Magical Instruments [Magic Item Monday]

This week we are looking at a variety of oddball instruments that have magical properties. More details about these instruments can be found in Dragon Magazine #123 (July, 1987) so if you're interested in finding out more about them and how they were utilized in the Forgotten Realms, check it out. None of the instruments have magical properties, but I found them very interesting and decided to incorporate them in Magic Item Monday.

Glaur of Aura Creation - The Glaur looks like a cross between a tuba and a french horn. They are fairly large in size, but if you can carry around bagpipes then a Glaur shouldn't be a problem. The not-so-sweet music you make with the glaur surrounds you creating an aura effect. Now the range isn't huge, but quite effective when people decide to snuggle up against you.

Wallbreak Thelarr - A thelarr reminds me of a recorder. I think most kids get a recorder at some point in their youth, and the sounds created by them can be quite painful to listen to. My son and his classmates all got recorders in 3rd grade and put on a little concert after a couple of months of receiving them. I thought listening to him practice was bad, but the "concert" was...well, let's say that it's only because I love my son very much that I sat through the entire thing and politely clapped after every song. The thelarr may not be the most pleasant thing for most humanoids to listen to, but if you happen to be playing a warforged, the effects can be quite devastating.

Tocken of Melodic Healing - A handheld wooden oval with glass bells hanging inside. It makes a wonderful sound, so much so that you are granted a variety of healing. Not sure how realistic it is to carry this around since glass bells aren't very sturdy. Just remember, things are only fragile till they break.

Wargong of Battlefield Triumph - A giant gong that hangs over your back and you can't even play it. While the description doesn't say it, by the time the fight is over and the battlefield is littered with the bodies of your enemies, you'll probably be deaf. Of course, you could hire a couple of kobolds, one to carry it and another to bang away at the gong, but can you really trust creatures that are wannabe dragons?