The Amulet of the Black Skull is a magical item in the 5th edition of Dungeons and Dragons (5e). This amulet is a powerful artifact that holds the essence of a black dragon within it. The amulet is shaped like a skull, with intricate detailing and black gemstones for eyes. The Amulet of the Black Skull grants its wearer several unique abilities. Firstly, it enhances the wearer's dragon-related abilities, such as their breath weapon. If the wearer has a breath weapon, it increases the damage by one die.
Amulet of Mighty Fangs
This pendant is shaped like the miniature skull of a great horned or fanged beast. While wearing it, any attack the wearer makes using a portion of its own body, including teeth, claws, horns, tail, wings, or even fists and feet is considered magical for the purpose of overcoming a creature’s resistance to damage. An unintelligent creature can attune this item by wearing it for 1 hour.
When an amulet of mighty fangs is attuned, an intelligent creature can merge a weapon with the amulet. The amulet is shrunken to a tiny miniature of itself and clasped in the jaws of the skull amulet. As long as the amulet of mighty fangs is attuned, any of the “natural weapons” described above gain the benefit of any continuous powers or materials possessed by that weapon as if it were also attuned to the wearer. Thus, if an adamantine or silvered weapon is merged with the amulet, the wearer’s attacks would be treated as adamantine or silvered. If the merged weapon grants a magical bonus on attack and damage rolls, that bonus applies to the wearers claws, bite, and similar attacks.
While they gain the benefit of a merged weapon’s continuous effects, the wearer of an amulet of mighty fangs cannot trigger any special abilities of the merged weapon that require actions, even if they are free or bonus actions.
Section 15: Copyright NoticeThe Dragon’s Hoard #18 © 2022, Legendary Games; Authors Jason Nelson, Miguel Colon, Alex Riggs, Mike Myler, Robert J. Grady, Michael “solomani” Mifsud, Darrin Drader, Matt Kimmel, Scott D. Young.
This is not the complete license attribution - see the full license for this page
Enchanting Guide
To create a magic item, you must have a mundane item to enchant; a sword, a ring, a cloak, and so on.
Enchantment
To enchant an item with a spell, the spell much be one you know, can know, or have a spell scroll of. The spell cannot be a higher level than you yourself have spell slots for.
Time
Enchanting is a long and arduous process, hence why magical items are worth so much. The amount of time spent enchanting and the DC depend on the spell level used to enchant the item. The time to enchant does not have to be done all at once, it can be broken up into increments, minimum of 8 hours. Exhaustion Saving Throws may be applicable at the end of the 8 hours, at DM's discretion.
Concentration Checks
To perform an enchantment, you must spend time maintaining concentration for extended periods. This is a taxing endeavor needing periodic DC checks to maintain concentration. These rolls must be made every 8 hours of enchanting to see if progress was made.
Enchanting can can be a dangerous endeavor. If you critically fail an enchantment, roll on the Mishaps table to determine what adverse effects take place.
Passive Enchantments
If you wish to enchant an item with a passive effect, the method is the same. Consult the table below to find the item, or consult your DM for an appropriate spell.
Multiple Enchantments
Most items can hold multiple enchantments. Each additional spell increases the enchantment DC by 4. One item can be enchanted by up to three spells and can't hold multiple enchantments above level 3.
Enchanting Table
| Spell Level | Total Time | DC | Checks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantrip | 16 Hours | 14 | 2 |
| 1-2 | 32 Hours | 18 | 4 |
| 3-4 | 48 Hours | 22 | 6 |
| 5-6 | 64 Hours | 26 | 8 |
| 7-8 | 80 Hours | 30 | 10 |
| 9 | 72 Hours | 34 | 12 |
End Results
If the finished item will have active spellcasting, it will have charges and charge reset conditions. If the item is a homebrew, these conditions are based on the spell level. The item uses the caster's spell attack and spell save DCs.
