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Unlocking the Secrets of the Threshold Nexus: A Guide for Players and Dungeon Masters

The Threshold Nexus is more than just a magic item for 5th edition D&D.—it’s a storytelling tool, a utility belt, and a gateway to infinite adventure. Shaped like a miniature, intricately detailed door, this legendary amulet offers six distinct powers, each tied to the position of its tiny, movable knob. Its enigmatic nature and versatility make it a standout item for both players and Dungeon Masters (DMs) looking to add depth to their campaigns. Let’s explore how to get the most out of the Threshold Nexus. Check out the last magic item I made here. First what is this item that I have created?

Threshold Nexus

Wondrous Item, Legendary (requires attunement)

This intricate amulet, shaped like a miniature door with a tiny, movable knob, pulses with an air of mystery and discovery. Crafted with unparalleled magical craftsmanship, the Threshold Nexus is a relic that defies conventional understanding of space and dimension.

The amulet holds six unique powers, each accessed by adjusting the position of its miniature knob. Only one door can be active at a time, and shifting the knob to a new position closes the previous door.

Identify Resistance: The amulet’s true nature is elusive. Unless a spell of 6th level or higher is used to identify it, attempts to discern its properties yield only vague impressions of dimensional magic and intricate enchantments.

Doorways of the Threshold Nexus

The amulet holds a key to many different powers. As an action you can manipulate the tiny doorknob into one of 6 locations. Doing so casuses the amulet to project a doorway onto a surface of your choice. The doorknob position and its effect is located below.

1. Storage Room: A pocket dimension opens to a pristine 20-foot-by-20-foot storage room. Items stored here remain perfectly static, unaffected by motion or gravity, even if the amulet is carried or shaken. The room can hold breathable air or be void of it, at the user’s discretion.
2. Random Dungeon Door: This opens a portal to an unpredictable dungeon. The location and plane of the dungeon are entirely random and determined by the DM. Once closed, this portal cannot be reopened to the same location.
3. Magnificent Mansion: Once per week, the amulet grants access to a space resembling the magnificent mansion spell. This luxurious extradimensional dwelling is tailored to the user’s preferences, lasting 24 hours before vanishing.
4. Passage Door: Once per day, the amulet creates a doorway through a wall up to 5 feet thick. If the wall exceeds this thickness, the door cannot form, and the ability is not expended.
5. Safe Refuge: A cozy, heavily warded safe room (30-foot diameter) opens for up to eight hours. The space is shielded from divination, planar travel, and teleportation, making it an ideal refuge. The room has basic furnishings and regenerates 1d6+4 temporary hit points to occupants during a short or long rest.
6. Workroom of Creation: A sprawling workspace appears, equipped with tools and equipment suited for crafting and experimentation in all trades. The room is 40 feet by 40 feet and features forges, alchemical sets, sewing machines, and magical diagrams. Consumable materials must still be provided by the user. The tools provided in the room are bound here and any attempt to remove them teleports them back to their stations.

What Makes the Threshold Nexus Special?

This isn’t your average legendary item. The Threshold Nexus thrives on mystery, with an aura that resists basic identification magic. Players must experiment or invest in higher-level magic to uncover its true potential. Its six settings unlock diverse abilities, from practical storage solutions to exciting gateways for exploration. This item is equally appealing to tactical-minded players and those who relish narrative-driven game play. The fact that only one doorway can be active means the exploration of the item might take place over numerous sessions. I had a lot of items like this in the early days of D&D and I loved the exploration during game play. So I made this item to be very helpful to the players, but draw it out over time. The limit of 6th level spell points back to 3rd edition where the spell Analyze Dweomer which was needed to identify more powerful magic items.

For Players: Getting the Most Out of the Threshold Nexus

1. Leverage Its Versatility

The Threshold Nexus is the Swiss Army knife of magic items. Each knob position offers a unique benefit, allowing you to adapt to a variety of challenges.

• The Storage Room is perfect for safely stashing valuables or keeping dangerous items out of enemy hands.
• The Passage Door is an excellent problem-solver for bypassing obstacles, breaking into fortresses, or making dramatic escapes.
• The Safe Refuge provides a temporary haven during intense campaigns where rest is hard to come by.

2. Embrace the Mystery of the Random Dungeon

The Random Dungeon Door can be a wild card, but it’s also a goldmine for adventurers. Treat it as an opportunity for high-risk, high-reward gameplay. You never know if you’ll find treasure, powerful enemies, or new plot hooks.

Pro tip: Use this door when your party is fully rested and ready for anything. It’s like rolling the dice in-game—chaotic, exciting, and potentially game-changing.

3. Plan Around the Magnificent Mansion

The weekly magnificent mansion is a luxury that also doubles as a tactical resource. Plan to use it for downtime activities such as crafting, social interactions, or critical healing between intense encounters. Make it your hub for strategic planning or celebrating a hard-fought victory.

4. Create with the Workroom of Creation

Crafting enthusiasts will love the Workroom of Creation. If you have artisans or alchemists in the party, this room provides all the tools they need for their trades. Encourage collaboration between characters to maximize its potential—imagine a wizard enchanting gear while the rogue crafts specialized tools.

For Dungeon Masters: Making the Threshold Nexus Shine

1. Amplify Its Mystery

Lean into the Identify Resistance feature. Have NPCs speculate about the amulet’s origins or powers. Maybe a scholar offers a cryptic clue or a rival faction seeks it for their own nefarious ends. The Threshold Nexus should feel like an ancient artifact with secrets waiting to be unlocked.

2. Use the Random Dungeon for Surprise Encounters

The Random Dungeon Door is a fantastic tool for adding unpredictability to your game. Use it to introduce a new villain, deliver lore about a forgotten civilization, or even transport the party to another plane. It’s a flexible narrative device that can jumpstart a side quest or shift the campaign’s direction entirely.

3. Integrate the Safe Refuge

The Safe Refuge setting can add tension if enemies or allies discover its existence. Perhaps a villain learns of the amulet and tries to ambush the party as they exit the refuge. Alternatively, the room could have subtle effects that reflect the amulet’s origin, such as haunting whispers or faint magical auras.

4. Tie the Workroom to Larger Campaign Goals

The Workroom of Creation offers endless narrative hooks. Maybe the tools reveal schematics for ancient artifacts or blueprints for a powerful weapon. Let players discover something unexpected, like a hidden compartment in the room containing lost knowledge or an NPC’s journal.

5. Build Puzzles Around the Threshold Nexus

Position-based magic is perfect for puzzles or challenges. Imagine a situation where players must figure out which knob setting to use to escape a collapsing dungeon or rescue an NPC. Give hints through environmental storytelling or cryptic messages.

Enhancing Gameplay with the Threshold Nexus

The Threshold Nexus isn’t just about utility—it’s a narrative centerpiece. As a player, think of it as both a tool and a source of wonder. As a DM, treat it as a storytelling catalyst, sparking moments of discovery, creativity, and intrigue.

Whether it’s opening a door to adventure, crafting a legendary weapon, or simply providing the party with a moment of respite, the Threshold Nexus is an item that elevates any campaign. Explore its potential, and let it open doors—literally and figuratively—to unforgettable moments at your table.

What do you think of the Threshold Nexus? How would you use it in your campaign? Let us know in the comments!

Thanks for reading. Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!