Blog

The Magic of Mayhem: Why Low-Powered Items Make D&D More Fun Than Ever

Low-power and silly items add a delightful hilarity to role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. They’re the odd little relics that don’t necessarily help you slay dragons or banish demons but can make your table burst into laughter—and that’s magic in itself. I’ve both created and come across some of these fun items that add unexpected twists and character to the game. In earlier editions, you had fairly rigid rules for crafting magical items, but it was still easy to customize something just for flavor. For instance, one of my sorcerers created an orb that could produce a harmless light show. It was like one of those static electricity orbs where little bolts of “lightning” dance inside when you touch it. While the orb didn’t illuminate anything, it quickly became a personal quirk for the character, a fidget toy that he was constantly tinkering with during downtime.

There’s a certain joy in bringing a bit of whimsy to your character’s toolkit, and I’m not alone in that! A while ago, I had the chance to attend D&D in a Castle, where some particularly fun, low-powered magical items were hidden around the castle by the staff. Players could discover these items in-game, creating spontaneous and delightful interactions. My favorite was a bouquet of flowers that functioned as a +1 sword—a perfectly impractical yet charming weapon.

Fifth Edition offers some officially silly magic items too, each with its own flair:

• The Bag of Beans – A pouch of beans that’s as unpredictable as it gets. Plant one, and maybe you’ll grow a beanstalk. Or… maybe it’ll explode. It’s an instant party starter, or in some cases, an explosive way to clear a room.
• The Cloak of Billowing – This cloak has zero utility in combat but can billow dramatically on command. It’s the perfect accessory for any bard or rogue looking to make an impression—an instant rockstar moment, no matter the setting.
• Wand of Smiles – This wand can make anyone crack a grin. While it might be great for charming NPCs, sometimes the forced smile only heightens suspicion—cue awkward party reactions.
• Alchemy Jug – Ever need a gallon of mayonnaise? This jug has you covered. Sure, it can make poison or wine, but the joy of summoning up a truly absurd quantity of mayo is hard to beat.
• Deck of Illusions – Like the Pokémon cards of D&D, it’s a deck that generates random illusions, with varying degrees of usefulness. Most times, the result is just bizarre enough to disrupt enemy plans (or at least get a laugh).

Some items bring little in terms of raw power, but they’re memorable for the moments they create. These quirky magical items are the ones that spark stories your group will tell for years. Just the other day at work, I found inspiration for a similar item from an unlikely source: the Fart Gun from Despicable Me! Here’s the result:

Wand of Whoopee

Wand, common

This quirky wand allows you to cast an illusory sound within 30 feet of you, similar to the Minor Illusion cantrip, but with a twist: whenever you activate it, there’s a 50% chance that it will instead produce a loud, resounding fart noise. You never quite know what you’re going to get, adding an element of suspense (and hilarity) to any attempt at subtle use.

• Effect: When you use this wand to cast an illusory sound, roll a d20. On a roll of 10 or higher, the wand produces the intended sound. On a roll of 9 or lower, the wand emits an embarrassingly loud fart noise in the location you targeted, which can be heard up to 60 feet away.
• Flavor Ideas: The wand could be carved with swirling cloud motifs or feature a smiling jester’s face, hinting at its humorous nature. Characters might try to “test” the wand quietly, only to have it backfire in a silent room!

Silly items like the Wand of Whoopee add a unique charm to D&D, reminding us that it’s not always about power or efficiency but about the shared experience and fun. These low-powered items bring a touch of unpredictability and encourage creativity from both players and Dungeon Masters. While epic weapons and legendary relics have their place, it’s these quirky tools that create the tales we retell long after the game ends. So next time you’re outfitting your character, consider picking up a Wand of Smiles or an Alchemy Jug—who knows what legendary mischief awaits?

Thanks for reading. Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!