Ring of Shadow Animation
Ring • Rare • Requires Attunement
Shadowy Defender. This ring has 3 charges and regains 1d3 expended charges daily at dawn. As a bonus action, you expend 1 charge to animate your shadow, which is an object with (AC 13 and HP 20). When you animate it and on subsequent turns as a bonus action, you can make it lash out against a target within 10 feet of you (or 5 feet only while in dim light or darkness). The target must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or take 9 (2d8) necrotic damage. The shadow is attached to you, occupying your space together with you without squeezing. The shadow returns to its normal inanimate state after 1 minute, when you dismiss it as a bonus action, or when it is reduced to 0 hit points.
Curse. This ring is cursed. When your shadow is reduced to 0 hit points, the GM secretly rolls a d20. On a 1, you become cursed until you are targeted by the greater restoration spell or similar magic; parting with the ring fails to end the curse. While cursed, you are shadowless and can’t use the ring anymore. Additionally, you take 10 radiant damage when you start your turn in sunlight, and you have disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks while being in sunlight.
Ring of Shadow Animation
Ring • Very Rare • Requires Attunement
Resistance. You have resistance against necrotic damage.
Shadowy Defender. This ring has 3 charges and regains 1d3 expended charges daily at dawn. As a bonus action, you expend 1 charge to animate your shadow, which is an object with (AC 15 and HP 40). When you animate it and on subsequent turns as a bonus action, you can make it lash out against a target within 15 feet of you (or 5 feet only while in dim light or darkness). The target must succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw or take 18 (4d8) necrotic damage. The shadow is attached to you, occupying your space together with you without squeezing. The shadow returns to its normal inanimate state after 10 minutes, when you dismiss it as a bonus action, or when it is reduced to 0 hit points.
Curse. This ring is cursed. When your shadow is reduced to 0 hit points, the GM secretly rolls a d20. On a 1, you become cursed until you are targeted by the greater restoration spell or similar magic; parting with the ring fails to end the curse. While cursed, you are shadowless and can’t use the ring anymore. Additionally, you take 10 radiant damage when you start your turn in sunlight, and you have disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks while being in sunlight.
Using Evolving Items
Evolving items can be used as standard magic items—the GM simply determines the rarity at which the item is found...
- Character Growth. Reaching a specific level or proficiency milestone.
- Arcane Empowerment. Enhancing the item through crafting or rituals.
- Attunement Over Time. Deepening attunement through continued use.
- Thematic Achievements. Fulfilling tasks or trials related to the item’s nature.
- Divine or Infernal Favor. Gaining recognition from powerful entities.
- Environmental Influence. Exposure to special locations or events.
By using evolving items, the GM can weave them into the story, making them feel personal and rewarding as they develop alongside the characters.