Mundane Objects Come to Life

Habitat: Urban; Treasure: None

Animated flying swords move as if wielded by unseen warriors. Whether an animated blade is newly forged or a constellation of broken fragments, the object behaves the same. Other weapons from the Player’s Handbook can also be animated and use game statistics similar to those here.

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Animated Objects

Magic can manipulate mundane items, compelling them to perform simple tasks. Such animate objects might be unassuming tools or decorations that can defend their creator. These objects follow simple instructions from whatever force or magic-user created them. If left unattended, they might defend an area for ages or repeat a task until they wear out.

Roll on or choose a result from the Animated Object Catalysts table to inspire what sort of magic motivates an ambulatory item.

Animated Object Catalysts

1d10	The Object Was Animated By...
1	A Celestial or Fiend using the object to protect or torment a mortal.
2	A combination of magic and technology, such as alchemy or alien science.
3	The essence of someone transformed by a supernatural trickster.
4	Fey as part of their games or wiles.
5	Happenstance, with the item gaining a semblance of life after a hundred years of use.
6	A magic-user in need of a guardian or servant.
7	The song of a magical instrument.
8	A spirit possessing the object.
9	Wild magic, a spell that went awry, or a chaotic Artifact.
10	The will of a powerful psychic being.

Actions

Slash. Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) Slashing damage.

Lyin’ next to the chest were the bones of Cap’n Scornblade himself, still clutchin’ his rusty sword. Imagine my surprise when the blade flew from his bony grasp! Still got the scar.
—Levity Quickstitch, rogue