Losing items

[Derek Becker]

Klaus wrote:

Scapular of the Heroic Slayer

Liked:

1) its a scapular, which I had never heard of until now
2) it is conferred via a ritual, one that is easily performed by PCs
3) it stacks with a Periapt of wisdom, giving the PC the option to get that magic item as well. a nice and original take on doubling up item slots
4) the heroic nature of the item
5) the anti-undead raising thing. something that the characters in the game would be very concerned with, but the PCs/DM may not think about

Constructive Criticism
1) the mechanics behind the bonus feats. A +4 AC bonus would have done the trick just as well. And since they are feats that rogues get, the anti-undead item is of less value to the class that doesn't get to use one of their best abilities when fighting creatures that aren't affected by sneak attack.

2) Written as-is, I'd have lowered the cost. The big draws are the roleplay benefit of not coming back to eat everyone's brains and you can use a wisdom item with it if you want to. I

3) I know English is your second language, but its spelled "whether" ... not that I know one word of Portuguese other than "Please for the love of God, does anyone here speak English?!?!?" And I'm told that's not even very good Portuguese.

[Patrick Walsh]

kyamsil wrote:

Here is mine.

Bracelet of Spellbinding

Too much twink, not enough crunch, and no linkage between the name and the effect - it doesn't bind you, it releases you. Reference to "sorcerer druids" in the first paragraph probably sunk you right there.

[Russ Taylor]

gbonehead wrote:

Here's my thoughts on some of these items.

Gloves of Force Shaping

There's a lot going on with this item, and the cost seems low for something that can overcome all sorts of normally immovable blocks.

Yep, priced somewhat along the "newthink" way, based on "what would I buy instead of these", since the formulas don't work that well. It's essentially got the powers of a very downgraded cube of force (I do mean very) and a more limited than normal d-door or disintegrate. Ultimately, I tagged it close to a blessed book and went with my gut.

I'm aware it comes off cheap compared to a lot of DMG items, but the game is loaded down with items so expensive they don't get touched.

[Patrick Walsh]

tenaciousN wrote:

Here's mine. Not flashy, but useful IMO.

Torque of the Ermine

This silver torque is engraved with stylized, intertwined ermines. When placed around a character's neck the wearer gains the flexibility of a contortionist. The wearer automatically succeeds on any grapple check made to resist a grapple attempt, as well as on grapple checks or Escape Artist checks made to escape a grapple or a pin.

Moderate abjuration; CL 7th; Craft Wondrous Item, freedom of movement; Price 8,000 gp.

I like the idea, but auto-winning grapple escapes is probably what sank this item. Perhaps a +X boost to these checks would have been better than auto-wins.

[ironregime]

FireLance wrote:

Headband of Momentary Defiance ...The wearer gains an additional, immediate saving throw with the same bonus and against the same DC as the original, failed saving throw...

I like this and don't have any insight on why it might have been axed. I really like the idea of being able to restore its power.

If it were mine, I might opt for less alignment-specific stuff, switching out the holy water for something weirder / more evocative like brain fluid from an intelligent creature or something. I'd replace the protection from evil requirement with resistance, and adjust the price accordingly. And just for kicks, I'd probably throw in some very minor drawback that fits the defiance theme, like a -2 circumstance penalty to Diplomacy checks while worn.

[Joshua Stevens]

Here's mine, I know it's anachronistic and might be perceived as a "spell in a box." Clark also mentioned that he doesn't like magical tape recorders, ipods, and the like (which it isn't, but on quick inspection could be seen as such). I had hoped that my item contained enough inherent RP potential to make it more than just a mere spell effect, but alas, no dice.

Sorrow Box

These eerie music boxes are usually contained inside of small, ornate iron chests. Upon opening the lid, whirring pins on a revolving cylinder strike the tuned teeth of a stamped metal plate inside. A long forgotten and melancholy tune often sounds from the box. Without warning however, the disturbing sounds of some recorded tragedy - a mother drowning her infant, the last gasps of an innocent man swinging from the gallows, etc., are replayed along with the melody to the unwitting audience. A permeating sadness inevitably creeps into the souls of those that listen.

The entire song takes 6 rounds to complete, and each round it plays its forlorn melody, each affected creature takes a cumulative -1 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls, up to a maximum of -6 after 6 rounds of play. These penalties last for 7 minutes. The entire melody need not be played all at once, but after the song has finished, a Sorrow Box requires one full day to rewind itself.

