![[Digest of Magical Devices]](../images/hero/device.jpg){kind=small}
Copyright © 2001 by Robert J. Hall
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Contents
Amulet of Health
This beautiful Amethyst amulet is worn around the neck by means of clasp attached to a slender gold chain. It bestows greatly improved health upon the wearer, allowing him to recover more quickly from injuries and providing protection from many diseases and venoms.
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Abilities:
Combined: OIF Gem (-1/2), Independent (-2), Gem must be worn for a week before taking effect (-1/4) Active Cost = 60; Real Cost = 11 |
Amulet of Underwater Mammals
This amulet consists of a piece of coral shaped like a dolphin hung from a string of sea shells. It bestows upon its wearer the ability to survive in an underwater environment, and to locate and communicate with any underwater mammals in the vicinity.
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Abilities:
Combined: OIF Aumlet (-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 89; Real Cost = 20 |
Bit and Bracelet of Breaking
This magic item consists of a metal bar with a set of attached leather straps that allow it to be strapped to a face as a gag. The bar has a magically linked studded leather bracelet that the owner of the item uses to control the creature wearing the gag. This combination of items will slowly and inexorably destroy the will of the subject creature, allowing the wearer of the bracelet to control its every behavior.
This magical item is especially valued for training wild horses, although it has been used for more odious tasks such as the subjugation of humanoid captives.
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Abilities:
Combined: Independent (-2) Active Cost = 60; Real Cost = 11 |
Bracelet of Banishing
This beautiful, silver bracelet is studded with three large sapphires wrapped in a swirling water motif. It has the magical ability to instantly return all but the most powerful summoned creatures back to the realm from whence they came. Unfortunately this power is not always reliable and the bracelet can only hold three charges. If the owner focuses for a moment the bracelet can also be used to detect any summoned creatures. This device must be stored in a dark place for a full week in order to fully restore any expended charges.
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Abilities:
Combined: OIF Bracelet (-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 80; Real Cost = 14 |
Bracelet of Soaring
At first glance this appears to be a simple silver bracelet with a small crystal charm the shape and size of a robin's egg. A more careful examination will reveal that the charm contains a beautiful image of a soaring eagle. When the magical powers of this bracelet are activated, the wearer can assume the form of a Giant Eagle. Doing so will cost 3 points of END and require a full turn.
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Abilities:
Active Cost = 27; Real Cost = 6 |
Cape of the Shadows
This cape was created by the cult of shadowmasters to aid their untrained associates. Its magical powers are easily mastered and require little effort to employ. The cap is made from jet black silk with a wide collar of crow feathers and a silver clasp.
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Abilities:
Combined: OIF Cape (-1/2), Only while in Shadows (-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 98; Real Cost = 21 |
Circlet of Power
This unusual head piece consists of a finely crafted bronze circlet with a large piece of Azurite mounted in the center. The band bestows upon its wearer a stronger physical presence that that makes him more effective in combat.
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Abilities:
Combined: OIF Circlet (-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 55; Real Cost 15 |
Collar of Freedom
This wide, black, studded leather collar must be worn around the neck in order for its powers to take effect. It bestows upon the wearer immunity from most forms of paralysis, allowing him to perform actions when others would be unable to move. The collar is attached by means of a bronze buckle. It can be uncomfortable to wear for the first few weeks.
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Abilities:
Combined: OIF Collar (-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 100; Real Cost = 21 |
Crystal Ball
When inactive, this magical device has the appearance of a crystal clear sphere of glass. It is small enough to be held in the hand, but large enough to employ as a remote viewing device. Steady concentration is required to employ the crystal ball, as well as some knowledge of the area being viewed.
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Abilities:
Active Cost = 40; Real Cost = 8 |
Cummerbund of Crushing
This unusual piece of garb has the magical property of allowing the wearer to apply a crushing squeeze to an opponent. The wearer must be able to grab and squeeze the target, but once he does so the grip can have a devastating effect upon a target. The cummerbund of crushing is a piece of fine crimson material that is worn around the waist. It will magically resize itself to fit any belly.
