By Adam Roy Jan 10, 2018 | Articles, Shades of Magic |
Between the terrestrial realms of Midgard and the endless darkness of the Realms Beyond lie the stars. The stars of Midgard shine with power, sharing with their myriad servants and guardians. Among these are the star bearers and star elves, and these servants and others are often all that lie between Midgard and the consuming madness of the Endless Void. These celestial beings dwell in crystal cities and castles that orbit Midgard and nearby...
By Adam W. Roy Nov 22, 2017 | Articles, Shades of Magic |
Totem magic is a very real and very powerful force in Midgard. All totem spirits are said to be descended from the World Serpent Ouroboros and bear a small portion of his creative power. Below are a few examples of totemic magics in Midgard. Majestic Might of Owls Totem Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement) This feathered necklace grants the wearer advantage on Charisma checks (Intimidation) and Wisdom checks (Perception). The wearer...
By Adam Roy Nov 1, 2017 | Articles, Shades of Magic |
Nature and magic are intertwined in the realms of Midgard. Indeed, some Northern and Mharoti legends say that all the lands and seas themselves are made from the bones and blood of the great serpent god Veles and are naturally imbued with the arcane and divine power of the Great Dragon herself. Below are a few examples of nature magics in Midgard. Crystal of Veles Wonderous item, rare (requires attunement by a bard, cleric, druid, warlock or...
By Dan Dillon Oct 11, 2017 | Articles, Shades of Magic |
The darkest servants of evil were once champions of light and justice. Fallen paladins who forsake their Sacred Oaths and pledge themselves to the forces of corruption and conquest wield vicious magic in service of their dark masters. Doom magic feeds on the hatred and spite of its users to torture, or annihilate the practitioner’s foes. Magical items fueled by doom magic are tools of war, suffering, and conquest. These items exist to grind the...
By Bayley Gillier Sep 27, 2017 | Articles, Shades of Magic |
Tools of the Arcane Weave Weaving magic into reality is not so far removed from the deftly crafted threads and patterns of masterwork garment makers. A handful of artificers can turn reinforced threads into conduits of arcane energy, and the faithful install their divinity into their works to bring a small portion of their deities to the Material Plane. Here you will find just a few items from the craft of arcane weaving. Cape of Comfort...
By Adam Roy Sep 18, 2017 | Articles, Shades of Magic |
Clockwork Magic Items Clockwork magic originated in the Free City of Zobeck, amongst the human, dwarf, and especially kobold followers of Rava, the Goddess of Gears and Fate. It has rapidly spread across the breadth of Midgard in the last century, and clockwork spells and magic items can now be found almost anywhere in Midgard, from the Constructor Temples of Ptah in the Southlands to the Boiling Tower of Steam of Auvindri Against-the-Wind in...
By James J. Haeck Aug 28, 2017 | Articles, Shades of Magic |
Primordial Magic Items The raw power of elements is called upon by druids, evokers, and sorcerers alike, for what mage does not wish to command the natural world itself? Long ago, these great spell-binders tamed the elements and forced their primordial power into these arcane tools. Should you come to possess these great magical tools, be prepared to wield them against the enemies of the earth. Boots of Quaking Wondrous item, very rare The...
By James Bitoy & Peter von Bleichert Aug 21, 2017 | Articles, Shades of Magic |
Draconic Magic Items Dragons are known to have a deep connection with magic. Those who seek to understand or emulate this connection study such monsters as others that fear their power or hate their ways incant spell and raise sword in opposition. Some seek to tap the dragon’s well of magic, collecting their body parts, while others deify the wyrms, believing them vessels of cosmic alignment or embodiments of godly might, thereby pursuing their...
By Neal F. Litherland Aug 14, 2017 | Articles, Shades of Magic |
The Necromancer’s Toolkit Necromancy is a potent force, and while many spellcasters might long for its power over the dead, the wise know not to meddle with what lives in the shadows. Despite this magic’s reputation, though, it can be used to create items of great potency. Those who take up these tools may even use them to battle the scourge of undeath… if they so choose. Bonebreaker Mace Weapon [any bludgeoning], rare,...
By Dan Dillon Aug 9, 2017 | Articles, Shades of Magic |
Gifts from the Void When the multiverse was whispered into being by the first words of creation, there was an echo of that generative moment. Nothingness in a dark reflection left behind in contrast to All That Is, the Void is All That Is Not. A place of dark, cold, and madness, the Void is beyond the reason and understanding of mortal creatures. Even the gods themselves fear to stare into that yawning gap between the planes, save those already...
