Deck of Many Things
The Deck of Many Things is one of the most legendary and dangerous magic items in D&D. This deck of beautifully illustrated cards contains incredibly powerful magic that can instantly change a character's fate - for better or worse. Each card drawn can grant immense power, bestow terrible curses, or cause reality-warping effects. Many campaigns have ended (or been transformed) by this item.
At a Glance
How It Works
Usually found in a box or pouch, this deck contains a number of cards made of ivory or vellum. Most (75 percent) of these decks have only thirteen cards, but the rest have twenty-two. Before you draw a card, you must declare how many cards you intend to draw and then draw them randomly (you can use an altered deck of playing cards to simulate the deck). Any cards drawn in excess of this number have no effect. Otherwise, as soon as you draw a card from the deck, its magic takes effect. You must draw each card no more than 1 hour after the previous draw. If you fail to draw the chosen number, the remaining number of cards fly from the deck on their own and take effect all at once. Once a card is drawn, it fades from existence. Unless the card is the Fool or the Jester, the card reappears in the deck, making it possible to draw the same card twice.
Common Mistakes
DM Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Deck of Many Things — D&D 5e Wikidot — SRD reference
- Deck of Many Things — D&D Beyond — Official reference