Deep within the veiled recesses of shadowy hills and forgotten forests lie the mysterious entrances of eldritch tombs. These hidden sanctuaries, products of civilizations long extinguished, pulse with an uncanny intrigue that beckons to the courageous and the curious. Within these sacred halls, layered with the dust of eons, rest relics that defy the ordinary. For adventurers seeking glory, knowledge, or even the occasional curse, these tombs offer thrills like no other. Each strange artifact unearthed promises surprises ranging from the fascinating to the fearsome, sparking the imaginations of seasoned veterans and wide-eyed novices alike.
Eldritch tombs harbor treasures that defy explanation and ignite the imagination. Legends speak of cryptic artifacts with the power to weave stories of epic proportions. Some relics hum with forgotten magic, others whisper secrets lost to time, and a few dare to challenge the very fabric of reality itself. As explorers delve into these shadowy depths, they discover that each artifact is a unique piece of a puzzle, offering clues to the customs, rituals, and imaginations of ancient peoples.
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The delight of discovering an eldritch tomb lies not only in what is found but in the mysteries that unfold around it. These relics, seen as mere objects by the untrained eye, hold keys to adventures waiting to be unearthed. For those brave enough to seek them, these ancient halls promise tales of grandeur, forgotten lore, and whispers of ancient civilizations that once ruled the realms.
Whether your players are gallant explorers or fumbling novices, these unearthed artifacts kindle the flames of wonder and curiosity. Stepping into an eldritch tomb is akin to stepping back in time—a journey that challenges perceptions and invites adventurers to rewrite history with newfound discoveries.
How to Use These Strange Artifact Tables
Each artifact uncovered within these tombs weaves a tapestry of enchantment, history, and fantasy intrigue. In this article, Dungeon Masters (DMs) will find tables organized by artifact type—each entry a vignette, a snapshot wrapped in two or three sentences of magical allure. Whether a DM wants to roll the dice for complete unpredictability or choose deliberately based on campaign needs, these tables provide the tools for both paths.
With themed d20 tables categorized by weapon, garment, relic, and beyond, DMs can tailor their discoveries to the tone of their campaign. Whether used as plot devices, adventure hooks, or atmospheric additions, these artifacts breathe life into the campaign’s backdrop. Rolling on the comprehensive d100 table can yield unexpected treasures and twists, ensuring gameplay that’s as unpredictable as the tomb itself.
In the hands of a skilled DM, these artifacts become more than curiosities—they transform into instruments of storytelling. They unlock new pathways for adventure, create character-defining moments, and serve as catalysts for change. These relics, drenched in mystery and potential, beckon adventurers to explore their depths and uncover their many secrets.
d20 Weapons and Tools of the Ancients (1 – 20)
The craftsmanship of ancient weapons and tools is a testament to the artistry and imagination of forgotten peoples. Picture a battle axe that hums with forgotten tunes as it cleaves through the air, or a sword etched with runes so complex their meanings have been lost to time. These artifacts, worn by the ages yet pulsating with latent energy, are not mere relics—they are keys to unlocking dormant powers and histories.
| d20 | Artifact Description | d100 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A warhammer engraved with glowing runes that change under moonlight. | 1 |
| 2 | An ancient scythe that whispers tales of harvests and lost autumns. | 2 |
| 3 | A spear whose tip flickers with ghostly flame, warm to the touch. | 3 |
| 4 | A dagger that casts no shadow, even in the brightest light. | 4 |
| 5 | A shield with a mirrored surface that reflects the true self of its bearer. | 5 |
| 6 | A bow that always hums softly, as if a string is always drawn back. | 6 |
| 7 | A set of tongs that vibrate in the presence of cursed objects. | 7 |
| 8 | A pickaxe that glows faintly when near precious metals. | 8 |
| 9 | A chisel with the ability to cut through the hardest stone as though it were clay. | 9 |
| 10 | A compass that always points towards the nearest treasure. | 10 |
| 11 | A harpoon that returns to the thrower’s hand, no matter the distance. | 11 |
| 12 | A lance with a shaft made from an unknown, indestructible material. | 12 |
| 13 | A club with engravings of constellations that shimmer in darkness. | 13 |
| 14 | A net that draws in the breeze, as if it’s always underwater. | 14 |
| 15 | A lumberjack’s axe that binds cut wood together seamlessly. | 15 |
| 16 | A sickle that sings mourning songs from a lost harvest festival. | 16 |
| 17 | A mace with a head that reshapes to match the fears of its wielder. | 17 |
| 18 | A pair of gauntlets that allows its wearer to grasp insubstantial objects. | 18 |
| 19 | A hammer that can only be held by those of pure heart. | 19 |
| 20 | A quiver whose arrows always finds their mark, even around corners. | 20 |
These items can serve as rewards for solving complex puzzles or vanquishing the restless undead guardians within the tomb. Each discovery has the potential to reshape a campaign, offering new abilities, aiding in combat, or providing a mysterious and engaging narrative twist. DMs can weave these artifacts into the tapestry of their campaign, offering players an interactive experience with the past.
