100 Peculiar Artifacts Unearthed from an Ancient Battlefield

The haunting majesty of ancient battlefields carries stories far beyond the ravages of mortal conflict—these are arenas where steel clashed, spells crackled, and untold sacrifices linger in the dust-laden air. Long buried beneath layers of soil, ash, or sometimes even arcane residue, peculiar artifacts often surface over time. These are no ordinary swords or suits of armor; these are relics imbued with odd properties, cryptic inscriptions, or strange auras that whisper tales of bygone eras. Some seem utterly inert while others appear dangerously alive, yet all demand an eye of curiosity and a hand of caution.

Among the echoes of the past, these artifacts rise as storytellers in their own right. Some arise from the chaos of battle lines, others from the arcane ambitions of war mages, and others still from the final cradles of commanders, soldiers, and even deserters. In this article, we delve into the curious chimes of these ancients, uncovering not just their physical aspects but the mysteries they silently harbor. As relic hunters, dungeon masters, or mere enthusiasts of history, we are reminded that these items, no matter how benign or ominous, hold the power to reshape narratives and breathe life into the legends of forgotten wars.

As you journey through these strange and remarkable finds, consider the tales they could inspire. Are they remnants of mythical last stands, harbingers of curses, or the personal effects of heroes unsung? Each artifact, uncovered from the depths of history and presented here, invites us to explore the layers of courage, fear, and magic woven into the ancient tapestries of war. In the midst of our modern quests, these objects hold not just utility, but whispers—a chance to step back into an ancient world where each clang of sword against shield marked the rise or fall of empires.

Even amidst our most modern landscapes, the siren call of these relics persists. They are reminders that the land upon which we walk has been witness to extraordinary events. And it is through these peculiar artifacts that the past extends its hand, inviting adventurers, historians, and storytellers alike to journey deep into the realms of imagination and history.

How to Use These Random Artifact Tables

Within this collection, each artifact is richly described in 2–3 sentences, offering vivid imagery and instant narrative potential. Dungeon Masters can employ the d20 sub-tables provided below to select artifacts based on factors such as battlefield location, origin, or magical aura—or simply roll a d100 for a truly random discovery that could change the course of their campaign. These artifacts are not designed to always be mechanically useful or even magical; rather, they hold the potential for storytelling, mystery, curses, or profound revelation.

Each item holds the power to inspire quests, unravel secrets, or even curse those who dare to disturb its ageless slumber. Whether positioned at the heart of a plot twist, utilized as a mysterious message from the past, or serving as a relic of a long-dead war hero, these artifacts present dungeon masters with tools to weave complex and engaging narratives. Their purpose may not always be immediately clear, but therein lies the beauty; their value often emerges only once the layers of dust and history are gently peeled back.

The d20 artifact tables are divided into distinct categories, each representing a unique aspect of scholarly or strategic interest in the past: relics of the front lines, the arcane chaos of war mages, the honored belongings of fallen commanders, the poignant remains found in mass graves, and the unpredictable finds scattered across no man’s land. By providing detailed descriptions enriched with historical mystery and potential significance, these artifacts beg to be part of your next epic story.

d20 Artifacts from the Front Lines (1 – 20)

The front lines of ancient battles were places of brutal chaos, where weapons shattered, and blood was spilled in rivers—relics discovered here were forged in desperation, often battered, bloodstained, or seething with lingering anger.

