One hand giveth and the other taketh away? Both hands are probably wearing rings from the collection below. (These pieces might match up well with a skill challenge.)
Spyrex: Fashioned from a hollowed-out dragon bone, this ring was passed down within several generations of one family, more as a curiosity than anything else. Only recently was it discovered to aid its wearer in prophecy, particularly in draconian matters. To use, remove from the finger and look through. If this ring “likes” you (it’s rather particular), you may see a vision. Supplemental magical knowledge can help get this stubborn but powerful ring working.
Woven Band: Braided out of several shades of pink silk, this pretty ring will magically bind two lovers together. Sometimes this ring works on an exceedingly literal level, making it difficult for the wearer’s lover to leave her side, even to go to the bathroom. At other times, it will seem to do nothing for some time — its effects can be maddeningly metaphorical. This ring was prized by the women of Queen Adamane’s court, who seemed to think it a great game to pass it among themselves during jousting matches.
Latent Pulse: It takes a strong stomach to wear this ring. Made from skinned human flesh that is neither undead nor properly dead, this ring possesses its own heartbeat, audible only to its owner. Those who wear this ring will find the loud, steady heartbeat almost soothing. If danger is approaching, the heartbeat will speed up and grow unbearably loud. Makes a good early warning system, but can become inconveniently gooey during hot or humid weather.
Memory Loop: A delicate and exquisitely polished yellow gold band that winds several times around the finger. This ring bestows a photographic memory upons its bearer but, when worn, the bearer of this ring usually finds himself so hypnotized by its ineffable beauty that, unless the owner can force himself to concentrate on his surroundings, the memories it preserves are often quite dull.
Wax Ring of the Goblins: Sticky wax rings like this one are traditionally exchanged as love tokens between the stingier breeds of goblins who press their seal into the wax and then pass it to their sweetheart (who often passes it on or rubs out the seal and replaces it with her own). Wearing this ring is a handy aid in marketplace haggling or games of chance, but previous owners have found that possessing it had a deleterious effect on personal relationships. Also, it smells like goblins.
Hidey-Hole: Another goblin artifact. This thick, dark wooden ring has several clever hidden chambers, previously used for poisons and noxious substances. Some of the secret compartments are sealed magically, but the most obvious can be found by close examination, leading incurious or hurried people to prematurely conclude that they’ve discovered all of this ring’s secrets. One of this ring’s cubbyholes contains a natural booby trap: a tiny but venomous maggot that never seems to grow up into whatever it’s supposed to be.
Dusky Beryl Bauble: A junky-looking thing, though the stone is nice. Glows faintly when any situation (a conversation, a burglary, et c.) has reached its natural end. Becomes unbearably bright when the wearer is sick, injured, or dying. This makes a nice gift for someone you want to protect or watch over.
Rock Candy Ring: Looks a bit silly, but will fit a fully grown human or even an orc. Sucking on this ring will temporarily improve concentration, even when the wearer is tired, stressed, or sick. There’s a prize in the center of the candy, so don’t choke! Comes in grape or sour apple.
Lifegiving Ring of The Eternal Waters: This sparkling sapphire ring can have a powerful healing effect for the most hopeless cases. However, wearing it causes one to fall into a deep walking stupor, usually for several days or more. Long-term side effects of this ring include memory loss, facial tics, and/or personality changes.
Bird Perch: A nifty little thing, carved from dark wood. Holding this ring aloft will cause a nearby bird to alight on the ring and tell the wearer its secrets, if it knows any.
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I liked this bunch of items! I especially liked the latent pulse ring.
Thank you! Sometimes creating these items feels like writing mini short stories. It’s fun.
My favorite is the Dusky Beryl Bauble. Man would this help get out of some crappy conversations
Nice ‘treasure fillers’ for any fantasy system. Things gypsies might sell. Thanks.
I wouldn’t mind having the Dusky Beryl Bauble myself!
Thanks for the kind words. The idea of a sort of gypsy bazaar is sort of the inspiration for these columns.
A rock candy ring? Does this mean my everlasting provisions are actually regenerating twinkies? Could pop rocks grant me a momentary breath weapon? Will there be an edible necklace in the next set of lore, or maybe an edible breast plate.
On second thought, scratch the edible breast plate. That’s a bit naughty.
I copied latent pulse to use myself, also bird perch. A nice druid treasure.
Ethan, it was going to be an edible codpiece, but people’s minds are just too dirty nowadays! ROFL
Noumenon, thanks very much for the feedback! I thought Bird Perch would be particularly good for a druid, too.
This gives me an idea for a Feywild themed adventure. What about a crazy confectionary that makes edible magic items, like the rock candy ring, etc? There could be mints that make you curiously strong, bubblegum that lets you fly a few spaces, and all of them with some nasty repercussion.
The nasty repercussions are a must. That’s one of my favorite things about creating magic items — they always come with a high price.
Just got your “curiously strong” joke — haha!