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d20 Garments and Adornments from Bygone Eras (21 – 40)
The allure of ancient apparel lies in its enigmatic beauty and mysterious power. Imagine robes that shimmer with an unearthly glow, weaving patterns of light across the fabric, or jewelry that softly whispers names that have been forgotten by time. Cloaks are imbued with shadows as if they hold secrets of the night, augmenting their wearers in unexpected yet delightful ways.
| d20 | Artifact Description | d100 |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | A cloak that always feels like a starry night, warming its wearer with memories. | 21 |
| 22 | Sandals that breeze-sprint over water, leaving no footprint. | 22 |
| 23 | A tiara that reveals hidden desires in those it adorns. | 23 |
| 24 | A belt that adjusts to its wearer’s ideal size and shape. | 24 |
| 25 | Earrings that let the wearer hear the thoughts of nearby animals. | 25 |
| 26 | A necklace that transforms into an amulet of protection at dusk. | 26 |
| 27 | Gloves that change color based on the wearer’s mood. | 27 |
| 28 | A tunic that provides warmth in the harshest winter winds. | 28 |
| 29 | Bangles that tinkle with the melody of long-lost lullabies. | 29 |
| 30 | A sash that carries the aroma of wildflowers, fertile in spirit. | 30 |
| 31 | A hat that conceals the wearer’s identity, even to loved ones. | 31 |
| 32 | Boots that let the wearer walk silently, without leaving a trace. | 32 |
| 33 | A ring that turns its wearer invisible when in genuine danger. | 33 |
| 34 | A brooch that radiates warmth, warding off fear. | 34 |
| 35 | Robes that shimmer with celestial light when worn at night. | 35 |
| 36 | A scarf that enables whispers to be heard from miles away. | 36 |
| 37 | Anklets that jingle with forgotten festival rhythms. | 37 |
| 38 | A mask that displays different faces depending on the light. | 38 |
| 39 | A corset that whispers words of encouragement to its wearer. | 39 |
| 40 | A vest that hums in harmony with the wearer’s heartbeat. | 40 |
These garments encourage Dungeon Masters to introduce twists of character development or unexpected magical effects. More than just apparel, these artifacts can transform an adventurer into an enigma, reshaping their role in the story and changing the dynamic of the party itself.
d20 Relics Linked to Forgotten Rituals (41 – 60)
Ceremonial relics discovered in eldritch tombs retain the echoes of rituals long lost to history. Picture a ceremonial chalice that fills with spectral light, guiding the way for its bearer, or an incense burner that releases dreams captured across centuries. Idols with gazes that captivate and disarm tell tales of deities revered and forsaken.
| d20 | Artifact Description | d100 |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | A chalice that shows the reflection of any liquid poured within. | 41 |
| 42 | An incense burner that wafts dreams into the waking world. | 42 |
| 43 | An idol that brings warmth and security to those who gaze upon it. | 43 |
| 44 | A staff that hums with the silent prayers of forgotten monks. | 44 |
| 45 | A bell that rings laughter when struck, dispelling sadness. | 45 |
| 46 | A reliquary containing a light that never peters out. | 46 |
| 47 | A goblet that turns beverages into poetic whispers. | 47 |
| 48 | A brazier that rekindles flames of memory and devotion. | 48 |
| 49 | A tapestry that rewinds visions of the past when touched. | 49 |
| 50 | An altar cloth that radiates peace and serenity. | 50 |
| 51 | A candelabra with flames that dance to ancient hymns. | 51 |
| 52 | A dagger that reflects inner truths, never cutting its possessor. | 52 |
| 53 | A censer that cleanses the air of all darkness. | 53 |
| 54 | A set of runestones that suggest fates untold. | 54 |
| 55 | An artifact that draws constellations into view under any sky. | 55 |
| 56 | A sacred urn that whispers the names of realms long vanished. | 56 |
| 57 | A rosary that resonates with kindness and mercy. | 57 |
| 58 | A drum that beats in rhythm with the heart of the earth. | 58 |
| 59 | A stone tablet that illuminates script no longer known. | 59 |
| 60 | A seal that binds oaths eternally, unbreakable by time. | 60 |
These relics can weave themselves into story arcs involving ancient deities or help unlock cryptic prophecy strands. They add layers to the narrative, drawing characters deeper into the historical and mystical elements of the campaign.
d20 Books and Scrolls Containing Lost Knowledge (61 – 80)
The ancient texts found within these tombs are filled with wisdom beyond reckoning. Picture scrolls whose ink shifts and dances like shadow puppets or tomes that speak in languages tracing the cosmic dance. Manuals detailing rituals that defy the natural order challenge readers to harness knowledge intended for lost seers.
