100 Ordinary Objects with Extraordinary Properties (DND Random Tables)

In a world of fantasy, where heroes and villains clash amidst a backdrop of magic and wonder, it’s easy to overlook the everyday objects that surround us. Yet, even the most mundane items can possess unexpected powers, transforming ordinary experiences into adventures rich with intrigue. Magical objects serve as catalysts for creativity in tabletop RPGs, spurring player imagination and narrative innovation.

Players and dungeon masters can use these unique objects to add depth and variety to their campaigns. Such items might appear deceptively simple, ambushing the unsuspecting hero with their peculiar abilities. An unassuming spoon might carry the wisdom of ages, while an inconsequential stone could secretly guard the secrets of an ancient kingdom.

This catalogue of 100 objects offers players the chance to encounter and employ ordinary items imbued with surprising magic. Use them to craft encounters full of mystery and excitement, to puzzle your players, and to enhance the stories that make any fantasy tabletop RPG unforgettable.

How to Use the Ordinary Objects

With 100 items, we’ve sorted them into sets of d20—making it easy for dungeon masters to roll if they want to introduce a random magical item into their campaign. Each entry describes an otherwise plain object that hides an incredible property, acting as both a puzzle and a boon. These items are meant to serve as narrative tools, pushing the story forward in unexpected directions, while inviting players to think outside the box.

d20 Objects That Challenge Perception (1 – 20)

These ordinary items possess abilities that alter perception, shedding new light on what seems familiar. They’re fantastic tools for players seeking to solve puzzles or explore uncharted territories. These objects might reveal hidden messages or create illusions, challenging players to distinguish reality from the fantastical.

Consider a battered map that shifts its appearance to reveal a hidden path only under moonlight. Or perhaps a pair of worn spectacles that unveil the true nature of a disguised foe. Each item in this collection forces players to question what they see, turning visual information into a pivotal narrative element.

These objects rely on the power of perception to transform ordinary gameplay into a test of awareness. By using these items, players engage with the world in unique ways, fostering a deeper connection to their surroundings and enhancing storytelling with moments of revelation.

d20 Objects That Influence Fortunes (21 – 40)

In this selection, magic comes in the form of altering fate or influencing luck. The objects in this category breathe life into the concept of serendipity, turning the tide of destiny in small but significant ways. For players, these items offer a tantalizing dance with chance, swaying outcomes in their favor or compensating for previous misfortunes.

There might be a simple coin that, when flipped, determines the bearer’s luck for the day. Or an otherwise insignificant ring that temporarily shifts fortune, bringing success when success seems improbable. These objects make situational advantages possible, creating narrative arcs centered on fortune and fate.

These objects act as wildcards in the hands of adventurers, reshaping the flow of events in surprising ways. Players get to play the architect of fate, nudging their fortunes toward fortuitous outcomes, making campaigns more dynamic and filled with unexpected turns.

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d20 Objects That Shape Communication (41 – 60)

Communication is an art that forms the backbone of society. This set of magical objects enhances that art, facilitating conversations and building connections that transcend normal boundaries. Whether bridging distances or unveiling hidden messages, these items amplify storytelling by enhancing interactions between characters.

Imagine an old locket that allows the bearer to hear words unsaid, or a pair of candlesticks that let people see impressions of written correspondence. Such objects seamlessly become parts of narratives that explore themes of unity, secrecy, and discovery through enhanced communication.

These objects broaden the scope of interactions between characters, allowing adventurers to experience campaigns with deeper involvements and more engaging dialogue. By leveraging items that enhance communication, players can break down barriers and amplify narratives through enriched interpersonal connections.

d20 Objects That Empower Transformation (61 – 80)

The idea of transformation fascinates adventurers, with the magic of change forever woven into the fabric of fantasy tales. This assembly of objects empowers characters to adapt and alter themselves or their environment, inspiring narratives that revolve around metamorphosis and evolution.

An old, dented cup might, when drunk from, enable a person to change form for brief periods. Or imagine a cloak that allows its wearer to become as insubstantial as fog. With these tools, players can explore new facets of character growth, identity, and understanding, as objects redefine what is possible.

With these transformational objects, players can shift both themselves and their world, uncovering new gameplay dynamics and personal growth. By embracing transformation, campaigns become more fluid, with pathways open to change and transcendence—where adaptability is both a skill and an adventure.

d20 Objects That Affect Emotions (81 – 100)

At the heart of every story are emotions, driving characters to extremes and linking them to powerful feelings. The final group of objects taps into this realm, granting users the ability to influence feelings, thus creating emotional landscapes that define the tapestry of their journey.

An otherwise plain handkerchief might bring tears to the eyes when touched, while a simple string might bind emotions together, creating empathy where none existed before. Such emotionally charged items offer players newfound depth to explore, enabling campaigns to resonate on a truly human level.

Through these emotionally charged objects, players engage at deeper levels, exploring character motivations and relationship dynamics. As emotions influence decisions, campaigns gain richness, turning quests into stories told through the heart.

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By integrating extraordinary properties into ordinary objects, storytellers and players alike open their tabletop RPG experiences to realms of imagination and emotion. These items create layers within campaigns, adding complexity to interactions, possibilities for character growth, and opportunities for storytelling. As adventurers discover magic weaved into the mundane, they unfold tales of connection, transformation, and shared wonder—at the heart of every enduring fantasy.

100 Ordinary Objects with Extraordinary Properties

Fantasy worlds are often filled with grand gestures and epic quests, but sometimes the most memorable moments come from the unexpected twists in the ordinary. Introducing everyday objects with extraordinary properties into a tabletop RPG not only adds depth to the narrative but also instills a sense of wonder and amusement. These magical items compel players to look beyond the superficial, encouraging them to think creatively and interact with their surroundings in innovative ways.

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As players encounter these unsuspecting treasures, they discover that magic doesn’t always manifest in explosive spells or wild adventures. Instead, it lingers quietly in a simple wooden spoon or a seemingly ordinary piece of glass. These items remind us that every adventure, whether grand or humble, has its own charm and significance. They forge stories that highlight the whimsical side of a world where enchantment lies dormant within the commonplace.

By weaving these objects into the grand tapestry of your campaign, you create richer experiences, filled with new dimensions and possibilities. Players learn to value subtlety and nuance, recognizing that even small, magical touches can lead to profound, transformative journeys. Through these magical items, we remember that in fantasy realms, just like in life, there is always more than meets the eye. Embrace the magic nestled in each simple object, and let them guide your adventurers to unexpected revelations and heartfelt tales.