DMystified: A How-to for New DMs by old DMs

Greetings, adventurers, and welcome back to the thrilling continuation of my saga—the unveiling of custom magic items in my Call of the Netherdeep campaign! Now, before we proceed, let’s once again address the mighty elephant in the room—yes, these items may appear quite formidable. However, do bear in mind that as the dungeon master, I have carefully balanced these artifacts to suit the unique challenges of our epic journey. To amp up the excitement, I’ve infused our world with equally daunting adversaries and amplified the frequency of exhilarating encounters.

This particular item is tailored for Gowron, a brave Half-Orc Beastmaster Ranger, whose path intertwines with the essence of nature itself. As this is crafted for a player newer to the realm of Dungeons & Dragons, I sought to design an item that seamlessly blended simplicity, engagement, and delightful fun.

Gowron, Half-Orc Beastmaster Ranger – Hunter’s Bow Sight

Introducing the Hunter’s Bow Sight—a wondrous magical sight that can be affixed to a bow, bestowing upon the skilled Beastmaster Ranger a trio of empowering benefits.

This magical sight can be attached to a bow to provide the following benefits to the beast master ranger who wields it.

Arrow Flurry. Once per turn, when you or your companion hit with an attack, you can make an additional ranged weapon attack against the same target, or a different creature within 15 feet of the target. You don't add your ability score modifier to the damage of this bonus attack.

Bestial Speed. You know the Quick Step cantrip. When you cast it, it also increases your companion's speed by the same amount. If your companion ends this movement within 5 feet of a creature, it can make an attack against the creature.

Seeking Missiles. You know the Magic Missile spell, and you can cast it a number of times equal to your PB with this item. Whenever you cast magic missile using this item, or with spell slots, you can fire one extra missile. You regain all uses of this property when you finish a long rest.

Firstly, the Arrow Flurry ability presents an exhilarating opportunity. Once per turn, whenever Gowron or his loyal companion lands a successful attack, Gowron can unleash an additional ranged weapon attack against either the same target or a different creature within 15 feet. However, it is worth noting that this bonus attack omits the addition of the wielder’s ability score modifier to its damage. The thrill of added strikes amplifies the player’s feeling of prowess, making them a formidable damage-dealing force!

Faster than the wind, Bestial Speed is bestowed upon Gowron. This unique ability grants him the knowledge of the Quick Step cantrip. When activated, not only does this magical movement increase the ranger’s speed but also empowers his loyal companion with the same swiftness. Should the companion conclude this enhanced movement within 5 feet of a creature, it gains the opportunity to launch a swift attack against its newfound target.

Finally, we unfurl the awe-inspiring Seeking Missiles—a feature that embodies the art of masterful marksmanship. By wielding the Hunter’s Bow Sight, Gowron gains knowledge of the Magic Missile spell, a spell renowned for its unerring accuracy. Notably, this magical bow sight empowers Gowron to cast Magic Missile a number of times equal to his PB (proficiency bonus). And here’s the truly captivating twist: whenever he casts Magic Missile with this extraordinary item or through spell slots, he unleashes an extra missile. The sensation of firing a barrage of projectiles that always find their mark is a testament to the mastery and precision of any remarkable ranger.

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In crafting this item, my focus was on nurturing Gowron’s role as a formidable striker and damage dealer, empowering him to leave his foes in awe of his might. A wise choice, as bolstering a player’s damage output is a splendid means of engendering a sense of empowerment within them. After all, empowering players to unleash additional damage not only feels satisfying, but it also adds a delightful sense of potency to their actions, and to be frank, it’s one of the easiest things to balance against as a Dungeon Master.

Why, you may wonder, did I grant Gowron access to the Quick Step cantrip instead of merely increasing his movement speed? The answer lies in my desire to encourage him to explore the full extent of his abilities. By providing him with this nifty cantrip from Mage Hand Press’ Complete Warmage, Gowron can learn to master its swift movements and seize tactical advantages in the heat of battle. It is a subtle yet effective way to foster growth and strategic thinking, as it can be used to trigger Arrow Flurry.

Lastly, the awe-inspiring Seeking Missiles feature grants Gowron a chance to bask in the glory of a true marksman, raining down an unstoppable barrage of magic missiles that never miss their mark. An homage to the master archers of lore, this property embodies the essence of precision and unyielding accuracy.

So, my dear companions on this path of wondrous discovery, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for joining me once more. I hope the might of the Hunter’s Bow Sight sparks your imagination, inspiring you to create equally captivating magic items for your own journeys into uncharted realms. Until we reconvene for the next chapter, may your aim be true, and your arrows ever find their mark!

Greetings, esteemed companions and seekers of mystical knowledge! I extend my gratitude to you for joining me once again as I continue to unveil the extraordinary starting magic items I’ve crafted for my new campaign in Critical Role’s Call of the Netherdeep. As a humble reminder, I must acknowledge that these items may appear mighty to some, but rest assured, I have carefully balanced this increase in player power with formidable adversaries and a heightened frequency of encounters.

