So as was perusing my game shelf for something topical, I pulled down my old AD&D Unearthed Arcana. For anyone who has never owned this book, it was sort of a follow up on both the Players Handbook and Dungeon Masters Guide. It has never classes, spells, deities, rules and most interestingly to me, new magic items! D&D has tried to replicate the feel of this book in later editions either in print or in digital articles, but in my opinion, nothing is like the original UA. That's why I'm sad I didn't utilize it more often back in the day. Today I'm going to feature some Greyhawk themed magic items from this book that need an update (5E or otherwise). Enjoy...
Zagyg's Flowing Flagon: There are plenty of items in UA that have kept up with the times like the Quiver of Ehlonna and Hewards Handy Haversack. This is one I don't think got an update. It's a well-made silver wine container with a toast etched on its side. Whenever it is read the flagon fills with a potent potable. Each time the magic is used to refill, the alcohol content gets stronger. A good item to give players to create a rowdy, drunk game night. Probably an uncommon item.
Ring of Boccob: This fancy ring does not radiate magic, and indeed any magic item that strikes the wearer of Boccob's Ring has to make a save or become nonmagical! Basically Mordenkainen's Disjunction by touch? This would be a mean item to give to a villain. I'll say its a rare item.
Wand of Force: This would have to be very rare. It's a wand that has a few functions, One creates a 4' long blue-white energy blade to appear equal to a sword +5! It's a freaking light saber! Second, it can create Wall of Force. No-brainer there. The third creates other planes of force. What's neat about this wand? It drains other force spells, like Bigby's Forceful Hand or Mordenkainen's Sword to recharge it. It's awful specific in its applications, but cool sounding.
Mantle of Celestian: Black clothing that's main function is protect from the cold of outer space. (Like we all were doing that in AD&D back in the day?) The Mantle also provides food, drink and storage pockets. Bonus, if you are a cleric of Celestian (rare enough) then you can also see people's auras. More like an Insight check rather than detecting alignment though. I'd say this one is in the very rare category if made in 5E.Shoes of Fharlanghn: Magic shoes that never wear out and cause the wearer to never fatigue when walking. Suitable for the god of travel. Furthermore for neutral/neutral good types the shoes make the wearer more sure-footed in hazardous or trapped conditions. Like above, if the person "attuned" is a worshipper of Fharlanghn then you can never get lost or surprised. You gain jumping and movement increases, and climbing/balancing is significant easier. Very rare again!
That's all. After having mused over these items, it makes me want to create some original items based off other Greyhawk gods or notable NPCs. You know something like Nystuls' Magical Net or Hextor's Hellish Halberd or Telchur's Fur Vest. Run with that if you want. Until next time...
My favorite PC of all-time had a Wand of Force (won from the Forgotten Temple of Tharizdun!)...and man, is that thing nasty. My favorite part? Probably that, once you hit 9th level, you never have to worry about running out of charges...because you can cast Wall of Force (recharging it at least once daily)! Ridiculously economical.
ReplyDeleteMike, I think you forgot about the most powerful named item of all in Unearthed Arcana...the Murlynd's Spoon!!! :)
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