Using Monster's Magic Items

[TarionzCousin]

After the PC's have defeated the monsters, what happens to the bad guys' magic items?

Do the PC's get to use that Wand of Lightning AND have it recharge on a 4, 5, or 6? Or does it become an Encounter or Daily wand?

Is this answered somewhere in the DMG? I couldn't find it.

 

[Cadfan]

They get the item.

I presume an item that formerly recharged would then function under PC rules, but I can't think of any situations where that comes up. But then again, I haven't got my books here to look. Are you thinking of a particular monster?

 

[Fanaelialae]

Items in a monster stat block tend to be a focus for the monster's innate powers rather than magical items. I don't remember where it's stated, but I do recall reading it somewhere. An item with a recharge would be an example of a focus, since real magic items follow PC rules.

However, if you equip a creature with a magic item from the PHB, it can be used as normal (though if the creature used the item's daily power the PCs will have to wait a day for it to recharge).

 

[Palladion]

The item PCs get is listed under "Equipment". Unless it is listed as a magical item or with special abilities, the PCs probably just pick up a mundane item, just as if the PCs drop a weapon, their powers do not go with it. Power sources are from the creature, not the item. You would not be able to deal radiant damage with a greatsword taken from an angel of protection (MM 15) for example (unless you could deal radiant damage through a power).

 

[TarionzCousin]

The monster that prompted this was the MM's Tiefling.

It has a poisoned short sword, which apparently is a normal magic item that the PC's get after they defeat it.

However, it also has a Cloak of Lurking (recharge ). What happens to the Magic Cloak after the Tiefling dies?

 

[Mort_Q]

What happens to the Magic Cloak after the Tiefling dies?

Generally, it ceases to be magical andhe DM provides alternate treasure, or the DM can make their own thematically appropriate Magic Cloak and have the players find that.

In 4e, monster items are props and costumes... they're there for effect.

 

[dragon_eater]

The monster that prompted this was the MM's Tiefling.

It has a poisoned short sword, which apparently is a normal magic item that the PC's get after they defeat it.

However, it also has a Cloak of Lurking (recharge ). What happens to the Magic Cloak after the Tiefling dies?

I would say that Cloak of Lurking is a ability that the Tiefling has which uses a cloak, not a magical item. It's like if the Tiefling took a fighter's shield he couldn't use Tide of Iron.

The poisoned short sword they can get because it is listed in the Tiefling's equipment. But since the DMG page 51 says poisoned weapons only stay poisoned for the encounter (5 minutes) that shouldn't be a problem.

EDIT: A better example is if a Tiefling stole a Wizard's wand the Tiefling won't get to use Wand of Accuracy.

 

[Dragonbait]

In 4e, monster items are props and costumes... they're there for effect.

It's a very alien concept when going from 3E to 4E and takes some time to get used to.

 

[IanB]

"Cloak of Lurking" isn't a magic cloak. It is just a power the tiefling has, and it involves hiding behind a normal everyday cloak, or whatever.