Moderate enchantment; CL 7th; Craft Wondrous Item, crushing despair; Price 12,650 gp; Weight 5 lb.

[Patrick Walsh]

flash_cxxi wrote:

Cool, here goes.

This is the item that I posted:
Fangs of the Crescent Moon

Umm... No. No way in heck. Not in my game.

Way too much twink and very reminiscent (sp?) of the Vecna items.

[The Eldritch Mr. Shiny]

The Eldritch Mr. Shiny wrote:

My entry:

Dawnhelm
This bronze pot helm has elongated nose and neck-guards, as well as hinged cheek-guards and a foot-high wicker crest running from ear to ear. A Dawnhelm allows its wearer to cast banishment once per day as a twelfth-level cleric. The wearer may also cast daylight four times per day as a fifth-level cleric.
When worn by a paladin, however, the Dawnhelm grants a +2 bonus to Charisma when dealing with evil-aligned creatures and NPCs, as well as the ability to cast bless five times per day at cater level equal to paladin level.
A Dawnhelm is especially helpful to characters (paladins especially) that frequently encounter evil outsiders and undead.
Moderate conjuration and evocation; CL 12th; Craft Wondrous Item; banishment, daylight, bless, eagle’s splendor; Price: 130, 000 gp; weight: 4 lbs.

I would definitely like feedback on this, as I am probably going to implement it in one of my games.

*REPOST*

[allen trussell]

OK, I'll submit mine since we've been given the go ahead:

Eyes of the Sun
These clear crystal lenses are worn over the eyes, much like any similar pair. When worn, the wearer can see in normal darkness as if holding a torch. Upon command, the eyes of the sun can emit a glow equal to the light spell, for up to 50 minutes per day. Once per day, the wearer can use searing light against a target.
Faint Evocation; CL 5th ; Craft Wondrous Item, light, searing light; Price: 16,350 gp

[Patrick Walsh]

Mothman wrote:

Medallion of Final Words

---

I see three main issues with this item. Firstly (and perhaps most importantly) its much more of an item that would be used as a plot hook or story device by a DM rather than something that most players would want or use.

I think this was the sinker. The back-story explained what you'd use it for, which is probably another ding against it.

[Mothman]

Russ Taylor wrote:

I'm aware it comes off cheap compared to a lot of DMG items, but the game is loaded down with items so expensive they don't get touched.

Hey Russ, I didn't notice you in the alternate's list at first - well done! (And hope for a few more drop outs...)

[ironregime]

DangerDwarf wrote:

Tenk’s Bonecharm

Very evocative. I definitely like the descriptive stuff in there. I think the actual utility of the item needs some interest added to it, rather than just a divination spell.

Just brainstorming here, but what if each bone on the string embodied the essence of one skill at which it's former owner excelled? The wearer may select one bone (i.e. one tortured spirit) to study (say, for 1 hour). For the remainder of that day, she gains a nice bonus to that skill at the cost of a (much lower) penalty to all others?

Again, not meaning to hijack your item... The cool description inspires me but the magical effect does not. That's all.

[David Jones]

Handy potion bottle
This bottle is typically fashioned of a hard metal and designed to have negligible weight. It is usually about three inches in length and one inch in diameter with a hinged stopper. Inside the bottle is a nondimensional space allowing it to hold up to six doses of a potion, each dose must be of the same kind of potion. When it is empty the bottle can be refilled with either the same or another kind of potion.
Drinking a dose from this bottle does not provoke an attack of opportunity and is considered a swift action, refilling the bottle is a standard action for each dose.
If the bottle is placed inside a bag of holding or portable hole then a rift to the Astral Plane is torn in the space, both items are sucked into the void and forever lost before the rift closes.

Moderate conjuration; CL 9th; Craft Wondrous Item, secret chest; Price 2,600 gp (Price is for an empty bottle)

[Mothman]

The Eldritch Mr. Shiny wrote:

My entry:

Dawnhelm

I would definitely like feedback on this, as I am probably going to implement it in one of my games.

