Magic Items:
Winter's Waxing Crook
& Bells of Bestfæng
Within the world of Aaroda lies a tradition held near the winter solstice of the world, a holiday with many different names and festivities but for the continent of Arendo it is commonly called Frost's Gathering. During this time, preperation for the colder months is set in place and farmers begin to prepare for the next crop season, but also families, friends, and large groups of people celebrate the time they have together to help distract from the frigid weather. Of the many creatures and myths that pop up around the holiday, two individuals stand out as the most famous of them all. First is Father Fülle, the giver of cheer and happiness during the holiday and will gift children handmade toys and a couple silver for the really good ones. The other is Bestfæng, the master of punishments for bad children and adults, often hooking naughty people with his sickle and even worse for the truly bad people. These beings are said to have powerful items and relics that in the hand of mortals bestow upon them some of the powers and abilities that the two have.
Obtaining These Relics
Like trying to get a hold of any kinds of relics, obtaining the staff of Father Fülle or the bells of Bestfæng is a difficult process. One way that is said to be possible is to pray to these individuals, as well as carrying out deeds and acts that may be seen as favorable to them. Very rarely, however, people who embody the ideals and acts of the two may become as vessel for their will, acting as an avatar of sorts much like a high ranking priest may be chosen to become an avatar for their deity. When this happens, they gain access to not only these items, but to all the powers they may hold. There also have been reports of items of this importance sometimes falling into the hordes of those who ecumulate wealth, such as dragons and other greedy monsters.
Winter's Waxing Crook
Staff, legendary (requires attunement)
The crook carried by Father Fülle, it is said this is used to pull the first blanket of snow across the land, with the sofe golden bell announcing his arrival. This crook has 20 charges, regaining 2d10 charges on a long rest. You can use these charges for the following effects.
Magic of the Snow. Using the power of winter magic, you can use an action to expend some of its charges to cast one of the following spells from it, using your spell save DC and spellcasting ability: Ice Knife (1 charge) Cure Wounds (1 charge) Lesser Restoration (2 charges) Beacon of Hope (3 charges) Haste (3 charges) Aura of Life (4 charges) Cone of Cold (5 charges) Greater Restoration (5 charges)
Blanket of Blessing. You can expend 6 charges as a bonus action to cloak an ally within 20 feet of you in a soft blanket made from leaves and snow, but still acts as a warm cloak. When a creature has this cloak, they gain temporary hit points equal to your level + your proficiency bonus. While they have these temporary hit points, they are immune to the charmed, frightened, and poisoned conditions and as a reaction to an attack roll made against them can impose disadvantage on the roll. Additionally, if the target fails a saving throw, they can instead choose to sacrifice the cloak and succeed.
Ringing of the Bell. You can expend 5 charges as an action to ring the bell on the crook, filling your allies with holiday cheer and energy. Any allies within 30 feet of you that can hear you regains up to 40 hit points and advantage on their next ability check or saving throw.
Bells of Bestfæng
Wonderous item, very rare (requires attunement) These worn and rusted sleigh bells ring out a sickening tune after Father Fülle passes through, annoucning the arrival of Bestfæng's sleigh as he comes to punish and even abduct naughty and bad children and people. As an action you can ring these bells summon a spectral sleigh of 1d4 winter wolves. These wolves use the winter wolf stat block found on page 159 of the Basic Rules. These wolves take their turn directly after yours. This sleigh lasts either for 1 hour or when all of the wolves are dead, causing the sleigh to vanish. This item can be used twice before losing its power, recharging both uses after a long rest.
While this sleigh is active, you have a 120 foot movement speed and can deal 1d8 cold damage whenever you pass by an enemy creature for the first time on your turn. Additionally, as an action while on the sleigh you can force any creature of your choice within 30 feet of the sleigh that can hear or see you to make a Wisdom saving throw, taking 2d10 psychic damage and becoming frightened of you for 1 minute.
Created by Hicks
Art by Banjoker