Skip to main content

Ammunition, +1, +2 , or +3

Ammunition +1 +2 Or +3
  • Category: Weapon (Any Ammunition)
  • Rarity: Uncommon (+1), Rare (+2), or Very Rare (+3)

You have a bonus to attack rolls and damage rolls made with this piece of magic ammunition. The bonus is determined by the rarity of the ammunition. Once it hits a target, the ammunition is no longer magical.

This ammunition is typically found or sold in quantities of ten or twenty pieces. Ten pieces of this ammunition are equivalent in value to a potion of the same rarity.

Tactical Applications​

Combat Strategy: Magic ammunition is ideal for crucial shots where accuracy and damage are paramount. Save these for high-priority targets, boss encounters, or when you need to overcome high armor class.

Class Synergies:

  • Rangers and Fighters: Maximize damage output during Action Surge or Hunter's Mark
  • Rogues: Ensure sneak attacks land on heavily armored targets
  • Warlocks and Sorcerers: Enhance Eldritch Blast invocations or spell attacks that use ammunition

Build Considerations: Most effective with characters who can make multiple attacks or have abilities that trigger on successful hits. Consider rationing higher-level ammunition for critical encounters.

Acquisition Methods​

Crafting Requirements: Requires masterwork ammunition, enchanting materials, and arcane expertise. +1: 100-200 gp per piece, +2: 500-800 gp per piece, +3: 2,000-3,000 gp per piece.

Common Sources:

  • Military armories and elite guard units
  • Specialized fletchers and weapon enchanters
  • Rewards from archery competitions or military service
  • Treasure hoards of skilled marksmen or hunters

Alternative Acquisition: Some regions offer temporary enchantment services, allowing mundane ammunition to be enhanced for specific missions or contracts.

Value & Trade​

Estimated Value: +1: 50-100 gp per piece, +2: 250-400 gp per piece, +3: 1,000-1,500 gp per piece.

Trade Considerations: Highly valued by military forces and adventuring parties. Often used as payment for dangerous scouting missions or assassination contracts.

Character Integration​

Roleplay Elements: Carrying large quantities of magic ammunition suggests wealth, military connections, or preparation for serious threats. The single-use nature adds tension to combat decisions.

Character Concepts:

  • Elite military sniper with access to specialized equipment
  • Wealthy hunter who spares no expense for the perfect shot
  • Former royal guard with access to armory supplies
  • Mercenary who invests heavily in tools of the trade

Adventure Hooks​

The Fletcher's Secret: A renowned fletcher has discovered a new technique for creating magic ammunition but is being threatened by competitors seeking to steal the formula.

The Last Arrow: The party discovers that a single piece of +3 ammunition is the only thing that can harm a particular legendary creature, leading to a quest to obtain it.

The Siege Supply: Military forces desperately need magic ammunition for an upcoming siege, hiring the party to secure raw materials or protect supply caravans.

The Assassin's Arsenal: A notorious assassin's cache of magic ammunition has been discovered, but various factions want to claim it for their own purposes.

Variants & Customization​

Elemental Ammunition (Enhanced): In addition to the attack and damage bonus, deals extra elemental damage (fire, cold, lightning, etc.).

Seeking Ammunition (Rare): Automatically hits its target if the attack roll would normally miss by 2 or less, representing supernatural guidance.

Returning Ammunition (Uncommon): Returns to the shooter's hand after hitting or missing, allowing reuse but losing magic properties after 24 hours.

Specialized Variants:

  • Dragonbane Ammunition: Extra damage against draconic creatures
  • Silvered Magic Ammunition: Overcomes certain creature resistances
  • Silent Ammunition: Makes no sound when fired, ideal for stealth

Lore & History​

Origins: Created by ancient elvish archery masters, the techniques for crafting magic ammunition spread to human cultures through military exchanges and magical academies.

Historical Significance: Famous battles have been won with single, well-placed magic arrows. Legendary archers often had their own unique ammunition crafted by master enchanters.

Cultural Impact: In many societies, magic ammunition represents the pinnacle of ranged warfare technology, often restricted to elite military units or nobility.

Magical Theory: The enchantment focuses kinetic force and targeting precision, explaining why the magic dissipates upon impact as the energy is fully expended.

Balancing Notes​

Introduction Timing: +1 ammunition at levels 3-5, +2 at levels 8-11, +3 at levels 14+. Introduce in small quantities to maintain rarity and impact.

Campaign Impact: Provides reliable damage boosts without permanent power increases. The consumable nature maintains resource management tension.

Party Balance: Ensure all party members have access to consumable magic items of equivalent value to maintain fairness.

Encounter Design​

Recommended Challenges:

  • High AC enemies where accuracy bonuses matter most
  • Flying creatures where missing has significant consequences
  • Single powerful foes where burst damage is crucial
  • Time-limited encounters where every shot counts

Tactical Adjustments: Enemies may target ammunition supplies, use cover more effectively, or employ magical defenses against enhanced projectiles.

Enhanced Weapons: Magic bows, crossbows, and slings that provide consistent bonuses without consuming resources.

Similar Consumables:

  • Silvered ammunition for lycanthropes and devils
  • Cold iron ammunition for fey creatures
  • Blessed ammunition for undead encounters

Complementary Equipment: Efficient quivers, magic bows with special properties, and items that enhance archery abilities.

Roleplay Opportunities​

Resource Management: Players must decide when to use precious magic ammunition, creating meaningful tactical decisions during combat.

Social Encounters: Displaying magic ammunition might impress military contacts, intimidate enemies, or attract unwanted attention from thieves.

Environmental Considerations: Magic ammunition might interact differently with certain magical fields, planar boundaries, or antimagic zones.