| d20 | Artifact Description | d100 |
|---|---|---|
| 61 | A scroll that leaks ink shadows, rewriting itself each dawn. | 61 |
| 62 | A tome bound in stars, each page a universe in miniature. | 62 |
| 63 | A grimoire that hums softly with the secrets of the spheres. | 63 |
| 64 | A diary that chronicles dreams more vivid than waking life. | 64 |
| 65 | A manuscript that shifts its script to the reader’s native tongue. | 65 |
| 66 | A codex that reveals mysteries of the natural world with each reading. | 66 |
| 67 | A pamphlet that teaches the whispers of wind and ocean. | 67 |
| 68 | A folio that rearranges its pages based on the reader’s hopes. | 68 |
| 69 | A ledger that recounts past, present, and future debts of fate. | 69 |
| 70 | An atlas that draws its map anew based on desired destinations. | 70 |
| 71 | A journal that describes the entwined fates of all who hold it. | 71 |
| 72 | A scroll of incantations written in cosmic script. | 72 |
| 73 | A book that teaches the reader to converse with shadows. | 73 |
| 74 | A manual that contains secrets of elemental magic. | 74 |
| 75 | A collection of poems, each line a key to the stars. | 75 |
| 76 | A treatise on the principles of alchemy and transformation. | 76 |
| 77 | A workbook that offers the wisdom of the ancients. | 77 |
| 78 | A play that depicts a cosmic drama, ever-changing with each reading. | 78 |
| 79 | A collection of fables, each with hidden truths woven in. | 79 |
| 80 | An anthology of sonnets that sing of the spheres. | 80 |
These items can be bestowed upon scholars, wizards, or the daring, those ready to unravel their arcane wonders. Encouraging intellectual bravery, these texts provide an intricate web of knowledge and risk, just waiting to be explored.
d20 Unclassifiable Oddities with Mysterious Properties (81 – 100)
Some artifacts defy easy categorization, existing in a realm of peculiar wonder. Picture glowing orbs of elements unknown, mirrors reflecting worlds beyond or devices that vibrate with alien melodies, promising chaos or curiosity. These oddities rest on the cusp of understanding, challenging adventurers to harness their unpredictable nature.
| d20 | Artifact Description | d100 |
|---|---|---|
| 81 | A glowing orb that varies its hue with its handler’s emotions. | 81 |
| 82 | A mirror reflecting scenes of unvisited realms. | 82 |
| 83 | A chalice, fragrant with the scents of lost harvests. | 83 |
| 84 | A box that hums with the sound of distant stars. | 84 |
| 85 | A crystal that refracts the spectrum of hidden truths. | 85 |
| 86 | An amulet that alters gravity within its vicinity. | 86 |
| 87 | A scepter that plays a tune known only to forgotten gods. | 87 |
| 88 | A small doll, animate with the souls of its creators. | 88 |
| 89 | A bottle that implodes when uncorked, releasing forgotten sighs. | 89 |
| 90 | An hourglass that measures time backwards. | 90 |
| 91 | A mask that shows the wearer’s reflection in alternate realities. | 91 |
| 92 | An ocarina that summons rain when played. | 92 |
| 93 | A compass that points to the heart’s truest, yet unspoken desires. | 93 |
| 94 | A locket containing the echoes of laughter from long-lost celebrations. | 94 |
| 95 | A magnifying glass revealing microcosms unseen by the naked eye. | 95 |
| 96 | An umbrella that catches whispers from the wind. | 96 |
| 97 | A glove that chills everything it touches. | 97 |
| 98 | A pearl that contains the last breath of a forgotten giant. | 98 |
| 99 | A flask that reconstitutes vanished memories when drank from. | 99 |
| 100 | A quill that writes by itself, transcribing lost tales. | 100 |
These oddities are perfect for instilling a sense of unpredictability, sparking player creativity, or serving as quest focal points. Their very nature invites speculation and generates excitement, propelling players into adventures unknown.
Final Thoughts on Strange Artifacts in Eldritch Tombs
Strange artifacts serve a purpose beyond mere tantalizing loot; they are windows into the past, conduits for the present, and architects of the future. Each artifact carries with it a story, perhaps even a lesson or a curse, veiled in the intricacies of its design. They become bridges to a history that players might otherwise never know, offering insights and challenges that echo through the annals of time.
No matter how players choose to engage with these relics, they provide an unparalleled depth to any tabletop RPG adventure. The mysteries they hold help shape the legends that players create, giving personal meaning and connection to each discovery. These artifacts are more than just objects; they are the heartbeats of long-lost civilizations, whispering tales into the ears of those willing to listen.
In the hands of a storyteller, these artifacts challenge players to rethink their environment, question their assumptions, and explore new horizons. Each discovery presents not only an opportunity for treasure but a gateway to endless storytelling possibilities. They invite characters to grow, adapt, and redefine their roles within the story.
As players unlock these relics’ secrets, they learn about the culture that created them, and perhaps something about themselves. They spark imagination, galvanize creativity, and breathe life into the cold stone of the tombs. In every campaign, strange artifacts are the threads that weave an unforgettable tapestry of adventure.
So let the mysteries of eldritch tombs unfold; let their treasures illuminate paths previously obscured. These artifacts beckon, offering the thrill of discovery and the challenge of the unknown. Whether you’ll dive fearlessly into the abyss or tread cautiously with curiosity, these artifacts await—ready to enrich your quests, fuel your legends, and spark endless imaginations.
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