Hey Shiny, I don't think there's anything majorly wrong with this from a mechanics or flavour point of view ... I wonder if the judges may have thought it had a few too many functions (even though they are thematically linked - there were a few comments about 'swiss army knife' items). The number of uses of some of the abilities seems a bit non-standard too, and might be hard to keep track of. I would probably go with 1 or 3 uses per day of these abilities.

I wonder about the +2 Charisma bonus for paladins vs evil creatures ... seems a bit strange. What's the background story on this?

[Chris Dragich]

Did not have access to file when I originally posted this but now I do so here was my entry:

Necklace of Bones

This necklace appears to be a chewed leather thong from which dangles a tiny figurine of a skeletal creature. The figurine must be removed from the necklace and thrown to the ground to activate, at which point it becomes the skeletal creature represented. The creature then obeys the owner of the necklace and can follow simple verbal commands (attack, defend etc). The creature is under the control of the owner of the necklace for 10 minutes at which point it fades into dust. (Most of these Necklaces carry a human skeletal warrior but any skeletal creature is feasible)

Necromancy
CL: 8th
Feats: Craft Wondrous Item
Spells: Animate Dead
Cost: 2850gp
=================================

I have actually given these out as treasure before in games. The PC's like them, especially the one with the skeletal wooly mammoth attached!

[Patrick Walsh]

Rusty Ironpants wrote:

Hello everyone,

Some nice items listed so far. Here is my entry, any comments and criticisms are welcome. Does anyone think that it being such a low level item could have hurt my chances?

Dead Man's Hands

No too low level, but possibly to utilitarian. Cool use for grossing the PCs out - "I have to put on what?!?!." :)

[Andrew Marlowe]

Here's my entry. I welcome any feedback.

Strawman’s Mask

Spoiler:

This horrific patchwork mask of burlap and leather bears a leering face crudely stitched across the front. When worn the mask transforms the wearer’s body into a form similar to an animated scarecrow granting a +2 bonus to Intimidate checks. Two times per day the wearer may, as a standard action, transform into a construct, gaining that subtype and the following traits for one hour:

Low-light vision.
60’ Darkvision.
+4 bonus to all saves vs. mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects).
Immunity to poison, sleep effects, paralysis, stunning, disease, death effects, and necromancy effects.
Not subject to critical hits, nonlethal damage, ability damage, ability drain, fatigue, exhaustion, or energy drain.
Vulnerability to fire.

Once per hour, the mask can be used to summon a congress of ravens this ability otherwise functions as the Summon Swarm spell.

Once per day when summoning ravens the wearer, as a standard action, can become a raven joining the congress. While part of the swarm the wearer benefits from 75% concealment. Effects that target the swarm also target the wearer. This shapechange effect lasts until the congress disperses.

Strong transmutation; CL 18th; Craft Wondrous Item, Shapechange, Summon Swarm; Price 195,000gp

[Eric Hindley]

B_Wiklund wrote:

Well for posterity:

Rigalto’s Hurdy Gurdy

This exquisite instrument of finest material and quality strings was crafted for the great bard-musician, Rigalto. The hurdy gurdy is an ornate string instrument similar to a violin wherein the strings are sounded by means of a wheeled crank. Its original owner Rigalto was the court musician for the depraved and tyrannical Duke Meravici. Utilizing the magic of the instrument the bard conjured breathtaking spectacles for the whimsical tyrant.
Legend reputes that Rigalto’s lover, as punishment for a perceived slight to the Duke’s mistress, was fed to and devoured by the Duke’s bloodthirsty hounds. That night, Rigalto wreaked his revenge by using the magic of the instrument to create a menagerie of animals that then proceeded to tear apart the Duke and his sycophantic courtiers. Conjured flames engulfed the great hall and no trace of the bard or his instrument was found.
If the musician learns the proper notes and makes a DC 15 Perform (string instrument) check he may craft a conjuration as per the spell shadow conjuration (caster level 7th).
Faint Illusion; CL 7th; Craft Wondrous Item, shadow conjuration; Price 56,000 gp; Weight 2lb.

I'm sure the background overload was one of its fatal flaws.

Can't say I didn't warn you... that and I still say nobody needs at will shadow conjuration.

[R D Ramsey]

Here's mine. I'm aware of a couple of issues with it, but I'm still personally fond of it. :-)

Kylix of Batrachomyomachy

This copper-rimmed cup is adorned with figures of anthropomorphic frogs and mice wearing armor and carrying weaponry.

