Orc Fist Gauntlets

Like a lot of my McGuffins, I really should give a bit more detail on the Orc Fist Gauntlets. Or I already have done so, and I've forgotten. And figure I should attempt to dual-stat for The Fantasy Trip and OSE. As most of my fantasy games run on the same world. Though the actual description works for both, but the effects will differ a bit due to the significant differences in how the game systems handle magic. And in trying to figure it out, the only real difference mechanically is Stone Flesh for TFT and +4 AC for OSE (4 protection is the same as half-plate in TFT, so figuring a bit of that for the OSE AC plate armor).

And thinking ahead, should the group get them, we have actually no human player characters: Elf, Halfling, half Orc/Half Elf, Lizardman and Goblin. Of those, I think we've already said the Lizardman has only 3 fingers and a thumb so probably cannot wear these. And he is the fighter. The Elf and half Orc I think can wear them, but I would think the Goblin and Halfling may have issues with the gauntlets being too large. So, to head off potential arguments, for those characters they will get most of the benefits but due to the size mismatch, still cannot wield weapons requiring more strength as the gauntlets are very clumsy when they wear them and prone to slipping. Modifying them to fit may work but also carries the risk of disabling the spells. 

Orc Fist Gauntlets

More than two hundred years ago, before the Terror Lands became the Terror Lands, roving Orc bands started gathering together to fight humans in a contest to control the lands. Orc Leader Vrhug amassed a veritable army or Orcs at the base of Wizards Mount, ready to cross the lands to strike at Edge City and the human kingdoms. Queen Dithea commissioned a Gnoll Shaman to enchant weapons. Of these weapons, the Orc Fist Gauntlets were specifically created to go against Vhrug and his Orc's Fist Sword. And the battles were fought and eventually pushed back the Orc invasion. The gauntlets and sword got lost over the ensuing centuries. While the sword has recently shown up near Windmere Crossing, the gauntlets were lost until recent rumors put them in the outpost of Stubboon's Final Stand.

A pair of well-made gauntlets of black hardened leather and red detailing, the gauntlets give the wearer strength to wield the Orc's Fist sword, itself an enchanted sword for Orcs that non-Orcs cannot easily wield. It also gives protection to the wearer and will glow with a runic red light when Orcs are within 100 yards. Unkown to Queen Dithea, the gauntlets have a similar affect as the sword: its magic does not work against Gnolls and in fact, acts as a strength reduction and makes the wearer easier to hit when fighting Gnolls. 

Orc Fist Gauntlets

The Fantasy Trip Version

These give the user a +2 strength when wearing them, as well as stone flesh giving +4 protection that does stack with armor and other spells. There is also a detect orcs spell that works for 100 yards. This will allow the user to wield melee weapons without penalty above their normal strength limits. However, when attacking Gnolls, it actually gives a -2 to strength and the wearer must roll 4 dice per attack against their dexterity. It does allow the user to wield the Orc's Fist sword without penalty that non-Orcs have.

OSE Version

Wearing these gives the user +2 strength with all its benefits, as well as +4 to their AC. As above, these benefits are reversed when fighting Gnolls. Wearing these gloves allows a non-Orc to wield the Orc's Fist Sword.

Orcs Fist Sword

Orc's Fist Sword

January Character Challenge

I am not sure I am up to the character challenge this year. I've created a lot of characters over the years and few have been used. And while it is fun to create characters, so far I am horrible at acting as NPCs and even forget they are in the game all too often.