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Abilities:
Combined: IIF Cummerbund (-1/4), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 39; Real Cost = 11 |
Disk of Decision
This very old gold coin has the magical ability to force the target to adhere to the outcome of a coin toss. The subject must agree to the terms of the coin toss prior to the actual toss taking place. The coin toss must also be fair and free of magical interference. Note that the terms of the coin toss must be carefully stated, or the subject may have loopholes which allow him to avoid the true intent of the agreement.
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Abilities:
Active Cost = 45; Real Cost = 8 |
Dragon's Teeth
It is told in myth and tale that when the fang of a dragon is planted in the ground, a magical warrior will spring forth to serve the character. Perhaps there is some truth to the tale because when buried these magical fangs will each produce a dragon warrior, although some of these teeth have grown inert.
At first this warrior will have no will of its own and will follow any orders it can understand to the letter. Over the course of several weeks, however, the warrior will begin to develop an initiative and begin to act independently. Soon, unless the character possesses some means to retain control, it will seek to leave its master and establish its own identity.
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Abilities:
Active Cost: 46; Real Cost: 5 |
Earring of Endearment
This lovely earring consist of a large oyster pearl attached to a fine gold clasp. When attached to the ear, it bestows upon the wearer a certain charm and enhanced physical appearance that greatly increases his seductiveness. It will allow him to induce a state of such intense ecstasy that the partner loses almost all awareness of the physical surroundings for a period of several turns. Finally the earring will also allows him to call in a favor from any such partner at a later date.
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Abilities:
Combined: OIF Earring, Fragile (-1-1/4), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 82; Real Cost = 15 |
Faerie Figurine
This lovely crystal figurine has the likeness of a winged faerie. When held in the hand, magical words spoken in the native language of the faerie can individually activate each magical power held within. The figurine will allow the character to sense the use of any form of faerie magic in the vicinity. It will also allow him to travel to the native plane of the faerie and back again. Finally, the character will be able to fly, become invisible, and to shrink to a quarter of his normal size.
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Abilities:
Combined: Incantations (Faerie) (-1/4), OAF Figurine, Unbreakable (-1), Independent (-2). Active Cost = 20; Real Cost = 11 |
Gemstone of Genius
These exceptionally rare and valuable precious stones were brought to this world from a dimension where the fabric of reality is held together by pure thought. The Gemstone of Genius resembles a blue-hued, uncut diamond with a star-shaped, crystal clear heart. When held in the hand by a reasoning being, the clear heart of the gem begins to glow with a pale white light that flickers with the changing thoughts of its handler.
These stones have a much sought ability to enhance the mental faculties of their owner. They are especially valued by scholars and other intellectuals. The powers of this stone can not be detected by senses that are attuned to magic. however, they do radiate a type of energy that will be noticed by mental senses.
If they are cut by an expert jeweler, they can produce a beautiful and valuable faceted gem stone. However, doing so will render the stone completely inert. The stone also will fail to function when it is in contact with non-living matter, such as rings, leather gloves, metal clasps, and so on. Creatures with an automaton-like intellect will also be unable to benefit from these stones.
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Abilities:
Combined: Not when in contact with non-living matter (-1/2), Not when used by an automaton (-1/4), OAF Uncut Gemstone, Fragile (-1-1/4), Independent (-2). Active Cost = 55; Real Cost = 10 |
Gloves of Nimble Fingers
These shiny black gloves have a very fine mesh made of an unusual material. In addition to providing some protection to the hands, these gloves greatly improve the finesse of the character, allowing him to perform delicate tasks with great skill. The gloves will improve the characters combat reflexes, allowing him to adeptly block incoming attacks. He also instinctively gains the sleight of hand skill, and his ability to pick locks is greatly enhanced.
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Abilities:
Combined: OIF Gloves (-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 59; Real Cost = 15 |
Headpiece of Thorns
This wooden crown fits comfortably over the head, although outwardly it appears most unpleasant to wear because of the many thorns it projects. The headpiece has magical powers over the world of plants and trees, especially those that have defense mechanisms such as thorns or toxins.
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Abilities:
Combined: OIF Headpiece (-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 141; Real Cost = 35 |
Hourglass of Stasis
This very fine hourglass consists of an ornate chassis of gold, two clear crystal bulbs, and a portion of very fine white sand. When it is turned over, the hourglass has the magical ability to freeze the flow of time within a 9" radius sphere. All those caught within the time stasis are immune to any form of attack until the flow of time starts again three minutes later.