If the item is NOT homebrew, use the item's conditions as listed on dndbeyond. | Spell Level | Charges | Reset Condition | Requires Att? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantrip | 1d3 | Dawn | no |
| 1-2 | 1d3 | Long Rest | no |
| 3-4 | 1d3 | Dawn | yes |
| 5-6 | 1 | Dawn | yes |
| 7-8 | 1 | Week | yes |
| 9 | 1 | Month | yes |
Mishaps
| d6 | Mishap |
|---|---|
| 1 | You manage to avert disaster, nothing happens. |
| 2 | The magic escapes your control for a moment, you take 3d10 arcane damage. |
| 3 | As you pour your arcane essence into the item, you get carried away, and drain yourself of your ability to cast magic. You cannot cast spells until you finish a Long Rest. |
| 4 | The strain on your eyes that led you to the failure is painful and you start to lose sight of the world around you. You are Blinded until you finish a Long Rest. |
| 5 | The failure sucks in magical essence around it. 1d4 magic items within 30 feet of you (chosen by the DM) become mundane for 24 hours. |
| 6 | Flawed Enchantment. You figure out that your enchantment is flawed and must restart it from the beginning. |
Items are listed in order of rarity
Rings
| Name | Materials | Crafting Time | Checks | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring of Jumping | 1 Necklace 1 ruby spell: jump | 16 hours | 2 | DC 14 |
| Ring of Mind Shielding | ||||
| Ring of Obscuring | ||||
| Ring of Swimming | ||||
| Ring of Truth Telling | ||||
| Ring of Warmth | ||||
| Ring of Water Walking | ||||
| Ring of Animal Influence | ||||
| Ring of Evasion | ||||
| Ring of Feather Falling | ||||
| Ring of Free Action | ||||
| Ring of Protection | ||||
| Ring of Resistance | ||||
| Ring of Spell Storing | ||||
| Ring of Temporal Salvation | ||||
| Ring of the Ram | ||||
| Ring of Elemental Command | ||||
| Ring of Invisibility | ||||
| Ring of Spell Turning | ||||
| Ring of Three Wishes | ||||
| Ring of Regeneration | ||||
| Ring of Shooting Stars | ||||
| Ring of Telekinesis | ||||
| Ring of Djinni Summoning |
Wondrous Items: Neck
| Name | Materials | Crafting Time | Checks | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clockwork Amulet | ||||
| Dark Shard Amulet | ||||
| Amulet of Proof Against Detection and Location | ||||
| +1 Amulet of the Devout | ||||
| Amulet of the Drunkard | ||||
| Brooch of Shielding | ||||
| Medallion of Thoughts | ||||
| Necklace of Adaptation | ||||
| Periapt of Health | ||||
| Periapt of Wound Closure | ||||
| Amulet of Health | ||||
| Amulet of Protection from Turning | ||||
| +2 Amulet of the Devout | ||||
| Charm of Plant Command | ||||
| Necklace of Fireballs | ||||
| Necklace of Prayer Beads | ||||
| Periapt of Proof Against Poison | ||||
| Amulet of the Black Skull | ||||
| +3 Amulet of the Devout | ||||
| Amulet of the Planes | ||||
| Holy Symbol of Ravenkind |
Wondrous Items: Head
| Name | Materials | Crafting Time | Checks | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breathing Bubble | ||||
| Dread Helm | ||||
| Hat of Vermin | ||||
| Hat of Wizardry | ||||
| Cap of Water Breathing | ||||
| Circlet of Blasting | ||||
| Hat of Disguise | ||||
| Headband of Intellect | ||||
| Helm of Comprehending Languages | ||||
| Helm of Telepathy | ||||
| Helm of Underwater Action | ||||
| Spies' Murmur | ||||
| Helm of Teleportation | ||||
| Helm of the Gods | ||||
| Ioun Stone: Awareness | ||||
| Ioun Stone: Protection | ||||
| Ioun Stone: Reserve | ||||
| Ioun Stone: Sustenance | ||||
