"A Miracle New York Christmas" is a heartwarming book that transports readers to the bustling streets of New York City during the holiday season. Written by an acclaimed author, the book weaves together the lives of diverse characters who find themselves in the midst of extraordinary experiences. From struggling artists to lonely businessmen, the characters' paths intertwine during a magical Christmas, leading to unexpected connections and life-changing moments. The story unfolds against the backdrop of enchanting decorations and dazzling lights that adorn the city's iconic landmarks, including the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the bustling department stores. Through vivid descriptions and immersive storytelling, readers can almost smell the sweet aroma of freshly brewed hot cocoa and hear the joyful melodies of carolers echoing through snow-covered streets. As the characters navigate their own personal challenges and face the realities of life, the spirit of Christmas infuses their journeys with hope, resilience, and the power of love.
In my campaign, these sorts of spells and others are ubiquitous in any building that has been around more than a century or so.
Actually, beyond that, in my campaign any building that has been inhabited for a century or so tends to spontaneously create or attract one or more household spirits, which adds an additional line of defense - in some cases a quite powerful one depending on the age, stature, and heritage of the building. With magic being rare, I m sure these societies would have a vested interest in keeping magic in a positive public light, meaning they d work with police to suss out a criminal.
As the characters navigate their own personal challenges and face the realities of life, the spirit of Christmas infuses their journeys with hope, resilience, and the power of love. Through random acts of kindness and unforeseen encounters, they discover the true meaning of the holiday season – the importance of genuine connections, forgiveness, and the joy of giving. The author expertly captures the essence of New York City, portraying its diverse and vibrant community, while also highlighting the sublime beauty of its winter landscape.
Magical wards of a castle
In the world of D&D, non-magical protections only are not enough to protect people and secrets in an important building such as castle or house of parliament. Intruders and spies may use magical spells and items such as invisibility, scrying, teleporting, etc.
Assuming that is a castle or similar facility of a small city, what kind of magical warding should be typically used?
In such a city, several L7-L10 mages and L7-L12 Clerics would be living. And higher leveled ones may be hired for some special occasions.
Some I can think of are,
Permanenced Alarm spells in some important corridors and off-limit areas.
Hallow or Unhallow (depends on the alignment of the power center) with Invisibility Purge on the entire building.
Modenkainen's Private Sanctum on the council-chamber and/or some meeting rooms (Either Permanenced or used for a certain meeting).
Celebrim
Legend
In the world of D&D, non-magical protections only are not enough to protect people and secrets in an important building such as castle or house of parliament. Intruders and spies may use magical spells and items such as invisibility, scrying, teleporting, etc.
Assuming that is a castle or similar facility of a small city, what kind of magical warding should be typically used?
You are correct.
Defenses against magical activity will be layered. The exact details depend on what you want to use in your campaign.
Non-magical Defenses:
Dogs - Creatures with the scent ability will 'watch' major entrances and be trained to respond to odors with no apparent source.
'Airlocks' - Corridors will regularly be broken by pairs of guarded doors.
Curtains - Curtains either of beads or cloth, sometimes with attached bells, cannot be easily traversed without setting them off. This allows a guard to observe an approaching invisible creature.
Lead Paneled Walls - In most versions of D&D, lead blocks attempts to scry through it. Important meeting rooms will have panels of lead and lead nails affixed to the walls underneath the visible wood or leather paneling.
Blood Mortared Concrete/Bricks - In some versions of D&D, blood or other potent living or once living ingredients block ethereal travel. If this is the case, important areas will be constructed with this defense. Of course, as a DM you are free to invent building materials with magical properties - exotic woods, exotic magical stones, imports from the outer planes gifted to rulers by extraplanar beings, etc.
Standard Magical Defenses
Alarms - Windows or other access points not meant for entry will have permanent alarm spells. These are not likely to be put in corridors, as corridors are meant to be traversed.
Magic Mouths - Magic mouths can give audible alarms when certain conditions are meet, such as shouting, "Foes! Foes in the North Corridor!" whenever someone passes an area with a drawn blade.
Glyph of Protection - Important access points can be secured with passwords which must be used, or powerful spells can be triggered.
Permanent Circles of Protection - Beds, thrones, and other places where a ruler is likely to spend a large amount of time defenseless or exposed will have inscribed circles of protection permanently enchanted around them, to prevent possession, enchantment, or attack by summoned or conjured creatures.
Permanent Dimension Locks - Likewise, bedchambers, garderobes, wardrobes, staterooms and so forth are likely to be enchanted so that you can't teleport in or out of them.
Also, the ones you thought of.
