CALADBOLG
Illus. by W. England
Three rituals are required to unlock all the abilities of Caladbolg. Rite of the Stag: To the western barbarians, HISTORY Caladbolg (“hard lightning” or “hard belly”) the stag is a symbol of virility and fertility, but the name of this ritual is actually is a legendary sword of heroes among the barbarian tribes of the western forests. a sly nod toward Fergus’s reputation. To According to their tales, it can be found pass this rite, you have to emulate the deposed king of legend by successfully wooing at only when a great hero has need of it, and when it is drawn in battle, no one can stand against it. least five persons in a 24-hour period. No physical Stories featuring the sword often credit it with intimacy need occur—you merely need to improve the attitudes of the five selected persons cutting through armor, millstones, and even a mountain in one notable case. Although from neutral to friendly (see the sidebar Influmany of these stories are certainly mere encing NPC Attitudes, page 72 of the Player’s legends, Caladbolg does have many amazing Handbook). You can accomplish this task by powers. (DC 15) using skills, performing deeds, or even castCaladbolg’s most recent owner was ing spells. Cost: 1,700 gp. Feat Granted: Least Legacy (Caladbolg). the deposed king of the western tribes, Slaying Baloch: You must face a giant, Fergus. Fergus was a warrior-poet, famous for his legendary virility as well with a CR equal to your level or higher (maxas his power in battle. As part of a ploy imum CR 16), in single combat. Caladbolg to woo a woman named Neasa, Fergus must be your only weapon, but you can use any spells, abilities, or other magic items you gave his throne to Neasa’s son for one possess. Cost: 13,500 gp. Feat Granted: Lesser year. When Fergus tried to reclaim his Legacy (Caladbolg). rightful title, the temporary king and Rite of the Sea’s Child: You are required Fergus’s tribe alike refused to accept the to seek the blessings of Lir. To do so, you ruler back. Outraged at this treachery, must travel out to sea for a day’s journey beFergus joined forces with the queen of a yond sight of land, wrap yourself in heavy rival tribe and went to war against his former kingdom. (DC 18; Rite of the Stag) iron chains, and leap into the water. You must The warrior Nuada was said to be the son of then survive at the bottom of the ocean for a god, and he owned Caladbolg before Fergus. one day, facing whatever challenges Lir poses, from hungry aquatic monsters to mysteriWith the aid of the sword, Nuada became a great leader of his people and ruled them Caladbolg comes to the aid ous puzzles. Cost: 38,000 gp. Feat Granted: of a great hero in need Greater Legacy (Caladbolg). wisely for many years. He was finally slain in battle by Baloch, a half-fiend fire giant chieftain. Caladbolg was buried with Nuada. Tales say WIELDER REQUIREMENTS the gods reclaimed it, hiding the blade until a hero again Barbarians, fighters, and rangers get the most use out has need of its power. (DC 25; Slaying Baloch) of Caladbolg, but any character who focuses on melee Nuada was indeed the half-mortal child of a god, combat will find the sword a welcome addition to Lir, who crafted Caladbolg as a gift for the ancient his arsenal.
CHAPTER 3
LEGACY RITUALS
ITEMS OF LEGACY
Caladbolg is a leaf-bladed short sword. It is perfectly balanced, and its edge seems to glitter hungrily when it is wielded. Runic glyphs decorate the blade. Nonlegacy Game Statistics: +1 short sword; Cost 2,310 gp. Omen: The runes on the blade of this legacy item shift and change subtly each time a new creature acquires the weapon, telling of the new wielder’s exploits. The markings are actually an archaic language, and they have now shifted to tell of your heritage and deeds.
king. A sea deity worshiped by the western barbarians, Lir is a mysterious entity who claims to be the oldest of his pantheon. He is portrayed not only as a keeper of many secrets and mysteries, but also as a benevolent protector and guardian of the Blessed Isles where the spirits of the dead dwell. Many of the greatest heroes of the western tribes’ legends are said to be the foster children of Lir. (DC 31; Rite of the Sea’s Child)
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