Dark Fantasy Items
Relics from a bygone era, or the only things standing between mankind and oblivion?
Art by Garret Lewis
“When kings go to war, our enemies believe we seek to intimidate them through macabre displays. If they fear such symbols of death, so be it, but they are not the ones who need to be reminded of the costs of the battle to come…“
Imperious Battle Helm
Helmets such as these have long been worn by heads of state when they see fit to personally lead their forces into battle. Between the decorative eye and nose holes and the heavy ornamentation, they are entirely impractical for combat purposes. Few expect the individual wearing such a thing to take part in the fighting themselves. Still, on the rare occasions that they do find themselves wading into the thick of it alongside their troops, it can be safely assumed it is either out of a deep and unflinching faith, or an intense level of desperation.
“It’s perfectly sanitary! You think we’d still be using them after all this time if they weren’t? Besides, that acidic bite it adds to each swig is a real eye-opener on those long nights.“
Gourdbladder Drinking Vessel
In the Deserts of Òr, you use what resources are available to you. These dried bladders from the local wildlife are evidence of that philosophy. Some claim that the bile residue still clinging to the inside is what gives their water that extra kick of rejuvenation.
It is, to put it lightly, an acquired taste.
“The scriptures written across its head speak of the thunderous joy of the ringing of our great cathedral’s bells. In times like these, are bells and helmets really so different?“
Geddon’s Clapper
Legends tell of the peaceful hamlet of Dorn, when war came to its rolling hills. The invading force saw an easy target for resupplying their rations and blowing off a little steam. They got no further than the steps of the local cathedral, however, when they were faced with Saint Geddon. He had rung the bells so loudly in warning that they had collapsed to the ground outside. Faced with imminent death, and that of his flock, the holy man took up whatever he could find and stood in their defense.
“A relic of the Three-Eyed God, a traditional death ward of her people, a particularly grisly piece of jewelry… She had used many excuses to slip this deadly tool into places of supposed peace and safety, and yet still people wondered how her targets kept falling to blades.“
Three-Fingered Knuckle Blade
Forged special for an assassin of some repute, this unassuming weapon is difficult - if not downright painful - for anyone to use if they aren’t missing the same finger she was. For the truly determined, however, or those seeking to be a bit more covert about their intentions, it might just be worth the effort for those attempting to disguise just how deadly their fists can be.