The Army of Darkness is a fictional concept that has been depicted in various forms of media, such as movies, comics, and video games. The term "Army of Darkness" typically refers to a group of evil, supernatural beings or creatures that serve as the primary antagonists in a particular storyline. One notable depiction of the Army of Darkness is in the 1992 cult classic film, "Army of Darkness," directed by Sam Raimi. In this film, the protagonist, Ash Williams, is transported back in time to medieval England, where he finds himself facing off against an army of undead soldiers known as the Army of Darkness. Led by the evil necromancer, the "Dark One," this legion of skeletal warriors and demonic creatures poses a significant threat to Ash and the kingdom he becomes entangled with. As Ash fights his way through hordes of the Army of Darkness, he encounters various challenges and obstacles, often relying on his wit, bravery, and unconventional methods to overcome them.
Modern Wiccans and Neopagans use witch's ladders primarily in healing, binding and wish-granting rituals. They can also be used to "bind the thirteen moons of the year" (to allow the witch to better work weather and nature magic), and to open the doorway to the faery realm. Knot spells may be created for such diverse purposes as reducing pain, binding love, ensuring safe travel or creating a peaceful environment in the home. The string or cord can be made out of almost any material, but natural fibres (such as hair, wool, hemp and cotton) are preferred. Although ladders are often created as part of a specific spell, many Wiccans may keep a personal ladder, and use the knots or beads to keep track of repetitions in a spell or prayer, similar to Rosary beads.
These modern versions are more reminiscent of the worry beads or komboloi that you often see in Greece, where all men carry these beads to fiddle with as they sit and sip their coffee in the coffee houses. A Greek superstition is that a husband to be should perform a worry bead ritual on his wedding night that involves rapid back and forth movement of all the beads.
As Ash fights his way through hordes of the Army of Darkness, he encounters various challenges and obstacles, often relying on his wit, bravery, and unconventional methods to overcome them. This depiction of the Army of Darkness emphasizes their power, relentless nature, and their intent to conquer and spread darkness throughout the land. The concept of the Army of Darkness has been adapted and expanded upon in other forms of media as well.
Witchcraft cord trinkets
In most games witches and wizards seriously lack anything like melee skills and protection. This actually does not make much sense. I see the logic in not allowing them to wear armor; there is the training needed to wear it properly and the interference with movements, but if you are going into a situation where arrows, claws and swords are all around you and often pointing at you then I think you would come up with some ways to better protect yourself.
Well the witches in my books typically do. They create a variety of magic items that look like regular bits of clothing that can provide protection of one form or another. I have taken a lot of these from fairytales, legends and other places.
I am releasing these under the OGL, but they should be fine for any version of the "world's oldest fantasy role-playing game". All content is open and is copyright 2011 Timothy S. Brannan. Art copyrights are retained by their owners and are used here by permission (the broom) or public domain (hand of glory).
Broom of Protection: This broom appears to be an ordinary witch’s besom or other mundane broom. It’s magic is revealed when the witch uses it to sweep.
This broom provided protection as a Sanctuary spell when the witch sweeps a clockwise circle around herself and others. The effects last five rounds and may be repeated 3d6 times.
Broom of Protection, Threshold: This broom also appears as a normal broom. It’s magic is evident when placed across a door as a bar or propped up against a door to hold it closed. Once so placed the door cannot be opened save via magic. If placed across a threshold where there is no door then no one can pass through also save via magic or by making a save vs. Rods, Staves and Wands (or a Will save).
Charm Bracelet: This silver chain is worn on the wrist and has a number of metal charms attached. The number of charms, 1 to 4, indicates the level of protection the bracelet will provide. So 1 charm is +1 to AC and Saves, 2 charms are +2 to AC and Saves and so on.
Charm Bracelet, Luck: This silver chain appears to be a charm bracelet, but instead of providing protection directly it provides a +1 to any one roll. The number of times it can be used in a day is indicated by the number of charms, 1d6. The luck bonus must be announced before the roll is made. It may only provide a single +1 bonus per use.
Cingulum: This nine-foot long cord in often wrapped many times around the waist as a belt. Magical varieties confer +1 to +5 bonuses to AC. The material to make this cord maybe anything the witch has on hand (leather, hemp rope, cotton, silk) but the manufacture must be of high quality. The cingulum typically has a number of knots equal to its bonuses. The magic does not become active till it is wrapped around the waist and knotted.
Garters
Garters are bits of clothing, usually cloth or leather, but can be made of more exotic materials such as snake skin, used to hold up a pair of stockings or socks. Some garters are also worn without supporting any other item of clothing or on the arm. Only one garter may be worn per appendage.
Garter of Protection, Red: This garter is almost always red. It confers a natural armor protection of +1 to +5. Normally worn on the upper arm this garter is made of the finest leather available.
Garter, Snakeskin: This garter is made of the recently shed skin of a large snake (less than 24 hours old). The skin is treated and infused with the witch’s magic. The end product is a bright snakeskin garter that allows the wear to escape any bonds as if they had escape of the snake cast on them.
Hand of Glory: This was a right hand of a murderer that was severed while the corpse was still hanging from the gallows. This mummified human hand hangs by a leather cord around a character’s neck (taking up space as a magic necklace would). When the hand was ready, candles were fitted on it between the fingers. These were called the “dead man’s candles” were made from another murderer’s fat, with the wick being made from his hair. Another method of curing the severed and dried hand was to dip it in wax. After this process the fingers themselves could be lit. If a magic ring is placed on one of the fingers of the hand, the wearer benefits from the ring as if wearing it him or herself, and it does not count against the wearer’s two-ring limit. The hand can wear only one ring at a time.
Even without a ring, lighting the hand itself allows its wearer to use daylight and see invisibility each once per day.
