Dungeon Master's Guide
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ARTIFACTS<br />
An artifact is a unique magic item of tremendous power,<br />
with its own origin and history. An artifact might have<br />
been created by gods or mortals of awesome power.<br />
It could have been created in the midst of a crisis that<br />
threatened a kingdom, a world, or the entire multiverse,<br />
and carry the weight of that pivotal moment in hi story.<br />
Some artifacts appear when they are needed most.<br />
For others, the reverse is true; when discovered, the<br />
world trembles at the ramifications of the find . In either<br />
case, introducing an artifact into a campaign requires<br />
forethought. The artifact could be an item that opposing<br />
sides are hoping to claim, or it might be something the<br />
adventurers need to overcome their greatest challenge.<br />
Characters don't typically find artifacts in the<br />
normal course of adventuring. In fact, artifacts only<br />
appear when you want them to, for they are as much<br />
plot devices as magic items. Tracking down and<br />
recovering an artifact is often the main goal of an<br />
adventure. Characters must chase down rumors,<br />
MINOR BENEFICIAL PROPERTIES<br />
dl 00<br />
Ol-20<br />
Property<br />
While attuned to the artifact, you gain proficiency<br />
in one skill of the OM 's choice.<br />
21- 30 Whil e attuned to the artifa ct, you are immune to<br />
di sease.<br />
31- 40 While attuned to the artifact, you can't be charmed<br />
o r frightened .<br />
41-50 While attuned to the artifact, you have resistance<br />
again st one damage type of the OM 's cho ice.<br />
51- 60 While attuned to the artifact, you can use an action<br />
to cast one cantrip (chosen by the OM) from it.<br />
61- 70 While attuned to the artifact, you can use an action<br />
to cast one 1st-level spell (chosen by the OM) from<br />
it . Afte r yo u cast the spell, ro ll a d6. On a roll of<br />
l -5, yo u can't cast it again until the next dawn.<br />
71-80 As 61 - 70 above, except the spell is 2nd leve l.<br />
81-90 As 61 - 70 above, except the spell is 3rd leve l.<br />
91 -00 While attuned to the artifact, you gain a +l bonus<br />
to Armor Class .<br />
undergo significa nt trials, and venture into dangerous,<br />
half-forgotten places to fi nd the artifact they seek.<br />
Alternatively, a major villain might already have the<br />
artifact. Obtaining and destroying the artifact could<br />
be the only way to ensure that its power can't be<br />
used for evil.<br />
ARTIFACT PROPERTIES<br />
Each artifact has its own magical properties, as<br />
other magic items do, and the properties are often<br />
exceptionally powerful. An artifact might have other<br />
properties that are either beneficial or detrimental.<br />
You can choose such properties from the tables in<br />
this section or determine them randomly. You can<br />
also invent new beneficial and detrimental properties.<br />
These properties typically change each time an artifact<br />
appears in the world.<br />
An artifact can have as many as four minor beneficial<br />
properties and two major beneficial properties. It can<br />
have as many as four minor detrimental properties and<br />
two major detrimental properties.<br />
MAJOR BENEFICIAL PROPERTIES<br />
d 1 00<br />
Ol-20<br />
Property<br />
While attuned to the artifact, one of your ability<br />
scores (OM's choice) increases by 2, to a<br />
maximum of 24.<br />
21-30 Whil e attuned to the artifact, you regain ld6 hit<br />
points at the start of yo ur turn if you have at least<br />
l hit point.<br />
31 - 40 When yo u hit with a weapon attack while attuned<br />
to the artifact, the target takes an extra l d6<br />
dam age of the weapon's type.<br />
41 - 50 While attuned to the artifact, your wal king speed<br />
increases by 10 feet.<br />
51-60 While attuned to the artifact, you can use an action<br />
to cast one 4th-level spell (chosen by the OM) from<br />
it. After yo u cast the spell, rol l a d6. On a rol l of<br />
l - 5, you can't cast it again until the next dawn.<br />
61 - 70 As 51 - 60 above, except the spell is 5th level .<br />
71-80 As 51 - 60 above, except the spell is 6th level.<br />
81-90 As 51 - 60 above, except the spell is 7th leve l.<br />
91-00 While attun ed to the artifa ct, you can't be blinded,<br />
deafened, petrified , or stunned.