Adventurer's Vault introduced a number of new concepts for magic items in your game. Now Dragon adds another -- introducing intelligent items, new to 4th Edition. Whether your character is looking for a witty sword or a suit of enigmatic armor, this article provides you with all the rules you need to design your own intelligent items. Plus, we’re giving you a selection of sample items, ready to be dropped right into your game.
A magic item with a will and personality of its own is called an intelligent item. Through a powerful, unknown ritual or bizarre twist of fate, an item might trap a creature's mind or become sentient over time. These items are scattered throughout the world, usually possessed by their creators or lost to history, only to be found by intrepid (or lucky) explorers.
Introducing an intelligent item to your game is much like adding an NPC, and they can serve many of the same functions (though the item doesn't provide another swordarm on the battlefield). This article will give you some ideas on how to help out your PCs with intelligent items and how to develop a personality for them that is interesting and unique.
About the Author
Logan Bonner works as a game designer for Wizards of the Coast, Inc. His professional RPG credits include Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide, Adventurer’s Vault, and King of the Trollhaunt Warrens.