| Knave's Eye Patch | ||||
| Helm of Brilliance | ||||
| Helm of Devil Command | ||||
| Ioun Stone: Absorption | ||||
| Ioun Stone: Agility | ||||
| Ioun Stone: Fortitude | ||||
| Ioun Stone: Insight | ||||
| Ioun Stone: Intellect | ||||
| Ioun Stone: Leadership | ||||
| Peregrine Mask | ||||
| Ioun Stone: Strength | ||||
| Belashyrra's Beholder Crown | ||||
| Ioun Stone: Greater Absorption | ||||
| Ioun Stone: Mastery | ||||
| Ioun Stone: Regeneration |
Wondrous Items: Eyes
| Name | Materials | Crafting Time | Checks | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ersatz Eye | ||||
| Eyes of Charming | ||||
| Eyes of Minute Seeing | ||||
| Eyes of the Eagle | ||||
| Finder's Goggles | ||||
| Goggles of Night | ||||
| Goggles of Object Reading | ||||
| Mast of the Beast | ||||
| Black Dragon Mask |
Wondrous Items: Shoulders
| Name | Materials | Crafting Time | Checks | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloak of Billowing | ||||
| Cloak of Many Fashions | ||||
| Cloak of Elvenkind | ||||
| Cloak of Protection | ||||
| Cloak of the Manta Ray | ||||
| Nature's Mantle | ||||
| Piwafwi (Cloak of Elvenkind) | ||||
| Cape of the Mountebank | ||||
| Cloak of Displacement | ||||
| Cloak of the Bat | ||||
| Hell Hound Cloak | ||||
| Ise Rune Cloak | ||||
| Mantle of Spell Resistance | ||||
| Piwafwi of Fire Resistance | ||||
| Vind Rune Cloak | ||||
| Wings of Flying | ||||
| Cloak of Arachnida | ||||
| Cloak of Invisibility |
Wondrous Items: Arms & Wrists
| Name | Materials | Crafting Time | Checks | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prosthetic Limb | ||||
| Wand Sheath | ||||
| Bracers of Archery | ||||
| Bracer of Flying Daggers | ||||
| Bracers of Defense | ||||
| Arcane Propulsion Arm | ||||
| Bracelet of Rock Magic | ||||
| Illusionist's Bracers |
Wondrous Items: Hands
| Name | Materials | Crafting Time | Checks | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prosthetic Limb | ||||
| Gauntlets of Ogre Power | ||||
| Gloves of Missile Snaring | ||||
| Gloves of Swimming and Climbing | ||||
| Gloves of Thievery | ||||
| Living Gloves | ||||
| Claws of the Umber Hulk | ||||
| Gauntlets of Flaming Fury | ||||
| Arcane Propulsion Arm |
Armor
| Name | Materials | Crafting Time | Checks | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armor of Gleaming | 1 base armor 1 diamond worth 50gp spell: prestidigitation |
Tomb of Annihilation Is Here - What Do You Think?
Today's the day - WotC's latest Dungeons & Dragons adventure, Tomb of Annihilation, is out! Head on down to your friendly (or unfriendly) local (or not so local) gaming (or comic) store and pick up your copy. Alternatively, if you use a virtual table top, it's available for Fantasy Grounds and Roll20.
log in or register to remove this adMorrus is the owner of EN World and EN Publishing, creator of the ENnies, creator of the What's OLD is NEW (WOIN), Simply6, and Awfully Cheerful Engine game systems, and co-host of the weekly Morrus' Unofficial Tabletop RPG Talk podcast. He has been a game publisher and RPG community administrator for over 20 years, and has been reporting on D&D news for two decades. He also is on a Twitter.
ddaley
Explorer
Maybe they'll release a separate document with that information soon? I don't have the book yet, but based on the description, it doesn't look like it is included in the book. and I don't see any documents for download on the wotc site yet. I wouldn't get too discouraged yet.