d20	Artifact Description	d100
1	A dented helmet bearing the insignia of a forgotten legion. Its surface is pitted and rusted, but a faint echo of the cries of war can be heard when held close to the ear.	1
2	A shattered sword, the broken edges still sharp, with a hilt wrapped in leather stained by the years. It vibrates slightly, a reminder of the fervor with which it was once wielded.	2
3	A cracked shield, splintered down its center, painted with the fading emblem of its last bearer. It feels unnaturally cold to the touch, as if retaining the chill of its final battle.	3
4	A standard bearer’s pole, snapped in two, with a banner still fluttering though no breeze can be felt. The kingdom it represented no longer exists on any map known today.	4
5	A gauntlet, bent and missing fingers, that seems to fit any hand placed within it perfectly. Its joint creaks a mournful note when flexed, like a sigh from the past.	5
6	An arrowhead embedded in a lump of flesh long turned to stone. It radiates warmth unpredictably, hinting at magic once infused within its shot.	6
7	A brass horn, dented and dull, that lets out an eerie silence when blown. Bystanders claim they hear the deep thump of distant war drums instead.	7
8	A leather-bound journal, fraying and water-stained, with entries written in an unknown script. At times, fresh ink appears on its pages, chronicling tales of glory.	8
9	A pair of boots with soles nearly worn through. Made for running rather than fighting, they feel lighter than they should, and the wearer often steps in silence.	9
10	A jagged piece of red metal that flickers like flame in the corner of one’s eye. Rumor has it that it’s cursed to burn the hand that strikes a cowardly blow.	10
11	A wooden figurine charred beyond recognition, yet strangely resistant to breaking. It smells of smoke and ash, calling to mind the roar of distant fires.	11
12	A rusted chain link, larger than average, humming with an odd frequency. Companions speaking near it find their words echo with unfamiliar authority.	12
13	A pomander filled with dust, its scent recalled only in memories. At night, those near it swear they scent blooming gardens on the battlefield.	13
14	Two incomplete bone dice, their faces marked with runes of a language lost to time. Whenever they are rolled, they never land the same way twice.	14
15	A feathered plume, vibrant and pristine, from a helmet whose durability belies logic. The eye-catching colors have been the undoing of many an unsuspecting bearer.	15
16	A water flask, bleached and splintered, that seems to fill with fresh water at dawn. Drinkers report dreams of past battles more vivid than they wish.	16
17	A patch of chainmail, each link engraved with delicate letters. It occasionally hums an unknown tune when sunlight passes through its holes.	17
18	A fragment of a warrior’s prayer inscribed on bronze. It hints at a cult long vanished, yet those who read it feel a call to arms in their hearts.	18
19	A small wooden box, locked and bound in tarnished iron, which emits a slow ticking sound. Sometimes, the ticking stops and a whisper takes its place.	19
20	A battle-worn flag, its colors dulled but undeniably stirring the spirit. Anyone holding it recalls a long-dead general’s last rallying cry, though the words remain unknown.	20

The artifacts from the front lines echo with the intensity of battles past, often tied to legendary last stands, cursed generals, or spells that never fully expired. Dungeon masters will find that these relics provide rich backdrop for stories of valor and wrath, tempting adventurers to unlock their true potential or heed their ominous warnings.

d20 Artifacts from the War Mages’ Ranks (21 – 40)

In the arcane chaos of war mage battalions, magic flew like arrows, reality warping under strain. The relics found here hum with residues of enchantment or hint at unfinished spells.

