Unlock the power of flight with the broom of flying! This guide dives deep into this uncommon magic item, covering everything from basic mechanics to advanced tactics and creative uses. Dominate aerial combat, explore vast landscapes, and add a touch of whimsy to your D&D 5e adventures.
The broom of flying is more than just a mundane cleaning tool; it’s your ticket to the skies! This wondrous item, appearing as an ordinary broom weighing a mere 3 pounds, transforms into a magical steed with a simple magic action. No attunement required – anyone can hop on and take to the air!
Up, Up, and Away: Functionality and Stats
Activation: Stand astride the broom and use a magic action. (Some DMs may allow a command word, referencing older editions or homebrew rules. Clarify this with your DM.)
Flight Speed: Enjoy a brisk 50 feet of flying speed, perfect for outmaneuvering ground-bound foes or enjoying a scenic aerial tour. However, if you’re carrying more than 200 pounds, your speed reduces to 30 feet.
Weight Capacity: The broom can support up to 400 pounds. Exceeding this limit likely results in a rapid (and likely painful) descent.
Deactivation: Touching down on solid ground deactivates the broom, returning it to its mundane form.
Mundane Function: Even when not activated, it functions as a perfectly normal broom. Who says you can’t sweep the dungeon after escaping on your magical broomstick?
Rarity: Uncommon (Dungeon Master’s Guide)
Feature
Details
Item Type
Wondrous item
Rarity
Uncommon
Weight
3 lbs.
Carrying Capacity
400 lbs. (speed drops to 30 ft. over 200 lbs.)
Activation
Magic Action
Tactical Takeoffs: Mastering Broom Combat
The broom of flying isn’t just for sightseeing; it’s a potent tool in combat. Imagine raining down arrows from above, performing hit-and-run attacks, or escaping a collapsing dungeon while your less-aerodynamic companions scramble for safety.
Aerial Advantages & Strategic Maneuvers
Hit-and-Run: Swoop in, attack, and retreat before enemies can react.
Aerial Flanking: Gain a height advantage and flank foes from unexpected angles.
Terrain Negotiation: Bypass difficult terrain like lava moats, spiked pits, or treacherous chasms with ease.
Escape Artist: Quickly escape ground-based threats, creating distance and buying time for your party.
Reconnaissance: Scout ahead for dangers, ambushes, or advantageous positions. Some experts believe the broom’s maneuverability makes it ideal for this role.
Aerial Awareness: Considering the Risks
While offering significant advantages, aerial combat also presents unique challenges:
Ranged Vulnerability: Being airborne makes you a prime target for archers and spellcasters.
Limited Capacity: Carrying allies or heavy equipment significantly impacts speed and maneuverability.
Environmental Factors: Strong winds, storms, or other environmental hazards can impede your flight and require DM adjudication. There is debate about how much control a character retains in extreme weather conditions.
Beyond Battles: Exploring the Broom’s Utility
Outside of combat, the broom of flying proves invaluable for exploration, travel, and even mundane tasks.
Expanding Your Horizons: Non-Combat Applications
Scouting and Exploration: Survey vast landscapes, identify landmarks, and pinpoint areas of interest from a bird’s-eye view.
Quick Travel: Traverse long distances quickly, bypassing obstacles and reducing travel time significantly.
Reaching Inaccessible Areas: Access high ledges, rooftops, or other locations that would be difficult or impossible to reach on foot.
Mundane Tasks: While perhaps not its intended use, the broom can still be used for sweeping, dusting, or other household chores. It may even be possible to reach high chandeliers or ceiling fans. Current scholarship offers no definitive answers on this point.
Rules Roundup: Navigating Nuances and DM Rulings
The broom of flying‘s core mechanics are straightforward, but certain situations might require DM interpretation.
Addressing Ambiguities and House Rules
Strong Winds: How do strong winds affect broom flight? Some DMs might require Strength (Athletics) checks, while others might impose disadvantage on attack rolls or movement.
Combining Magic: Can the broom be used in conjunction with spells like Haste? This is subject to DM discretion. Ongoing research suggests that some combinations might be deemed too powerful.
Carrying Passengers: While the broom can carry multiple passengers (within weight limits), DMs should consider the practicality and realism of such maneuvers.
Soaring Synergies: Multiclass Magic and Your Broomstick
Certain multiclass combinations can maximize the broom of flying‘s potential. A Sorcerer/Rogue could combine aerial mobility with hit-and-run tactics and sneak attacks. A Ranger/Druid might use the broom for aerial scouting before swooping down to commune with nature. The possibilities are vast.
DM’s Toolkit: Campaign Integration and Aerial Adventures
DMs can weave the broom of flying into their campaigns in countless ways. Introduce aerial chases, design encounters on floating islands, or create puzzles requiring skillful broom handling. The sky’s the limit!
Homebrewing Heights: Customizing Your Magical Ride
Want a broom of flying that spits flames or grants advantage on Stealth checks while airborne? Talk to your DM about customizing your broom with unique aesthetics or minor magical properties.
Broom of Flying vs. Other Flight Options
While other options like winged boots or the fly spell offer greater speed or capacity, the broom of flying‘s permanent duration, ease of use, and uncommon rarity make it a compelling choice. [https://www.lolaapp.com/bearded-devil-5e]
By understanding its mechanics, tactical advantages, and versatile applications, you can truly master the broom of flying and elevate your D&D 5e game to new heights!
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