Encyclopedia Magica, Volume 1

by Dale Henson

Provides detailed information on magical paraphernalia and spells for players of Dungeons and Dragons

Genres: Gaming, Role Playing Games, Dungeons and Dragons, Fantasy, Games, Reference

416 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 1994

Reviews

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are like 5 types of magic items in this book

1) The normal items that appear in later books and editions such as a Bag of Holding, Crystal Balls and Daeirn's Instant Fortress.
2) Relics, obscure or niche items sometimes with an interesting backstory given
3) Useful items that are WAY overpowered and game breaking often with very low gp prices.
4) Variations of Bags of Holding
5) Cursed items. Sometimes it seems like 1 in 4 items in the book are along the lines of:
"Seems in all ways to be a useful ____ and NO amount of detection or even a wish will let a player determine otherwise. When touched [insert method of demise or horrible fate]."

The amount in the book, which is only Vol. I, is tremendous though.

[Juho Pohjalainen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Collecting every single magic item from every single source of gaming so far - all the magazines, sourcebooks, campaign books, everything, of every edition - this book is a wealth of resource, inspiration, and new ideas. Unfortunately, a rather large number of them are gimmicky and fairly unsuited for most campaigns: get ready to reroll often and with feeling if you use the complete random tables at the end of volume four.

[John Teske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have to wonder why I never looked at this sooner.

What a wonderful compilation of magic items. And for major categories (dagger, bag, etc) it offers random tables to determine what specific type of item. How about a duffel bag of holding?

Hahaha! A lot of laughs, and a source of inspiration for my game. So much appreciated!

[Abraham Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read about magic items for dnd second ed.!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book.

[Dylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating based on usefulness.