HOWEVER, similar to what is recommended above, I'd have to have suggest that adding extra magic abilities should mean requiring some attunement.

A Lantern of Revealing for example is not an EXTREMELY powerful item, but being able to turn on that function sure would be handy on a crossbow. If I were the DM, I'd be more generous/flexible if the player is doing it themselves because it's not just using their gold, it's trading off their other options for downtime and also an investment in the RP and development of their character into creating a personalized piece of equipment.įind existing magic items whose function would work well as add-ons or bonus abilities and then use those as the base. Either the result of your PCs own investment in terms of materials and downtime or through a sidequest to find a tinkerer/craftsman that can do the work for you (for a price of course).

Go with the 'mundane' tech add-on suggestion above. Note: The level 5 version is based on Nettle - a sentient crossbow available in Adventurer's League at tier 2. The minimum character level is specified but the quest could be completed later. In addition, each level of capability would require a quest to complete and open up the next level of sentience within the weapon. However, by level 17, this is a legendary weapon and is the only attunable magic item they would have. The weapons sense of the world can not be fooled by magical effects. By this point the weapon and its wielder are almost symbiotic.

By 17th level, the sentience can utilize the power of its mind to enhance the damage from the weapon. Level 17 - advantage on initiative rolls, +2 initiative, +3 stealth, +3 investigation, +3 perception, 30' truesight, +1d6 psychic damageĪs the sentience and awareness of the crossbow increases the shared perception abilities increase. Level 11 - advantage on initiative rolls, +2 stealth, +2 investigation, +2 perception, 30' blindsight each additional ability beyond the basic '+' of the weapon would cost an attunement slot so at high levels your artifact level capability weapon would be the only attunement magic item you would have (though by that point the weapon is probably sentient too :) ).Ģ) Additional abilities earned at levels 5, 11, 17 - attunement slots required increases to 1,2,3 This effectively combines abilities of multiple magic items into one magic item. You want a magic crossbow that gets more powerful as you level up. Most magic items take an attunement spot. There is a reason most of the extra effects are on the bolts / arrows for ranged weapons, not the weapon itself.Īs the DM, I would rule that every additional ability on the weapon would require an additional attunement slot. My suggestion would be to just try and see if you can purchase a +1, +2, or find one. If you are always stealing the show by being the playmaker / damage dealer.you may start to notice some of the party feeling unimportant. However, requesting it has a lot of consequences not only for your DM, but also the general enjoyment of your party too. If your DM wants to give you one, that's fine. I know it can be hard hearing that your wishes may be unreasonable, but requesting a custom item in general isnt really a good idea. When you have items that give you abilities or resistances, or do damage that bypasses immunity by being necrotic or whatever.he as well is going to have to plan much harder to make fights more interesting. Think of him as a player who wants to see his little creatures do really well. The DM however, needs to enjoy his side too. You already are going to be doing a crap ton of damage.that wont change. However, from a DM perspective, characters who shell out damage, or have customized items can really ruin a DMs fun. To be quite honest, I get your feelings on wanting power as a player.

5e hand crossbow cost