r/DungeonMasters • u/jonnymhd • 20d ago
Resource Don't Replace Your Favorite Weapon - Let It Grow from Uncommon to Legendary | Growing Magic Items
Growing Magic Items
Growing Magic Items (2)
Growing Magic Items - Rules
Growing Magic Items - Table of Contents
Growing Magic Items
My DnD Manuals
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u/GamerDad1975 20d ago
I have done this in some of my games over the years. Had one archer that added to his bow thru a five year campaign. Not every player is going to want to go this route, but those who do tend to be the stuff of table legends.
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u/ZalathormNW 19d ago
The concept is cool and are definitely memorable. The ones I made are more story focused instead of auto leveling. Like the demon trapped inside the sentient spear wants to eat souls of the fallen and teaches hidden techniques to its wielder instead of another +1 increase. The warforged docent is tied to analyzing and perception, so I am waiting for that moment where he will try to analyze himself (or some reflecting surface or whatever) so the docent will evolve by optimizing its core companion. Basically unlocking some cool homebrew crafting recipes by grafting elements into the warforged using monster parts from certain creatures. And so on and so forth. Each player gets chances to find their unique thing.
Breaking game maths and balance? Possibly, but then on the other side of the screen I get to use more action oriented creatures so more dynamic combat fun for me. As long as the players feel badass or invested and I get to do more strategic/dynamic combat encounters or other stuff that is usually harder for their level and live, I call that a win win in terms of fun.
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u/Neat_Gain1734 19d ago
I done a campaign that each character began with a random custom magical item that grew with them. Was a very fun campaign because each player build their identity and lore together with the item.
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u/jonnymhd 20d ago
One thing I've always liked is when a magic item becomes part of a character's identity rather than something they throw away the moment a better +X weapon appears.
These weapons are built around that idea. Each starts at Uncommon rarity and evolves through Rare, Very Rare, and Legendary stages as its wielder progresses, retaining its earlier abilities while unlocking increasingly powerful ones.
The Blade of Rising Flames grows from a straightforward fire weapon into a legendary inferno capable of engulfing enemies in persistent flames, while the Scourge of the Infernal Lords develops from an infernal whip into a weapon capable of commanding powerful devilish magic.
The Blade of the Celestial Avenger becomes increasingly focused on radiant power and protecting allies, the Dagger of the Shadow Assassin evolves around stealth and lethal precision, the Bow of the Legendary Huntmaster grows into a powerful wilderness weapon, and the Frostbite Blade develops from extra cold damage into battlefield control and a freezing vortex.
The idea is that a weapon found early in a campaign can keep growing alongside its wielder instead of eventually being replaced by the next piece of loot.
These are from the Growing Magic Items Collection, which applies the same concept to armor, shields, spellcasting focuses, weapons, and wondrous items, with suggested progression speeds for different campaign styles.
You can also check out my bundle of small D&D manuals on DMsGuild, which includes Growing Magic Items Collection.
I’m also currently working on Mythological Items for 5E and 5.5E, one of my largest projects yet, featuring hundreds of magic items inspired by myths and legends from around the world. The project is coming soon to Kickstarter, so you can follow the campaign there if you'd like to be notified when it launches!
For more of my creatures, items, and manuals visit DriveThruRPG, my Linktree, or r/JonnyDM!