This is a site for discussing roleplaying games. Have fun doing so, but there is one major rule: do not discuss political issues that aren't directly and uniquely related to the subject of the thread and about gaming. While this site is dedicated to free speech, the following will not be tolerated: devolving a thread into unrelated political discussion, sockpuppeting (using multiple and/or bogus accounts), disrupting topics without contributing to them, and posting images that could get someone fired in the workplace (an external link is OK, but clearly mark it as Not Safe For Work, or NSFW). If you receive a warning, please take it seriously and either move on to another topic or steer the discussion back to its original RPG-related theme.

Author Topic: An Awesome Magic Item for a DM to allow in their campaign setting.  (Read 681 times)

Razor 007

  • Razor 007
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1319
An Awesome Magic Item for a DM to allow in their campaign setting.
« on: September 20, 2020, 05:41:33 AM »
Mirror of the Past
Wondrous Item, Rare


D&D 5E Tales from the Yawning Portal
Hidden Shrine of Tamoachan


Once per day, the user can stare into the mirror and concentrate upon a target.  The user will see scenes from the target's past, but not in any chronological order.  It just gives them bits and pieces of the past, as described by the DM.  (In my own words.)


Shucks, the DM can totally use it as a steering device.

(I also give a little more explanation in my next post, down thread.)
« Last Edit: September 20, 2020, 03:59:53 PM by Razor 007 »
I need you to roll a perception check.....

Zalman

  • RPG Evangelist
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 996
Re: An Awesome Magic Item for a DM to allow in their campaign setting.
« Reply #1 on: September 20, 2020, 09:59:47 AM »
I have a Psychometry spell in my game, that allows a similar thing performed on objects at hand. Players have used it to obtain narrative clues, as you suggest, as well as to learn rudimentary new skills through observation, or to determine the approximate value of an object.

One question that came up at the table was, "is a corpse an object, and can it be used to view a creature's living history?" In other words, it might be handy to have a clear idea of what happens when the mirror is used to "view" someone who is deceased  ;)
Old School? Back in my day we just called it "School."

HappyDaze

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • H
  • Posts: 5337
Re: An Awesome Magic Item for a DM to allow in their campaign setting.
« Reply #2 on: September 20, 2020, 10:07:28 AM »
Mirror of the Past
Wondrous Item, Rare


D&D 5E Tales from the Yawning Portal
Hidden Shrine of Tamoachan


Once per day, the user can stare into the mirror and concentrate upon a target.  The user will see scenes from the target's past, but not in any chronological order.  It just gives them bits and pieces of the past, as described by the DM.  (In my own words.)


Shucks, the DM can totally use it as a steering device.
Would you suggest any limits to the target selection? It sounds like you can use it on a creature, but what about a location (e.g., a specific temple, or even a nation)? What about more abstract targets (e.g., the history of warfare)?

Razor 007

  • Razor 007
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1319
Re: An Awesome Magic Item for a DM to allow in their campaign setting.
« Reply #3 on: September 20, 2020, 03:56:53 PM »
The user can learn about the history of a creature or object by using their action to gaze into the mirror and think of the target.  The mirror presents scenes from the target's past.  Information presented is random, cryptic, and in no particular order.
« Last Edit: September 20, 2020, 06:36:08 PM by Razor 007 »
I need you to roll a perception check.....

Ghostmaker

  • Chlorine trifluoride
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4013
Re: An Awesome Magic Item for a DM to allow in their campaign setting.
« Reply #4 on: September 21, 2020, 08:26:22 AM »
I had a magic items thread around here somewhere....


My personal favorite was the dwarven cursebreaker, which let you literally beat a curse out of someone afflicted.

Thornhammer

  • Seen Your Member
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • T
  • Posts: 859
Re: An Awesome Magic Item for a DM to allow in their campaign setting.
« Reply #5 on: September 21, 2020, 10:19:01 AM »
Would you suggest any limits to the target selection? It sounds like you can use it on a creature, but what about a location (e.g., a specific temple, or even a nation)? What about more abstract targets (e.g., the history of warfare)?


I like that idea.


A cloud of smoke appears in front of the PCs, an aged woman's face peers out from within.  "AGENTS!  The dreaded archthief K'harmen Sandyegoh is back to her old tricks!  She's stolen Candlekeep!  The whole damn thing!  Use your Akhme Mirror of the Past and GET IT BACK!"