This odd little device is a jumble of brass fittings, turning cogs, and glowing crystals. At first glance, it seems incredibly important—like a piece of an ancient artifact or a tool meant to harness raw magical energy. In truth, it’s absolutely useless.

When activated (a button, lever, or crank—each Contraption is different), the device immediately begins to behave as though it were performing vital magical work:

It goes zip when it moves, shooting out little arcs of harmless static sparks.

It goes buzz when it stops, the inner gears vibrating like a hornet’s nest.

It goes whirr when it stands still, spinning an illusory gyroscope of light above itself.

The Contraption emits a faint hum when carried, causing small objects (like spoons or loose buttons) within 5 feet to rattle or shift. None of these effects cause damage or mechanical benefit—they’re all show.

Curious Side Effects

The item will sometimes declare “Calibration complete!” in an ancient tongue at random intervals.

Arcane scholars who examine it must succeed on a DC 17 Arcana check to realize it’s worthless; on a failed check, they are convinced it’s a key component of some greater magical engine.

Gnomes love to “upgrade” it by attaching extra levers and whistles.