Anyone imbibing any beverage from it will be able to see the allegiances of everyone in the room regarding any controversial topic under discussion. Those on one side of the topic will appear vaguely froglike, and those on the other vaguely mouselike. The extent to which the observed person resembles a frog or mouse is indicative of how strongly they feel about the topic. This perception is only visible to the user. The drinker will also view the topic as somewhat ridiculous, allowing them to make dispassionate judgements about whose allegiances lie where.

A successful Will check by an observed person prevents the effect from applying to their appearance. The effect lasts for 5 minutes per use.

Faint divination and illusion; CL 5th; Craft Wondrous Item, detect thoughts, silent image; price 4,100 gp; weight 1 lb.

[ironregime]

Eyebite wrote:

Sorrow Box

Good God, man, I love the description and fluff text. That part rocks. I'm just not sure the mechanics/effect of it do it justice. I'd like to see something cooler than just a penalty to some die rolls. Unfortunately I can't put my finger on what that something should be. Best I can come up with off the top of my head is a save or fascinated effect, but that doesn't quite solve the essential problem.

[Joshua Stevens]

ironregime wrote:

Eyebite wrote:

Sorrow Box

Good God, man, I love the description and fluff text. That part rocks. I'm just not sure the mechanics/effect of it do it justice. I'd like to see something cooler than just a penalty to some die rolls. Unfortunately I can't put my finger on what that something should be. Best I can come up with off the top of my head is a save or fascinated effect, but that doesn't quite solve the essential problem.

I had thought about a fascination effect, but cut it due to word count and for balance reasons. (I didn't want to make it too powerful.)

Thanks for the review!

[ironregime]

The Eldritch Mr. Shiny wrote:

Dawnhelm

I dunno. Just doesn't do it for me. Nothing about the item screams NEW! Sure its handy and all, but I just get the feeling theres a bunch of other items out there that replicate this grab bag of effects.

[Skaven13]

die_kluge wrote:

Here's my submission:

Arquebus of Pillows
The Arquebus of Pillows (only one is known to exist) looks like a standard arquebus. Despite showing signs of wear, to one skilled in the manufacturer of such items, it appears to be in working condition. However, if magic is detected, moderate conjuration magic reveals that this arquebus is unusual. When fired, the Arquebus unleashes a torrent of 55 to 100 (50 + 5d10) pillows of random shapes and sizes. Once created, the pillows are permanent. And though they are bright, colorful and fluffy, are quite mundane. The Arquebus fires in a cone-shaped spread and has a range of 25’. Creatures in the pillow-affected area suffer decreased movement – treat as difficult terrain; movement is halved. Furthermore, creatures in the area of the blast must make a Reflex save DC 10, or be dazed for 1 round. Unlike a standard arquebus, the Arquebus of Pillows requires no special ammunition or powders to ignite. It can only be fired once per round, but otherwise can be fired as many times as desired.

Moderate conjuration; CL 9th; Craft Wondrous Item, minor creation, creator must have 5 ranks in Craft(sewing); Price 12,000gp; Weight 10 lbs.

So...if I use energy substitution, can I get t-shirts instead of pillows? Or hot dogs? ;)

[Mothman]

Patrick Walsh wrote:

Mothman wrote:

Medallion of Final Words

---

I see three main issues with this item. Firstly (and perhaps most importantly) its much more of an item that would be used as a plot hook or story device by a DM rather than something that most players would want or use.

I think this was the sinker. The back-story explained what you'd use it for, which is probably another ding against it.

Yeah, I actually thought that back story was a plus initially, to explain my thinking on the item in a somewhat creative way ... I then later realised that if the judges couldn't figure out how the item could be used without a back story, it wasn't a very strong item after all.

[ironregime]

Clouds Without Water wrote:

Kylix of Batrachomyomachy

Someone's been reading the encyclopedia again, haven't they?

I like quirky stuff, and I REALLY like quirky stuff aimed at roleplaying encounters rather than combat bonuses.

I suspect one drawback might be the perception that the item deals with a lot of intangibles that are hard to define and quantify. What counts as a "controversial topic," for example?

Also some of the more action-oriented campaigns might not see a use for it very often (or at all).

[ironregime]

die_kluge wrote:

Arquebus of Pillows

I would store this in my armoury right next to the rapier of tickling.

