Back when Xanathar's Guide to Everything was released, my fave part of the book was the common magical items section. I liked these because while some had obvious uses, others did not, and seemed either useless or detrimental to the user. I like this because it means players have to be more creative when using these items, and do things they otherwise might not do.
To that end, I've started homebrewing some other underpowered content, like the Awakened Rabbit race or the Amulet of Animal Fiendship, both of which generally make things harder on the player. Anyways, my question is: what's your favorite intentionally underpowered homebrew content? Also, do you like using such content in campaigns?
I loved that material. I realize that 5e has definitively moved away from the loot-as-power paradigm where your 20th level fighter is useless without a magic sword, but I found that the overwhelming amount of flavor given by the old material really stoked my creativity.
But as for my favorite new item? cast-off armor. Imagine rigging the armor to a command word and having the PC accidentally shout it out in combat.
I adore 'mostly useless' magic items and similar. They create some pretty great moments when a player comes up with the perfect way to utilize it to create a seriously clutch, or just really funny moment.
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Back when Xanathar's Guide to Everything was released, my fave part of the book was the common magical items section. I liked these because while some had obvious uses, others did not, and seemed either useless or detrimental to the user. I like this because it means players have to be more creative when using these items, and do things they otherwise might not do.
To that end, I've started homebrewing some other underpowered content, like the Awakened Rabbit race or the Amulet of Animal Fiendship, both of which generally make things harder on the player. Anyways, my question is: what's your favorite intentionally underpowered homebrew content? Also, do you like using such content in campaigns?
I loved that material. I realize that 5e has definitively moved away from the loot-as-power paradigm where your 20th level fighter is useless without a magic sword, but I found that the overwhelming amount of flavor given by the old material really stoked my creativity.
But as for my favorite new item? cast-off armor. Imagine rigging the armor to a command word and having the PC accidentally shout it out in combat.
I adore 'mostly useless' magic items and similar. They create some pretty great moments when a player comes up with the perfect way to utilize it to create a seriously clutch, or just really funny moment.