Magic Item Creation and Use

[MidnightPoet]

Magic Items in Altenheim

Magic items are extremely rare, but not unknown, in the world of Etharis, and are never sold publicly. Most cities and towns do not have any magic items at all, but Altenheim is a capitol city and extremely metropolitan. An herbalist in Altenheim will sell all sorts of medicines, but might only allow a customer they have known for a long time and who has helped them see their stock of magic potions or the Decanter of Endless Water they inherited from their great grandfather. If you are interested in magic items, consider investing time and effort to talk with these NPCs during your downtime.

A Black Market Magic Items

Alternatively, the darker corners of the city host secret exchanges and auctions for magic items. Such meetings occur weekly in a nondescript location. Finding the location of such a meeting often requires both investigation and connections. Anonymity and discretion are prized in such exchanges, and exchanges are often overseen by a powerful patron who personally guarantees the safety and validity of the sale. Any violation of the rules invites retribution or compensation of some sort, to this patron.

Monster Trophies and Crafting

As monster hunters, you have first pick of monster trophies. These trophies are parts of monsters that contain an abnormal amount of occult or divine power. Many members of the Occult value such trophies to ascend to higher levels, or to create powerful magic items.

Take for example, a group of monster hunters slay a red dragon. Using Detect Magic and their own investigations, they realize that magic has concentrated in the dragon's heart, crystallizing it, and imbuing it with the powers of coldfire. The Primordial in the party can choose to use this rare trophy to increase her transformation level by 1. Alternatively, she could hand it to the wizard who can use their professional bonus to craft the item into a Dragon Vessel (Rare).

Magic Items and Remuneration

Using magic items is not simple in the world of Altenheim. Most magic items can be used with little problem, but more powerful magic items, like those requiring attunement, might impose temporary penalties on those attuned to them. These penalties are based on the monster from which the item was made.

When a hunter attunes themselves to a Dragon Vessel (Rare), a potential penalty is that they gain the Dragon's greed and avarice. They are unable and unwilling to part from their gold until dawn, when the item recharges its abilities. Such penalties are known at the time you create or appraise a magic item, and you are encouraged to properly plan for them. For example, you might arrange to pay in advance at the inn, or leave a bag of coins with a trusted teammate.