A bit and bridle was an essential piece of tack, consisting of a mouthpiece and a head harness to control a mount.[6][note 1]
Description[]
These coupled items were often essential for riding mounts, particularly horses. The bridle was a large set of leather straps or a rope set around a mount's lower jaw. Bits came in many types. A bit could be inserted into a horse's mouth and attached to the bridle.[7]
Bits and bridles were sold all over Faerûn,[3][8] Zakhara,[9] and Kara-Tur.[2] Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue sold bits and bridles, and were suitable for those embarking on a lengthy journey or participating in a race.[3]
The phantom steed spell summoned a spectral mount with both bit and bridle and a saddle.[10]
History[]
When the beloved Zakharan horse, Edimu, passed from the world, a mausoleum was constructed for him in Sokkar. Edimu's golden bit and bridle were buried alongside him. However, ghouls later looted the chambers, stealing the valuable gem-studded bit and bridle and breaking the ka figure it rested upon, thus bringing Edimu's spirit back from the afterlife. In 1367 DR, the legendary spirit horse asked a group of adventurers to recover his bit and bridle. The heroes were successful in their task, and Edimu's spirit was finally laid to rest.[9]
Notable Bits and Bridles[]
- Edimu's golden bit and bridle were embedded with several gems, and was worth over 1,000 gp.[9]
- A bit and bridle of griffonriding, a magical bit and bridle used for riding griffons with great security and control.[8]
- The priceless antique bridle, studded with star sapphires, was a family heirloom of House Toporello, one of the noble families and members of the Blade Council of Sumbria in the Blade Kingdoms.[11]
Trivia[]
- In the Roll of Years, the year 1349 DR bore the name "Year of the Bridle".[12]
Appendix[]
Notes[]
- ↑ Though bits and bridles can be considered separate items, they are almost always paired together within the Forgotten Realms and related settings.
Appearances[]
Adventures
Novels & Short Stories
Film & Television
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ Gary Gygax (1978). Players Handbook 1st edition. (TSR, Inc.), p. 36. ISBN 0-9356-9601-6.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Gary Gygax, David Cook, and François Marcela-Froideval (1985). Oriental Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 40. ISBN 0-8803-8099-3.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 139. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
- ↑ David "Zeb" Cook (August 1989). Player's Handbook (2nd edition). (TSR, Inc.), p. 91. ISBN 0-88038-716-5.
- ↑ Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 129. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Wizards RPG Team (July 2014). “Rulebook”. Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set (Wizards of the Coast), p. 19. ISBN 978-0-7869-6559-5.
- ↑ Grant Boucher, Troy Christensen, Jon Pickens, John Terra and Scott Davis (1991). Arms and Equipment Guide. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 47–48. ISBN 1-56076-109-1.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Eric L. Boyd (June 2005). City of Splendors: Waterdeep. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 149. ISBN 0-7869-3693-2.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Steve Kurtz (1994). Al-Qadim: Cities of Bone: Adventure Book. (TSR, Inc), p. 19. ISBN 1-56076-847.
- ↑ David "Zeb" Cook (April 1995). Player's Handbook 2nd edition (revised). (TSR, Inc.), p. 195. ISBN 0-7869-0329-5.
- ↑ Pauli Kidd (November 1996). The Council of Blades. (TSR, Inc.), chap. 3, p. 32. ISBN 978-0786905317.
- ↑ Brian R. James, Ed Greenwood (September 2007). The Grand History of the Realms. Edited by Kim Mohan, Penny Williams. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 140. ISBN 978-0-7869-4731-7.