The Master DM's book includes detailed descriptions of 16 artifacts, based on real world myths and legends, as contained in Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes.*
*in his article "A new game with a familiar name" in Dragon #77, Frank Mentzer mentioned "The old Gods, Demigods & Heroes book is due for revision, too." (pg. 28)
Armet by Wayland
This is a tight-fitting helmet with bevor (chinpiece) and movable visor, crafted by the legendary Immortal armorer Wayland Smith. Some claim that it makes the wearer invulnerable to all attacks.
Source: England, 12th century and earlier
Further Research: See Weland’s Sword in Puck of Pook’s Hill, by Rudyard Kipling (1906); Kenilworth by Sir Walter Scott (1821), scattered references to Wayland Smith’s Cave (in England, near Lambourn, Berkshire); also refer to Volund or Volunder (king of the elves and supernatural blacksmith) in Frithiofs Saga (Scandinavian, 13th century).
Notes: Isle of Dawn
Claw of Mighty Simurgh
Long ago, a great roc-like bird appeared to a wandering cleric. The bird said it was Immortal, and had already seen three cycles of life on earth-each ending in destruction by water, ice, and fire. It gave one of its smallest claws (a mere 2 feet long) to the cleric. Explaining its powers, the Mighty Simurgh asked that it be used for the betterment of mankind. The cleric did what she could, but lives no more, and the claw has apparently fallen into the clutches of Chaos.
Source: Ancient Middle Eastern (Persian) legendn
Further Research: This is a recurrent but very general theme - a great being that has lived forever and possesses the knowledge of the ages. Look for similar recurrent themes among the myths of different cultures; related items can prove suitable for artifact design, and usable in nearly any setting.
Notes: see also "The Persian Mythos" in The Dragon #12 and "Dreams of Arabia" in Dragon #334 (Simurgh; pgs. 43-4)
Comb of the Korrigans
A group of nine powerful elves took a rare woodland creature (the Korrigan) as their symbol. Successful as a mortal group, they resumed their close friendship after all reached Immortality. Together they created this item to aid mortal elves to reach Immortality, but only if they strive toward representing the best of elvenkind. The Korrigans became nearly legendary in mortal life, commonly using shapechanging and haste in their travels and combats, and this device presumably bestows similar powers.
Source: Breton folklore.
Further Research: Various works on folklore of the British isles (Irish, Scottish, and Gaelic), such as Celtic Myth and Legend, by Charles Squire. See fays (or fees or faeries); druids of ancient Gaul; the Lamignak elves; Fountain Women of French folklore; also see A Field Guide to the Little People (Arrowsmith and Moorse, 1977).
Notes: see also "PC1: Tall Tales of the Wee Folk" (1989)
Diamond Orb of Tyche
This item appears to be a crystal ball, but is somewhat larger (about 18 inches across) and glows softly with a white light filled with sparkling colors. It was crafted by the powerful Immortal, Tyche, said to control chance and the fortunes of mankind. It is a powerful artifact of Chaos, but is not necessarily evil, and is said to bring good fortune to the user, for a time.
Source: Greek mythology.
Further Research: See general works on mythology, with reference to the Greek myths and gods, especially the goddess of Chance or Good Fortune.
Notes: see entry for Tyche in Deities & Demigods (pg. 74)
Fiery Brand of Masauwu
The legendary Guardian of Death, Masauwu (possibly another name for Orcus) is greatly feared. It is rumored that he walks across the entire earth every night, appearing as a dark-skinned giant clad in animal skins and carrying a flaming torch. This device is sometimes left for others to use, especially if they will further his causes. It has horrible and awesome powers, but if the user impresses Masauwu by employing it often and with diligence, he may grant even greater ones.
Source: Hopi (American Indian) legends.
Further Research: From the North American Indians; See various pamphlets from Universities and Museums of the United States, especially (for Hopi Indian legends). Truth of a Hopi by Edmund Nequatewa (Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff). Note also that the lord of the Overworld and Guardian of the dead, appears in legends of many other tribes.
