Cheap and Cheerful: The Affordable Side of Magic Items in 5e

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In the world of Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition, magic items can be a valuable asset to players. Whether it's a weapon with magical properties or an enchanted piece of armor, these items can make a character more powerful and versatile in combat. However, not all magic items are created equal, and some can be quite expensive to obtain. Thankfully, there are also plenty of cheap magic items available for those on a budget. Cheap magic items can be a great way to enhance a character's abilities without breaking the bank. These items usually have minor magical effects or bonuses, but they can still be incredibly useful in certain situations.


Beside the invocation of the infernal gods like Pluto, Hecate or Charon, the tablets were often addressed to Hermes. Hermes was considered the messenger of the Olympians Gods, a protector of travellers, merchants and thieves. But the role that made him popular among the curse-casters was that of “Psychopompos”, the guide of the souls into the afterlife. So Hermes himself could deliver their grievance to the more potent Gods of Hades or he could guide the souls of the dead to do the job.

Many of them were also inscribed with love spells and included pieces of clothing or hair from the head of the target love interest, for better results. An ancient voodoo doll from Chalkis, Greece, 3rd century BC and a small Skyphos with a curse, 4th century BC as seen at the Archaeological Museum of Chalkis.

Curse voodoo doll

These items usually have minor magical effects or bonuses, but they can still be incredibly useful in certain situations. For example, a potion of healing is a common magic item that can be purchased relatively cheaply. This potion allows a character to regain hit points, making it a valuable resource during a tough battle.

Ancient curses and “voodoo dolls”

Witchcraft was always used to fulfil personal desires, whether good or bad. Models of human figures were mainly made of metal, clay or wax. The symbolic piercing, melting or binding of the body parts were thought effective for achieving every goal. The kolossoi („voodoo dolls”) were usually enclosed inside a lead box bearing binding curses.

An ancient “voodoo doll” from Chalkis, Greece, 3rd century BC and a small “Skyphos” with a curse, 4th century BC as seen at the Archaeological Museum of Chalkis

The skyphos was a two-handled deep wine-cup. The owner of the pot casts a curse on a certain Daiton that ”May all end bad for him”

Curses were usually incised on sheets of lead (in Greek ”katadesmoi” and in Latin ”defixiones”) or on other objects and then folded up and pierced with an iron or bronze nail. This type of cursing was known as the “binding spell” and it was used to summon the underworld (chthonic) deities and the spirits of the departed. For this reason the curse tablets or dolls were placed mainly near cemeteries, in graves or wells.

The Street of Tombs at Kerameikos, the graveyard of ancient Athens

Beside the invocation of the infernal gods like Pluto, Hecate or Charon, the tablets were often addressed to Hermes. Hermes was considered the messenger of the Olympians Gods, a protector of travellers, merchants and thieves. But the role that made him popular among the curse-casters was that of “Psychopompos”, the guide of the souls into the afterlife. So Hermes himself could deliver their grievance to the more potent Gods of Hades or he could guide the souls of the dead to do the job.

Hermes the conveyor of the souls of the dead to Hades. As seen at the Archaeological Museum of Chalkis

The tablets or dolls were not always about curses. Many of them were also inscribed with love spells and included pieces of clothing or hair from the head of the target love interest, for better results.

They were also used to help the immortal souls of the departed, usually the ones that died young or from a violent death, as well as to allow them to rest in peace. Nevertheless, those souls were also considered as most potent to get the message through, so the graves of such persons were preferred for the placing of the tablets.

The raised hands, a symbol of invoking either divine revenge or curse upon somebody. The epitaph is addressed to the underworld gods by Asclepiodes in memory of his children, dead at an early age. 1st century AD. As seen at Constanța (ancient Tomis) History and Archaeology Museum, Romania.

The Street of Tombs at Kerameikos, the graveyard of ancient Athens
Cheap magicitema 5e

Another example of a cheap magic item is a bag of holding. This magical bag has an extradimensional space inside, allowing the user to carry far more items than they would normally be able to. While not necessarily a combat-oriented item, a bag of holding can be incredibly useful for adventurers who need to carry a lot of equipment or loot. There are also cheap magic items that offer unique abilities or benefits. For example, a driftglobe is a magical item that emits light and can be used as a light source in dark environments. Additionally, it has the ability to levitate and can be used as a scouting tool. While not as powerful as some other magic items, a driftglobe can still be a valuable asset to a party. Overall, cheap magic items can be a great way to enhance a character's abilities without spending a fortune. These items may not have the same level of power or versatility as more expensive options, but they can still provide useful bonuses and abilities. Whether it's a healing potion, a bag of holding, or a driftglobe, cheap magic items can help adventurers overcome challenges and succeed in their quests..

Reviews for "Bargain Bin Magic: Discounted Magic Items in Dungeons and Dragons 5e"

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