Games like Larian Studios‘ Baldur’s Gate 3 show just how RPGs can up the stakes in their story with things such as war, killer plot twists, and big villain reveals. However, as with Baldur’s Gate and other RPGs, worlds and realms have no shortage of ancient relics and artifacts that can spice things up for both heroes and villains of the story. Interestingly, artifacts do exist in Dungeons & Dragons and its many settings. However, players of the TTRPG have more creative freedom in using them to achieve their goals.
Thankfully, the agency D&D provides its players can make for some interesting encounters when it comes to ancient artifacts. For instance, just which artifacts would DMs and players consider as the most powerful? Which artifacts would fit great in any story, given their history, nature, and abilities?
Long ago, Belarian the Beautiful sought every mean to keep his beauty to the extent of selling his own soul. This led to the creation of Belarian’s Gray Portrait, capable of bestowing immortality and a youthful appearance to its user in perpetuity. Simply put, this Artifact initially appears as a blank canvas that will “transform” into a portrait of its owner.
In turn, the owner becomes immune to debilitating effects such as energy drain, ability drain, or negative levels. Instead, the portrait will reflect these effects. However, should the painting be destroyed, the owner instantly suffers all the effects the portrait has absorbed and die if they lived longer than their intended lifespan.
9 Nether Scrolls
The Nether Scrolls formed Faerûn’s current magic system, with everything taught to students today having come from its original golden scrolls. In its creation, the Nether Scrolls have come in two sets of 50 scrolls each. In turn, characters that simply study even one Nether Scroll can get a level in their chosen spellcasting class.
However, things can get interesting when players realize that much of the second Nether Scrolls set have been destroyed. As such, no one knows how much power the remnants lie within the other set, which can be a great plot hook for players.
8 Mythallar
In Faerûn, the Mythallar usually take the form of man-sized polished crystals that can envelope a city with pure magical energy. Interestingly, these allow the creation and usage of quasi-magic items, the proto-forms of Magic Items. Civilizations had used the Mythallar to create its most powerful magic items.
In-game, despite lacking any offensive or defensive abilities, players of D&D 3e can use a Mythallar to craft Magic Items without suffering any EXP penalties. As such, players might want to secure a Mythallar in their personal ship or vehicle. DMs of D&D 5e may incorporate special mechanics to make the crafting of Magic Items easier under the envelope of a Mythallar.
7 Orbs Of Dragonkind
Wizards of the Towers of High Sorcery created the Dragon Orbs to stop evil Chromatic Dragons from destroying Krynn (in Dragonlance). Upon their success, the Artifacts (requires Attunement) found themselves scattered across each Tower of High Sorcery.
In-game, the evil dragon essences in the Orbs may Charm the user into doing evil. However, players who successfully control the Orb can call dragons, detect various forms of magic, and even heal wounds. It can only be destroyed by a +3 Magic Weapon or a Disintegrate spell.
Thankfully, this ancient narrative may fit in almost any campaign setting. Moreover, DMs who use dragons in their campaigns may center conflicts around these Orbs. Likewise, these Artifacts may be fabled items rumored to have been hidden as prized possessions of kings or lost in tombs.
6 Third Imaskarcana
As the name implies, the Third Imaskarcana serves as the third of seven powerful items of the ancient Imaskari. Today, the Tome may end up within the collection of a powerful archmage. No information is known about the abilities of the other Imaskarcanum.
According to D&D 3e rules, wielders of the Third Imaskarcana immediately get 27 Spell Resistance. Players who fail to use Roushoum (the Imaskar language) to commune with the Artifact will be transformed as one of its pages, each of which different in appearance. Unfortunately, players cursed this way can only return to normal via Wish or Miracle spells.
However, successfully communing with the Third Imaskarcana grants wielders the ability to cast these spells once a day: Time Stop, Meteor Swarm, Imprisonment, and Dominate Monster. It can also answer a question once a day.
5 Regalia Of Might
The Regalia of Might might seem like ordinary items, but a wielder of the right alignment can unleash its true forms – a Crown, a Scepter, and an Orb organized into sets of Good, Neutrality, and Evil. Interestingly, holding these items grants various effects effects. However, wielding all three of a particular set gives players +4 to all Attributes as well as powerful abilities.
Thanks to the “general” nature of the Regalia, almost all DMs can insert them as plot devices in campaigns of their choosing. They may become “simple” artifacts created by gods to boost their champions. Likewise, they may serve as integral tools to any celestial-level war a DM is cooking.
4 Wand Of Orcus
Orcus, Lord of the Undead, rarely allows his ghastly Wand to leave his side except to fulfill some nefarious goal. When it does, even a wielder attempting to Attune with the Artifact will either successfully do so with a dash of 10d6 necrotic damage or instantly die and become a zombie. Additionally, it has various beneficial and detrimental properties. However, it grants the wielder +3 AC, recharging charges of undeath spells, and the ability to Command the Undead.
As a sentient Artifact, the Wand can communicate with its wielder. However, its main purpose is to fulfill Orcus’ goals. Players might stumble upon the Wand anywhere, but they should know that Orcus must have a plot in play.
3 Crenshinibon
As an insult to life, seven liches created the Crenshinibon or the Crystal Shard as an artifact that draws its powers from the sun. After consuming its creators, the Crenshinibon had the most intense desire for glory and power.
Additionally, the Crenshinibon has demonstrated terrifying powers. These include absorbing magical attacks, creating a towering replica, and even allowing its host to attract and control evil-aligned beings attracted to the Crystal Shard.
As such, DMs may retain the creation story of Crenshinibon as an evil-aligned artifact. Likewise, heroes may have to stop their villains to acquire the artifact from an ancient temple. Interestingly, the Crenshinibon might end up in the hands of an ambitious character in the party as well.
2 Crown Of Horns
The Crown of Horns contains the intelligence and essence of Myrkul, a former god of death. According to legend, a dying Myrkul cast his essence into the Crown. Since then, the Crown has travelled to find worthy hosts to corrupt.
As per D&D 3e rules, wearing this item instantly shifts the wearer’s alignment to Neutral Evil. Unfortunately, the Crown only leaves the wielder’s head if Myrkul wills it. Over the course of two years, the Crown will transform its wearer into a lich.
However, the Crown does come with immense power. For instance, wearers immediately get 25 Spell Resistance versus necromancy and gets a Fear Aura. Wielders may now Rebuke Undead and Command Undead, as well as teleport without error. It can use Cone of Undeath and Myrkul’s Hand, attacks that transform killed enemies into wraiths and spectres the wielder can control.
1 Eye And Hand Of Vecna
Unlike other artifacts of power, the Eye and Hand of Vecna served as the actual remains of Vecna after his death. Unfortunately, not even the God of Secrets currently knows the location of these artifacts. In turn, players who sought these items will find themselves in conflict with the Cult of Vecna, also hell-bent on finding these items.
Unfortunately, the items require its wielders to use them as replacements for a missing hand or eye. The Hand not only grants superhuman strength, but it can also drain life and cast powerful spells. Meanwhile, the Eye has superior vision and future-sight.
Sadly, wielding one or both items will slowly corrupts users. Interestingly, the items will always fail their wielders at the moment of their deaths.
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