Item

Battle Cry Beads

Appearance

Runic Battle Beads are iridescent, mineral-carved tokens from Dwarven tunnels. When illuminated, each bead glows with latent arcane energy and is inscribed with individual Dwarven runes, symbolizing strength, knowledge, charisma, agility, endurance, or wisdom. Ideally suited to a dwarf’s beard or hair.

Origins

Crafted by the ancient Dwarven Runesmiths of Duraldur, these beads were given as marks of honor to Dwarves who showcased exemplary traits on the battlefield. Each bead signifies a kill or friendly assist in battle. Over the ages, their spirit auras were forgotten and merely ornamental pieces, until rediscovered by Dornan.

Type: Wonderous

Requires: DWARF Attunement; No

Perks: None

Source: Deep Chambers of Duraldur

Boss: Elder Runekeeper Dornan

ALL CLASSES

Stat Block (s)

Battle Cry Beads
Type: Wondrous item U R V L

A Dwarf with beads weaved into their hair or beard is not uncommon. While many are basic wood or stone decorations, some, etched with unique Dwarven runes and created from rare minerals, have magical properties.

Beads can only be used in battle. Each bead adds +1 to an ability score. However, using multiple beads simultaneously nullifies some abilities gained by their individual powers unless stated otherwise. When a new bead is called upon it counts as a bonus action and is selected at random by rolling a 1d6. The bead(s) remain active until the end of the encounter.

Roll on the table below to determine the type of runic bead and its associated ability score boost:

d6RuneStat Boosted
1MjölnirStrength
2FregnIntelligence
3VitkiCharisma
4SalmdorDexterity
5KlondikConstitution
6VísdómrWisdom
See below for more details by rarity
Uncommon (levels 3-10) None

U Battle Beads of Heritage
Wonderous: Bead, Non-magical
Rarity: Uncommon (Attunement: No)

Description:
These beads, while still a product of Dwarven craftsmanship, bear runes that grant minor blessings. Though not as potent as the beads from legends, they still offer an edge to those who wear them.

Bead Limit: A dwarf can only benefit from one bead’s power at a time. Using another bead’s power nullifies the previous one.

The bead(s) remain active until the end of the encounter. When a different bead is called upon it also counts as a bonus action and is selected at random by rolling a 1d6 from the table above. Additional auras are applied consistent with your bead with the following;

  1. Mjölnir’s Valor Bead (Strength)
    • Advantage on one Strength-based check.
  2. Fregn’s Mind Bead (Intelligence)
    • Advantage on one Intellignce-based check.
  3. Vitki’s Presence Bead (Charisma)
    • Advantage on one Charisma-based check.
  4. Salmdor’s Grace Bead (Dexterity)
    • Advantage on one Dexterity-based check.
  5. Klondik’s Resilience Bead (Constitution)
    • Advantage on one Constitution-based check.
  6. Vísdómr’s Insight Bead (Wisdom)
    • Advantage on one Wisdom-based check.
Rare (levels 5-15) None

R Legacy Battle Cry Beads
Weapon: Beads, Magical
Rarity: Rare (Attunement: No)

Description:
Each bead carved with Dwarven runes represents a legacy from ancient ancestors. These beads are more than just ornaments; they hold power from days of yore. Infused with power, once expelled their glow dissipates.

Bead Combination: If the wearer decides to intertwine two beads, they can invoke a synergized power of the combined beads once per week. This power is a blend of the two bead’s abilities.

The bead(s) remain active until the end of this or your next encounter once called upon. When a new bead is called upon it counts as a bonus action and is selected at random by rolling a 1d6 from the table above. Additional auras are consistent with your bead are applied as follows;

Charges: (10 charges for single use) OR (5 with Bead Combination). Irrespective of Aura’s use, the charge is expelled.

  1. Mjölnir’s Valor Bead (Strength)
    • +2 bonus to Strength-based attack rolls and damage for 10 minutes.
  2. Fregn’s Mind Bead (Intelligence)
    • Cast the Detect Thoughts spell without expending a spell slot or material components.
  3. Vitki’s Presence Bead (Charisma)
    • Make a creature they can see within 30 feet make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 14) or be Charmed for 1 minute.
  4. Salmdor’s Grace Bead (Dexterity)
    • Grants the wearer Advantage on all Dexterity saving throws for 1 minute.
  5. Klondik’s Resilience Bead (Constitution)
    • Advantage on one Constitution-based check.
  6. Vísdómr’s Insight Bead (Wisdom)
    • Advantage on one Wisdom-based check.

Very Rare (levels 11-20) None
V Brotherhood’s Battle Beads
Wonderous: Beads, Magical
Rarity: Very rare (Attunement: No)

Legends speak of ancient Dwarven artisans who communicated with the spirits of the earth, channeling their power into crafted items. Among their most personal creations were the Brotherhood’s Battle Beads, each infused with the essence of a great Dwarven ancestor who saved his brother from near death. Infused with power, once expelled their glow dissipates.

Beads’ Synergy: If the wearer chooses to weave two beads together, they can tap into a combined power, useable only once per week.