Notes: Atruaghin Clans; Masauwu is mentioned as an Eternal of Entropy in IM2 "Wrath of Olympus"
Girdle of Armida
Armida was once a famous sorceress in a far land. To help her achieve the greatest heights in her craft, her immortal uncle, Idraote, gave her this Girdle. However, she used it to tempt and confuse paladins, generally bringing confusion and discord to others. Having fallen to petty abuse of her powers, Armida did not reach her Immortal goal; but the Girdle remains, to tempt (and possibly aid) other magic-users to become Paragons. It is supposedly watched over by Idraote to this day.
Source: Italian literary romance works dealing with the First Crusade (1096-1099).
Further Research: See a translation of the romantic epic Gerusalemme Liberata (Jerusalem Delivered) by Torquato Tasso (1581).
Humbaba's Glaring Eye
The huge one-eyed monster Humbaba was fought long ago by a great hero, named Gilgamesh. Its eye was taken after its defeat, and was made into an artifact by Ninsun, a powerful Immortal. It eventually caused Gilgamesh to seek immortality above all else, but he failed, and was eventually destroyed. The Eye remains, a famed symbol of death and destruction. The Eye is said to provide the powers of the original monster, including breath and gaze weapons.
Source: Babylonian myths.
Further Research: The Epic of Gilgamesh (circa 2000 B.C), and general references on mythology (especially Sumerian and Babylonian).
Notes: see also "Near-Eastern Mythos" in The Dragon #16 and "Dreams of Arabia" in Dragon #334 (Humbaba; pgs. 40-2)
Hymir's Steaming Caldron
The vain Immortal giant Hymir created this device to produce vast amounts of superb ale for his own enjoyment, and for his friends Thor and other Immortals. Its powers can, however, be used in other ways.
Source: Scandinavian mythology.
Further Research: See general reference works on mythology, especially referring to the giants of the Norse myths (which are different from D&D game giants); Hymir is a minor character, usually appearing only in references to Thor and the Midgard Serpent.
Notes: Frosthaven
Ivory Plume of Maat
This small but exquisitely crafted feather-shaped brooch was created by a great Paladin, the beautiful fighter Maat. She was a many-talented mortal, and strove always to promote good over evil. Her device is said to enable the user to follow in her noble footsteps, doing good deeds and furthering the cause of Law and Justice.
Source: Egyptian mythology.
Further Research: The Book of the Dead, translated by E. A. Wallis Budge, and other references on Egyptian mythology. Maat, goddess of absolute order, was wife of Thoth (god of knowledge) and daughter of Ra (the highest ruler, sun god of the mythos), and assisted in the work of creation.
Notes: the Ivory Plume of Maat is kept within the lair of Azem, a large gold dragon (Dragon #171)
Ortnit's Lance of Doom
It is not known how the hero Ortnit (or Hartnit) acquired this powerful weapon. The device’s origin is also a mystery. Ortnit defeated many giants with it, so it may have great powers against this ilk; but he was later slain ignominously by a small white dragon, which is odd considering his legendary power. The weapon remains, but is often shunned, rumored to bring death to any user.
Source: Germanic legends.
Further Research: Refer to the medieval German epic poems composed in the 13th century and collected in Das Heldenbuch (The Book of Heroes). In this and other works, see references to Ortnit and his brother Wolfdietrich. Legends of another Germanic hero, Dietrich of Bern, were based on Theodoric the Great (King of the Ostrogoths, 454-526 A.D.). The famous epic poem The Nibelungenlied is another source, based loosely on the Scandinavian Volsunga Saga with added material unique to Germanic legend.
Liberty Leading the People by Eugene Delacroix.
Pileus
The Pileus (pill-A-us) was made deliberately similar to the red Liberty Cap, a long-time symbol of freedom. An Immortal Paragon mage named Saturnius created it to bring freedom to enslaved mortals. It is rumored that the wearer of this device will remain free forever, and can free all those who suffer imprisonment of any sort.