[Kruelaid]

Watcher! wrote:

Well... I'll post mine too. Next post.

I feel really embarrassed about it though.

I rather like your item. It reminds me of a line from "The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock".

The background made me laugh because you just wrote so damn much about something so simple.

[Eric Hindley]

Boxhead wrote:

Everflapping Cape

Originally conceived by the maniacal Morte the Morbid, and a perpetual favourite of villains around the globe, this basic black cape always appears as though it is flapping in the wind, even when the air seems at a dead calm. The tips of the cape can be commanded to flap at a higher rate, distracting viewers and removing their thoughts from the situation at hand.

The cape allows the user to use sanctuary 1/day (DC 11), especially useful if the urge to monologue rises. In addition, the wearer can create a gust of wind 1/day (DC 12). Both effects are triggered with a command word and require a standard action.

Moderate Evocation [Air]; CL 3rd; Craft Wondrous Item, Gust of Wind, Sanctuary; price 3000 gp; Weight 1 lb.

I assume I got an auto-reject as a joke item, but can't help but wonder if the name "Cloak of the Archvillain" would have done any better. Ah well, I guess I'll just keep trying...

Instant bump before I go to bed...

[David Posener]

ironregime wrote:

die_kluge wrote:

Arquebus of Pillows

I would store this in my armoury right next to the rapier of tickling.

Available for only $14.95 $A

[ironregime]

Boxhead wrote:

Everflapping Cape

Yeah, it's like a gag gift for adventurers.

Bottom line: if I were running an adventure with this item in it, I'd replace it with something else.

[Scott Hall]

Midrealm DM wrote:

Diviner’s Chalk

I guess I wasn't the only one to do something with chalk:

Summoner’s Chalk

Often found in pouches, a typical set of Summoner’s Chalk contains fifty pieces of this chalk embedded with powdered silver. On command, a piece of chalk will fly out and inscribe a Magic Circle against Evil (either version) as per the spell except with a range of 30 feet. If using the second version of Magic Circle, a second command on a later round will add a special diagram to the circle (as per the Magic Circle description, but taking only 1 minute). Once complete, the special diagram creates a Dimensional Anchor effect on any creature summoned into the circle.

The Magic Circle and Dimensional Anchor effects consume one piece of chalk each.

Variations of this item exist that create Magic Circles against Good, Law, or Chaos.

Moderate Abjuration; CL 7th; Craft Wondrous Items, magic circle against evil, dimensional anchor; Price: 15,000 gp.

My inspiration was a trio of magic circles in the 1E DMG. I guess it's pretty pedestrian, but I like the image of wizards summoning demons inside magic circles, so I wanted something to make that easier. Also, as Wands of Magic Circle aren't a standard item, I figured this might be useful out in the dungeon as well. I priced it close to a 3rd level wand since the Dimensional Anchor aspect basically requires two charges.

[Starglim]

Timault Azal-Darkwarren wrote:

After seeing the winners and reading some of the comments here's how I would edit it:

Mask of the Sea-Reavers, Eagle revised

** spoiler omitted **

That would be a shame. I thought the gift-giving mechanic lifted the original to a real contender.

[Skaven13]

Well, after I just poked fun at the arquebus of pillows, figure I should put mine up here.

Scroll case of Armaxis

Named for the wizard who created them, these scroll cases were used to outfit mages of the Southern Leagues during the war to combat the rune sorcerers of the north. After the war, they became an item that a master would give to a favored student at the end of his apprenticeship.

(I actually left this fluff text out, and changed the name to scroll case of recall)

These scroll cases are covered with arcane runes and adorned with various charms or decoration. It is connected on one end by a cord or chain, which is usually attached to a belt. By itself, the scroll case does not have any power, but whenever a scroll is placed in the case for at least 24 hours, the case grants two powers. First, any of the deciphered spells on the scroll are able to be cast as if the scroll was activated normally without removing the scroll from the case. This ability counts as casting the spell from the scroll, and all rules for activating a spell from a scroll apply. Second, the case can recall a spell of a given level once per day. Only those spells that appeared on the scroll when it was placed into the case can be recalled with this ability. If the scroll is removed from the case, the case loses these properties until a scroll is placed in the case for another 24 hours.

