Some of my favorite things in the 5e DMG are the Special Features charts for magic items. They are cool ways to bring some personality to a magic item that might otherwise be uninteresting, but provides good functionally. A +1 weapon is never going to be bad, but you might not want to necessarily make it an item of mythos and lore every time you hand something like that out. If you are like me, you still want the item to have an identity that speaks to the lore and setting of the game – if only in form. For example, with the current chart you might end up with an elven-crafted weapon that was one of those wielded by a group of spellcasters that acts as a compass. It’s not hard to imagine this group was focused on exploration, and might pop up in other areas of the game world now that it’s been established. If you want a more direct approach, maybe it’s not a compass, but a key. These weapons are used to unlock the vault of this elven cabal – which is undoubtedly at least a side-adventure. No matter how you slice it, this chart is just a great way to expand the lore of mundane items, provide them a unique feel, and offer them an opportunity to be integrated more firmly into the game. Given this, it should be no surprise that I think MORE of these would be a good thing. So, here’s a chart I have made for the in-person Planescape game I just started running.

Who Created It or Was Intended to Use It?

d20 Creator or Intended User 1 Athar. This item is adorned with blackened metal, and is inscribed with passages doubting and decrying the gods. 2 Believers of the Source. This item bears obvious hammer strikes (even if the weapon is not made of metal), around which are floral designs. 3 Bleak Cabal. This item appear neglected and ill-used, despite being in peak condition. Any handles or held areas are wrapped in the same grey, tattered cloth. 4-6 Doomguard. This item bears myriad cracks, and have pieces missing from them – despite being strong and otherwise new looking. Even if the weapon is mended or re-forging is attempted, these flaws remain. 7 Dustmen. Pieces of bone and solidified ash are seamlessly integrated with this item. It vibrates slightly when a creature within 30 feet is dead or dying. 8 Fated. These items are overly ornate, combining motifs from different cultures and groups into its own style. Elements found on different items are also included. 9-10 Fraternity of Order. Fragments of laws and rules in various languages adorn these items, each of which adhere to the exact standards and specifications of the item in question. 11 Free League. This item contain the signature of the crafter on them, and often depict broken chains, towers, or crowns. 12-13 Harmonium. This item is more durable than other items of the same type. Harmonium items are elegant, yet simple in appearance. 14-15 Mercykillers. This items is red, adorned with spikes, and have images of chains or battles present on them. 16 Revolutionary League. This item is adorned with incomplete shapes, and the proportions are irregular. 17 Sign of One. This item is made from crystal and acts as a prism, but otherwise functions normally. 18 Society of Sensation. This item is made from the finest material, and costs at least double what this item normally costs. Images of revelry are prominently displayed. 19 Transcendent Order. This item is more dense than an item of its type would normally be, and are plain other than symbols of moon that are found upon it. 20 Xaositects. This item is obviously patched together from other items that are not at all related, but somehow seems to form a functional whole.

What is a Detail from its History?

d8 History 1 Adrift. This item belonged to one of the races of the astral plane, before it made its way into your hands. They would almost certainly want it returned to them. 2 Blood Wars. This item was used in a conflict in the Blood Wars. Those of the upper planes find it distasteful. 3 Dead God. This item was created in tribute to, – or was wielded by a worshipper of – a god that has been slain. Worshipers that remain might desire this item. 4 Key. This item was once a key to a portal, but has been expended. It might be recharged, or others might remember what purpose it was used for. 5 Mazed. This item once belonged to someone well-known who was placed into the Maze by the Lady of Pain. People might recognize this, for good or ill. 6 Mind Wiped. This item was once sentient, but suffered damage when coming to the planes and has lost its intellect. There might be those able to restore its mind, or it might now be floating in the planes, looking for its rightful home. 7 Prime. This item was once an item of legend on one of the prime material worlds, before being drained of its power when it game to the planes. Its power could be restored, or simply lost forever. 8 Rebellious. This item was prominent in a rebellion somewhere in the planes. There are those who will remember this item.

What Minor Property Does it Have?