d20	Artifact Description	d100
1	A wand carved from an unknown wood, crackling gently with arcs of violet light. These arcs speak of spells yet to be cast, trapped within the wand.	21
2	A grimoire, missing its cover and half of its pages, yet it whispers spells to those who dare read its remaining texts. The spells are never the same twice.	22
3	A crystalline orb, cloudy and cracked, that emits brief flashes of future events. The flashes are mesmerizing, but they’re known to drive the viewer mad.	23
4	A rune-etched bracer, buzzing with faint energy that tingles along the skin. It occasionally repels the very magic it was designed to focus.	24
5	A cloak sewn from countless scraps of elemental fabric, shifting constantly in hue and temperature. When worn, it reacts unpredictably to elemental magics.	25
6	An amulet with a flickering flame trapped inside, unyielding to water or wind. It whispers ancient incantations, igniting spells long thought forgotten.	26
7	A potion bottle swirling with luminous mist, the contents smelling of ozone and opportunity. Every taste offers a different magical effect, often woefully unintended.	27
8	A brass ring that occasionally glows with an inner light. Its wearer sometimes experiences flashes of insight or disorienting visions of past battles.	28
9	A tattered spell scroll that unrolls to reveal spells unreadable save to the primed mind. It’s known to alter spells already in memory.	29
10	A trio of singing stones, each one harmonizing with the other. Their melodies resonate with enchantments but are a risky lure to listen to for too long.	30
11	A silver mirror framed with ivy carvings that reflect not the present but possible futures. These reflections are enticing but untrustworthy.	31
12	An obsidian shard, chillingly cold, wrapped in ancient sigils. It repels light, tempting shadows to lengthen near it—an invocation to darkness.	32
13	A spell component pouch, tattered and empty yet radiating spells of stored potential. When squeezed, the user might witness incomplete enchantments.	33
14	A staff marked with serpentine designs, one end worn smooth while the other is charred. It amplifies spellwork erratically, an unstable boon at best.	34
15	A keystone from a defunct portal, warm to touch yet darkly potent. Its surface shows glimpses of realms left behind and forgotten.	35
16	A tiny statue depicting a draconic mage, eyes glinting with a mischievous glint. Rubbing its snout is believed to summon untamed magic in one’s surroundings.	36
17	A jeweled chalice that’s heavier than it should be, filled always with a shimmering, unknown liquid. Drinking from it imbues a euphoric sense of power, often with consequences.	37
18	A puzzle box, its pieces sliding of their own accord, arranging into shapes that reveal magical formulas when complete. Only a mind sharp enough can decipher its secrets.	38
19	A chain of tiny silver bells that make no sound when swayed, yet the ringer smells of the storm’s edge, calling unknown forces to attention.	39
20	An iridescent scale purportedly from a guardian familiar, shifting hues with a mind of its own. It lends strength to spells of binding and protection, though sometimes at a cost.	40

Artifacts from the war mages’ ranks may malfunction or react unpredictably to modern magic, making them potentially hazardous to wield without comprehensive understanding. Such mystery and allure are what gives them their narrative weight, perfect for introducing the unpredictable into stories or campaigns.

d20 Artifacts from Fallen Commanders (41 – 60)

Commanders often bore gear that symbolized their status—many such items now lie beneath rubble, carrying the legacy of their bearer or, perhaps, their grudges.

d20	Artifact Description	d100
1	A silver amulet etched with entwined lilies, heavy with the scent of allspice. Whether worn as a symbol of peace or deception, it dizzies those who wear it.	41
2	A commander’s baton, plain wood wrapped in regal blue velvet, oddly untouched by time. Said to command not just troops but the loyalty of the land itself.	42
3	A helmet rimmed with gold, the mask worked into a stern visage. Those who wear it feel a surge of authority, yet it often makes them targets of derision.	43
4	A rusted old scabbard, its once-shining blade lost to history. It feels disappointingly empty, carrying only a memory of power.	44
5	A bandolier of pristine bullets, each inscribed with a date long past. The first fired always unfurls a flash of the shooter’s demise.	45
6	A dagger with an engraved pommel, depicting a field of ravens. Wounds dealt by its blade linger longer than they should, a testament to its cursed nature.	46
7	A signet ring, oversized and heavy, with an unfamiliar crest. Holding it tight makes one’s hand tremble involuntarily, hinting at past power held.	47
8	A stitched leather vest, studded with iron stars, rumored to have deflected magical bolts. Its timezone idiosyncratic, no two observers recall its pattern alike.	48
9	A wand of command, now dull and silent save for a potent silence it casts upon the wielder. Original bearer known only in legends, a nameless specter to history.	49
10	A gaudy medal, tarnished from exposure, which fades memories of its origins. Parties fought over its possession for generations, seeking its forgotten symbolism.	50
11	A sealed envelope with an unbroken wax seal emblazoned with an unknown symbol; reports persist of messages appearing within, sometimes portending doom.	51
12	A broken circlet, once majestic, that sparks and fizzes at the edges. It channels a leader’s eternal regret, lending an ill-fated air to its wearer.	52
13	A brass compass, its needle spinning wildly even when placed on flat ground. Followers are confounded by its insistence on alternative paths.	53
14	A ramshead shield, carrying an intricate carving of its namesake, that murmurs encouragement—or despair. Echoes of past battle cries linger in its curves.	54
15	A folded battle map, edges singed and corners torn, that adjusts its markings as territories change. Yet those who own it say it is always one step forward and two back.	55
16	A ceremonial cloak, red dye faded to brown, embroidered with flames. It provides warmth but also flickers with residual rage, drawing ire from ambitious commanders.	56
17	A tiny portrait locket containing a faded image of a lover, its true secret the fact that it holds a single tear which never dries.	57
18	A wooden whistle, banded with silver, that calls phantom steeds to ride into the night. Handlers must be cautious, as these ghostly rides often run beyond dawn.	58
19	A tarnished sword belt with an empty scabbard, emitting a steady hum that drowns out whispering doubts. Its wearer often deludes themselves into thinking they’re invincible.	59
20	An advisor’s staff topped with a ornately etched crystal, now dim and unresponsive. Those who wield it instinctively know the right choice, yet doubt plagues their waking dreams.	60