Kool but kinda a bummer wanted to play with tortle ppl. Thanks for sharing the info though. Which are the backgrounds if you know any specifics?
Edit: spelling errors due to big fingers and a small phone.
log in or register to remove this adWill Doyle
Explorer
Kool but kinda a bummer wanted to play with tortle ppl. Thanks for sharing the info though. Which are the backgrounds if you know any specifics?
Edit: spelling errors due to big fingers and a small phone.
I don't know about grungs, but tortles are being released separately on the DMs Guild soon as part of a supplement to raise cash for Extra Life:
https://dnd.wizards.com/extralife2017
JRedmond
Explorer
I was under that impression as well.
Nope they've said since the beginning they would be released separately. I believe on DMs Guild later on.
vpuigdoller
Adventurer
I don't know about grungs, but tortles are being released separately on the DMs Guild soon as part of a supplement to raise cash for Extra Life:
https://dnd.wizards.com/extralife2017
Oh good catch! Thank you!
JesterOC
Explorer
This is correct. The hardcover definitely has tons of great content for DMs who want to run levels 1-4 characters in Port Nyanzaru. My point was that there really isn't an "easy to run adventure" for those lower levels for DMs with limited time to prep. For DMs who have the time and inclination to build their own level 1-4 adventure with the pieces from the book, there is definitely a ton of great material there to do so with.
Agreed. Taking a better look at it this lunch, the city does not contain any mini adventures. Their are many personalities, many little things to do, and information to glean, but no in City mini adventures.
There are many points of interest throughout the land that have information ranging from a simpler paragraph to a full map with many numbered areas. If I counted correctly there are 14 of those kinds of sites that have maps associated with them. In general these locations seem to be challenging for levels 1 through 6.
If you want to run it pure sandbox mode the players will have to be careful least they step into an area they can't handle.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk
LordEntrails
Hero
I'm a little bummed that the DM's Guild stuff appears to be online only; no POD options. That kinda sucks
DMsG removed POD options some weeks/months ago. Never heard why, but something about quality or problems getting the proper format from people. Not sure.
Quickleaf
Legend
Kool but kinda a bummer wanted to play with tortle ppl. Thanks for sharing the info though. Which are the backgrounds if you know any specifics?
Edit: spelling errors due to big fingers and a small phone.
Anthropologist & Archaeologist. Doubling down on the Indiana Jones / Lost Continent feel.
If you go to https://www.dndbeyond.com/marketplace/source/25 there's a list of all magic items & monsters included in ToA as well.
JRedmond
Explorer
What about the ten side quests?
Agreed. Taking a better look at it this lunch, the city does not contain any mini adventures. Their are many personalities, many little things to do, and information to glean, but no in City mini adventures.
There are many points of interest throughout the land that have information ranging from a simpler paragraph to a full map with many numbered areas. If I counted correctly there are 14 of those kinds of sites that have maps associated with them. In general these locations seem to be challenging for levels 1 through 6.
If you want to run it pure sandbox mode the players will have to be careful least they step into an area they can't handle.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk
CapnZapp
Legend
If you go to https://www.dndbeyond.com/marketplace/source/25 there's a list of all magic items & monsters included in ToA as well.
Sorry, its behind a login screen.fjw70
Adventurer
Sorry, its behind a login screen.Here is a quick copy and paste.
