6 D&D Magic Items & Spells That Are Really Just Helping You Break The Rules

The heroic fantasy adventures of rely on many rules and subsystems, but the game is also full of magical items, spells, and class features that let players ignore some of those rules entirely. Some rules that are a major concern in low-level games are easily trivialized at higher levels, effectively removing them from play. Ranged attacks normally have a Disadvantage if the attacker is engaged in melee, but the Crossbow Expert feat removes this penalty entirely. In the same way, this combat rule has an exception: magic can remove worries about encumbrance, tracking rations, and much more.

Every group is different, but the fact that so many players are eager to circumvent some of the rules that make travel and survival arduous suggests most DMs would be better off simply starting high-level games. This allows access to magic items, as outlined in the rules for starting higher-level campaigns and superior spells. Low-level games often get bogged down with simple geographic obstacles, mundane traveling struggles, or the minutiae of transporting treasure out of a dungeon. These may lend the game a gritty vibe, but it will quickly become repetitive.

Some DMs, especially those who cling to an “old school” mentality, may think that a game involving survival challenges, like scaling a cliff or foraging for food in a hostile environment, has appeal. Tracking encumbrance and dealing with an inability to carry treasure along with needed equipment may also feel like an iconic part of the game, but these are simple logistics puzzles and add little to the heroic fantasy adventure vibe of modern. More adroit DMs will want to provide access to the spells and items that eliminate tediouselements as soon as possible in their campaigns.

Encumbrance is easily one of the definitive traits of low-level games that most players find banal and uninteresting.

Encumbrance is easily one of the definitive traits of low-level games that most players find banal and uninteresting. Inventory