In the expansive lore of Dungeons & Dragons, certain magic items are classified as “artifacts,”representing some of the game’s most formidable gear. These powerful artifacts typically require extensive quests for players to acquire them. While many artifacts are deeply woven into the narratives of the Forgotten Realms, players have the opportunity to claim these coveted items for their own. The upcoming 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide features 11 artifacts, with a mix of returning classics and new entitlements.
Artifacts not only exhibit properties akin to legendary items but also possess an array of randomly determined powers. Most notably, many of these items are sentient, driven by their own motivations and personalities. Additionally, artifacts often have unique methods for destruction, differentiating them from more common magical gear. The captivating histories surrounding these artifacts can spark entire campaigns focused on their discovery or annihilation. But which artifacts wield the greatest power for player characters?
11
The Book of Vile Darkness Is More Trouble Than It’s Worth
Many More Cons Than Pros
The Book of Vile Darkness is infamous for its troubling nature. Most artifacts, including this tome, function optimally when used by characters who align morally with their essence. The alignment restrictions can be confining but play a crucial role in the artifact’s usage. This book poses significant risks to any who wield it. For instance, non-fiend or undead users who attempt to attune themselves may end up as a larva permanently. Additionally, the book generates several random negative effects, comprising three minor and two major consequences. One unique power allows the reader to inflict area damage; however, the user suffers harm as well. Tragically, the book only functions effectively if its owner commits a series of evil acts—something many players might find morally objectionable.
10
The Eye and Hand of Vecna Are Too Risky to Use
Weapons That Can Kill You Just As Easily As Your Enemies
The Eye and Hand of Vecna are equally formidable and treacherous artifacts. While they may offer greater power than the Book of Vile Darkness, they also come with substantial risk. Notably, attuning to these artifacts will invariably turn the user into a neutral evil entity. Additionally, these items can only be claimed by individuals who are missing an eye or their left hand; removing the artifacts post-attunement would spell instant disaster for the user.
Nonetheless, the power is significant. The Eye grants an impressive 240 feet of true sight and access to various eye-based spells, while the Hand raises a character’s strength score up to 20, enhances melee damage, and provides hand-themed spells. Utilizing both simultaneously bestows restorative abilities and the capacity to cast wish. However, cautiously wielding these artifacts is critical, as users may effectively lose control of their own bodies to Vecna.
9
The Orb of Dragonkind Is Underwhelming in Comparison to Its Peers
Items from Dragonlance That Can’t Quite Hold Up
The Orbs of Dragonkind, which stem from the Dragonlance setting, focus on enticing and subjugating chromatic dragons. These artifacts provide spells ranging from high-level healing to the ability to detect magic at will. However, the original five Orbs have diminished in relevance, with only three believed to remain. Mechanically, the guide does not indicate significant differences among these Orbs.
While they can summon nearby chromatic dragons, this feature is more plot-driven than strategically useful. Random effects from the orbs lack impact, making them rather forgettable compared to their peers. Moreover, the dragon souls trapped within may attempt to charm their users, leading to potential risks.
8
The Demonomicon of Iggwilv Is Strong in Certain Settings
Some Campaigns May Not Favor This Artifact
The Demonomicon of Iggwilv is crafted to house knowledge and trap Abyssal fiends; this quality can make it both beneficial and burdensome. While it offers plenty of spells to help contain demonic entities, including enhanced versions of binding spells against fiends, its unique feature of permanently trapping demons within its pages can severely backfire. Trapped creatures can attempt to possess the user, creating a potentially grave risk.
7
The Wand of Orcus Is Evil, But Still Useful
A Weapon That Never Forgets Its True Owner
The Wand of Orcus is considered one of the most destructive artifacts, inherently tied to the demon lord’s ambitions of universal annihilation. While the wand may shift ownership, it relentlessly follows the agendas of its true master. Despite the risks of attuning to the wand resulting in instant death, the rewards of wielding it can be devastating.
This artifact requires formidable power to be effectively used, functioning as a +3 mace that not only inflicts additional necrotic damage but also acts as a potent spellcasting focus. Remarkably, it can summon an army of 30 undead once per day, making it particularly beneficial for warlocks aligned with Orcus.
