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Horseshoes of Speed

Horseshoes Of Speed
  • Category: Wondrous Item
  • Rarity: Rare

These horseshoes come in a set of four. As a Magic action, you can touch one of the horseshoes to the hoof of a horse or similar creature, whereupon the horseshoe affixes itself to the hoof. Removing a horseshoe also takes a Magic action.

While all four horseshoes are attached to the same creature, its Speed is increased by 30 feet.

Tactical Applications​

Combat Strategy: Doubles mount's speed and provides advantage on Dexterity saving throws. Excellent for mounted combat, pursuit scenarios, and rapid battlefield repositioning.

Class Synergies:

  • Mounted Combatants: Perfect for characters specializing in cavalry warfare and mounted tactics
  • Mobile Fighters: Excellent for hit-and-run combat styles and tactical positioning
  • Scouts: Essential for rapid reconnaissance and message delivery missions
  • Any Class with Mount: Universal utility for characters using animal companions or mounts

Build Considerations: Requires mount to be effective but provides exceptional speed and agility bonuses. Most valuable for mounted characters and mobility-focused campaigns.

Acquisition Methods​

Crafting Requirements: Requires speed enhancement magic, agility enchantments, and master horseshoeing techniques. Creation cost 8,000-15,000 gp and takes 10 weeks.

Common Sources:

  • Racing stables and competitive riding organizations
  • Treasure hoards of speed-focused creatures and mounted warriors
  • Commission from enchanters specializing in movement enhancement
  • Found in the collections of cavalry units and messenger services
  • Rewards from grateful racing organizations and speed competitions

Alternative Acquisition: Sometimes discovered in abandoned racing facilities or obtained from swift creature encounters.

Value & Trade​

Estimated Value: 12,000-20,000 gp, with higher demand among mounted combatants and speed-focused characters.

Trade Considerations: Popular among cavalry units, messengers, and anyone requiring rapid mounted movement.

Character Integration​

Roleplay Elements: Suggests experience with mounted combat, racing, or professional roles requiring rapid movement and agility.

Character Concepts:

  • Mounted warrior specializing in cavalry charges and mobile tactics
  • Professional messenger with rapid delivery requirements
  • Character with extensive racing and speed competition experience
  • Scout requiring rapid reconnaissance and escape capabilities

Adventure Hooks​

The Rapid Pursuit: Chase scenarios where superior mount speed provides crucial advantages in tracking enemies.

The Time-Critical Mission: Delivery operations where enhanced speed determines success or failure.

The Mobile Combat: Battlefield scenarios where superior positioning through speed enables tactical victories.

The Racing Competition: Social encounters involving speed contests and competitive riding events.

Variants & Customization​

Greater Horseshoes of Speed (Very Rare): Enhanced speed bonuses and additional movement abilities like dimension door.

Horseshoes of Lightning Speed (Rare): Includes electrical effects and storm-based movement enhancements.

Champion's Horseshoes (Rare): Optimized for competitive racing with enhanced agility and endurance.

Specialized Variants:

  • Cavalry Horseshoes: Enhanced for mounted combat with charge damage bonuses
  • Messenger Horseshoes: Optimized for long-distance travel with endurance enhancements
  • Racing Horseshoes: Focused on competitive speed with agility and control improvements

Lore & History​

Origins: Created by ancient cavalry masters who needed superior speed for military operations and competitive racing.

Historical Significance: These horseshoes enabled crucial military victories and the development of mounted warfare tactics.

Cultural Impact: Represent the pursuit of speed perfection and the enhancement of natural animal abilities through magic.

Magical Craft: Demonstrates mastery of speed magic and the complex enchantments required for movement enhancement.

Balancing Notes​

Introduction Timing: Appropriate for levels 6-12 when mounted combat becomes significant and speed advantages are valuable.

Campaign Impact: Provides meaningful mobility advantages without overwhelming encounter balance through mount dependency.

Speed Scaling: Enhanced movement should be balanced against campaign encounter design and terrain features.

Encounter Design​

Recommended Challenges:

  • Chase scenarios where superior speed provides tactical advantages
  • Combat encounters where rapid positioning determines success
  • Time-sensitive missions where enhanced movement enables completion
  • Competitive scenarios involving speed contests and racing events

Tactical Adjustments: Encounters may need larger areas to accommodate enhanced movement capabilities.

Speed Items: Boots of Speed, Potion of Speed, and other items that enhance movement and agility.

Mount Equipment:

  • Items that improve mounted combat and cavalry operations
  • Equipment for competitive racing and speed enhancement
  • Tools for professional messaging and rapid delivery services

Complementary Equipment: Items that enhance mounted combat effectiveness or provide additional speed bonuses.

Roleplay Opportunities​

Speed Mastery: Characters develop expertise in rapid movement and mounted agility techniques.

Competitive Racing: Enhanced speed creates opportunities for racing competitions and speed-based challenges.

Tactical Mobility: Learning to utilize superior speed teaches advanced positioning and battlefield awareness.