The bead(s) remain active until the end of this or your next encounter once called upon. When a new bead is called upon it counts as a bonus action and is selected at random by rolling a 1d6 from the table above. Additional one-use auras are applied as follows (consistent with bead);

Charges: (10 charges for single use) OR (5 charges with Beads’ Synergy)

  1. Mjölnir’s Battle Stance (Strength)
    • For 1 minute, any melee attack deals an additional 1d4 force damage.
  2. Fregn’s Mind Palace (Intelligence)
    • Gain an Advantage on any Intelligence-based check or save. This effect lasts for 10 minutes.
  3. Vitki’s Charming Embrace (Charisma)
    • the wearer can charm a creature they can see within 30 feet for 1 minute. The creature must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw against a DC of 8 + the wearer’s proficiency bonus + the wearer’s Charisma modifier or be Charmed.
  4. Salmdor’s Last Stand (Dexterity)
    • When the wearer is hit by an attack, they can choose to use their reaction to gain a +5 bonus to AC against that attack, potentially causing it to miss.
  5. Klondik’s Fortification (Constitution)
    • When the wearer takes damage, they can use their reaction to gain resistance to that damage type until the end of their next turn.
  6. Vísdómr’s Foresight (Wisdom)
    • The wearer gains truesight for 1 minute, allowing them to see things as they truly are.
Legendary (levels 17-20+) None
L Dwarven Kings Final Cry
Wonderous: Beads, Magical
Rarity: Legendary (Attunement: No)

These beads are forged in the heart of ancient Dwarven kingdoms and sanctified by honored ancestors. Each bead has a powerful magic that resonates with the spirit of the ancient Dwarven sovereigns, each of whomhelped shape the kingdom during critical junctures in battle.

Ancestral Unity: If the wearer intertwines three or more beads, they can invoke the combined might of the Dwarven sovereigns once per month if the bead’s power has not been expelled. For 1 minute, the wearer becomes an embodiment of Dwarven legacy, gaining immunity to all conditions, resistance to all damage types, and Advantage on all ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws.

Once called upon, the bead(s) remain active until the end of this encounter. When a new bead is called upon it counts as a bonus action and is selected at random by rolling a 1d6 from the table above. Additional one-use auras are applied as follows (consistent with bead);

Charges: (10 charges for single use) OR (Ancestral Unity counts as 3 charges.) Irrespective of Aura’s use, the charge is expelled.

  1. Mjölnir’s Battle Stance (Strength)
    • As a bonus action, the wearer can invoke Mjölnir’s indomitable might, gaining a +3 bonus to Strength-based attack rolls, damage, and also doubling their carrying capacity for 10 minutes.
  2. Fregn’s Mind Palace (Intelligence)
    • The wearer can, at will, tap into Fregn’s supreme intellect, casting the Arcane Eye spell, and without expending a spell slot.
  3. Vitki’s Charming Embrace (Charisma)
    • The wearer can channel the aura of Vitki to cast Dominate Person without expending a spell slot or material components.
  4. Salmdor’s Last Stand (Dexterity)
    • Gain the benefits of the Haste spell for 1 minute. Once used, this feature can’t be used again until the next dawn.
  5. Klondik’s Fortification (Constitution)
    • The wearer gains resistance to poison, fire, and cold damage. Additionally, once per long rest, they can activate Klondik’s protective aura to gain immunity to these damage types for 10 minutes.
  6. Vísdómr’s Foresight (Wisdom)
    • The wearer gains truesight for 1 hour, allowing them to see things as they truly are.
Value
Wandering Wizard
RaritySale price
Common50 gp
Uncommon250 gp
Rare1750 gp
Very Rare2200 gp
Legendary5000 gp
Sell price to wandering Wizard
City Marketplace
RaritySale price
Common50 gp
Uncommon250 gp
Rare1750 gp
Very Rare2200 gp
Legendary5000 gp
Sell price to City Markets
Small Village Vendor
RaritySale price
Common50 gp
Uncommon250 gp
Rare1750 gp
Very Rare2200 gp
Legendary5000 gp
Sell price to vendor in small town
Magic item vendor
RaritySale price
Common50 gp
Uncommon250 gp
Rare1750 gp
Very Rare2200 gp
Legendary5000 gp
Sell price to magic item store keeper
Trademeet Market
RaritySale price
Common50 gp
Uncommon250 gp
Rare1750 gp
Very Rare2200 gp
Legendary5000 gp
Sell price to Trademeet Flea Markets
Goblin Tradepost
RaritySale price
Common50 gp
Uncommon250 gp
Rare1750 gp
Very Rare2200 gp
Legendary5000 gp
Sell price to Goblin’s tradepost
Shady Street Dealers
RaritySale price
Common50 gp
Uncommon250 gp
Rare1750 gp
Very Rare2200 gp
Legendary5000 gp
Sell price to “Shady Alley” street dealers
Journeying Heroes
RaritySale price
Common50 gp
Uncommon250 gp
Rare1750 gp
Very Rare2200 gp
Legendary5000 gp
Sell price to Adventurers
Gypsie Potion Merchant
RaritySale price
Common50 gp
Uncommon250 gp
Rare1750 gp
Very Rare2200 gp
Legendary5000 gp
Sell price to Gypsie Caravan
City Defence Caravan
RaritySale price
Common50 gp
Uncommon250 gp
Rare1750 gp
Very Rare2200 gp
Legendary5000 gp
Sell price to unknown caravan