I just received a copy of the latest issue of Wargames: Soldier & Strategy (Issue 83) which contains my short article 'The Frostgrave Auction'. The
article is basically about running an 'in campaign' auction for some rare
magical items that were found in the Frozen City. The article includes
five such items, but this was cut down from the original seven for space
reasons. For those completists out there, I'm happy to present
the other two here!
Sword of Wounding and Healing (Reserve Price 400gc)
The origins of our next item remain obscure. Probably it was a gift to a
trust lieutenant, or perhaps part of a payment to a mercenary for services
rendered. The blade itself is magical and designed to burn inside any wound
inflicted, a nasty piece of work. It also contains one other surprise. The hilt
of the weapon contains a small hollow chamber sealed with a thick ornament of
cut glass in the pommel. The chamber acts as a vial, holding a tiny amount of
healing potion, just enough, perhaps, to keep one alive. Perhaps the language
of the inscription on the blade will one day be understood, and the history of
the item will become clear. Until then, it must remain a mystery. The bidding
starts at 350gc...
This magical hand weapon has a +1 damage modifier. In addition, the
bearer of the blade can spend one action to drink the potion contained in the
pommel. This hidden chamber holds just enough healing potion to heal 2 points
of damage. Between games, this potion store can be replenished by sacrificing
another Healing Potion owned by the wizard. This replenishment uses up the
whole of the Healing Potion.
Magic Beans (Reserve Price 150gc)
Now this is a delightful little item. Don’t snicker, for these beans
will sprout even in the frozen ground of Frostgrave. In fact, they grow so
quickly, that you can literally ride the shoot up! How often have you needed to
get up a ruin quickly? Well, this humble little bag of beans is your answer!
Shall we start the bidding at 100gc…
This small pouch of magic beans can be used three times before it is
exhausted. To use the beans, the bearer spends an action. The figure may then
immediately make a move any distance it wishes upward and then 1” in any
direction as a free action. The magic beans may not be used by a figure In
Combat.
For several years, I was averaging nearly 2,000 miles a
year on my bike. Then two things happened. My office moved, adding another 3 miles and a very nasty hill to my commute, and I suffered my second
bone-breaking bike crash. After recovering from the crash, I went from cycling 60+ miles a week
down to about 20. This proved extremely problematic. By only cycling to work
about once a week, I wasn't building up the endurance necessary for the 17 mile
commute. Instead, I would cycle one day and spend the next two, at least,
recovering from my exertions. Worse, I’d be so wiped out that I’d come home and
could barely help my wife or play with my daughter. I would just collapse in a
chair or on the floor. When winter hit, I pretty much packed it in altogether. 
I just received a copy of the latest issue of Wargames: Soldier & Strategy (Issue 83) which contains my short article 'The Frostgrave Auction'. The
article is basically about running an 'in campaign' auction for some rare
magical items that were found in the Frozen City. The article includes
five such items, but this was cut down from the original seven for space
reasons. For those completists out there, I'm happy to present
the other two here!
