Baba Yaga's Mortar and Pestle
The Mortar and Pestle of Baba Yaga are artifacts of folklore throughout Ruslavia. Made of dark, dense wood, in their natural state they can be commanded to grind up any object (up to 4 cubic feet in size) that is placed inside it. It can also grow and shrink on command, allowing it to shrink small enough to carried in a pouch or grow large enough to hold up to four Medium creatures or one Large creature. The pestle can be weilded as a +1 quarterstaff (stats below), but otherwise the mortar and pestle must be together for their abilities to work.
Mechanics & Inner Workings
The mortar and pestle can be commanded to grind any object placed inside; each round, the object takes 3d6 points of damage that bypasses hardness. Any object reduced to 0 hit points in this manner is ground into powder. Magic items can attempt a DC 19 Fortitude save each round to avoid taking damage. Artifacts can’t be destroyed in the mortar and pestle.
The mortar can be commanded to fly at a speed of 30 feet as overland flight, for up to 8 hours per day. Using the pestle to steer the mortar grants a +10 bonus on Fly checks. Twice per day, the mortar can create a single-use phase door that closes behind the mortar. Baba Yaga can summon her mortar and pestle to fly to her from anywhere in Ruslavia, regardless of the commands of any creatures inside it.
Manufacturing process
Baba Yaga’s mortar and pestle are destroyed if they are used under the light of a moon that shines on three worlds to grind to powder the hipbone of a maiden, the ribcage of a mother, and the spine of a crone—all taken from the same person.
Item type
Unique Artifact
Current Holder
Used by
Rarity
One of a kind
Weight
On command, the mortar and pestle shrink down small enough to fit in a belt pouch and weigh only 3 pounds. The mortar must be empty to shrink.
Dimensions
Mortar: 4ft tall, 13-inch diameter.
Pestle: 8ft long.
Pestle: 8ft long.
Base Price
Minor Artifact
Related Myths
