DnD Players Shouldn't Overlook Equipment

Jun 16, 2023

Dungeons & Dragons is full of magical items, but even the most mundane supplies have a variety of potential uses for creative players to benefit from.

Magical items are one of the most exciting things to get during a game of Dungeons & Dragons. They can allow for unique solutions to problems and even encourage new playstyles centered around the game's existing classes. The creativity of D&D's magic items can lead to them becoming essential tools in a party's arsenal, but even when they aren't available, there are plenty of creative options presented by even the most basic pieces of equipment.

Mundane adventuring equipment is often overlooked during character creation. The adventuring kits many characters start with include a ton of the more useful pieces of equipment, and there are plenty of stories of players making incredibly creative use of these. On top of that, there are some crucial pieces of adventuring equipment that just shouldn't be overlooked.

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While ball bearings are often overlooked, they can be used in a variety of creative ways -- even when facing bosses. Reddit user razerzej detailed how a single ball bearing has a 50% chance to knock a tarrasque prone. This is, of course, going strictly off mechanics and likely wouldn't be reproduced in any serious campaign, but it is a great example of just how creative some players can get with simple items. A much more realistic use for ball bearings involves creating a red-hot projectile by using one of D&D's best spells, Heat Metal.

Fifty feet of rope is another mundane piece of equipment that's useful throughout an entire adventure. Surprisingly, not many spells can replicate the utility of tying two things together. Ropes are irreplaceable, especially for adventuring parties that lack a caster. A rope can also be attached to plenty of other mundane pieces of equipment, such as grappling hooks, buckets, lanterns, and beartraps.

Ropes and ball bearings are perfect examples of how basic equipment and a little bit of creativity can create some amazing moments during a campaign. These items show that everything can have a use in a game as open as D&D. With a creative mindset, there really isn't a piece of equipment that doesn't have its use on an adventure.

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When it comes to picking out adventuring gear for a character, it's worth considering some of the lesser-used adventuring items. For example, players can pick up a mirror for five gold. While this might not seem like something one would bring on an adventure, it's worth considering how many monsters have effects that work on sight. Having a mirror on hand can let an adventurer turn these gazes back on a monster.

Something as simple as a tankard or cup might seem like wasted carry weight, but there are plenty of situations where being able to store liquid could come in handy. In fact, a cup is a great example of an essential adventuring item. Good adventuring items tend to be the ones that don't have a single situation use, but rather one general use that can apply to a ton of different scenarios. A cup really only stores liquid, but there are a ton of situations where being able to store a liquid could come in handy.

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A good Dungeon Master should encourage this kind of creative thinking and problem-solving by giving players advantage on certain rolls if they happen to have an item that will assist them in a task. For example, having an hourglass handy could provide an advantage on a survival check to keep track of time during a timed puzzle. Having a map and a quill to keep track of the party's route could provide an advantage on rolls made during challenging travel. Even something like an abacus can provide much-needed bonuses in specific situations.

Outside of creative problem-solving and skill checks, some pieces of adventuring gear can help keep the story engaging by encouraging the party to role-play. A change of clothes, for example, has a ton of practical uses that most players tend to overlook. Books, blankets, and bedrolls can give a bit of comfort while a party's out on the road. There's also a selection of trade goods included in The Player's Handbook that could help provide a bit of variety to an adventuring party's meals, such as cloves and flour. In a game like D&D, everything has the potential to be useful, and while many players forget about their starting items and equipment, remembering to stock up on the basics can make a huge difference.

A writer for CBR since September 2020, Jacob Creswell is a life long writer and gamer. Has written for both local and global publications. Lover of Animal Crossing, Undertale, Team Fortress 2, and a little professional wrestling on the side. Often can be found doing way more research than needed for his video game theories. Can also be found on his Twitter, @Creaology98