I found the most amazing shop when I returned to Koenigsburg!  I needed to resupply after my run-in with Alfwyrd Grove, especially my potions, so I asked for the nearest alchemist.  I was directed to The Golden Lotus.  I know, it sounds like a brothel, and apparently a lot of people mistake it for that.  I’ll tell you all about its owner, Tamzy, later, but right now I have to finish packing.  She’s asked me to find some rare plants from farther south and I’m excited about going somewhere new.  It will be a long trip, so I’ll write along the way. In the meantime, you can read about the Golden Lotus alchemical shop.

Be well my fellow world-walkers!

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This work by Jean Headley is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Before I left Koenigsburg, I learned that Alfwyrd Grove is run by a man named Karol Stormsinger.  Apparently as a child he “sang” a storm into being over his family’s farm, then sat in the middle while it raged.  I had heard tales of a good man, strong but gentle.  What I found was certainly strong.  Terrifyingly powerful.  But there was nothing good or gentle in it.  I have contacted the mercenary Guilds in Koenigsburg – there are three.  I leave it more experienced hands to deal with the madness I found, and I thank all the gods that I escaped with my life.

This is what little I learned: Karol Stormsinger.

Don’t go into that forest, friends, not for love nor money.

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This work by Jean Headley is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

As I explored Koenigsburg, I began to hear troubling rumors out of the west.  Alfar using their magics to make an ancient forest attack the people.  People missing inside the forest, found dead and horribly mutilated.  Packs of wolves attacking sheep and cows and even people.  Deformed deer, rabbits, and other creatures.  The people I spoke to were scared and angry.  This doesn’t sound like the work of Alfar to me.  Even the Dokkalfar, the dark elves, wouldn’t warp nature in this way.  At least, I don’t think they would.  I have decided to pack and head west.

This is what I’ve learned about Alfwyrd Grove.

Tread lightly in the Forest my dears, for She senses your every step.

 

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This work by Jean Headley is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

I decided to sail south from Annan’s Port and check out the capital.  The trip was easy and peaceful. The most exciting thing that happened was a pod of Erde’s dolphins surrounded the ship and escorted us for most of a day.  The crew seemed very happy with this, and we had a small feast on deck that evening.  After that they called me Lucky Lady, and treated me as a treasured possession.

I usually avoid the large cities.  They’re the same everywhere: overcrowded, noisy, and dirty.  I’m glad I made an exception, for Koenigsburg was magnificent.  The city’s architecture was a blend of human, Duerfar, and Alfar construction, with squat, solid homes and shops beneath soaring arches and towers.  In the middle of the city was the Heart Grove.  I had heard that the Alfar begin new communities by planting the seed of a giant oak and making a sacrifice but nothing prepares you for the sight.  This massive tree towered over even the walls, and was visible from every part of the city.  Most people believe the spirit of the Alfar who was sacrificed has disappeared, but I’m certain I saw her, leaning against the trunk of the great Heart tree.  I left a bowl of milk and honey for her.

Click this link to read a little more about Koenigsburg.

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This work by Jean Headley is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Another artifact for you: a Spindle that can create or change your Fate.

This is one of my favorite artifacts.  The inspiration came from many sources, including the Norns of Norse culture, the Fates of Greece, the tale of Rumplestiltskin, and, I admit it, Disney’s Brave.  The idea that it could show a person the full consequences of his actions came from my beloved. (Thank you, Oh my most Beloved.)

The Spindle is the sixth artifact on the Legendary Artifacts page.

It is sought after and fought over by spell casters because it not only replaces all material components it increases the potency of their spells.  It’s sought after by others because Gold.  But the most important thing it does is shape history, both future and past.  Use it carefully.

~Jean

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The fifth artifact installment: The Cord of Wishes.  This little beauty was created from hair and imbued with the spirit of a witch.  It became so powerful, after a lifetime of use, that it can hold wishes.  Simply (hah!) clearly envision your intent as you put a knot in the cord and then, when you release the knot it, the wish is released.

Click the link to the Legendary Artifacts page.

I’ve removed all game mechanics from the write-ups, so if you want to use this one I recommend rolling a d4 (d12 and d20 work too) to determine how many spells are already knotted into the cord.  A roll of 4 means the cord is empty.  It’s up to you what spells are in the cord, or if a wish is already knotted into it.  The Cord can be used indefinitely if it only holds spells.  Only after releasing the third wish will it disappear and return to the dryad’s Grove.

There’s a lovely ice storm in Missouri this weekend, and I am grateful that I am home and not stuck at work/a hotel as was possible.  Stay well, be safe, and happy gaming!

~Jean