These relics of fallen commanders have the power to drive quests, draw followers, or tempt characters into roles of leadership for which they may not yet be prepared. Each holds the potential for players to explore the burden and the glory tied to command.

d20 Artifacts from the Mass Graves (61 – 80)

Mass graves carry an eerie solemnity; from within, items may emerge that belonged to unnamed soldiers, deserters, or even ritual victims, carrying immense spiritual weight and unfinished purpose.

d20	Artifact Description	d100
1	A clay cup, stained with remnants of ancient wine, which seems to fill during solemn moments, reflecting trials faced by those who drink from it.	61
2	A chain of soldier’s dog tags, now eternally silent but known to jingle and clank like a whispered requiem at twilight.	62
3	A pair of spectacles with cracked lenses; those who peer through them see faint outlines of spirits long departed.	63
4	An old harmonica, tarnished and dented, that plays only songs of sorrow no matter the tune attempted. Its music often brings rainclouds and relief.	64
5	A boot filled with soil and the seeds of an unknown plant. Despite its grim history, tiny shoots unfurl at random when held in light.	65
6	A small cloth doll, roughly stitched and missing an eye. Holding it often invokes vague memories of a childhood long lost.	66
7	A half-burned candle, which, when lit, flickers in correspondence with ghostly whispers no longer comprehensible.	67
8	A prayer bead, worn smooth, radiating warmth in times of fear or stress, serving as a comfort in the void.	68
9	A crudely-hewn wooden cross, weather-stained and grave-marked. Its hallowed presence may turn the tide of a sinister curse.	69
10	A mournful flute, with holes plugged by wax. Those who listen to its lamentations often recount dreams of past regrets.	70
11	A stone marked with faded glyphs and circularly worn as if cradled for centuries. When held, past dreams interrupt present moments.	71
12	A rusted old locket, empty and never removable. Strangers often mistake it for a noble heirloom of storied lineage.	72
13	A blanket knit from jagged threads, containing warmth even in frost, but said to ferry soulful dreams on chilly beds.	73
14	An iron spoon, eternally clean yet still warm to the touch. Its bearer witnesses shadows converge believed conjured by unseen force.	74
15	A wooden knitting needle, splintered at the tip. Its lone artistry created a myriad of garments lost to history, lingering with unspoken intent.	75
16	A lead soldier, unpainted, carrying relationships and truths of forgotten heroes. It’s often used as a divination tool in dire times.	76
17	A single black feather, cool to the touch, which drifts to the earth when released. Those who clasp it are often visited by a spectral guide.	77
18	A forgotten book with brittle pages hinting at forbidden knowledge. Though illegible, unseen forces seem to protect the secrets within.	78
19	A thin ribbon of horsehair, once braided in the mane of a beloved steed. A symbol of loyalty and loss, it waves of tragedy and strength.	79
20	A tarnished stiletto, inescapably sharp but never used. Its chilling touch anchors unresolved hatred, quietly awaiting retribution.	80

Artifacts from mass graves are laden with stories suited for ghostly encounters, ancestral visions, or emotional flashbacks. Their spectral nature beckons those who seek wisdom from the departed.

d20 Artifacts Scattered Across No Man’s Land (81 – 100)

No man’s land, the cursed center of battlefields, is a space of dread—scorched, cratered, and soaked in wild magic or divine wrath. Items found here are often warped, entangled with terrain, or strangely preserved.

