(Damian May)

On the southern border of Khitai and north of the Thousand Islands are other lands: Batuban, for one, but others have names unknown in other climes.

In one of these lands is found the ancient origins of the Kuman Thong, The Golden Child.

Originating in an ancient tale of jealousy, sorcery, and violence, the making of these grisly charms is a relatively common, if somewhat frowned at, practice of local sorcerers, necromancers, and priests.

The corpse of a stillborn child is taken from its grave and dry roasted over a fire while incantations are said to summon the power of the Kuman Thong. Once the ritual is complete, and the tiny body is reduced to a dry husk, it is soaked in Nam Man Phrai, a powerful oil in local occult traditions. Nam man Phrai is an oil that is obtained by placing a candle under the chin of a woman who died while pregnant or a person who died an unnatural or violent death.

Finally, it is coated with a specially prepared lacquer and then carefully covered in gold leaf. It is usually worn about the neck in a soft leather or silk bag.

The creation of Kuman Thong has since spread throughout Batuban and Southern Khitai. Similar, though more complex, rituals exist in the Thousand Islands and are used to create the beings known as Toyol.

An individual wearing this amulet is under the constant effect of the Warlock spell Fortune (Dragon Warriors p107). The individual must spend at least 5 florins each week buying small toys, sweets, and trinkets for the Kuman Thong's amusement. If they fail to do so, they will be afflicted once per week with a Curse with a MAGICAL ATTACK of 20 until they make amends.

This article first appeared in Casket of Fays Issue 2.