Improved Magical Defenses
Sticking to the SRD, doors and rooms can be enchanted as custom magical items with virtually any effect desired. This however is expensive. I prefer that my societies will develop cheaper alternatives in the form of permanent spells with lower costs in GP/XP. Some ideas:
Improved Magic Mouth: Permanent with a cost in line with continual flame or similar spells, and can be enhanced to include one standard sensory spell, such as 'detect undead' or 'detect invisible creatures' or 'detect illusions' or 'detect shapechangers'. These are used at important choke points such as gate houses, entrances to great halls, and entrances to the rulers chambers.
Improved Arcane Lock: As Arcane Lock but can be given a programmable bypass (opens if you say a password, if you wear or carry a certain device, etc.). There are likely to be panic rooms or safe rooms for the family that only open to those carrying a household crest or similar device.
Ward of Strength: Permanent and increases an objects hardness and hit points. Doors, window glass, and even whole walls are likely to be so treated in the ruler's inner sanctum. The exterior gates are also likely to be so treated.
Anti-Magic Screen: Provides a small transparent, insubstantial surface through which spells cannot be successfully targeted. Useful for placing over windows or arrow loops.
Ward Against Magic: Permanent and provides spell resistance to an object.
Ward Against Fire: Permanent and gives an object or area fire resistance and improved saving throws versus fire based attacks. Particularly common in libraries or studies or anywhere valuable inflammable items are kept.
In my campaign, these sorts of spells and others are ubiquitous in any building that has been around more than a century or so.
Actually, beyond that, in my campaign any building that has been inhabited for a century or so tends to spontaneously create or attract one or more household spirits, which adds an additional line of defense - in some cases a quite powerful one depending on the age, stature, and heritage of the building. To say nothing of the brownie that lives in the attic, a really powerful house hold spirit can use spells like bless, protection from evil, sanctuary and heroism to actively protect whomever it sees as the legitimate owner of the house, as well as actively use spells like hold portal or animate object on itself and if necessary even manifest and verbally warn its owners. So even a humble wooden cottage, if it has been continually occupied and maintained and loved by the same family of peasant farmers for 4 centuries, can become something of a fortress.
Non-magical Defenses:
Dogs - Creatures with the scent ability will 'watch' major entrances and be trained to respond to odors with no apparent source.
'Airlocks' - Corridors will regularly be broken by pairs of guarded doors.
Curtains - Curtains either of beads or cloth, sometimes with attached bells, cannot be easily traversed without setting them off. This allows a guard to observe an approaching invisible creature.
Lead Paneled Walls - In most versions of D&D, lead blocks attempts to scry through it. Important meeting rooms will have panels of lead and lead nails affixed to the walls underneath the visible wood or leather paneling.
Blood Mortared Concrete/Bricks - In some versions of D&D, blood or other potent living or once living ingredients block ethereal travel. If this is the case, important areas will be constructed with this defense. Of course, as a DM you are free to invent building materials with magical properties - exotic woods, exotic magical stones, imports from the outer planes gifted to rulers by extraplanar beings, etc.
From ice skating in Central Park to savoring a slice of iconic New York pizza, the book immerses readers in the city's rich cultural tapestry and captures the magic that makes New York City truly special during Christmas. With its sentimental storytelling and uplifting themes, "A Miracle New York Christmas" is a perfect read for anyone looking to be transported to a world of enchantment and rediscover the true spirit of the holiday season. It reminds us that miracles can happen when we open ourselves up to the magic of love, compassion, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones during the most wonderful time of the year..
Reviews for "Experience the splendor of a New York Christmas through this magical book"
1. Samantha - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "A Miracle New York Christmas Book". The characters were one-dimensional and I found it hard to connect with them. The plot was predictable and lacked any originality. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to stay engaged in the story. Overall, I found this book to be quite underwhelming and I wouldn't recommend it to others looking for a heartwarming holiday read.
2. Michael - 1 star
I couldn't even finish "A Miracle New York Christmas Book". The writing style was incredibly dull and the pacing was all over the place. The story felt disjointed and the author failed to create a cohesive narrative. The attempts at humor fell flat and I found myself cringing at the forced comedic moments. I was really looking forward to a heartwarming Christmas read, but this book just didn't deliver. Save your time and skip this one.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "A Miracle New York Christmas Book", but I was left feeling disappointed. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to care about their journey. The plot felt contrived and the conflicts were resolved too easily and conveniently. Furthermore, the writing style felt amateurish and there were several grammatical errors throughout the book. Overall, this was a forgettable holiday read that failed to capture my attention or spark any emotions.