Most scroll cases of Armaxis can recall spells from levels 1, 2, or 3. Scroll cases that can recall higher level spells are rumored to exist.

Strong transmutation; CL 17th; Craft Wondrous Item, creator must be able to cast spells of the spell level to be recalled; Price 1,000 gp (1st), 4,000 gp (2nd), 9,000 gp (3rd).

The caster level might be a little high, but I was looking at the pearl of power (I think) that does a similar affect.

[Mothman]

Boxhead wrote:

Everflapping Cape

Yeah, I think the name, and to some extent the item's function might have gotten it bumped as a joke entry.

Also, the santuary effect, whilst still useful, seems to be appealing to a meta-game issue, rather than really filling a game purpose.

Mechanically it looks ok to me.

[Starglim]

B_Wiklund wrote:

Well for posterity:

Rigalto’s Hurdy Gurdy

I'm sure the background overload was one of its fatal flaws.

I don't mind that it relies on background, since its mechanics are solid, though not special in themselves. A PC, particularly a bard, could find out about its background as a cool way to work out what it does and how to activate it.

The skill DC probably should be higher.

[Starglim]

Mothman wrote:

Robert N. Emerson wrote:

Okay, as I've now seen that I was not selected, as well as the quality of the work that beat me out, I figured I'd share my submission (especially now that I see Erik OKed it).

Here is the Varisian Climbing Scarf, enjoy and comments are more than welcome.

Varisian Climbing Scarf
** spoiler omitted **

Secondly, I think it may have ironically suffered from using the word ‘Varisian’. I wonder if the judges may have seen this as a bit too blatent attempt to design something that would gel with Pathfinder? (There was a judges comment about the goblin ear item about ‘sucking up’). It may have been better called “Traveller’s Climbing Scarf” or something, or be a rope rather than a scarf.

I dunno about that. Scarves are important to Varisians, and this is a Varisian scarf. The flavour arises from the culture, rather than leaning on it for support, if you see the distinction.

[Starglim]

ancientsensei wrote:

Erik Mona wrote:

Feel free to post your non-advancing items in this thread. We don't mind.

Well, since the Man Himself has said so, I'll post mine. I welcome any input, especially from designers, but I expect the judges will decline since that request cannot fairly be made by everyone:

Prescience Pillow

The dream power is excellent. Possibly the earlier poster is right to say that the lesser abilities are too busy.

[Mothman]

Starglim wrote:

Mothman wrote:

Robert N. Emerson wrote:

Okay, as I've now seen that I was not selected, as well as the quality of the work that beat me out, I figured I'd share my submission (especially now that I see Erik OKed it).

Here is the Varisian Climbing Scarf, enjoy and comments are more than welcome.

Varisian Climbing Scarf
** spoiler omitted **

Secondly, I think it may have ironically suffered from using the word ‘Varisian’. I wonder if the judges may have seen this as a bit too blatent attempt to design something that would gel with Pathfinder? (There was a judges comment about the goblin ear item about ‘sucking up’). It may have been better called “Traveller’s Climbing Scarf” or something, or be a rope rather than a scarf.

I dunno about that. Scarves are important to Varisians, and this is a Varisian scarf. The flavour arises from the culture, rather than leaning on it for support, if you see the distinction.

I do see the distinction. My comment was not meant to imply that a Varisian Climbing Scarf was a bad idea, either flavour wise or mechanically. What I was getting at was that tying this item so closely to the Pathfinder setting may have ironically counted against Robert in this case.

[Starglim]

ironregime wrote:

Ok, since the blessing has been given to post losing items, here's mine. Feedback is not only welcome, I'm begging for it.

Conundrum of the Secret Scribe, an enchanted notion

Enchanted Notions: More than mere thoughts, enchanted notions are the mental equivalents of magic items, residing in the psyches of their possessors, and are wielded with command words.

This is a nifty idea, though it stretches the concept of a wondrous item to its limit and beyond. I can see the question arising how one of these "items" differs from a spell or a feat.

[Starglim]

Eyebite wrote:

Here's mine, I know it's anachronistic and might be perceived as a "spell in a box." Clark also mentioned that he doesn't like magical tape recorders, ipods, and the like (which it isn't, but on quick inspection could be seen as such). I had hoped that my item contained enough inherent RP potential to make it more than just a mere spell effect, but alas, no dice.

