centimeter. The coverings consist of black, suede wings that are wrapped around the front. When the wings are layered across the feet, they snug tightly around and laces hanging from the back magically wrap themselves around the lower leg in a weave pattern. The result is a shoe that provides very solid support to the feet and ankle. Upon speaking a command word, the metal sole begins to extend itself into a lengthy stilt, adding several meters to the wearer's height. Due to the ingenious design and magical nature of the shoes, the wearer can move almost effortlessly on the stilts and requires no special balance to remain standing or move about. The added height also allows the wearer to run much more rapidly, springing forward with great strides.

Stomping Boots

Heavily constructed with multiple layers of hide, these tough boots appear to be designed for use in the toughest conditions. The exterior is reinforced by fine, interlocking links of iron that are attached to the underlying leather. A solid iron cup reinforces both the heel and the toe. The soles are carved directly out of solid stone, and are utterly inflexible. Despite this heavy protection, the boots are actually fairly comfortable to wear and the feet are kept well protected from the elements. The boots can not be used for riding, unless specially designed stirrups are made. They are also poorly suited for stealthy movement, as the stride of these boots can be clearly heard. Beyond their excellent protective qualities, they are instilled with a magical power that will cause most nearby creatures to loose their footing whenever the boots are stomped heavily.

Sylvan Boots

These light suede boots are very supple and comfortable to wear. The soles are soft, yet surprisingly tough and cushion the feet effectively. They are dyed a green hue and laced up the front to about half way up the lower leg. They are adorned with wing flaps on either side of the tops, and the sides are decorated with elaborate swirls of layered leather. The boots are completely waterproof, and never allow dirt, sand, or mud to get inside while being worn. When worn, the owner can glide across a natural surface in almost complete silence. They somehow fail to snap twigs or disturb leaves in their passage, and leave scarcely a mark in their passage.

Travel Boots

These durable boots consist of woven strips of dark leather that are fastened in place by means of four silver clasps along the front. The soles of the boots are wide and hard, with a flexible segment beneath the ball of the foot. Surprisingly the boots are quite comfortable to wear and completely waterproof. When the clasps are fastened the leather shifts to fit smoothly around the leg and foot, becoming a second skin. The boots allow the wearer to walk effortlessly for hours at a time without fatigue or discomfort. They also allow him to leap across obstacles with ease and land smoothly. The boots will never cause blisters or trench foot, and will quickly clean out any dirt or sand.

Whirlwind Boots

These sturdy leather boots are made of many slender strips of leather dyed in alternating hues of white, light brown, and dark brown. They are sewn together so as to wind their way across the feet and up the legs in a spiral pattern. The thick leather soles of the boots are durable and very smooth along the bottom surface, so that the wearer can readily pivot about. The boots are also light and comfortable, with a waterproof polish never scuffs and is readily cleaned.

Normally this footwear will function like ordinary leather boots. When their power is activated, however, the wearer will start to effortlessly spin about, quickly pick up speed until his appearance is almost a blur and the air about him starts to swirl light objects about. The wearer will suffer no ill effects or dizziness from this spinning and he is readily able to perform most normal tasks that do not require concentration or bending over. While spinning the wearer can see equally well in all directions and he is extremely difficult to strike from behind. His motion creates a strong wind about himself that makes him more difficult to strike with small projectiles. Finally he can perform a whirling melee attack against up to five adjacent opponents.

Wind Dancer Boots

These knee-high, animal hide boots are decorated with the black and white striped pattern of a zebra. Wind Dancer's were crafted during a bygone age by the southern Azuli Empire for use by their battle messengers. The tough heels are polished black and add about 0.1 meter to the high of the wearer. There are a set of lace holes that run up the side of each boot, and are used to secure the boot in place.

These boots draw upon the power of the winds to aid the wearer. The most significant power of these boots is the Wind Dance, an elaborate movement of the feet that the wearer must learn through training from an Azuli master. It is possible that this dance can be learned independently, but only after considerable practice.

The boots can also serve as a lethal combat weapon, allowing the wearer to dodge blows and deliver a potent kick. When the air is in motion, these boots also bestow the ability to run like the wind and to leap a considerable distance. The wearer is also somewhat resistant to the effects of strong winds, and can command the attention of the primal elements of the air.

Winter Hunter Boots

These thick, warm boots are made from the warm pelt of a snow cat. The inside of the boots is lined with dense, warm fur, with a furred collar on the outside about the top. The soles consist of several layers of hide that has been boiled in a special oil then bonded together with a glue made from rendered animal hooves. The outer hide of the boots is a dull tan in hue, and is completely waterproof and very tough. The boots provide almost complete protection to the wearer against the effects of cold temperatures, and will serve to reduce the damage from extreme cold. They also allow easy advance through snow up to a half meter in depth, and will ward the wearer against natural hazards hidden under the drifts. Finally the boots are quite light and flexible despite their thickness, and will allow the wearer to move with very little noise if he is sufficiently skilled.