6
The Sword of Kas Is a Powerful Weapon for Fighting the Undead
Taking Up the Mantle of the Sword’s Last Wielder
The Sword of Kas, originally used by Vecna’s former lieutenant, is a significant weapon against the undead. As a +3 magical longsword, it is particularly effective at dealing critical damage to undead foes and can cast spells like call lightning in addition to its melee prowess. Intriguingly, its wielder can exchange attack bonus points for additional AC on a specific turn.
While it fits the gameplay of a paladin or cleric, it is crucial to note that the sword has a chaotic evil alignment and hungers for conflict, driving its bearer into bloodshed.
5
Blackrazor Is the Weakest of a Powerful Trio
Bonded Weapons Within White Plume Mountains
Blackrazor, residing within the depths of White Plume Mountain, serves as a +3 magical weapon with a notorious mannerism for bloodshed. This sword grants immunity to being charmed or frightened, along with 30 feet of blindsight. Moreover, it can cast haste at the discretion of the blade itself. This artifact can be treated like an NPC under the control of the DM.
Despite its powerful abilities, Blackrazor consumes the souls of its victims to provide temporary hit points for its user. However, it poses a significant threat against undead foes, as attacking them results in harm inflicted back on the wielder.
4
Whelm Is Especially Powerful in the Hands of a Dwarf
A Hammer to Shatter Worlds
The artifact Whelm is less treacherous than Blackrazor, providing both power and protection. With its +3 magical warhammer properties, it also mimics the throwing capabilities of the Dwarven Thrower and delivers shockwave attacks that can stun adversaries.
However, only dwarves or characters wearing a Belt of Dwarvenkind can attune to this weapon. Although its loyalty lies with dwarves, for those eligible, it’s an incredible boon on the battlefield.
3
Wave Can Turn You into an Aquatic Superhero
Harnessing the Strength of the Seas
Wave, another artifact from White Plume Mountain, stands out as the most potent due to its versatility. Unlike other artifacts, Wave does not require specific ownership traits and does not threaten its user’s soul. This +3 trident possesses devastating extra crit damage and provides aquatic abilities like underwater breathing and the ability to influence aquatic creatures through dominate beast.
Additionally, Wave allows for the casting of globe of invulnerability once per day, offering a balance of offense and defense that any character can leverage regardless of race or moral alignment. Plus, its fondness for sea shanties adds a whimsical flair.
2
The Axe of the Dwarvish Lords Is Just a Really Good Weapon
A Plethora of Powerful Abilities to Choose From
When evaluating weapons, The Axe of the Dwarvish Lords stands out for its vast array of abilities and minimal drawbacks. Originally created by a dwarvish prince and now accessible to any player, it functions as a +3 magical battleaxe, returning devastating critical hits. Like Whelm, it boasts ranged capabilities akin to Dwarven Thrower.
Additionally, it amplifies darkvision, provides proficiency in multiple tools, offers constitution bonuses, immunity to poison, resistance to fire damage, and even summons an earth elemental once per day. The ability to teleport to known underground locations significantly fast-tracks travel in campaigns. This artifact grants so many benefits that it is undeniably one of the finest across the board.
1
The Book of Exalted Deeds Provides Some Amazing Permanent Buffs
No Downsides to This Amazing Tome
In contrast to the Book of Vile Darkness, the Book of Exalted Deeds is arguably the most beneficial artifact featured in the 2024 Dungeons & Dragons editions. This tome is valuable for good-aligned characters and emphasizes achieving moral righteousness. By investing 80 hours in study, users gain several permanent advantages:
these include:
- Immunity to charm and fear effects
- Resistance to psychic damage
- A +2 bonus to wisdom
- A halo enhancing charisma checks
- spells that are considered cast at one level higher
Notably, the Book of Exalted Deeds boasts entirely positive supplementary effects, without any detrimental ones, making it a rare and powerful artifact.
Source: Dungeons & Dragons/YouTube (1, 2)
Related Articles:
Nintendo Switch 2 Consol Reveal Poised to Be the Most Unexciting in Gaming History
4:48
Top 10 Civilization 6 Leaders for Achieving Scientific Victory
3:54
10 Abandoned Animal Crossing Villagers That Should Return in the Next Game
3:24
Leave a Reply