Creative ideas on the form of Magic Items

[Mistwell]

I am thinking of making a bunch of magic items for a 7th level Human Monte Cook Alternative Bard character, and I am interested in some ideas on what forms they might take. I'm looking for ideas like: "This item helps you walk up walls, so it would make sense that it be in the form of boots, rather than a helmet", or "This item helps you walk up walls, and it could be in the form of a helmet because it [insert rational explanation that escapes me right now]"

The limitation on slots is an issue, stacking of abilities is an issue, and I don't want to pay more to make anything slotless or double-abilities.

And, in a preemptive move, I'm going to ask that people not comment on how over powered they think one of these items might be, or how much they think it should cost beyond the Tome & Blood recommendations, or how they would not allow that item in their campaign, etc... Right now I am just looking for creative ideas on what forms these magic items could take. I am happy to discuss relative power, and costs, in another thread later.

Here are the items in mind. I may use the actual item listed in parathesis as an example, where applicable, if it makes sense for the mix of items he has.

Item of concentration: +10 Concentration (similar to Psionics Handbook item, Third Eye: Concentration).

Item of Tumble: +10 Tumble (similar to Psionics Handbook item, Skin of Nimbleness).

Item of use magic device: +10 Use Magic Device.

Item of perform: +10 perform skill (prefer not a musical instrument, since this Bard is primarily a singing / throat sound based one).

Item of disguise: +10 disguise skill (similar to DMG hat of disguise).

Ietm of Charisma (+2 enhancement bonus to Chr, similar to DMG Cloak of Charisma).

Item of Persuasion (+2 competence bonus to Chr checks and Charisma-based skill checks, similar to circlet of persuasion).

FYI character will also be wearing a Mithril Breast plate. I am considering making it with the Command ability (Defenders of the Faith), which carries a +4 competence bonus to Charisma, which has potential stacking issues with the Item of Persuasion.

 

[skymage]

concentration i'd use the helm slot probly a headband the eye thing is a psionic thing unless you want to get it from a psion

tumble i like the skin thing why not use tights have it require the belt slot (batman)

use magic device i'd make it a pair of goggles maybe gloves depends on what item you use. if wands staves or rods then gloves just about anything else would be goggles

perform for singing would be by the throat so the broach or necklace slot

disguse i would make a limited use item like rouge if it has to be unlimited use make it a pair of glass (superman)

charisma i don't see whats wrong with the cloak but if that's out of the question i'd use the the broach or necklace slot

for the persuasion i'd make it a signet ring with a royalty type symbol on it

 

[Painfully]

If you want a charisma enhancing item, I've always liked the idea of using perfume. Give it a range of effect of 10' or 15' and let it remain effective once somebody has been exposed to it.

It also lets the item be fragile and of limited quantity (although perfume could have 100 or 200 uses, or more if it's a full bottle of the stuff) and that is always a plus in my book. It should encourage the player to look for more once his supply begins to run low.

Of course, you realize that creatures with scent might actually be aided if they are tracking a perfumed prey. Maybe certain ingredients actually offend a particular creature, or attract others. There's so much you can do with just a scent...but I'll leave the rest up to you.

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Clothing items are the obvious choice for most bard items. So are musical instruments, and the other usual fare found in the DMG.

A tea might aid the vocal cords for the next couple of hours and give an enhancement bonus to singing. It could have all sorts of effects depending on the tea, but the most generic might be similar to endurance, or permit double range effect for vocal/singing spells.

A tea might enhance the vocal range quality of the singer and permit immitation of sounds of exotic creatures--perhaps even imitate a creature with sonic abilities of their own. Again, I'll leave the rest of the details for yourself.

Hope this is what you're looking for. If you like them I'm sure I could come up with more.

 

[Mistwell]

Wow, all great ideas guys. Please keep them coming!

 

[Kibo]

Magic Item Creation Powers ACTIVATE!

I'll take a shot.

Form Of: The Stone Fist is a Small Buckler which appears to be a very hard, very smooth stone. It grants its wearer a +10 enhancement bonus to concentration.