The following phrase is spoken to invoke the hand:
“Let those who rest, more deeply sleep;
Let those awake their vigils keep.
Oh, Hand of Glory, shed thy light
And guide us to our spoil tonight.”
Mantel of Protection: This leather mantle can be worn over cloaks, coats or armor. It provides +1 protection to AC and a -1 bonus to saving throws.
Oil of Death Armor: This oil is rubbed onto the user’s body. Anyone touching the user with bare skin must save vs. Death or take 2d4 points of damage (save negates). This spell lasts a number of rounds equal to 2d6. Many Patrons could consider use of this potion evil.
Sky Clad Oil: This oil is rubbed on the body to protect the user from the elements while sky-clad (nude). The oil is only effective on bare skin. The user can survive temperatures of -60 degrees to +200 degrees Fahrenheit, but only when uncovered. Any part of her body covered by clothes will not receive the magical protection.
Any other class can use this oil, but witches are very secretive about its nature (reflected in the price). This oil can also be safely used with any other type of body potion or oil, in particular Flying Ointment.
The oil’s effects last 6 hours, typically midnight till dawn.
Talismans
Talismans are small items that can have any spell of third level or lower. The talisman can be made of paper, wood, clay or even metal. Often they are worn and kept till evoked. To evoke a talisman takes only an instant and the effects are instant. The command word or gesture to evoke the talisman is often inscribed on the talisman itself.
Unless otherwise noted a talisman can only be used once.
Hand of Fatima: A small brass talisman in the shape of a hand. Provides protection against any evil spell or spell like effect directed at the wearer, in particular the evil eye. These talismans may only be used once per day.
Isis’ Talisman of Protection: This talisman confers a +1 protection bonus to saves and AC. Effects last as per level of creator. This talisman is usually in the form of a fine crafted gold ahnk. These talismans may only be used once per day.
Talisman of Good Luck: This talisman is one of the most often found. This minor magic item provides +1 to any single roll. The talisman must be invoked before the action is taken (before the roll is made).
Typically luck talismans are in the form of a four-leaf clover, a rabbit’s foot, a horseshoe or a copper coin. Any other small item maybe use. The item is not consumed in the invocation, but it useless after the first use.
Talisman of Protection Against Conception: Even in historical times there were means of birth control practiced, this is one of the magical ones. Worn by tantric witches during their worship practices, witches during the rites of Beltane or any woman that wishes to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
The talisman provides protection for one full lunar month (one moon phase to the next) then it becomes inert. This is if the talisman is used or not.
Mundane (non magical) pregnancies are completely blocked and magical ones (via a fertility spell) give a +1 to any saves.
Since they only last one month regardless of if it is used or not the materials are often not the highest quality. Also an owner can return to the witch to have the talisman “recharged” at the same price.
Note: A lot of these talismans are sold that are completely useless. Only the witch’s reputation, or the ability to detect magic, can one be sure. In places where witchcraft. is outlawed possession of these talismans is also considered a crime.
"Witch Protection Items", Copyright 2011 Timothy S. Brannan
In comic books and graphic novels, the Army of Darkness has been featured in crossover storylines with iconic characters, such as Marvel's "Punisher" and "Xena: Warrior Princess." These stories often involve the protagonist teaming up with other heroes to combat the forces of evil and save the day. Additionally, the Army of Darkness has served as inspiration for video game adaptations. Games such as "Army of Darkness: Defense" and "Evil Dead: Regeneration" allow players to take on the role of Ash Williams and face off against the Army of Darkness in an interactive and action-packed gaming experience. Overall, the concept of the Army of Darkness has captivated audiences and fans of the horror genre for its portrayal of an overwhelming and sinister force seeking to bring chaos and destruction. Whether on the silver screen, in comics, or video games, the Army of Darkness continues to be a memorable and compelling element in various forms of entertainment..
Reviews for "Realm of Shadows: The Army of Darkness Aritch's Domains of Influence"
1. Name: John
Rating: 2/5
Review: I was really disappointed with "Army of Darkness Aritch". The graphics were outdated and the gameplay felt clunky. It lacked the excitement and thrill that I was expecting from an action game. The story was too predictable and the dialogue was cheesy. Overall, it felt like a generic and forgettable game that didn't live up to the hype.
2. Name: Sarah
Rating: 2/5
Review: I was expecting a fun and engaging gaming experience with "Army of Darkness Aritch", but I was left disappointed. The controls were difficult to master and the camera angles were frustrating. The level design was repetitive and there was a lack of variety in enemies and objectives. Additionally, the game had several bugs and glitches that hindered my progress. It felt like a rushed and unfinished product.
3. Name: Michael
Rating: 1/5
Review: "Army of Darkness Aritch" was a complete waste of time and money for me. The graphics were outdated and the gameplay was repetitive and unenjoyable. The combat system was clunky and the enemy AI was poorly designed. The story lacked depth and the characters were one-dimensional. I regret purchasing this game and would not recommend it to anyone.
4. Name: Emily
Rating: 2/5
Review: I had high hopes for "Army of Darkness Aritch" but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The controls were confusing and the camera angles made it difficult to navigate through the game. The combat was repetitive and lacked excitement. The story was forgettable and didn't make me invested in the game. Overall, it was a mediocre experience that didn't offer anything new or innovative in the gaming world.
5. Name: David
Rating: 2/5
Review: "Army of Darkness Aritch" was a disappointment for me. The graphics were subpar and the gameplay mechanics felt clunky. The controls were unresponsive at times, making it frustrating to play. The sound design was lackluster and didn't enhance the gaming experience. Overall, it felt like a rushed and poorly executed game. I would not recommend it to hardcore gamers who are looking for an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.