Items of the Hidden Kingdom

Written by Matt Cicci
Edited by Jonathan Jacobs
Illustrated by Matt Lichtenwalner & James Keegan

Magical relics have long been key in the pursuit of, or defense against, undeath. From simple holy symbols fortified with divine blessings to cowls that allow the undead to walk amongst the living, a great number of magic items deal exclusively with those horrid beings that refuse to go gently into the ever-after. Below are a few such items inspired by the Red Monks of Von Brandt.

Beggar's Coin by James Keegan

The Beggar’s Coin

Beggar’s coins are rarely spent. It is not that these small gold circles are without value. In truth they’d catch a fair price, but their value goes beyond the mere concept of commerce. When one of these coins are pressed tight into the palm of a hungry man, the hunger slips away; when these gold slips are dropped into the cup of a cold man, warmth slips over him. The simple dweomer infused into these coins creates a sense of comfort that few would part with. They’ve gained particular popularity in the hands of the downtrodden who’ve been blessed by the Red Monks.

Breath of Unlife by Matt Lichtenwalner

Breath of Unlife

Despite the horror associated with the undead, one cannot argue that the concept of undeath possesses a certain appeal. How else might one explain the studied nature of necromancy, the existence of vampires, and the not-uncommon occurrences of those tempted to stretch their own lives into immortality through undeathly transformations. It is irrefutable then that undeath presents temptations to many. Chief amongst these is likely an immunity to the common ills that the living suffer. Once having stepped through the veil, no longer does one age. Nor does disease or poison offer any threat. And sleep itself becomes extraneous.

Seeing a market for these benefits, an obscure alchemist from Korothos City is rumored to have brewed a necromantic elixir that is sold as a rejuvenating remedy. On many levels he achieved marked success; the potion allowed people to work through the night, it reduced the grey hair in many a noble’s brow, and in general bestowed a measure of vitality on its imbiber.

Unfortunately for the alchemist, it did not take long for its necromantic qualities reveal themselves. A number of side effects emerged, ranging from a foul odor that permeated the user or the awkward rigidity it induced in the muscles. Some experienced much harsher consequences such as widespread reports of violent mood swings and elixir-inspired cannibalism. What happened to the alchemist in the wake of these disconcerting reports is unknown, nor are the whereabouts of his surplus stock of the potion.The recipe for the elixir itself has yet to be found.

Gold Oak Mask by Matt Lichtenwalner

Gold Oak Masks

One thing Brother Ptolemy learned of quickly as his Hidden Kingdom began its work, was the distrust that was inherent in the human soul. Distrust from those he was attempting to help, and and an even sharper level of suspicion from city officials and other religions who regarded his work with a raised eyebrow. The work it took to gain a city’s trust or something resembling trust was as great as all the other, more pressing, endeavors the Hidden Kingdom engaged in.

Ptolemy turned to magic to ease this burden; the red monk’s patented golden masks were born. Though often chipped and worn, these oak masks possess a soothing magical aura about them that puts others at ease. Words spoken from behind the wood facade carry a more persuasive weight. In addition, the masks muddle spells or inquiries into the wearers true nature.

Ptolemy, despite refusing the luxury of satisfaction, is content with his creation’s efficiency. The face the Hidden Kingdom presents to the world is golden, serene, and full of compelling wisdom.

Soul Strength Armor Matt Lichtenwalner

Soul Strength Armor

The problem with undead, any veteran of battle against them would say, is they do not attack your body as much as they attack your soul. Insubstantial and bone-chilling, these evil creatures often seek to drain the very essence your life. Strong men grow weak, wise men go mad, and courageous buckle in fear at the necromantic onslaught these abominations unleash.

The intricate golden chains of Soul Strength Armor are designed to fight against these affects. The links, which are still as strong as any other suit, have been blessed with the divine and fortify the wearer’s courage and wards the soul from harm. When the brave paladin enters the crypt in this luminous armor, it will be the undead themselves whose psyche is shattered as they find themselves impotent against its divine protection.

von Brandt's Dagger Matt Lichtenwalner

Von Brandt’s Dagger

This simple, nicked dagger is the very blade that killed Gerhardt Von Brandt without his knowing it. A jealous man plunged the blade into the noble’s ribs, and thus began the subtle undeath that transformed Von Brandt into Brother Ptolemy.

In one swift blow this blade tasted mortal and immortal blood, and it awoke. Von Brandt’s body was imbued with powerful magics he’d been using to stave off age, and in that moment of transition some otherworldly force ebbed into the dagger. After the incident, the blade fell to the floor and was forgotten, only to be later picked up by an unknowing member of the town watch who later investigated the “murder”. The guard was found with his throat slashed only four days later.

And just as Von Brandt’s life has grown as he and his Hidden Kingdom have traveled, so too has the dagger’s strength. Wherever the blade lands, murders without assailants become commonplace. Honest men’s hearts are turned black merely by touching the pommel of this blade, and yet another killing spree begins anew. The dagger rarely stays with any owner for more than a few weeks, until eventually the dagger’s insatiable appetite for blood takes the life of its owner, one way or the other. This simple blade always finds another owner before long, and each time it gets a little closer to Von Brandt, whose unique blood it still savors after.