Source: Roman and French history.
Further Research: The Liberty Cap is a common symbol of freedom in history. The red pileus, a Phrygian cap of red felt, was placed upon a slave’s head during the ceremony of manumission. It was used regularly in the Roman Empire, and appeared in the French Revolution (1789-1799) as the Bonnet Rouge.
Rainbow Scarf of Sinbad
The success of the famous adventurer Sinbad the Sailor (whose whereabouts and even existence are now dubious) is said to have been caused by this simple item of apparel. Especially made to aid the Epic Hero on his way to Immortality, this device must be worn at all times. It may bring luck and intelligence, but will bring hazardous adventure as well if even a tenth of the legends of Sinbad are true.
Source: Arabian folklore.
Further Research: See The Arabian Nights' Entertainments (or 1001 Nights, from circa 1450) and related references, including Sinbad the Sailor, Aladdin, Scheherazade, the Roc, etc.
Notes: Emirate of Ylaruam
Shard of Sakkrad
According to very old legends, the original home of mankind was in the middle of a vast mountain, so huge that the sun was said to rise from one of its peaks and set on the opposite. The entire base of this mountain is the fabled emerald Sakkrad; its reflection gives the azure hue to the sky. One small piece of that emerald - this very Shard - was stolen by a djinni, who subsequently vanished from existence; the Shard has never reappeared. It is said to hold unimaginable power; some say that mortal man was not meant to have it, and cannot possibly control it. Others dismiss it as pure legend. Yet despite the tales, many adventurers of great fame and power have gone in search of it; none are known to have returned.
Source: North African creation myth.
Further Research: This item is loosely based on a creation myth common in Africa and Asia Minor.
Notes: The Coast (a.k.a. The Four Kingdoms)
Tome of Ssu-Ma
The Immortal Hero Ssu-Ma is said to be the father of written knowledge, bringing mankind from barbaric chaos to civilization. His Great Tome is said to gather knowledge of all sorts from the very air itself, and is thus able to provide information on anything in existence.
Source: Ssu-ma Ch’ien, an historical figure
Further Research: Shih chi (Records of the Historian) by Ssu-ma Ch’ien (145-90 B.C.) is called the first major Chinese historical work. For more information on this scholar, see Ssu-ma Ch’ien: Grand Historian of China, by Burton Watson (1958). For details of Chinese mythology, see Asiatic Mythology by James Hackin et al, and Chinese Mythology by Anthony Christie.
Verthandi's Invincible Hourglass
Verthandi, a very powerful Immortal of Time, gave mortals the ability to control Time itself, through this marvelous creation. Its powers are said to be unlimited - both in scope and danger.
Source: Norse mythology.
Further Research: See standard works, referring to the following names. Verthandi is one of the Norns of Norse legend, the immortal beings who rule the fates of men and gods alike. Verthandi rules the Present, Urdur (or Urdhr, or Urth) the Past, and Skuld (who wears a veil), the Future. Each of the Norns may provide ideas for other artifacts.
Notes: Kingdom of Vestland, Kingdom of Ostland, and the Soderfjord Jarldoms
Wife of Ilmarinen
The legendary Immortal craftsman Ilmarinen once used his great skills to create a companion entirely of gold and silver. However, the result was too cold to even be approached. Appearing as a metallic golem, it was given special powers when freed, and is said to reside in far northern reaches, either alone or with its current master.
Source: Finnish mythology.
Further Research: See the Finnish national epic poem Kalevala, compiled by Elias Lonnrott in the late 19th century.
Notes: see entries for Ilmarinen in Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes and Deities & Demigods (pg. 58)
References:
Funk & Wagnall’s Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology, and Legend, edited by Maria Leach and Jerome Fried
Gods and Heroes by Gustav Schwab
The Golden Bough by Sir James G. Frazer
The Meridian Handbook of Classical Mythology by Edward Tripp
Mythology by Edith Hamilton
The New Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology, translated by Robert Aldington, et al.
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