Form Of: The Artful Dodger, an elegant, yet not ostentatious rapier. Light and deadly, this sword also gifts its wielder with unusual agility in the form of a +10 enhancement to all tumbling actions. (not exactly what you're looking for, but still I like the idea)

Perhaps a lens you use to inspect an item before attempting to it. I however am keen on something like, Form Of: The Tie That Binds, an initially unremarkable piece of twine, which upon inspection appears to be torn from some sort of tapestry. It has the odd property of aiding those who wind the twine around an item (who's unfamiliar magic they wish to free) and bring the tie into sure contact with their skin. Those who use the tie recieve a +10 bonus in the checks to activate the device so bound. To place the twine is a move equivalent action. I like this just because of the mystery and story hook that I would eventually follow up if I were DM'ing. Particularly in a Dragonlance setting. I'd probably have a couple of different threads from the same tapestry which did different things, maybe a weirder one would go to a kender.

Ok for the Perform thingamabob. (I think I've beat Zan Janea and Gleep to death) Why not something that one would use to cue their voice. A Small tuning fork, triangle, even a spoon that had to be tapped against a vessel with water in it (myseriously always evoking a middle C). One of those things you blow in that I can't recall the name of. Other than that you could go with a choker for a lady or even a finely wrought, but unassuming silver/platinum/mithril chain for any gender.

Disguise wise, I actually somewhat like the plain old school hat. You could go with a signet ring, although I lean more toward forgery for that. A cloak would be fine. Basically any article of anything that would be common to all walks of life. Rings, necklaces, religious symbols (particularly if there is a god of lies\deception\trickery\disguse), cloaks, shoes, all fair game for this one I think. But again, I actually like the idea of a hat.

Charisma. Again, I don't mind the cloak. In general I find cloaks aethstetically pleasing. (I wear mine everywhere) But anything that could command attention, or that would be ostentatious could do. An impressive ring, sporty luxury car, wait ... that's what adds to charisma in the real world. Could go with a braclet (ala rolex) again, a lot of options. Or you could just get a cohort with an empowered permanent light spell to follow 3 paces behind you so you're back lit everwhere you go. Between that and making every entrance in slow motion, you'll have +4 charisma!

And last but not least for the smooth talker who has everything but an item of persuasion. An earing that grants +2 competence bonus to cha skills. An earing to highlight the roguish and dangerous nature of a sly basterd who can talk you into anything, even when you know better. Works good for sense motive too. You could always go with an insight bonus on this one (people on the board pegged that at bonus^2 x 2000 gp IIRC) then you don't have a problem with the armor. Or you could go fancy with a sort of lucky totem such as a coin that provides a +2 luck bonus to cha skills when absentmindedly rolled over one's fingers. But then you'd probably have a problem with your wallet.

 

[aliensex]

For charisma or disquise, how about a mask. I don't think I've seen too many magic items that were masks. I guess Face could be considered a whole new item slot.

 

[Mistwell]

Still loving all these ideas. If anyone has any more, please post them here.

 

[Painfully]

This is a no-brainer for all you female bards out there--make-up! Gathered from exotic materials or far-away plants not native to the local climate, cosmetic products are a natural choice for bards of the female persuasion.

I'm a guy, so I'll leave the rest up to the female gamers to fill in. Exotic bubble bath anyone?

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A mighty breath mint that can give the user the power of suggestion? Don't forget to use it before your next hot date!

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Eyeglasses that enhance perception, i.e., wisdom scores. But don't be fooled, let the user use these to double the effectiveness of point blank shot, sneak attacks, or other "ranged" feats or abilities within reason, of course. An excellent tool for the spy disguised as a bookkeeper or desk clerk.

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A spice (poison?) used on foods to dull the user's perceptions, allowing them to view everything before them in a favorable way. Treat it as if under a freely associated charm spell, but if two or more people try to win the victim over to their side, they can become dazed or go into a stuper. Try developing a small chart similar to the confusion spell, but without the attacking or running part--they are very mellow, you know...dude.

Can be used as a truth serum?

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All these are a bit off the beaten track, but, hey, who wants normal stuff anyway? Hope you have fun with it!