Sorrow Box

Unless the owner is undead (which admittedly would fit well with its flavour) or unaffected for some other reason, this is more of a trap than an item.

[Joshua Stevens]

Starglim wrote:

Unless the owner is undead (which admittedly would fit well with its flavour) or unaffected for some other reason, this is more of a trap than an item.

Nah, just pop in some earplugs. :)

[mark davenport]

here is my item please comment if you would like.

Spoiler:

Ta’rathreael’s Pendant
This oval pendant is made of fine silver, and bejeweled with a large star ruby in it’s center. Several smaller radiant gems spiral out from the center. It’s chain is made of mitheral in the shape of an infinity loop That flow like water refusing to tangle.

+4 enhancement bonus to Charisma 10 ranks in perform
+5 saves vs. death effects. Or a save DC 25 vs. a spell that does not offer a save. 12 ranks in perform

Three times /day the wielder may use a gaze attack that causes evil creatures to suffer a 50% chance to loose his next action for one minute. Will DC 24 negates

Once per day the user may cast contingency.

The star ruby may be removed by a limited wish spell, and placed into a magic sword’s pommel. replacing the sword’s abilities with the following.
+3 enhancement bonus
Keen edge, Far blade.

When the sword is within 100 feet of the pendant the abilities change to.
+5 enhancement bonus
Keen, Speed, Far blade.

Strong varies; CL 20; Craft wondrous item, craft arms and armor. eagle’s splendor, keen edge, haste, far blade, contingency, wish. Cost 151,650 gp

this is the spell used in the item.

Far Blade
Level 3 sor / wiz
Components: v,s,m
Casting time: standard action.
Range: touch ( bolt [close 25ft + 5 ft / level])
Target: weapon
Duration: 1 min / level
Save no
Resistance: yes

You can fire crackling force bolts from your bladed weapon. Each bolt may be fired as a ranged touch attack (at close range). This is only a partial attack action. If you have more attacks you may fire one bolt for each attack. The bolts do 1d8 damage + 1d8 / 3 caster levels. Material component is a small piece of glass

[mark davenport]

sorry i forgot to mention. the ranks in preform are require to use the ability they are next to.

[mwbeeler]

Oh what the hell. Judge me, cruel peers!

Amaranth Martingale

Deeming undeath to be beneath their station, but still yearning to prolong their existence, the Crux Accretion surreptitiously commissioned scores of these deep red, velvet chokers. Adorning each Martingale is a single silver charm, typically in the nature of phoenix or butterfly.

One round following the death of the wearer, the Martingale sheaths the corpse in flame; cremating the remains and itself by the conclusion of the round (other objects or creatures, including worn items, remain unaffected by the flames). One hour following the incineration, the wearer returns to life in a new, unclothed body (determine type randomly as per the reincarnate spell table) in the square the cremation occurred. The rebirth effect occurs only under conditions pursuant to the reincarnation spell (including accompanying level loss), while the immolation is merely contingent on the death of the bearer.

Particularly affluent Accretion members employ consummate assassins to commit painless executions at regular intervals, typically bequeathing assets to their “successor.”

Moderate transmutation; CL 7th; Craft Wondrous Item, Reincarnate, Produce Flame; Price 4000 gp

Spoiler:

Two things I think hurt me - too much flavor text, and low pricing, though I did this deliberately:

• Make it available for lower level characters
• Raise dead can be had for 5
• I wanted it to be more in line with the MIC pricing
• Wearing it can be dangerous

Oh yeah, and I managed to spell "Wondrous" incorrectly in my submission (SWEET!).

[Starglim]

mark davenport wrote:

here is my item please comment if you would like.

** spoiler omitted **

I count 301 words. Thanks for playing!

[Keith Richmond]

Wow, I really wish this had its own forum - this is a bit too much of a mess.

Ah well, here's what I dashed out:

Reliquary of Saint Tyrion

The reliquary is a golden figurine of the paladin, Tyrion, attached to a silver chain so that it can be worn as a necklace. Inside the figurine is one of Tyrion's finger bones and a small script with the words "The best of intentions on the wind are empty before the helping hand".

