The Arms of Erdrick

Now that I've finished documenting every major location in the original Dragon Quest trilogy for The Saga of the Ortegids, my next priority is going to be statting up a few magic items from the games. I've used them plenty of times in my campaigns, but it's high time I got something written down somewhere. I'm going to make a series of posts detailing some key items from each of the first three games, but I think it warrants a separate post for the Arms of Erdrick - the equipment used by the legendary warrior Erdrick the Aliahanian, a member of the Ortegid Dynasty and subsequently passed down through several generations of his successors. The equipment appears in each of the first three games, typically as the strongest equipment available - in the first game it's mainly just that it has the best stats, but later entries would establish additional perks and abilities of each item, which have been fairly consistently applied in later appearances, and it's these that I'm primarily basing my renditions on.

Optional Rule: I should note that in Dragon Quest I, carrying an amulet belonging to Erdrick is considered acceptable proof that you are descended from his line. Based on this, and the fact that in DQ3 the equipment is only accessible to the main character, you may wish to allow only PCs with the Ortegid Scion background to attune to these items. In a tabletop RPG with multiple players, this would limit their utility and may be unfair to players playing non-Ortegid characters, especially if they would mechanically benefit from the items. If the only Ortegid in the party is a wizard, it's not very fair if the fighter can't equip items designed for more martial characters, for instance. Thus, I've made this an optional rule for if you care about authenticity.

Cynebrand, the Sword of Kings

Artifact

The sword Cynebrand was forged by Erdrick the Aliahanian himself from orichalcum - a rare and nigh-unbreakable metal, so hard that it can only be shaped and formed using advanced techniques known only to a select few. This in and of itself makes it a weapon of considerable power.

When wielded by a character that has not attuned to it, Cynebrand behaves as a +2 longsword; additionally, due to its unique construction, it cannot be broken or bent by any nonmagical means. The latter property is a physical property of orichalcum and not an enchantment; thus, it will behave as such even if subject to anti-magical effects.

However, in the hands of a trusted wielder who understands and masters the blade, Cynebrand posseses additional magical powers. If used by a character that has attuned to it, Cynebrand instead behaves as a +3 longsword. If the wielder is also attuned to the Shield of Heroes and the Mail of Erdrick, as an action, its wielder can hold the sword in front of them to call forth a thunderclap that shakes the earth with the effects of a thunderwave spell at a spell save DC of 10. This can be used three times per long rest.

Haelescyld, the Shield of Heroes

Artifact

Originally carried by a legendary hero of ancient times, this shield was swallowed by the earth after his death in battle. Centuries later, Erdrick retrieved it from the depths of the Nailmark, the vast cavern formed when Zoma, Forbidden God of Death, dug his way into reality in the God-War. Now dubbed Haelescyld, the Shield of Heroes, it protects the user against magic.

When wielded by a character that has not attuned to it, Haelescyld behaves as a +1 shield. When attuned, it instead behaves as a +2 shield, and grants the user Resistance to fire and cold damage. If the wielder is also attuned to the Sword of Kings and the Mail of Erdrick, it also gives the user Advantage on all saving throws against magical effects.

The Mail of Erdrick

Artifact

This suit of armor was forged by Gaius, god of fire and the forge, as a favor for Rubiss, the goddess of life and creation, who in turn gave it to Erdrick as a token of thanks after he freed her from a curse of imprisonment put on her by Zoma, her twin brother and equal and opposite in power. In addition to its legendary resistance, it is wound with potent healing magics.

When worn by a character that has not attuned to it, the Mail of Erdrick behaves as a suit of +1 plate armor. It is forged from adamantine, which causes critical hits against the wearer to be treated as regular hits instead. When attuned, it instead behaves as a suit of +2 plate armor. If the wearer is also attuned to the Sword of Kings and the Shield of Heroes, it also allows the wearer to heal one additional hit die of damage, plus their Constitution modifier, when healing during a healing surge or short rest.