d20	Artifact Description	d100
1	A charred helm with an unseen crown of flame that flickers in the wind, infamous for ghostly vociferations.	81
2	A shattered shield whose fragments levitate momentarily in gripping defiance of gravity. Spectral warriors guard their form.	82
3	A boot, worn by ages, that leaves prints made of molten rock. It is thought to trace aflame the path of its last owner.	83
4	A rusted key, petrified with time, which when grasped, corresponds to unknown doors that were best left sealed.	84
5	A pebble agelessly wrought and unyielding to touch, bearing glimpses of a world envisioned yet never brought into being.	85
6	A piece of charred wood that sporadically steams, holding warmth from long-lost fires burning in the ethereal past.	86
7	A spur eternally rusted, binding those who hear its jingle into ceaseless confessions. Its regrets forever etched and preserved.	87
8	A minute, metallic cube, light on movement, showing images of decades beyond time when held close to a contemplative mind.	88
9	A smooth obsidian needle, pulled from clay, that easily cuts through textiles yet remains dusk-bound to one shadow.	89
10	A badge adorned with a skull, its vacant eyes fill with flickering vitality when a word of eternal conflict is spoken.	90
11	A remnant of colorful glass, always warm to the touch, constantly reshaping thoughts to patterns of alien beauty and might.	91
12	A rain-deprived pouch, eternally damp, leaving trails of dew across unwilling bearers. It seems to link them to the fathomless.	92
13	A thin cloth sack, the weave containing fiery omens. Its motion seems to mimic ancestral rhythms dance through flames.	93
14	A blade-like shard of ice cold copper with the image of a gryphon, whose emotions stir entropy from a bygone age.	94
15	An unshed tear preserved within crystal bounds—able to regain youth’s glimmer when drawn against encroaching obsolescence.	95
16	An ethereal spearhead that pierces memory, inviting tides to erase records of battles and forge new legends in silence.	96
17	A pocket watch, hammering against the tick-tock of eternity, measuring time’s idiosyncrasies as it unravels unyieldingly.	97
18	An abacus of spectral beads, capable of reckoning fortune uncalculated, fabricating curious calculus beyond imagination.	98
19	A journal with shrouded entries that fade and renew as days fall by. Its narrative spins webs of cosmic fate unaccounted for.	99
20	A quiver of astral arrows that pierce the void. Their flights recalibrate constellations and encourage seekers towards destiny.	100

Items scattered in no man’s land should be treated as rare, dangerous, and deeply tied to the cataclysm that once defined the region. They serve as veritable cornerstones of narrative mystery, often advancing the unresolved stories of battle with each arcane twist.

Final Thoughts on Unearthing Ancient Battlefield Artifacts

The strange artifacts from ancient battlefields serve as seeds of mystery, cursed temptations, or remnants of history that players must interpret. Each item carries a fragment of a war long past and stands as a haunting testament to conflicts that once raged across distant lands, creating lasting marks on the world. As dungeon masters and adventurers, these artifacts offer endless opportunities to intertwine stories, challenge perceptions, and enrich the journeys that unfold on the tabletop.

These trinkets don’t just fill a bag of holding; they stir a past reimagined, rippling through the minds of those who uncover them. Whether they act as pivotal plot hooks, mysterious tools, burdens to bear, or symbols of lost glory, the power they hold transcends the mundane. It is crucial that players and DMs understand the narrative weight these artifacts carry, for they bring the echoes of ancient battles to life and whisper their histories to those who dare to listen.

As invaluable catalysts for storytelling, they demand us to embrace imagination, delve into history, and challenge our characters to confront the shadows of centuries gone by. The quirky nature of these artifacts adds a unique flair to every campaign, encouraging innovative approaches to problem-solving and character development. The task of uncovering these relics offers not only a chance at treasure but a deep and lasting connection to the stories they represent.

So, may your quests be sharpened by the cryptic allure of these finds, creating tangents as serendipitous as they are fateful. Let us embrace the mysteries of old as we weave their unraveling into the fabric of new tales, linking past and present with threads of ingenuity and introspection. As you roll the dice and set your path, remember that the echoes of ancient battlefields still await to be played, with hearts set on the endless tapestry of adventure and wonder.