Fantasy Weapons and Equipment for d&d 5e races

So over the years, I have written various bits of lore that pertain to the d&d 5e races as well as several campaigns.

fantasy weapons d&d 5e races elves d&d 5e homebrew

mithrodin sword by rstovall CC -BY-ND 3.0 License.

That being said, the part that I see missing from Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition is the specific equipment that each race has at its disposal.

To this end, I did a bit of thinking and propose the following items and racial trait for your campaign. Now one could ask why one would even need or want more choices when choosing a weapon for your character.

The reason is that it adds a depth and flavor to the world, enhances roleplay, and adds mechanics to back the craftsmanship that is spoken of so often in lore.

From fine Elven blades to sturdy Dwarven axes and brutal Orcish weaponry these weapons are famous and iconic when one thinks of these d&d 5th edition races.

In fact, it is hard to picture an Elf without thinking of them with a bow or elegant blade,

or a Merfolk without a trident.

It is as hard as picturing a Mongol without a bow, or a Samurai without a katana.

This is the stuff that legends are made of. The feeling and look of certain armaments is part of what defines these style of these races. Your character deserves to have these at hand and to fear the use of such fantasy weapons against them. I remember the first time I saw a movie properly portray the Elven Courtblade, Fellowship of the Ring, it was that opening sequence that made me so sure I had to follow the entire movie series. Those iconic moments are needed in your game, so you have the drive to follow them there and back again.

I remember the first time I saw a movie properly portray the Elven Courtblade, Fellowship of the Ring, it was that opening sequence that made me so sure I had to follow the entire movie series. Those iconic moments are needed in your game, so you have the drive to follow them there and back again.

A new racial trait for your d&d 5e homebrew

In order to bring these racial fantasy weapons into your game, you will need to add a new trait that works to keep these items specific to their home races, but also leave it open for those who train hard to learn things of other races. If you choose to use racial weapons and equipment, add this trait to the appropriate races.

Racial Weapon Affinity: Through a lifetime of learning the ways of your people, you gain proficiency in all equipment that specifically includes your race in its name. This proficiency is trainable to those outside your race if these rules are allowed by your DM.

Equipment and Fantasy Weapons List

fantasy weapons dd 5e races dd 5e homebrew

Here are some new dnd 5e homebrew mechanics: Double Weapon: For this supplement, a double weapon allows you to make the listed attack if you are proficient as a bonus action as if you were wielding two light weapons.

There are also weapons that give disadvantage when using them in particular ways as well as a two handed weapon that has the finesse property.

Elf
- Elven Double Bow: 1d6/piercing; two handed, (Range 60/240). As a bonus action, you can load a second arrow into this special bow. This additional arrow can be fired at a target you have attacked this round with a weapon attack as a bonus action following the normal rules for off hand attacks.
- Elven Courtblade: 1d10/slashing; two handed, finesse,
- Elven Lightblade: 1d6/piercing; light, finesse
- Elven Thinblade: 1d8/Piercing; finesse, Versatile (1d10)
the tank by taaks Furin Thunderbeard CC BY-SA 3.0

Dwarf
- Dwarven Mordekraad; 3d4/Bludgeoning; Heavy, Two Handed
- Dwarven Mountain Plate; Heavy Armor; Armor Class 19; Strength 17; Stealth Disadvantage; Reduces Speed by 10 due to the heavy Encumbrance of this armor (Dwarves are affected by this as well)
- Dwarven Blade Buckler; Armor Class +2; 1d6/Piercing; Light
- Dwarven Urgosh; 1d8/Slashing; Two Handed, Double Weapon (1d6; Piercing)
- Dwarven Double Spear; 1d6/Piercing; Two Handed, Double Weapon (1d6/piercing)
Gnome
- Gnomish Quickrazor; 1d4/Slashing; Light, Finesse
- Gnomish Swordcatcher; 1d6/Slashing; The wielder of this weapon, if proficient, can use their reaction to add their proficiency bonus to their AC against one weapon attack.
- Gnomish Double Pick; 1d6/Piercing; two handed, Double Weapon (1d6/Piercing)
Orc and Half Orc
- Orcish Double Axe; 1d8/Slashing; Two Handed, Heavy, Double Weapon (1d8/Slashing)
Shadar-Kai
- Shadar-Kai Spiked Chain; 1d6/Slashing; Two Handed, Reach, Finesse
Aarokokra
- Aarokokra Foot Bow; 1d8/Piercing; (Range 200/800); These bows are designed to be fired by a creature with dexterous feet while in flight. If they are not fired in flight or while prone, all attacks with this weapon are at disadvantage.
surina- dustinwikidot.com CC BY-SA 2.5

Goliath
- Goliath Great Hammer; 3d6/Bludgeoning; Two Handed, Heavy, This weapon is so heavy that it is swung with disadvantage on all attacks.
Dragonborn
- Dragonborn Greatspear; 1d10/Piercing; Reach; Heavy; Two Handed
Kender
- Kender Hoopak; 1d6/Bludgeoning; Two Handed; This weapon holds a sling on the top. This can be used to throw stones at a range of 40/160 for 1d4/Bludgeoning damage.
Kor
- Kor Climbing Ropes; This set of rope, pulleys, pinions, hammers, and harnesses grant advantage on all climbing checks, and allow the user to “sit” while climbing. While sitting no progress is made, but both hands are free to act. The user can also add their proficiency bonus to said checks.
Tiefling
- Tiefling Barbed Blade; 1d6/slashing; light, finesse
Merfolk
- Merfolk Pearl Trident; 1d8/Piercing; (Ranged 10/40), Versatile 1d10

There are a few tidbits on my thoughts of the fantasy weapons and equipment that should be brought into use with the d&d 5e races.

question dice CC BY-SA 3.0

Do you have fantasy weapon designs and would like to share them? I would love to hear your ideas on d&d 5e homebrew weapons.

Maybe I could do more in the future? None the less, there is so much more in the way of racial equipment than just weapons. Think of Gnomish labs and Dwarven forge crafting halls. The options are endless to enhance the story of your game.

Let me know in the comments your thoughts on these and what other items come to mind when you think of various fantasy characters?

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Nubz