Dungeons & Dragons, the iconic tabletop role-playing game, is celebrated for its diverse array of magic items, weapons, and artifacts that enrich the gaming experience. Among these treasures are some peculiar and unconventional weapons that infuse a sense of whimsy, unpredictability, and intrigue into any D&D campaign. In this article, we delve into ten of the most extraordinary and peculiar weapons in Dungeons & Dragons. While not always the most practical, these weapons capture the essence of the game’s boundless creativity and spirit of adventure.
1 Wand of Wonder
The Wand of Wonder is a rare magical item that demands attunement. With this quirky wand, players can unleash seven random magical effects per day, targeting creatures within 120 feet. What sets this weapon apart is its unpredictability, as it can generate over 20 different effects, including fireballs, confusion, and even stunning the wielder themselves. The randomness of the Wand of Wonder adds a delightful surprise to the game, making it suitable even for low-level characters.
2 Bonecounter
The Bonecounter, though seemingly basic with its +2 Mace designation, boasts a unique ability. When used to defeat an undead creature, a solitary silver piece mysteriously appears in the wielder’s pocket. While this might not initially sound remarkable, the Bonecounter’s real potential is when it’s used as a “money farmer,” especially during missions in crypts and catacombs. A party of necromancers could turn this weapon into a lucrative enterprise.
3 Dancing Sword
The Dancing Sword is a very rare item, ideal for fighters and spellcasters seeking to maximize damage in a single turn. This remarkable weapon can function like a regular blade or be tossed into the air with a command word to bring it to life. Using a bonus action, you can direct the sword to make an attack, utilizing your attack roll and modifiers. This dynamic feature allows players to cast spells and deal damage simultaneously, making it a potent addition to any adventurer’s arsenal.
4 Decanter of Endless Water
At first glance, a water flask may not appear to be a formidable weapon. However, the Decanter of Endless Water’s effects are anything but mundane. With three command words, this magical flask can produce varying quantities of water, ranging from one gallon to a gushing torrent of 30 gallons. The “geyser” command unleashes a 30-foot long, 1-foot wide jet of water, dealing 1d4 damage and knocking creatures prone. Furthermore, it can propel objects weighing up to 200 pounds 15 feet, allowing for inventive combat maneuvers limited only by the Dungeon Master’s imagination.
5 Tentacle Rod
True to its name, the Tentacle Rod is a unique and formidable weapon with three tentacles. Each tentacle can make its attack against a creature within 15 feet, boasting a +9 bonus for 1d6 damage each. Suppose all three tentacles strike the same target, and the enemy fails a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. In that case, the rod halves the creature’s movement speed, they suffer disadvantages on Dexterity saves, can’t use reactions, and can only take an action or a bonus action, not both. The Tentacle Rod adds a remarkable element of crowd control to combat encounters.
6 Blade of Broken Mirrors
The Blade of Broken Mirrors remains a mysterious and intriguing weapon in Dungeons & Dragons. Known for its mystical properties, it reflects the personality of its wielder. The blade is said to become sharper as its owner’s narcissism grows, making it an ever-evolving and unconventional weapon that rewards self-obsession with enhanced power.
7 Seeker Dart
If your heart yearns for the homing pigeon of weapons, the Seeker Dart may be the answer. By uttering the command word “seek,” you can send this dart after a chosen enemy within 120 feet. Upon locating the target, the dart forces them to make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw. Failure results in 1d4 piercing and 3d4 lightning damage. Though it has limited uses, a skilled artificer could create some darts to extend the game’s excitement.
8 Lash of Shadows
The Lash of Shadows, featured in The Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount, is an enigmatic weapon that embodies a unique blend of darkness and malice. This sentient magical whip, touched by the evil serpent god Zehir and inhabited by a marilith, is volatile and unpredictable. Striking a target with this whip can induce poisoning upon a failed saving throw, offering a variety of effects used once per day. The Lash of Shadows is a weapon steeped in dark magic, adding a layer of intrigue and danger to any campaign.
9 Trident of Fish Command
Those searching to follow in the footsteps of Jason Momoa should rejoice, knowing the Trident of Fish Command exists. This magical trident allows the wielder to command fish and any creature with an innate swimming speed. Its unusual nature adds an element of aquatic quirkiness to the game, offering players a unique tool for underwater adventures and encounters.
10 Dyrrn’s Tentacle Whip
Dyrrn’s Tentacle Whip stands as one of the most bizarre weapons in Dungeons & Dragons. This whip is symbiotic, a living creature shaped by the Dal Quori of Eberron into a formidable weapon that painfully embeds itself into the wielder’s arm. On an attack, it can inflict an additional 1d6 psychic damage and stun targets on a natural 20. Additionally, the host can retract the whip into their arm. However, once the host attunes, they cannot voluntarily unattune the whip. This symbiotic nature adds a sinister and mysterious dimension to the game, as the player becomes forever bound to their weapon.
Dungeons & Dragons thrives on creativity and the unexpected, and its assortment of strange weapons adds a layer of eccentricity and excitement to each campaign. Whether you’re wielding a Wand of Wonder or grappling with the unpredictable power of a Dancing Sword, these oddities remind us that D&D is a realm where the extraordinary is just a roll of the dice away. These strange weapons may not always be the most practical, but they embody the spirit of unpredictability and adventure that makes the game engaging and unique. In a world filled with magic and monsters, these weapons are a testament to the boundless imagination and endless possibilities that make Dungeons & Dragons a beloved and enduring game.