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Magpies in Nordland?

I read that in Scandinavian myths witches used to ride magpies or even turn into them. They are also suppose to be bearers of fortune, good and bad and also possess magic power.

Re: Magpies in Nordland?

Quote:

Originally Posted by b-dog (Post 2406691)

I read that in Scandinavian myths witches used to ride magpies or even turn into them. They are also suppose to be bearers of fortune, good and bad and also possess magic power.

I can add a note to the raven and crow entry that a magpie and a crow are probably pretty similar unless you're super into birds. :-)

Re: Magpies in Nordland?

Maybe there could be rules for an omen roll. Maybe if there is a good roll there is a good omen for something magical while a bad roll would result is a magical problem. And maybe the PCs can read the omen too? So maybe a PC might know something bad with magic will happen in the future or something good and the PC might be able to prepare?

Re: Magpies in Nordland?

Quote:

Originally Posted by b-dog (Post 2406699)

I'd be careful with that; if anything make it a modifier on whatever system is already in play for omens. Creating a whole new mechanic for omens as part of a bestiary seems... misplaced?

Re: Magpies in Nordland?

Quote:

Originally Posted by benz72 (Post 2406793)

I'd be careful with that; if anything make it a modifier on whatever system is already in play for omens. Creating a whole new mechanic for omens as part of a bestiary seems... misplaced?

Yes. Scope creep. I’d put this in the adventure where an omen is important, not in a generic book.

Re: Magpies in Nordland?

Quote:

Originally Posted by b-dog (Post 2406699)

Thats doable with Oracle (Granted by Familiar, -40%) limit it further if desired or add Reduced Time if want it fast.

Re: Magpies in Nordland?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DouglasCole (Post 2406801)

Yes. Scope creep. I’d put this in the adventure where an omen is important, not in a generic book.

Agreed, though as Ravens also known for this you could add a line that some might be familiars with Oracle (Granted by Familiar, -40%)

Re: Magpies in Nordland?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Refplace (Post 2406809)

Thats doable with Oracle (Granted by Familiar, -40%) limit it further if desired or add Reduced Time if want it fast.

Is that in the Dungeon Fantasy RPG? Since it has a power limitation, I'm guessing no. :-)

That being said, the current, un-edited, WIP description of ravens is:

Quote:

Carrion bird. Trickster. Ill-omened messenger and agent of
prophecy. Large, black birds with heavy beaks, glittering black
eyes, and hoarse croaks are ambiguous portents and powerful
symbols. Notorious for gathering on battlefelds or gallows to
feast on the slain. Highly intelligent for a beast, ravens make and
use tools, collect trinkets and curiosities, and engage in vigorous
acrobatic play, including with other species.

Ravens are found in all land habitats, but uncommon near
densely populated areas. They are abundant in woodlands near
extensive open lands and along the coast. Their nests are located
in trees or cliﬀs, built of twigs and sticks, sealed with mud and
bark, and lined with fur or other soft materials.

They are highly opportunistic, eating grains, fruit, and human
garbage as well as hunting small animals and scavenging on
the kills of larger hunters, where they delight in annoying them
to see what it takes to rile them up. A raven that can’t rip open
a scavenged carcass—or spies a vulnerable animal—calls to
attract predators and scavengers who “help” provide the needed
services. Ravens have a memory for faces and remember, mark,
and harass any who abuse or mistreat them or their ﬂock.

Ravens are sacred animals of the Allfather, whose two raven
familiars, Thought and Memory, ﬂy around the world to spy and
bring back information. In Barakthel, Norðlond, and Storean,
ravens are thought to be helpers of heroes and warriors.

Re: Magpies in Nordland?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DouglasCole (Post 2406811)

Is that in the Dungeon Fantasy RPG? Since it has a power limitation, I'm guessing no. :-)

That being said, the current, un-edited, WIP description of ravens is:

Oops, my bad!
Forgot both your limitations and what forum I was in.

Re: Magpies in Nordland?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DouglasCole (Post 2406696)

I can add a note to the raven and crow entry that a magpie and a crow are probably pretty similar unless you're super into birds. :-)

Well, actually, though they are corvids, they look rather different, being multicolored rather than just black—"pied," to use an oldfashioned word.