Staff of the Magi

Description

Often carried as a tool of office by powerful magicians, these staves are among the most potent and versatile implements a mage could hope to posses and are well-known as the pinnacle of the staff-carver's art. Many hours are need to twist together slowly long rods of dragonbone and orichalcum steel before long treatments and intricate carvings are added. Some fanciful tales attribute the ability to cast all manner of spells to these items. However, master artisans are all quick to point out that the Staff of the Magi is only as powerful as the magician who wields it, complementing what is already there, rather than offering a quick path to power.

Some Staves of the Magi have every rune set into them in orichalcum lettering to grant the wielder command over all possible spells, trusting the bonded soul to be able to keep in check such a powerful and conflicting combination of sigils. Breaking a Staff is known to be incredibly dangerous, releasing the assorted potent enchantments sealed with it. Wise foes will avoid shattering such an implement if they realise what they are facing and instead endure the wielder's barrage of spells.

The War Witches of Dawn particularly covet such items and sometimes an Enchanter will celebrate their appointment by commissioning a Staff of the Magi.

The most powerful of the wandering Volhov carry these staves in the guise of simple walking sticks, providing a nasty surprise for any being which would harass a lone traveler on the dark roads of Varushka.

Rules

• Form: Weapon. Takes the form of a staff. You must be wielding this implement to use its magical properties.
• Requirement: You must have both the magician and battle mage skills to bond to this item.
• Effect: Twice per day you may cast any spell you know for no mana cost.
• Materials: Crafting a staff of the magi requires thirteen measures of iridescent gloaming, seven ingots of tempest jade, five ingots of orichalcum, twelve measures of beggar's lye. It takes one month to make one of these items.

“Dearest Morgana, daughter of my heart, the day has come to pronounce you great among Nobles. You have been tested in the field of battle, where you have made a great name for yourself with your graceful rod-work and fine timing, thereby demonstrating fine Courage. You have aided the yeomanry of the land, guaranteeing the bounty of the land through the rituals of Spring and Autumn, and have thereby demonstrated both your skill and your Wisdom. You have been tested by privation as you travelled alone, and your faith has not wavered, demonstrating your unswerving Loyalty to the House.

“You have always been dear to me since the day we met, Morgana, when you were but a child, barely a citizen. You made such a fine scribe that no man could ask for better, and you studied well at my side. You were so proficient in your magic – and so stubborn, yes, girl! – that I thought surely there was the blood of the unicorn in you, and you never let defeat or hardship sway you.

“My heart and my House both love you as a fine daughter, Morgana, and both advised me equally to commission this gift as we pronounce you Lady of House D’Arnay. With this staff in your hand, your own fearsome talent will flow yet more easily, helping you strive for ever-greater achievements in your name and the name of D’Arnay. It will smite what you command, topple what you command, hold and harm what you command, and restore and strengthen what you command.

“Arise, Lady Morgana D’Arnay, to the service of your House, and take your Mage’s Staff into your hands. Such deeds as yours deserve no less reward.”