Magic items should be wondrous objects, but these days they often seem to be relegated to nothing more than a commodity to be bought and sold like any other (expensive) item. That’s not right, and an evocative, flavoursome description of an item can help to reestablish the the sense of mystique and excitement that should surround such items.   

Wondrous Daggers

Every adventurer should own a dagger. A weapon of last resort, a handy tool and useful for cutting your way out of a purple worm’s stomach daggers are some of the most common weapons an adventurer will encounter.

1. The dagger’s pommel is remarkably smooth and highly polished. The blade itself is wickedly sharp—sharp enough to be used for shaving.

2. This long-bladed, serrated dagger has a similarly long haft—it could be wielded two-handed if desired or could even serve as a halfling’s short sword.

3. Strange patterns and shapes—perhaps reminiscent of flames or serpents—seem to writhe in this dagger’s blade when exposed to direct, flickering light (such as that given off by a torch or campfire).

4. This dagger is clearly ancient. Its blade is slender and shows signs of much sharpening over its long existence. The haft is also worn, although its leather grip has obviously been replaced recently.

Wondrous Keys

Dungeons often have loads of locked things—doors, trapdoors and even the much hoped for treasure chests. And—of course— every lock needs a key. 

However, few dungeons seem to have enough keys and even fewer dungeons have interesting or detailed keys. Normally they are listed as "a bunch of keys" or " key to the treasure chest in area 6" in the adventure’s text. That's a shame as keys can be interesting and even serve as treasure themselves.

1. This tiny key is made of worn brass. It hangs upon a similarly worn neck chain. Several faint runes decorate the key’s bow but they are now (sadly) unreadable.

2. This two-inch long iron key slips into a hidden compartment in the pommel of an otherwise innocuous dagger. The dagger’s pommel must be unscrewed to extract the key. Only perceptive characters find the hidden key.

3. This key's barrel is pitted and scarred as if it had been splattered with acid. It is exceedingly delicate because of this damage; if used roughly, if will likely snap off in the lock.

4. Large and ornate, this black, cast iron key is almost a foot long and weighs 4 lbs. It could be used as a weapon, in extremis. 

Wondrous Longswords

The weapon of the graceful elf warrior, stout human fighter or divine paladin, the longsword is the mark of a noble warrior. Longswords are some of the most commonly used weapons. 

1. Plain, unadorned and of solid, functional design this longsword holds a wickedly sharp edge. A maker's mark—a hammer set under a soaring raven—adorns the hilt.

2. Polished to a mirror-like sheen, this is a noble's weapon. Its hilt is of smoothed ivory and the crossguard is wrapped with silver and gold wire.

3. Chipped and battered, this longsword's blade seems old and dangerously weak. The pommel and hilt are of much newer and solid design; they are clearly not original.

4. Several esoteric sigils denoting victory and glory decorate this longsword’s hilt. The weapon’s haft is well worn, implying it has seen much action; however the blade itself is in excellent condition.

Wondrous Maces

Used by crusading clerics, strong warriors and the like maces are simple, but effective bludgeoning weapons used to smash and crush an enemy. 

1. Set upon a haft of stout oak, this mace's oval-shaped head is worn smooth on one wide.

2. The iron pear-shaped head of this mace glistens as if it were wet. A leather loop threaded through the weapon’s haft makes it harder to drop.

3. Small holes are bored through the mace's spherical head. When the mace is swung vigorously, the holes create a high- pitched whistling sound.

4. The haft of this mace is of dull iron worn smooth through countless hours of use. Similarly the head is dented and chipped suggesting it has seen much combat.

Want More?

This article is an extract from 20 Things #51: Items Most Wondrous II which is available for download here at the Raging Swan Press store.