Dungeon Master's Guide

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