The character who overturns the hourglass is immune to its effect and can operate freely for the duration of the time stasis. Any other creatures will also be uneffected if they are protected by a force field or are in a state of desolidification. Those on the outside when the device is activated are free to enter and leave the area of effect for the duration of the stasis.
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Abilities:
Active Cost = 130; Real Cost = 22 |
Incula's Instant Folding Fortress
At first glance this appears to be a simple, hollow steel box with an elaborate pattern of gold inlaid on the sides. Upon touching a specific sequence of locations on the faces, however, the box gradually and noisily unfolds until it has formed a large, complete, two story steel fortress with a 5" square base and a height of 3".
This structure has a single outer door that can only be opened by a cypher lock. It also has several internal rooms, each fitted with a fire place and immobile metal furniture along the sides. The external walls on the second floor are also fitted with arrow slits. Finally there is a spiral staircase running between the two floors.
To close the steel fortress back into the cube, another pattern appears inside the outer door. Again a specific sequence of locations on the pattern must be touched to fold it back up. Once the fortress begins folding, any creatures and items held inside are tossed out. The owner has plenty of time to complete the sequence and then step through the outer door before it starts folding.
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Abilities:
Combined: OAF Fortress (-1), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 317; Real Cost = 58 |
Jewel of Many Facets
This large, multi-faceted jewel is as large as a golf ball. As the jewel is examined, it seems to change in hue and brightness with each turn in the hand. The gem radiates strong magic, and when hurled it will release a magical power that will strike at the target. The jewel then snaps back into the hand of the owner. Unfortunately the type of magic released is not determined until the jewel is actually released.
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Abilities:
Combined: OAF Jewel (-1), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 9; Real Cost = 37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Keystone of Fortitude
This slim, polished piece of granite is shaped like the cap stone at the top of an arch. It is firmly attached to an iron chain that can be looped around the head like a necklace or fastened to a belt. The stone has the magical property of increasing the physical resilience of its owner, especially against normal attacks. It also provides protection against transformation attacks, and increases his physical strength.
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Abilities:
Combined: OAF Stone (-1), Independent (-2), Must have connction to earth (-1/4) Active Cost = 75; Real Cost = 16 |
Ladle of Purity
A favorite of paranoid rulers, this polished copper ladle will instantly purge any toxins from beverages served in its cup.
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Abilities:
Active Cost = 45; Real Cost = 9 |
Mask of Storms
This porcelane mask is decorated visage with the distorted features of an anguished spirit. The culture that created this mask worshipped the wind spirits and their shamen could control many aspects of the weather. This mask has acquired some of their abilities and can be used to manipulate the outdoor elements.
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Abilities:
Combined: Not in enclosed environment (-1/2), Gestures (-1/4), Incantations (-1/4), Extra Time: 1 turn (-1), OIF Mask (-1/2), Independent (-2), Mask limits peripheral vision (-1 to sight PER) (-1/4). Active Cost = 186; Real Cost = 26 |
Mechanical Owl
When first discovered, this appears to be an inert polished metal statue of an owl. Upon pressing the proper sequence of tiny switches on the back, however, the device comes alive and will loyally serve its new owner.
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Abilities:
Active Cost = 45; Real Cost = 9 |
Medallion of Inconspicuousness
This elaborate silver medallion holds a sky blue oval porcellain cameo disk with the white silouette of a double-faced person. The face on the left is that of a woman, while that on the right is a man. When worn about the neck by its sturdy chain, the medallion bestows the magical ability to remain virtually anonymous and avoid all but the most powerful forms of magical detection.
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Abilities:
Combined: OIF Medallion (-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 120; Real Cost = 27 |
Mirror of Blinding
This oval-shaped silver mirror is roughly a half meter in height and slightly less than that in width. It is contained in a solid bronze frame with an elaborate bevel. Neither the mirror nor the frame will ever tarnish. Any being who views his own reflection in this mirror is momentarily blinded.
