Thought it might be a good idea to have somewhere to share any examples of Useful Items that players have come up with in your games. I'll update the list as people share their ideas.
Here are the ones I've come up with plus ones from the example list, hopefully we can grow the list.
AWE
A suit of expensive clothing, earrings of pearl, an impressive gold chain, a remarking torque, a striking ring, a fine cloak and hood, elaborate hair combs, exquisite diadem, a tattoo*, an impressive scar*, a necklace of claws / teeth etc, war paint, prominent piercing.
ENHEARTEN
A liquor to infuse strength, a war horn, a fine crafted circlet, an engraving of meaning, a banner, A set of rattling bells tied to a spear, which he can shake (Spears will be shaken!) when roaring a battle cry, adding percussive emphasis.
PERSUADE
A bottle of good wine, exquisite umbrella, artful makeup, delicate perfume
ATHLETICS
A coil of rope with grappling hook to climb, set of climbing pitons, lightweight running shoes, gloves of supple leather to facilitate climbing, boots with a spring-heel, a long spear which can be used as a vaulting pole.
TRAVEL
A sunstone to navigate in bad weather, travel biscuits, a walking stave, well prepared camping gear, sentimental handkerchief, a small tin of wax oil to waterproof boots or other leather kit, a bottle of tangy pickles as a pick me up,
STEALTH
Well made boots, a dependable cloak, a backpack with no metal exterior loops or buckles, and interior pockets that cushion the things inside, camouflage paint/makeup, a pinpoint lantern.
AWARENESS
A hat with a brim to screen the glare of the sun, a type of tea with a mild stimulant to assist a night watch
INSIGHT
A fine pipe to find comfort, a deck of gaming cards or dice, that permits close observation when playing with other people,
SCAN
A wind-proof lantern, pocket eyeglass, magnifying lens
HUNTING
A knife for skinning rabbits, a little box of salt to cook, set of fine snares, hunting dog or bird, fishing gear, a bird call whistle, a bolas for use in the chase, a lucky quiver
HEALING
A balm to soothe pain, a salve to dress wounds, dried herbs to alleviate aches , old remedy, trusty pestle and mortar, a foul smelling unguent, strips of cloth that can be used as ties, or as bandages. Plant extract to induce vomiting (treats food poisoning)
EXPLORE
A detailed set of maps, wayfarer bundle, set of chalk to mark the way, trusty tinderbox
SONG
An exotic musical instrument – a fiddle, a flute, a drum or a viol, a harp or lyre, or book of poems.
COURTESY
A suit of expensive clothing, earrings of pearl, an impressive gold chain, a remarking torque, striking ring, fancy waistcoat, various small gifts (details as needed)
RIDDLE
A good pipe to help you think, a smooth stone to calm your thoughts, a pack of playing cards or dice, to distract, a trained animal (probably a dog, but a hawk might do, or even a ferret!) that will perform a diversion with a coded sound or signal, A book of riddles.
CRAFT
A set of instruments to carve stone, fine wood-crafting tools, trusty work hammer, engraving tools, tongs, drills, magnifying lens, measuring tool, tool sharpener
BATTLE
Colour coded feathers on arrows to choose the right weight for the distance being shot over, or to fire into a wind. A small feather attached to the tip of the bow to indicate wind direction well above head height (assist in compensating when shooting in a cross wind), a finely crafted set of Dwarf made figures for setting up battle plans. A gold and silver chess set from the exotic south, a detailed map of a specific area and its surrounding terrain, useful for planning ambushes and tactics.
LORE
A rare book, an ink and quill set, a worry stone to help recall your studies
*Cannot be swapped out during a Fellowship phase.