Our focus now turns to Corryn Thistlebadge, played by a seasoned veteran of my gaming table, who is well-versed in the art of character creation. When they created Corryn, they took the initiative to select their own magic item from the vast archives of D&D Beyond. This item became the foundation for their personalized starting treasure. Given this player’s knack for utilizing every resource at their disposal, I was able to infuse it with a touch of complexity, as you shall soon see.

Corryn Thistlebadge, Forest Gnome Druid of the Land – Spirit Knife

Behold the Spirit Knife, a silver-bladed dagger that shimmers with the ethereal glow of moonlight. With a bonus action, Corryn can cast light upon the dagger, transforming it into a radiant beacon at will. Furthermore, this exquisite blade serves as a spellcasting focus for their druid spells, allowing them to seamlessly channel their mystic energies.

This silver-bladed dagger glimmers softly with moonlight. While holding the dagger, you can use a bonus action to cast light on the dagger at will. In addition, you can use the dagger as a spellcasting focus for your druid spells. The dagger provides the following benefits to a Circle of the Land Druid who holds it.

Improved Healing. You always have Goodberry prepared. When a creature eats one of your goodberries, or you cast a spell that restores hit points, you can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the amount of hit points restored.

Bonus Wild Shape. You gain one additional use of your wild shape, which recharges after a long rest.

Bestial Companion. You know the Summon Beast spell and always have it prepared. When you use your wild companion feature you can cast Summon Beast instead of find familiar. When you cast the spell in this way, you don't add the spells level to the damage it deals, it does not require concentration and it disappears after a number of hours equal to half your druid level, or after you use this property again.

Bestial Mark. Whenever your Bestial Companion deals damage to a creature, it marks that creature for 1 minute. Against a marked target, you gain a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls with this dagger, and you gain a +2 bonus to spell attack rolls and the saving throw DCs of your druid spells.

Next, we come to the aspect of improved healing. Corryn always has the Goodberry spell prepared, a boon that ensures a constant supply of healing. When a creature consumes one of the succulent goodberries or benefits from Corryn’s healing spells, an additional roll of a d4 augments the restored hit points—an invaluable ability that will undoubtedly prove crucial in the trials that lie in Xhorhas and the Netherdeep.

In keeping with tradition, I have granted Corryn an extra use of their wild shape, I tempered its frequency by restricting its recharge to long rests instead of the more accessible short rests.

Ah, but the true essence of Corryn’s power lies within the enigmatic Bestial Companion. With this ability, he gains knowledge of the Summon Beast spell, always having it prepared and ready at his disposal. When Corryn employs his wild companion feature, he can cast Summon Beast instead of the traditional find familiar spell. In this unique manifestation, the summoned creature does not require concentration, and its ephemeral presence endures for a duration equal to half Corryn’s druid level, or until he employs this property again. It is worth noting that, when utilizing this spell through wild shape, the summoned beast does not inflict additional damage based on the spell’s level. However, the synergy between Corryn and his beastly companion is truly mesmerizing—a marked target suffers the consequences. Against a marked adversary, Corryn gains a remarkable +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls with the Spirit Knife, as well as a +2 bonus to spell attack rolls and the saving throw DCs of his druidic spells. A testament to the intricacies of their shared bond and coordination.

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The foundation for this starting item stemmed from Corryn’s selection of the Moon Sickle, a wondrous artifact found within Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. Adhering to the player’s choice, I retained the core essence of improved healing and the bonus to attack rolls and spell DCs. However, I expanded upon these elements, granting access to the versatile Goodberry spell and enhancing its healing capabilities. With Corryn serving as the party’s primary healer, the improved healing bestowed by the Spirit Knife becomes a vital asset to support his comrades, providing them with potent mini-healing potions—an invaluable resource in the journey ahead.

As a fan of 3rd edition, and 3.5, I have long yearned for the days when druids could boast a formidable companion in the heat of battle. With the Bestial Companion, I sought to recapture that spirit. While mindful of the potential power derived from additional action economy, I ensured a fair balance by constraining the summoned beast to the lowest level of casting, and restricting the amount of damage it can deal. It’s thrilling to contemplate the possibilities that arise from the ability to summon a creature, without the shackles of concentration. Oh, the fun that awaits!

Lastly, the Moon Sickle’s ever-present bonus to attack and damage rolls, while initially a point of concern for me, is cleverly tied to Corryn’s coordination with their Bestial Companion. This requirement necessitates the utilization of their wild shape to summon the beast and execute attacks in order to fully harness the bestowed bonus. The result is a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience, one that rewards strategic decision-making and coordination with their summoned ally.

As we conclude this chapter, I eagerly anticipate your thoughts and musings. Have you run, or played in Call of the Netherdeep yourself? Have you embraced the joys of custom starting items? Share your tales and reflections, for it is through our collective experiences that the realm of gaming thrives and evolves.

Until we meet again, may the dice be ever in your favor, and may the realms of fantasy forever ignite your imagination!

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