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Abilities:
Active Cost = 50; Real Cost = 8 |
Mirror of Distortion
This cursed mirror resembles a curved carnival mirror that makes any viewer look strangely distorted. While the reflection can be amusing to see, the mirror has the horrible effect of making the reflection become real. The features of a characters face become stretched and warped, producing effects such as a very long jaw, pronounced brow, oddly thin face, a long beaked nose, and so on. The result is a greatly reduced comeliness lasting for many years. Only the aid of magic can be used to restore a characters face to normal.
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Abilities:
Active Cost = 50; Real Cost = 9 |
Necklace of Absorbtion
This fine necklace holds a jade gorget that is shaped as two intertwined dragons locked in mortal combat. The necklace is supported by several strings of jade beads forming an intricate band. When worn, the necklace has the magical ability to lessen and repair the damage from a lethal injury.
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Abilities:
Active Cost = 45; Real Cost = 11 |
Necklace of Brilliance
This necklace has the appearance of a string of softly glowing pearls. When worn around the neck, this jewelry bestows upon its owner several useful powers based on light. He can create a glare that will make him difficult to see, produce a blinding flash of light, create several glowing light forms, and project an opaque sphere of light. All these powers draw their energy from the stones which must be periodically recharged by a lengthy exposure to a light source.
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Abilities:
Combined: OIF Necklace (-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 85; Real Cost = 19 |
Orb of Havoc
This powerful crystal orb is firmly held in the jaws of a dragon's head made of bronze. The powers of this device are designed to produce great disorder among the enemies' ranks. The bronze base is quite heavy and is usually stood upon a platform prior to the start of battle.
Prior to each activation some warm blood must be splashed on the orb. This is followed by some incantations in the mysterious language of magic.
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Abilities:
Combined: Gestures (Splash blood on Orb) (-1/4), Incantations (-1/4), Extra Time: Full Phase (-1/2), OAF Orb, Warm Blood, Bulky (-1-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 60; Real Cost = 21 |
Pipe of Smoking
This handsome wood pipe is carved in the shape of a wise old man. When lit, the pipe allows the smoker to create clouds of magical smoke that have various deleterious effects on the character's opponents.
The pipe can create four types of dense smoke clouds: a cloud that obscures sight, a cloud of choking smoke, a cloud of confusing smoke, and a cloud that will reveal the presence of invisible beings. With some skill the smoker can also make hypnotic rings of smoke. It will allow the smoker to turn himself into a heavy cloud of smoke that is all but invulnerable to attack. While in this form can float through any narrow cracks. Finally, the pipe can allow the smoker to gain a state of deep contemplation.
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Abilities:
Combined: Gestures Throughout (Puff on pipe) (-1/2), Extra Time: Full Phase (-1/2), Not in strong winds (-1/4), OAF Lit Pipe (-1), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 142; Real Cost = 28 |
Quill of Forgery
This magical quill allows the owner to produce an almost indistinguishable duplicate of any writing. The ink and paper used must match that of the document being forged, however.
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Abilities:
Active Cost = 9; Real Cost = 2 |
Rabbit's Foot Charm
This simple magical charm bestows a degree of luck on its wearer. Many of these charms are little more than useless trinkets and it requires a knowledgeable person to distinguish the two.
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Abilities:
Active Cost = 5; Real Cost = 1 |
Rope of Reaching
This seemingly ordinary rope can perform several useful actions for its owner, one at a time. It can climb a wall and secure itself to a projection. It can also cross a chasm and secure itself at both ends to provide a tight rope. The rope can also be commanded to attack a foe and wrap him in its folds. Finally, the rope can grab and tighten a foe in a very constrictive hold. Upon command, the magical rope will fold itself back into a neat bundle.
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Abilities:
Combined: Range limited to 5" (-1/4), Incantations (-1/4), OAF 10" Rope (-1), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 52; Real Cost = 16 |
Scarf of Sliding
This dashing soft white scarf has several uses, including as a neck warmer, a bandera, and as a head cover. While wearing this scarf, the character has the ability to slide quietly and quickly over any smooth surfaces. This slide makes is more difficult to maneuver, however, and the turning radius rules must be applied.
