In 1772, an ancient red dragon who had taken a shine to humans and their civilizations moved her primary home to the British colony of Virgina on North America's eastern coast. She became fascinated with the amalgam of philosophies that were taking shape as the guiding principles of a different sort of human society. From July of 1776 onward, she has been making North America one of her main focuses of attention. Not since the Roman Republic had she enjoyed watching--and even taken part in--the evolution of a political governing system and the culture around it.
The republic of the United States of America has so far lasted roughly half the amount of time as the Roman republic, and Brigid hopes to see it last at least as long as its antecedent. She really loves the structure of three equal branches of government that are always slightly at odds even as they must work together to benefit the people of the nation.
Because she enjoys the U.S. and its people, she wants to see wants to see the nation be as successful as possible. Therefore, she has offered her assistance to almost every U.S, president from George Washington through Donald Trump. Generally speaking, she has lent her vast knowledge of history, of magic, and the various life forms that are native to Earth, as well as those that come and go via outer space or dimensional portals.
In observance of Presidents Day, here's a little bit on a couple U.S. presidents that Brigid has advised (or just hung out with), as well as a magical item that she made for them (either something unique, or the first example of an item she's made several of).
GEORGE WASHINGTON
George Washington was a key figure in guiding the British colonies in America down the path to independence, as well as the first president of the United States. Brigid loved discussing historical figures and military tactics with him.
Washington's Presidential Chair
Originally made by Thomas Burling in 1790, this barrel-back upholstered armchair featured, at the time, a unique swivel mechanism that allows the circular seat to rotate on four bone rollers. It was made for use in George Washington's presidential office, and Brigid used magic to make the already comfortable chair even more so. Washington found the chair so comfortable that he brought it home with him when he left the presidency in 1797 and used it in his personal study for the rest of his life.
While seated in the Chair, a character gains a +2 bonus to all Intelligence- and Wisdom-based skill checks. Additionally, for every consecutive two-hour period spent working while seated in the chair, the character gains 1 temporary bonus hit point, due to how comfortable the chair is, as well as a +1 temporary bonus to all Fortitude saves for every two hours. These bonuses last until the next sunset, or, in the case of the temporary hit points, until the character is injured.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Abraham Lincoln was president when the United States was at war with itself over, in Brigid's opinion, the dumbest and most self-destructive thing humans had ever come up with--the institution of slavery. She had known and liked him since he was a teenager and she was glad when one of her favorite humans had the drive and mental fortitude to achieve the greatness she knew he was capable of.
Brigid made several items for Lincoln between the years of 1828 and 1864. The final item she made for her friend was the Top Hat of Escape which she hoped would save him from assassination attempts. All the magical items created for Lincoln radiate moderate Abjuration magic.
Pocket Watch of Timeliness
This ornate pocket watch--with a flip-cover that sports a highly stylized pentagram and a face featuring small roman numerals--is on a 10-inch gold chain that must be fastened to an item of the character's clothing. When the watch on the chain is spun rapidly in a clockwise direction for a round, it puts the wearer under the effects of a haste spell for six rounds. When spun rapidly in a counterclockwise direction, all other creatures within a 12-foot radius must roll Will saves of be subjected to the effects of a Slow spell for six rounds. The watch can only evoke a magical effect once every 12 hours, but it tells perfect time.
Bow Tie of Personality
This black bow tie provides the wearer with a +2 bonus to all Charisma-based skill checks when worn.
Topcoat of Protection
This black overcoat grants the wearer a +1 bonus to Defense Rating, as well as a +2 bonus to all Fortitude saves made against damage from any elemental source (like the fireball or ice storm spells).
Bow Tie of Personality
This black bow tie provides the wearer with a +2 bonus to all Charisma-based skill checks when worn.
Topcoat of Protection
This black overcoat grants the wearer a +1 bonus to Defense Rating, as well as a +2 bonus to all Fortitude saves made against damage from any elemental source (like the fireball or ice storm spells).
Opera Hat of Escape
This black, collapsable top hat provides the possessor with a +1 bonus to Dodge checks whether the hat is being worn of carried. If the hat is collapsed and then thrown to the ground or against a wall, it transforms into what appears to be a circular black hole some three feet in diameter. The effect lasts for 1d6+2 rounds, or until the owner of the hat, and up to three friendly/allied characters, enters the hole. It then closes. If the owner went through the hole, the hat appears where he or she is, but if the hole closes due to its duration running its course, the hat reappears, no longer flattened.
If "black hole" is a portal that leads to one of Brigid's many homes scattered around the world--the one she is presently spending time in.
Roll on the table below. The locations listed are the homes Brigid had established and was still using prior to 1864. The hat is keyed to those, so if she is at another spot are those that she controlled prior to 1864, so if she is presently not in one of those, the hat's owner is transported to a random home.
Roll 1d12 Destination
1. Morocco
2. Egypt
3. Turkey
4. China
5. Australia
6. Wales
7. Austria
8. Virginia
9-12. Roll again, ignoring results of 9-12. The character is transported
to a home Brigid is not presently at.
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More to come about the Dragon Who Loves Christmas (and humanity) soon. Meanwhile, if you want to read about the magical gift she gives ALL U.S. presidents, click here.
