This new magic item for Dungeons & Dragons is a crown the offers magical protection. Its defenses grow more powerful as you gain levels, making it ideal for an arcane spellcaster with ambitions to rule.
Crown of the Mage King
Wondrous Item, rare [Tier 2]
(requires attunement by an arcane spellcaster)
Weight: 1 lb.
This golden crown was created by a consortium of wizards for Tiberian Jayne, the Mage King of Dargas. It passed down through several generations of Mage Kings and Queens, each adding fragments of their magic to the crown.
Aura of Protection. While you wear the crown and aren’t wearing armor, you have an Armor Class of 13 + your Dexterity modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit.
Magic Resistance. As an action, you can speak a command word to activate the crown. For up to 1 minute, you have advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. Once this feature is used, it can’t be used again until the next dawn.
Very Rare [Tier 3] upgrade
When you achieve level 10 while attuned to the crown, it gains improvements and new features.
Improved Aura of Protection. While you wear the crown and aren’t wearing armor, you have an Armor Class of 15 + your Dexterity modifier. The aura now extends to any friendly creature within 5 feet of you.
Improved Magic Resistance. You can now activate this feature as a bonus action. This feature can now be used a number of times per day equal to your proficiency bonus.
Wrath of the Magi. When a creature you can see within 60 feet of you damages you with a spell or other magical effect, you can use your reaction to release spirits of the crown’s past wearers. The creature that damaged you must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw. It takes 4d6 force damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Once this feature is used, it can’t be used again until the next dawn.
Legendary [Tier 4] upgrade
When you achieve level 17 while attuned to the crown, it gains more improvements and new features.
Legendary Aura of Protection. While you wear the crown and aren’t wearing armor, you have an Armor Class of 18 + your Dexterity modifier. The aura now extends to any friendly creature within 15 feet of you.
Legendary Magic Resistance. If you fail a saving throw against a spell and other magical effect, you can use your reaction to succeed instead. Once this feature is used, it can’t be used again until after a long rest.
Mind of the Magi. You have access to the collective knowledge of the crown’s past wearers. You have advantage on Intelligence (Arcana) checks. You can also cast legend lore without a material component once per day.
Power Tiers
To help Game Masters determine which player character levels a magic item is appropriate for, each item is assigned a power tier.
Tier 1: Levels 1 – 4
Common and Uncommon items for characters still learning their abilities.
Tier 2: Levels 5 – 10
Uncommon and Rare items for characters who are seasoned adventurers.
Tier 3: Levels 11 – 16
Very Rare items for characters who are established masters of their class.
Tier 4: Levels 17 +
Legendary items for characters who are like superheroes or demigods.
An item’s power tier is only a suggestion, and the GM should consider how each item would best fit with their campaign and player characters.
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