Class Features as Magic Items


5th Edition (And Beyond)

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

Hi!

Our DM converted RotRL to 5E, and at least one magic item was based on a class feature. We found a rod that let you use the 2nd level Evocation Magic Tradition's Selective Spell ability (you can choose to miss 1 + spell level's allies with your AoE spell).

Do you think any other class features would make good magic items?

I think there is a fine balance between stepping on other classes' toes and providing a cool benefit for the party.

RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16

I think it just comes down to whether that class is present or not. Can't step on someone's toes if they ain't there.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

That's true.

I guess it can help add some diversity to the PCs' options.


I've done a little bit of that (also from the process of converting RotRL to 5E) though in this case it was mostly replicating PF class features in 5E (since I was converting 12th level characters.)

However, one item that did replicate 5E class features was the "Gloves of Dueling" that the fighter had. In converting them over I had them grant the benefits of the Dueling fighting style and allowed the user to use their reaction to Parry (as per the monster ability) as long as they were wielding a melee weapon or shield.

I don't think I've introduced any other items the replicate 5E class abilities. There is a precedent (ex. Gloves of Missile Snaring) but there aren't a lot. I agree with Petty Alchemy that one has to be careful not to step on the toes of existing PCs when handing them out.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

Those Gloves of Dueling are really cool! I might have to rip them off!

RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16

Parry is a very strong ability, like the feat Defensive Duelist. I'd probably recommend limiting the use of Parry, unless it's a legendary item or something.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

Once per short rest?


I don't think the character who had them ever used the Parry ability, as he had the Sentinel feat and wanted to save his Reaction for possible Opportunity Attacks. (I've also yet to see anyone take Defensive Duelist) so the strength of the ability may be dependent on players/play style. I wouldn't be opposed to limiting it, though.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

I occasionally get to play a half-elf urchin rogue (thief) 8, and I'm thinking of taking Defensive Duelist at 10th level. It really depends on how it interacts with the Uncanny Dodge class feature, since they are both defensive Reactions.

RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16

I took Defensive Duelist on a Shadow Monk once (he always carried a stake, just in case). Not to be underestimated.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

I like maximizing my action economy: I love liberal use of Bonus Actions and Reactions. I like running monsters with Legendary Actions when I DM. My favorite 5e spell is counterspell.

I'm even planning on making a "magus" NPC that can use counterspell, hellish rebuke, and shield at will, but not the same one two rounds in a row for zest. His big melee spells will be shocking grasp and vampiric touch, with some clericy Bonus Action Buffs, like shield of faith, divine favor, magic weapon, and spiritual weapon.

Sovereign Court

I feel like you could potentially mimic earlier level class abilities, as some archetypes do this. Plus multiclass. Just nothing integral like spellcasting, of course, but I don't see an issue some low level abilities that might make the player's lives easier.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

One guy is playing a human cleric of the Clock Queen (Knowledge domain, sage background, with Observant feat and Perception skill) who now calls himself Shadow ever since 2nd level when discovered the Tenebraebyblos, and became a "shadow sorcerer" that is Wisdom, instead of Charisma, based.

He emailed me and said he wants an innate power, even if it's minor. I haven't heard back from him, but I was thinking of maybe having him eat a whole bunch of "shadow fruit" so it stains his lips black and gives him a blinding breath weapon, or maybe animating his shadow as a quasi-familiar or companion.

Maybe the ability to Hide as a Bonus Action in darkness or dim light, the ability to spy through his shadow (5 to 30 or 60 feet from his location), maybe even have the shadow detach to flank, Help, Search, etc.

He has the Quicken Spell metamagic ability, so giving him a Bonus Action option will give him an important choice to make. However, in another campaign, he was frustrated with having too many Bonus Action options (he had Fighter 2/Rogue 2/Wizard 2 two-weapon fighter, so he had Cunning Action, Second Wind, Off-Hand Weapon attack, etc.). He eventually re-built the PC into a Criminal Fighter (eldritch knight) ad was much happier. :-)

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