Items · Melee Weapons · Magical
Winter's Fang
A dagger wielded in defense of the Modoc tribe, freezing its enemies in their tracks.
Quest entry
Quest - Magic Items
In association with Johnn Four, and all the fine folks subscribed to his Roleplaying Tips Weekly mailing list, we bring you our second collaborative Quest! Here's the required stat block template to use for your entries:… Open the quest
Full quest brief
In association with Johnn Four, and all the fine folks subscribed to his Roleplaying Tips Weekly mailing list, we bring you our second collaborative Quest!
Here's the required stat block template to use for your entries:
* Awesome Name
* Appearance
* Benefit
* Drawback
* Lore
* Twist
For an awesome description and guide to these stat blocks, check out Johnn's post describing it.
There will be three sets of *random* prize draws: Nov 7, Nov 21 and Dec 5 -- XP awards per normal as well!)
All entries submitted before each date will be eligible for each random draw. So enter early and often.
Thanks to Gator Games for their prize sponsorship!
Appearance
A massive polar bear's fang encased in mithril, with runes of ivory inlaid over much of the surface. The runes record the names and great deeds of each shaman who has wielded this weapon in the past.
Benefit
The Fang has the ability to freeze on contact almost anything in nature. Plunging it into water will cause thick ice to form, while driving it into a body will inflict massive internal freezing on the victim. The freezing effect continues for as long as the Fang remains in contact with the body, so it is possible to completely freeze a victim from the inside out by simply driving the fang into his chest and leaving it there for 30 seconds. It is possible for the Fang to become embedded deeply in ice of its own creation, however, if the user is not careful with it. Additionally, polar bears will not attack the wielder of this item.
Drawback
The Fang must be used while wearing gloves. Otherwise, the sweat from combat or fear (sweaty palms) may cause it to freeze on contact with the user’s skin. The effect is similar to licking a cold flagpole. It is also highly ineffective against metals and other inorganic substances, and may do even less damage than a normal dagger if it does not come into contact with flesh or something that it can freeze.
Lore
During the Runes War of two centuries past, the shaman Ursuol is said to have assumed the form of a great bear to do battle with the Frost Giants of Ulgor. He defeated the frost giant chief, but was mortally wounded in the process. Still in bear form, Ursuol ripped out one of his own fangs, soaked in the blood of the frost giant chief, and gave it to his successor. This item was crafted from that very tooth.
From that time, there have been many great shamans of the Modoc tribe, each wielding Winter’s Fang in defense of his or her people. And in times of great peril, it is even said that the spirit of Ursuol himself may possess the current wielder and prowl about in bear form once again.
Twist
After the wielder has built up a long rapport with Winter’s Fang, it is possible to conquer the weapon's abilities entirely. If plunged into his own chest, the Fang may choose to "accept" the bearer instead of killing him, and the user will gain the ability to turn into a great polar bear at will. This effect lasts only as long as the user is fighting the enemies of the Modoc tribe, or some other common enemy.
Scrolls
Twists, chapters, and details meant to stream with the submission — not general discussion.
No scrolls yet — leave one if you have a twist worth keeping.
Sign in to plant an idea scroll.
Enjoyed this? Sign in and cross blades for Dossta — five clashes, up to 25 XP.
Sign in to cross the blades.
Enjoyed this? Sign in and Grant your Favor.
Sign in to Favor
Discussion
Reader talk, questions, and feedback — not scrolls.
No comments yet — be the first voice in the hall.
Sign in to join the discussion.
Bonds
Curated bonds across the Citadel — sign in to bind a bond.
No bonds yet — be the first to bind one.
Also for this quest
Other entries under Quest - Magic Items.
-
Gideon's Mercy
Sometimes, an item is not enchanted, but instead, a person's acts resonate so strongly across the planes of magic that their touch is forever remembered on the …
-
The Skald of Seven Shapes
A invaluable tool for those with a thirst for knowledge.
-
The Thunder Sphere
An unusual set of armor.
-
Silverbreath
If kindness is the currency
that you most often use;
Then Silverbreath may come one day
to light Good Fortune's fuse.
-- Opening to 'The Ballad …
-
Moradin's Piece
A gun made by the God of the Dwarves
-
Gateshatter
Not all hammers are tools of creation. Some are made for destruction, and some rare few truly excel at it.
-
The Horn of Seven Seals
The Horn of Seven Seals can remove many of one's inate inhibitions, allowing for greater effectiveness in battle. This can come at a hefty price, however.
-
The Staff of Seven Snakes
Of all the Kings' Items, this one is rarely spoken of in this day and age. Also known as Kingsbane, this staff has a very dark history indeed.
Use alongside
Submissions that pair well with this one at the table.
-
Gideon's Mercy
Sometimes, an item is not enchanted, but instead, a person's acts resonate so strongly across the planes of magic that their touch is forever remembered on the …
-
Moradin's Piece
A gun made by the God of the Dwarves
-
Gateshatter
Not all hammers are tools of creation. Some are made for destruction, and some rare few truly excel at it.
-
The Horn of Seven Seals
The Horn of Seven Seals can remove many of one's inate inhibitions, allowing for greater effectiveness in battle. This can come at a hefty price, however.
-
The Staff of Seven Snakes
Of all the Kings' Items, this one is rarely spoken of in this day and age. Also known as Kingsbane, this staff has a very dark history indeed.
-
Biter, the Insatiable
'Oh great, another mouth to feed'
A useful weapon to have, good for keeping food cold when not in combat.
I think one would have to be an exemplary defender of the tribe to avoid getting the spirit of the shaman very displeased with you, if you use the Fang as a cooler. Though his abilities might be lessened, it seems to be that the shaman, as he gave his life for the tribe, would want to be wielded only by tribemembers defending the tribe. A barbarian PC might use the Fang on a quest for the wellbeing of the tribe, but anyone else better return this weapon to its rightful owners.
That's pretty much what I had in mind. I decided not to put an explicit restriction on it, though, preferring to leave it to the GM's discretion.
An excellent barbarian treasure to sit lost and forgotten on some lord's wall of trophies and banners.
I'm seeing this as a very interesting item to encounter on a barbarian. It definitely adds some solid history and lore to what some PCs might chalk up to be yet another nameless tribe of hunters.
Awesome idea... Do you mind if I borrow it, but tweak it to being the ritual weapon of the High Priest of Ursun (the Bear God) in Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay? It just fits so well!
This is a cool magic item - no pun intended, but there you go :)
Epic background - I love it's origin.
I like this unconventional weapon, all sections are well done and fit really nicely together.