Once per day, if the wearer of the reliquary would fall below 0 hp, the reliquary prevents 1d8+5 damage taken. This can prevent death if the wearer would have dropped below -10 hit points.
As a swift action, a turn attempt may be channeled into the reliquary while casting a Conjuration (Healing) Touch range spell to change the range to 30 feet and change the target to 'One living creature'.

Strong conjuration; CL 12th; Craft Wondrous Item, Cure Light Wounds, creator must be able to turn undead; Price 12,000g; Weight 1 lb.

I think I'd have done it slightly different if I'd read the forums for the later advice about things like flavor text, but eh well. I wanted to fulfill a solid purpose using an interesting vessel. Maybe I'll sneak it into a game at some point.

[mark davenport]

Starglim wrote:

mark davenport wrote:

here is my item please comment if you would like.

** spoiler omitted **

I count 301 words. Thanks for playing!

when counting the spell i included and the line i added to tell you what it was.

[Mikko Kallio]

Oh well, what the hell. Here we go, my item (inspired by Stone of Alarm and Figurines of Wondrous Power):

===

Murderbloom

A drow sorceress, tales say, created the first murderbloom when her affection for a lover turned into jealousy. The petals of this ordinary-looking rose open when a command word is spoken. If the rose is touched thereafter by anyone who does not first speak that same command word, it quickly withers and crumbles into a crawling mass of hairy, poisonous spiders. The spider swarm attacks and pursues any living creatures in its vicinity for 6 rounds, after which the spiders scatter.

Faint conjuration; CL 3rd; Craft Wondrous Item, summon swarm; Price 300 gp.

===

Well, Clark commented in a thread that while evil items are ok, traps disguised as items are not. Hell, stone of alarm is in the SRD. Many cursed item are in fact wondrous items and can be considered as traps.

A major part of the challenge was that we had no idea of what the judges like. Take monkey-themed items, for example. I'd auto-reject any such item because monkeys and D&D don't go together well. Well maybe in Eberron. And probably in 4ed, to attract the kids.

[R D Ramsey]

ironregime wrote:

Clouds Without Water wrote:

Kylix of Batrachomyomachy

Someone's been reading the encyclopedia again, haven't they?

I like quirky stuff, and I REALLY like quirky stuff aimed at roleplaying encounters rather than combat bonuses.

I suspect one drawback might be the perception that the item deals with a lot of intangibles that are hard to define and quantify. What counts as a "controversial topic," for example?

Also some of the more action-oriented campaigns might not see a use for it very often (or at all).

Kylix has long been one of my favorite words.

I made a choice to go for something the fit certain kinds of campaigns at the expense of the general. Probably a wrong choice, but a choice. Heh.

Quirkier than I intended, but I'm sort of resigned to that fate. :-)

I did think about the hard to define aspects, sort of leaving that open to interpretation on purpose. Again, probably should have been tighter.

Comparing it to my favorites of the 32, I can see where I should have been aiming in order to advance and still hit my own flavor preference. I like this one, but there's always room for improvement.

[Cybren]

This was mine...
Doreen's Delightful Dressing Screen

Spoiler:

This beautifully crafted dressing screen is decorated with many colorful designs of flowers, the sky, and various breathtaking landscapes. It stands 6ft tall, and is divided into three folds, each 2.5ft in length. When the screen is unfolded, it enchants anyone who steps behind it (concealed from any onlookers), allowing them to change into any mundane clothing, or don any armor they posses, as a move action. You may dress into any sort of clothes you imagine, this flexibility, grants a +4 circumstance bonus to disguise checks. The user of the item never actually puts the clothing (or armor) on. Instead, their outfit is magically changed.

In addition, the screen may store up to four sets of armor or worn magical items inside of it. They do not increase the weight of the screen, and once stepping behind the screen, the user becomes aware of any items stored within. These items may be called to the user while using the screen as a free action.

Folding or unfolding the screen is a standard action that provokes an attack of opportunity.

Moderate Transmutation; CL 10, Craft Wondrous Item, 7600 gp, 10lbs

On the long side but my program said it came out to (including title) 198 words. I was also unsure of the price (mostly an eyeball. I thought it might have been too hight, but someone else said i asked to review it said it looked too low) or requisite spells (i'd rather have it be spell-less than giving an inappropriate one). Probably rejected because it was too awesome. I also would agree that i'd like to see the comments made by the judges on my submission so that I may learn from them, however harsh they may be.