Painted Egg

The peasants of Tuske have always had a flair for egg-decoration, but this wonderful tradition is a remnant of something much older and more sinister. The witches of Tuske would enchant eggs with cantrips which they would then give as presents to those they favoured.

When tapped, the egg would hatch open and its magic would work.

Almost any enchantment could be laid on the egg depending on the skill of the witch. Of course, one could be fooled: the egg may be cursed and hatch into something unpleasant or dangerous.

Often witches would use the eggs as tests of heroes' characters. The egg would be enchanted to act usefully until the hero did something unlawful or against the witch's wishes. Then the enchantment would go sour and turn to a curse.

You also have to be careful not to let the egg get tapped as it rolls around in your rucksack...

Magical Properties:

Examples of beneficially-enchanted eggs:
1. Sleep-egg: the effect is that of a sleep spell, and all those within a 10' radius fall asleep (not including 'caster').
2. Glow-egg: the hatched egg emits a soft radiance by which small tasks may be performed in complete darkness.
3. Knife-egg: the egg-shell hardens and its jagged edge can be used to cut through ropes or even chains.
4. Servant-egg: a familiar is summoned which will perform a task for the caster before disappearing.
5. Wind-egg: The egg affects the winds, which swirl strongly around it in a little tornado. Only the caster is safe in the storm's eye by the egg.

Cursed versions:
1. Sleep-egg: The user falls asleep instantly.
2. Glow-egg: The egg heats up and burns the user, setting fire to any fabric with which it comes into contact.
3. Knife-egg: The jagged shards of egg seem to bury themselves into the user's flesh, doing laceration damage.
4. Servant-egg: A minor demon, swarm of rats or other unwanted, hostile creature hatches.
5. Shrieking-egg: The egg starts shrieking and bawling.