Weapons of Legacy

CALADBOLGCaladbolg is a leaf-bladed short sword. It is perfectly balanced,and its edge seems to glitter hungrily whenit 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 legacyitem shift and change subtly each timea new creature acquires the weapon, telling ofthe new wielder’s exploits. The markings areactually an archaic language, and they have nowshifted to tell of your heritage and deeds.HISTORYCaladbolg (“hard lightning” or “hard belly”)is a legendary sword of heroes among thebarbarian tribes of the western forests.According to their tales, it can be foundonly when a great hero has need of it, and whenit is drawn in battle, no one can stand against it.Stories featuring the sword often credit it withcutting through armor, millstones, and evena mountain in one notable case. Althoughmany of these stories are certainly merelegends, Caladbolg does have many amazingpowers. (DC 15)Caladbolg’s most recent owner wasthe deposed king of the western tribes,Fergus. Fergus was a warrior-poet,famous for his legendary virility as wellas his power in battle. As part of a ployto woo a woman named Neasa, Fergusgave his throne to Neasa’s son for oneyear. When Fergus tried to reclaim hisrightful title, the temporary king andFergus’s tribe alike refused to accept theruler back. Outraged at this treachery,Fergus joined forces with the queen of arival tribe and went to war against his formerkingdom. (DC 18; Rite of the Stag)The warrior Nuada was said to be the son ofa god, and he owned Caladbolg before Fergus.With the aid of the sword, Nuada becamea great leader of his people and ruled themwisely for many years. He was finally slainin battle by Baloch, a half-fiend fire giantchieftain. Caladbolg was buried with Nuada. Tales saythe gods reclaimed it, hiding the blade until a hero againhas need of its power. (DC 25; Slaying Baloch)Nuada was indeed the half-mortal child of a god,Lir, who crafted Caladbolg as a gift for the ancientCaladbolg comes to the aidof a great hero in needking. A sea deity worshiped by the western barbarians,Lir is a mysterious entity who claims to be theoldest of his pantheon. He is portrayed not only as akeeper of many secrets and mysteries, but also as abenevolent protector and guardian of the BlessedIsles where the spirits of the dead dwell. Manyof the greatest heroes of the western tribes’legends are said to be the foster children ofLir. (DC 31; Rite of the Sea’s Child)LEGACY RITUALSThree rituals are required to unlock all the abilitiesof Caladbolg.Rite of the Stag: To the western barbarians,the stag is a symbol of virility and fertility,but the name of this ritual is actuallya sly nod toward Fergus’s reputation. Topass this rite, you have to emulate the deposedking of legend by successfully wooing atleast five persons in a 24-hour period. No physicalintimacy need occur—you merely need to improvethe attitudes of the five selected personsfrom neutral to friendly (see the sidebar InfluencingNPC Attitudes, page 72 of the Player’sHandbook). You can accomplish this task byusing skills, performing deeds, or even castingspells. Cost: 1,700 gp. Feat Granted: LeastLegacy (Caladbolg).Slaying Baloch: You must face a giant,with a CR equal to your level or higher (maximumCR 16), in single combat. Caladbolgmust be your only weapon, but you can useany spells, abilities, or other magic items youpossess. Cost: 13,500 gp. Feat Granted: LesserLegacy (Caladbolg).Rite of the Sea’s Child: You are requiredto seek the blessings of Lir. To do so, youmust travel out to sea for a day’s journey beyondsight of land, wrap yourself in heavyiron chains, and leap into the water. You mustthen survive at the bottom of the ocean forone day, facing whatever challenges Lir poses,from hungry aquatic monsters to mysteriouspuzzles. Cost: 38,000 gp. Feat Granted:Greater Legacy (Caladbolg).WIELDER REQUIREMENTSBarbarians, fighters, and rangers get the most use outof Caladbolg, but any character who focuses on meleecombat will find the sword a welcome addition tohis arsenal.Illus. by W. EnglandCHAPTER 3ITEMS OFLEGACY47