Magitech of Blackmoor: Nacelle Weapons of the First Crusade

Magic items were expensive and consumed entirely too much time to be of use in times of war. There were too few in the Empire of sufficient power or knowledge to create more than a handful of such items, and getting them to do so in peacetime was difficult enough. Most (okay, all of them) wanted nothing to do with dealing with the Ministry of Defense or the Regent’s Council in times of war.

DM's Workshop: Dragonstone Nacelle powers

Gnomish lapidaries categorize the fragments used to create dragonstone nacelles into five general categories: inferior, minor, middle-grade, major, and near-perfect. This very rough grading determines how much magical output a given nacelle is capable of, and ultimately, just how re-usable it is.

Nuwmont 13, 998 AC: Merchant's Warren, Kor Karrest

For all the concealment afforded the broad, deep hoods, they did no favors for our vision.

“Only first-timers wag their noses back and forth,” Grellk said.

Magitech of Blackmoor: Dragonstone Nacelles, part 2

The magewrights of the Glittering Empire have fashioned a host of devices capable of interfacing with a dragonstone nacelle in order to take advantage of the stones’ magic, despite their users not having inherent magical ability or blood. Helms, torcs, gloves, bracers, boots and greaves are the most commonly seen, though it is said that the Eternal Emperor owns a suit of plate mail festooned with nacelle sockets. Arms as well as armor have been socketed. In most cases, they are usually situated at the weapon’s base or pommel.

Faerealms of the World That Was

The fey have always been a part of Thorn's World That Was, just as they are a part of the world as it is, and as it has yet to be.

Magitech of Blackmoor: Dragonstone Nacelles, part 1

 Though the decorations on the housings may differ slightly depending on the gnomish metal crafting, dragonstone nacelles all consist of an oblong canister-like enclosure of blown glass enclosed in a brass housing, containing either one imperfectly-cut dragonstone or one to three dragonstone fragments amidst a tangle of thin wires of various precious metals. One end is usually domed, or conical, or tapered in some other fashion, while the other ends in either a toothed or grooved socket, depending on its estimated usage expectancy.

The nacelle is a crude extrapolation of the ancient Blackmoor magitech used to power, maintain, and operate a warforged and soulbound construct’s body shell. While the originals used a delicate tuning and harmonization process to regulate and enhance the enclosed dragonstones’ abilities fore use by the shell, the Eternal Emperors researchers found that their larger versions could stabilize a dragonstone otherwise made useless by imperfect cutting during harvesting or damage on the battlefield. That this was a result of stripping the safety and limiting functions found in the originals’ designs was of little consequence to the Emperor and his ministers of defense. The fact that this made the magitech suitable for weaponization in addition to its being used for physical enhancement only increased the funding for the ministry to eke out every means of use of the magitech of the enemies of the Glittering Empire.

From the Netbook: The Gravewall

The Gravewall

This long curtain wall of gray marbled stone stretches across the nearly 10-mile length of the Grand Cavern, from Rak Kuldrest to Rak Surest. The exterior of the wall, facing Karhr-Syharwehrf and its surrounding Blasted lands, is etched with intricate, interlocking runes and glyphs which radiate a skin-tingling potency, even to those who lack the gift of magical senses. Along the interior, the stones are bordered with similar runes, the center of each bearing glyphics — a dwarven family name, followed by the epitaph “Defender of the Empire, even in death.” Originally a soldier’s monument, after the Glittering Empire began to crumble, it became compulsory for all citizens to be interred within the monument.


When any of the twelve horns at the watchpoints along the top of the wall are blown three times, the sorceries laid on the wall activate, animating the corpses — mostly as skeletons, but occasionally as zombies, for the freshly-interred. Those of high nobility, who could afford the special rites associated with the passing of the head of a noble family — animate as wraiths, or in the case of those of the highest class, specters.

While engaged in battle within five miles of the wall, the animated undead reduced to 0 hit points will re-form within 1d6 rounds, taking up arms to fight again(and again, and again….). 

When the all-clear is sounded from the horns atop the wall, the undead turn, and march back to their graves, to sleep again until needed by the Empire.

Humanoid remains not removed from this five-mile expanse will likewise be claimed by the wall after nine days (the traditional length of a Dwarven mourning), rising up and marching to find rest in the catacombs beneath the Wall, where the dwarves interred criminals and those who could not afford burial within the wall itself.

Handmaidens of Petra: Wufwolde, south

“What in Khoronus’—?” The big red-haired Traladaran’s question died in a cracked whisper.

Nuwmont 13, 998AC: Full Measure

Despite the high ceiling and multiple ventilation slits cut across the roofing panels, it was still painfully obvious to my nose and eyes that Tamac was a tanner. Shadowy figures moved about behind canvas partitions, their movements becoming more agitated as our gnomish host began to bark orders. Several shorter gnomes, their hair more gray than white, appeared from the gloomy depths of the tent, squares of slate and chalk in their hands, scratching at them as Tamac called out measurements.

DM's Workshop: Green Dragonstones

Green Dragonstones are alike in color with brilliant, deep emeralds, but shot through with a veinwork of fine golden threads. These burn with a bright golden light when the stone’s powers are activated, causing the entire gem to shine with a warm greenish-gold light.

Green dragonstones are closely tied to the Element of Water, and the Sphere of Time. Their power draws from the user’s Wisdom and lifespan.

Handmaidens of Petra: Out of Depth

“It stopped!” Zirchev gasped, taking his hands away from the blood-soaked linen. He bent, and held his cheek over the Queen’s lips, and his look of amazement crumbled. “She does not breathe! You said this would save her!”

DM's Workshop: Sundsvall Initiates

In counterpoint to the Glantrian shepherd Golithar and his leashed weaver, Jolenta, let's take a look at the other side of the Spheric weaving coin.