Legends & Lore of Hyerune

The Witchposts of the North

Found scattered throughout much of the northern regions known as the Filani Freeholds, the Witchposts are hardcarved wooden poles placed along irregular intervals on major trade routes or community centers. The Filani people of Northern Hyerune have always been a bit suspicious of arcane magic and Outsiders and their folklore is filled with stories of supernatural happenings, possessions and evil witchcraft.

The Witchposts may have been carved as a result of this cultural superstition for these objects are said to ward off evil spirits and dark magic. The process that went into their creation however is unknown since the Filani folk of these lands rarely record such events in written form. The posts have simply existed for many years and are accepted as a part of the landscape. Though each posts effectiveness is somewhat limited the mere sight of a Witchpost will tend to put Filani commonfolk at ease.

Each Witchpost is unique in size and design. Most average 4-5 feet in height with a diameter of about 8-12 inches. The posts are stuck into the ground and carved with ancient runes and glyphs along with frightful visages in an attemtp to frighten away evil spirits. At the time of the carving, the posts are said to have been enchanted by a number of priests of the Filani pantheon.

Travelers through these lands will generally seek shelter near one of these sites in order to take advantage of the blessing incorporated into the individual Witchpost. Each post radiates a weak aura of abjuration magic and will possess 1d3 of the following powers:

Bless spell with a touch for anyone of non-evil alignment

Post radiates a continual magic circle against evil

Ground surrounding the post is treated as if under the effects of a hallow spell

Witchpost radiates a powerful antipathy effect against all evil outsiders

Persons sleeping within a 30 foot radius of the Witchpost are immune to any spell or spell-like ability that affects a person's dreams or sleep in a negative way

Physical contact with post grants an invisibility to undead effect for as long as the post is touched

All of the above spell-like abilities are in effect as if cast by a 16th level caster. The magic of the post is tied to the land in which it is placed. If the Witchpost is removed, it loses all of its powers and becomes a plain wooden post. The DC against any effect is Wisdom based with a DC 19.

Legends of Hyerune © 2004