Magic Items

[Arturo_Sans]

I am looking for a chart or table that allows me the DM to come up with unique quirks for any level of magical item. A sort of Hero Builders Guide for the Weaponry, the Armor and the like.. ( As in I want a list of tables of likely histories for specific magical items, or for items in general that I can use to add some historical pretense to my world....

Any ideas

Some I have seen were

Unique or ornate scroll work on the item
A Famous makers mark
Initials of a previous owner
Item links its owner to its past*


* This means that the item shows or lets the new wielder experience a former event that it was linked to

If I could get some ideas for what to put into a % roll chart I would be very happy

 

[kreynolds]

Here's one: Roll twice.

Seriously though, how about.

Always appears tarnished and scratched.
Releases a soft constant hum when touching glass or crystal.
Floats on water (no matter what it's made out of).
Glows softly (as a candle) for one hour after sunset.
Smells like (whatever).
Weighs ten times the amount of a normal item of its type.

 

[Arturo_Sans]

Thanks and that is what I am looking for.

One of my first characters had a sword that appeared to be a rust scrap, on its tang it had the inscription I am invincible, and indeed the sword was, and had the rusting ability of the rust monster, and a number of icky but nice things to go along with it.

I really like the floats on water (FR Namara)

Item feels cold/hot to the touch
Item whistles when in wind
Item flickers with a [insert color] Flame
Item is tied to an element*
Item is lighter than it appears to be
Item has a hidden power**


* Item works better in areas where that element is present such as on the elemental plane or in a natural setting where the element is has majority over others. Also works better in the hands of a Genasi

** Roll 1 more time on the Primary abilities list in the DMG but keep the result hidden from its player until a series of circumstances start the hidden power up