Fantasy Core Ireland Setting--Items and Animals Part 1

Fantasy Core RPG
(c) Jerry Harris, 2013
Published here as Open Game Content.

Index

Money: The Irish people have only recently been introduced to coinage by the Vikings. Before this, wealth was measured mostly in cows and livestock. The land was owned by hereditary nobles, and freemen paid rent and built upon it. Gold and precious metals were valued, but often anything portable would be carried off in Norse raids, so wealth was buried and hidden.

The upshot of this setting is that, while the characters may acquire some wealth that shouldn’t be a primary goal. In fact, they should look at exchanging it as soon as possible for something more useful, lest they become targets. The characters should be looking at accumulating deeds and fame. (After doing so, they likely won’t have to pay for things and services. They’ll be gifted to them.)

The Water Shoes: Owned by Fergus Mac Leda that was a gift of the halflings. They allow the wearer to walk and breathe underwater.

The Four Gifts of the Fey: These items were brought by the Fey when they conquered Ireland. The Coronation Stone, the Spear of Lug, the Sword of Nuada, and the Caldron of Dagda. They are all currently lost, whereabouts unknown.

--The Coronation Stone-Screams whenever the rightful king steps on it. It was kept at Tara at the Mound of Hostages, before it was stolen during the last coronation. Without it, any kingship (including the current high-king) is doubtful (he had not yet stepped on it before taking the throne).

--The Spear of Lug-a magic weapon that will fight by itself (allowing the owner to wield another weapon, essentially and extra attack per rd). 1d10 damage, requires +4 Int bonus to use.

--The Sword of Nuada-Slays with a touch (DC 12 Will Sv), otherwise 1d8 damage, requires +4 Wis bonus to use.

--The Caldron of Dagda-Produces unending amounts of stew, also reportedly brings the dead back to life (or as zombies), the legends are unclear.

Ogma’s Sword: A magical Fomorian weapon, two-handed 2d12 damage. As befitting the god of letters and learning, the sword can recite a history of its wielders. It has passed through many interesting hands. It requires a +4 Str bonus to wield and +4 Int bonus to ask it for its knowledge.

The Silver Arm of Nuada: Fey king who lost his arm at the first battle of Mag Tured. Because of his disfigurement, he lost his kingship. A magical silver arm was created for him, but later replaced by a real arm. If the silver arm is attached to an arm stump, the owner acquires +4 Strength, Wis, and Int bonuses, and their AC is increased by 1. The whereabouts of this artifact are unknown.

The Brown Bull of Cooley and the White Horned Bull of Connaught: These were the two prize bulls from the tale of the Cattle Raid of Cooley. Given the value of livestock in Ireland, their descendants are highly prized by their owners.

Gray of Macha: One of Cuchulain’s horses (the other was the Black) and was the king of all horses. The horse was very intelligent and loyal. He protected Cuchulain’s body as he was dying. Any sires of this horse would be very valuable.

The Magic boar of Beann Ghulban: Actually a person put under enchantment. It is immortal and will return to life if killed. It sometimes appears in County Sligo at the Mag Tured battlefields. The creature’s poisoned spines are highly sought after. (DC 18 Fort Sv, death within 1 day).

Gae Bolga: Magic weapon of Cuchulain. A spear that causes normal damage the first rd of a hit (1d8), then 1d8 x 4 damage the next rd as it flies back to the thrower’s hand.

War Form Spell or Warp Spasm Spell: A spell of Cuchulain when he went into battle. It caused hideous disfigurement, but increased all damage (x 2), increased AC (by 4), and doubled hit points. It lasted for the length of a battle. It required a full ceremony to cast and could only be used once a day. All knowledge of this spell is currently lost.

Here's a good Wikipedia list of Magic Weapons.


May as well list a few more Fantasy Core rules changes here.

http://jdh417.blogspot.com/2012/10/fantasy-core-rpg-thief.html
This whole "backstab" thing has caused me more consternation than any other rule.    I've broken it down into three separate attack types.

http://jdh417.blogspot.com/2012/09/fantasy-core-rpg-paladin.html
The paladin's smite ability is now limited to melee attacks only.

http://jdh417.blogspot.com/2012/10/fantasy-core-rpg-additional-rules.html
I've added some DC's to stealth, detection, and find skills.