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Abilities:
Combined: OIF Scarf (-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 42; Real Cost = 9 |
Skull Buckle
This unusual silver belt buckle bears the face of a human skull with faintly glowing rubies inlaid inside the eye sockets. The buckle requires a belt nearly 0.1m wide. When the buckle is exposed to sight, it will bestow upon its wearer certain necromantic abilities. These include command over undead and protection against their life draining attacks. It also allows the wearer to perform a deathly touch that will chill to the bone. Characters seen wearing this buckle will receive a strong negative reaction from members of "good" religions.
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Abilities:
Combined: Only when buckle is exposed and worn around the waist with a wide belt (-1/4), Not on ground sanctified to a "good" religion (-1/4), OIF Buckle (-1/2), Independent (-2). Active Cost = 60; Real Cost = 12 |
Skullcap of the Mind Wizards
This silver trimmed red cap fits snugly across the head, forming a close contact with the wearer's skull. The cap allows the wearer to activate a number of powerful mental powers, but requires high intelligence or steady concentration to activate and control. If the wearer is unable to properly use the device he receives a severe mental backlash.
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Abilities:
Combined: -2 Variable Limitations (-1), Variable limitations are limited to: Concentration, Increased END Cost, and Requires an EGO-based Skill Roll (-1/4), IAF Skullcap (-1/2), Visible (-1/4), Independent (-2), Side Effect: (3d6 STUN Drain) (-1/2) Active Cost = 139; Real Cost = 28 |
Spike of Security
This slender copper spike must be thrust into the ground in order to activate its magical power. After concentrating for a moment, the owner of this item can bring into being an illusionary bubble that merges with the surrounding terrain. The interior of the bubble can be set to any mild weather condition and time of day that the character desires.
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Abilities:
Combined: 1/2 DCV Concentrate (-1/4), Must be planted in ground (-1/2), OAF Cone (-1), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 110; Real Cost = 21 |
Stallion Statuette
A very fine jade statuette of a young stallion rearing and kicking its front legs, this magical item allows the owner to summon a light warhorse once a day that will serve only the owner for a period of 12 hours before vanishing. Upon speaking the word of invocation, a horse will appear wearing a saddle plus bit and bridle. A different horse is summoned each day, so if a mount is slain the statuette can be used to call a new mount the following day.
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Abilities:
Combined: OAF Statuette (-1), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 140; Real Cost = 26 |
Trick Hat
This fine black hat has the magical property that a small animal can be drawn from inside by the possessor. An unlimited number of such animals can be drawn from within the hat.
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Abilities:
Active Cost = 52; Real Cost = 11 |
Urn of Undead Summoning
At first sight this appears to be an ordinary bronze funeral urn. Opening the hinged lid will reveal fine ashes nearly filling the hollow urn. After a few moments the ashes begin to stir and some odd, wispy lights slowly wind their way out of the urn. These lights coallesce into some form of undead creature that will immediately attack the nearest target.
To determine the type undead, roll 3d6 and consult the list below.
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Abilities:
Active Cost = 100; Real Cost = 19 |
Wizard's Hat
This cone-shaped hat is violet in hue and is decorated with a pentagram and several astrological signs. The hat is clearly the garb of a practitioner of magic, and so may be very undesirable gear in certain cultures. However, it bestows upon its wearer several magical abilities that make it a valued accessory. In addition to improving the wearers overall skill level in magic, the cap allows him to modify two of the attributes of the spell. These attributes are: effort required, maximum range, affects desolidified, difficulty in dispelling, visibility of the power effects, and delay in activation. The wizard will still need to pay the modified END cost and adjust the skill roll appropriately. (Each power adds +20 to the active cost for a spell.) It also requires a full phase to change which two of the attributes will be modified.
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Abilities:
Combined: OIF Hat (-1/2), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 55; Real Cost = 19 |
Xylstra's Magical Eye
This special magic eye was created by the mage Xylstra for his queen who had lost the use of one eye. The eye has enhanced senses and is designed to magically blend almost invisibly with the normal functioning eye. It must be placed in an empty eye socket in order to function, however, so this eye has little use for individuals who are unwilling to part with one of their natural eyes.
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Abilities:
Combined: Eye must be worn in empty eye socket (-1/2), IIF Eye (-1/4), Independent (-2) Active Cost = 22; Real Cost = 6 |