This new magic item for Dungeons & Dragons is based on Pandora’s Box. What kind of troubles can you release? Open the box to find out!
Box of Trouble
Wondrous Item, uncommon [Tier 1]
(requires attunement)
Weight: 5 lbs.
This silver box is inlaid with gems, suggesting that it contains riches. It actually contains random creatures and effects created by a god of mischief. If the box is opened by a creature that has not attuned to it, that creature must make a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw, taking 6d6 Psychic damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.
When attuned to the box, you can use an Action to open the box and release a random effect or creature. You are immune to magical effects released by the box, but can not control the spells at Tier 1 or Tier 2. Effects last for 1 minute unless noted otherwise.
Any creature released by the box is friendly to you and your companions, and it acts on your turn. You can use a bonus action to command how the creature moves and what action it takes on its next turn, or to give it general orders, such as to attack your enemies. In the absence of such orders, the creature acts in a fashion appropriate to its nature. The creature vanishes after 1 hour or when it is reduced to 0 hit points.
d8 | Tier 1 Random Trouble |
---|---|
1 | A Fog Cloud spell centered on the box |
2 | 1 Swarm of Bats |
3 | A harmless illusion of an Owlbear |
4 | 1 Giant Badger |
5 | An Entangle spell centered on the box |
6 | 10 gallons of wine flow out of the box |
7 | 2d4 Rats |
8 | A Darkness spell centered on the box |
The box can be opened a number of times per day equal to your proficiency bonus.
Rare [Tier 2] upgrade
When you achieve level 5 while attuned to the box, new troubles can be released. You may choose to roll either the Tier 1 or Tier 2 table when you open the box.
d8 | Tier 2 Random Trouble |
---|---|
1 | A Stinking Cloud spell centered on the box |
2 | 1 Giant Boar |
3 | 500 gold coins that disappear after 1 hour |
4 | 1 Basilisk |
5 | A Black Tentacles spell centered on the box |
6 | Every humanoid within 30 feet of the box grows a thick beard |
7 | 2d4 Shrieker mushrooms |
8 | A sudden wind. Every creature within 20 feet of the box must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be pushed 10 feet away from the box. |
Trouble Maker. Once per day, you can choose which Tier 1 or Tier 2 Trouble you want when you open the box. Or create a similar trouble with the GM’s approval.
Very Rare [Tier 3] upgrade
When you achieve level 10 while attuned to the box, more new troubles can be released. You may choose to roll either the Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 table when you open the box.
If you release a spell from the box, you now have control of that spell as if you cast it.
d8 | Tier 3 Random Trouble |
---|---|
1 | A Cloudkill spell centered on the box |
2 | 1 Elephant |
3 | You have a +3 bonus to AC until the start of your next turn. |
4 | 1 Gorgon |
5 | A Sleet Storm spell centered on the box |
6 | The ground within 30 feet of the box becomes slimy and is difficult terrain. |
7 | d4 Stirges |
8 | Each creature within 20 feet of the box must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have the Blinded condition until the end of your next turn. |
Hand of Fate. Instead of choosing which Tier’s Random Trouble table you want before you roll, you can roll 1d8 then choose which table you want for the result. For example, if you roll a 7 you can choose 2d4 Rats, 2d4 Shrieker mushrooms, or 2d4 Stirges. This property can be used a number of times per day equal to your proficiency bonus.
Legendary [Tier 4] upgrade
When you achieve level 17 while attuned to the box, more new troubles can be released. You may choose to roll from any Tier’s Random Trouble table or use the Hand of Fate property when you roll.
d8 | Tier 4 Random Trouble |
---|---|
1 | A Wall of Fire spell within range of the box |
2 | 1 Mammoth |
3 | 50 pounds of edible mushrooms |
4 | 1d4 Velociraptors |
5 | A Magnificent Mansion spell centered on the box |
6 | You and the box teleport up to 60 feet to an unoccupied space you can see. |
7 | 3d6 Swarms of Ravens |
8 | Hostile creatures within 20 feet of the box have Disadvantage on attack rolls until the end of your next turn. |
Trouble Master. You can choose which Trouble you want when you open the box or create a similar trouble with the GM’s approval. This property can be used 3 times and recharges after a Long Rest.
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