Do Magic Items Do Magic Damage?
Magic items, such as magical swords and potions, do not inherently deal magic damage unless explicitly stated in their description, and instead, deal physical damage types like slashing, piercing, or bludgeoning. However, magical items that are weapons can produce magical versions of these physical damage types, making them effective against creatures with immunity or resistance to non-magical attacks.
Understanding Magic Items and Damage Types
Magic items have various effects and properties, but their damage output is not automatically magical. To determine if a magic item deals magic damage, one must consult its specific description.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What Counts as Magic Damage?
Magic damage is a type of elemental damage that falls outside of fire damage, lightning damage, and holy damage types, often effective against enemies with high physical resistance.
Q2: Do Magic Items Take Damage?
Magic items have resistance to all damage and immunity to poison and psychic damage, but they can be easily destroyed due to their low hit points and poor AC.
Q3: What Counts as a Magic Item in D&D?
The categories of magic items in 5th edition include armor, potions, rings, rods, scrolls, staffs, wands, weapons, and wondrous items, with some requiring attunement.
Q4: What Talismans Increase Magic Damage?
The Magic Scorpion Charm is a talisman that increases magic damage when worn, and other talisman items like the Graven-Mass can also boost sorcery damage.
Q5: Do +1 Weapons Do Magic Damage?
A +1 weapon overcomes resistance that requires a magic weapon, but it still deals physical damage and can be resisted by physical resistance unless specified otherwise.
Q6: Does Magic Stone Count as Magical Damage?
Yes, the Magic Stone spell deals bludgeoning damage from a magical source.
Q7: Does Holy Count as Magic Damage?
Yes, holy damage is considered magical damage, including arcane shot and paladin seals/judgement.
Q8: Does a Moon-Touched Sword Do Magic Damage?
The moon-touched sword‘s damage counts as magical according to the monster manual.
Q9: Can Dispel Magic Destroy Magic Items?
Dispel Magic can end a magical effect from a magic item, but it does not affect the magic item itself.
Q10: Can Magic Items Burn?
Magic items are more durable than mundane ones, but they are not indestructible and can be damaged or destroyed by fire or other means, except for artifacts and legendary items.
Q11: How Do Magic Items Work in 5e?
Some magic items require attunement before their magical properties can be used, with specific prerequisites for certain items.
Q12: How Much Should a +1 Sword Cost?
A +1 sword should be priced near the high end of its rarity bracket, considering its ability to overcome resistance and deal magical damage.
Q13: Can Detect Magic See Magic Items?
Yes, detect magic can detect magic items, but the caster must use an action to spot the magic aura.
Q14: What is the Strongest Magic Stone?
The Philosopher’s Stone is considered the most powerful magic stone, playing a crucial role in recreating the Sabbath.
Q15: Does Fire Damage Count as Magic Damage?
Yes, fire damage is considered magical damage, as are other elemental damage types like nature and frost.