D&D 5e Magic Items That Increase Ability Scores
If you're looking to enhance your gameplay in Dungeons and Dragons 5e, one of the best ways to do so is through magic items that increase your ability scores. These items can be found in treasure hoards, purchased from merchants, or crafted by skilled artisans. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most popular magic items that increase ability scores and how they can benefit your character.
Ability Score Increases
Before we dive into the magic items themselves, it's important to understand what ability scores are and what they do in D&D 5e. Ability scores are a set of six attributes that define your character's physical and mental capabilities. These attributes are Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma.
Each ability score has a corresponding modifier that is used to determine various aspects of your character, such as attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks. For example, if your Strength score is 18, your Strength modifier would be +4.
Ability score increases are a way to boost your character's abilities beyond what can be achieved through leveling up. These increases can be permanent or temporary, and they can come from a variety of sources, including magic items.
Belts of Giant Strength
Belts of Giant Strength are one of the most sought-after magic items that increase Strength. These belts come in a variety of sizes, each corresponding to a different level of giant. The higher the level of giant, the greater the bonus to Strength.
For example, a Belt of Hill Giant Strength grants a +6 bonus to Strength, while a Belt of Storm Giant Strength grants a +10 bonus. These bonuses are in addition to any modifiers you already have for your Strength score.
Belts of Giant Strength are highly valued by melee fighters, who rely on Strength to deal damage and make successful attacks. They can also be useful for characters who need to move heavy objects or break through barriers.
Gauntlets of Ogre Power
Gauntlets of Ogre Power are similar to Belts of Giant Strength, but they specifically increase your Strength score to 19 if it is lower than that. This can be a great option for characters who are already close to a Strength score of 19, as it allows them to reach that threshold without having to invest more ability score increases.
Unlike Belts of Giant Strength, Gauntlets of Ogre Power don't grant an additional bonus on top of your Strength score. However, they are still a valuable item for melee fighters who need a boost in Strength.
Headbands of Intellect
Headbands of Intellect are magic items that increase your Intelligence score to 19 if it is lower than that. Intelligence is a crucial ability score for spellcasters, as it determines the number of spells they can prepare and the difficulty of saving against their spells.
Headbands of Intellect can be particularly useful for classes that rely heavily on Intelligence, such as wizards and artificers. They can also be a valuable item for characters who want to be more versatile in their skillset, as Intelligence is used for a variety of skill checks.
Cloaks of Charisma
Cloaks of Charisma are magic items that increase your Charisma score to 19 if it is lower than that. Charisma is an important ability score for characters who rely on persuasion, deception, and other social skills.
Cloaks of Charisma can be particularly useful for classes that focus on social interactions, such as bards and paladins. They can also be useful for characters who want to improve their chances of convincing NPCs to help them or provide information.
Amulets of Health
Amulets of Health are magic items that increase your Constitution score to 19 if it is lower than that. Constitution is an important ability score for characters who need to withstand physical punishment, as it determines your hit points and your bonus on Constitution saving throws.
Amulets of Health can be particularly useful for classes that rely on their durability, such as barbarians and fighters. They can also be useful for characters who want to take on more challenging enemies without fear of being knocked out in a single blow.
Conclusion
Magic items that increase ability scores can be a valuable addition to any character's arsenal in D&D 5e. Whether you're looking to boost your Strength, Intelligence, Charisma, or Constitution, there's a magic item out there that can help you achieve your goals.
When selecting magic items, it's important to consider your character's class, playstyle, and role in the party. You want to choose items that will complement your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses, rather than just going for the highest bonus possible.