Amulet of the Black Skull
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Bookmark
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Ghost Lantern
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Mask of the Beast
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Ring of Winter
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Scorpion Armor
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Staff of the Forgotten One
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Yklwa, +1
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Yklwa, +2
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Yklwa, +3
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Monsters
CONTENT UNLOCKED
Individual Purchase Options
Acererak
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Albino Dwarf Spirit Warrior
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Albino Dwarf Warrior
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Aldani (Lobsterfolk)
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Almiraj
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Ankylosaurus Zombie
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Artus Cimber
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Assassin Vine
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Atropal
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Bodak
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Brontosaurus
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Champion
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Chwinga
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Deinonychus
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Dimetrodon
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Dragonbait
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Eblis
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Firenewt Warlock of Imix
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Firenewt Warrior
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Flail Snail
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Flying Monkey
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Froghemoth
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Giant Four-Armed Gargoyle
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Giant Snapping Turtle
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Giant Strider
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Girallon
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Girallon Zombie
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Grung
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Grung Elite Warrior
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Grung Wildling
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Hadrosaurus
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Jaculi
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Kamadan
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Kobold Inventor
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Kobold Scale Sorcerer
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Liara Portyr
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Mantrap
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Mwaxanaré
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Pterafolk
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Quetzalcoatlus
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Ras Nsi
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Stegosaurus
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Stone Juggernaut
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Su-monster
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Tabaxi Hunter
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Tabaxi Minstrel
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Thorny
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Tri-flower Frond
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Tyrannosaurus Zombie
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Vegepygmy
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Vegepygmy Chief
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Velociraptor
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Volothamp “Volo” Geddarm
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Xandala
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Yellow Musk Creeper
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Yellow Musk Zombie
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Yuan-ti Broodguard
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Yuan-ti Nightmare Speaker
$1.99
VIEW DETAILS
Zindar
If the wearer has a breath weapon, it increases the damage by one die. For example, if a dragonborn's breath weapon normally deals 2d6 damage, with the amulet it would deal 3d6 damage. Additionally, the amulet grants resistance to acid damage, as black dragons are known for their association with acid.
This resistance can be invaluable in combat situations where acid attacks are prevalent. Furthermore, the amulet allows the wearer to communicate with black dragons, both verbally and telepathically. This can be useful for gathering information, negotiating, or even forming alliances with black dragons. However, the Amulet of the Black Skull also comes with a burden. While wearing the amulet, the wearer feels a constant yearning for power and dominance. This can lead to moral conflicts and temptations to embrace darker and more destructive tendencies. It is up to the player or character to resist or succumb to these urges. Obtaining the Amulet of the Black Skull can be a challenging task, as it is often guarded by powerful black dragons or hidden within treacherous dungeons. Its rarity and power make it a coveted item among adventurers and collectors alike. In conclusion, the Amulet of the Black Skull is a potent artifact in the 5th edition of Dungeons and Dragons. It grants enhanced dragon abilities, resistance to acid damage, and the ability to communicate with black dragons. However, it also comes with the temptation for power and a potential moral struggle. Its acquisition and the subsequent decisions made while wearing it can greatly impact the story and gameplay of a D&D campaign..
Reviews for "The Dark Side of the Amulet of the Black Skull: When Good Characters Go Bad in 5th Edition D&D"
1. John - 2 stars - "Amulet of the black skull 5e" was a disappointing read for me. While the cover art promised an exciting adventure, the actual content fell short. The storyline was scattered and poorly developed, making it difficult to stay engaged. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and the dialogue was often flat and uninspiring. Overall, I found the book to be lackluster and would not recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I was greatly disappointed by "Amulet of the black skull 5e". The writing style was extremely monotonous and lacked any excitement or suspense. The plot was predictable and unoriginal, failing to offer any surprises or twists. Furthermore, the world-building was weak, leaving me feeling disconnected from the setting and lacking a sense of immersion. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and immersive fantasy read.
3. Mark - 2 stars - "Amulet of the black skull 5e" had potential, but it ultimately failed to deliver. The pacing of the story was uneven, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed and chaotic events. The author seemed to struggle with maintaining a consistent tone, which made it difficult to fully invest in the narrative. Additionally, the descriptions were lacking and often left me confused about the surroundings and character appearances. I found myself disinterested in the outcome and would not recommend this book to fans of the genre.