12 Cursed Magic Items That Are Still Useful

 Cursed items need to be used more often in your game. Here are some ideas.

Ravenous Quiver: This cursed quiver has an insatiable appetite for arrows. When arrows are placed within, they disappear after 1 minute, rendering the quiver useless for holding ammunition. However, once per day, the quiver can summon back any arrow that was previously consumed, now imbued with a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls for the next attack made within the following minute.

Scepter of the Uncontrollable Flames: This scepter grants its wielder the ability to cast the spell Fireball three times per day. However, the wielder cannot control the direction of the Fireball and must roll a d8 to determine the direction of the spell. Despite its unpredictability, this item can still be useful for a desperate last resort or causing chaos among enemies.

Ring of Unseen Thorns: This ring provides the wearer with the benefits of a Ring of Protection +2. However, while wearing the ring, the bearer is constantly pricked by unseen thorns, causing 1 point of damage per turn. This item could be useful for characters who can endure the damage in exchange for increased protection.

Glove of Unreliable Telekinesis: This glove grants the wearer the ability to cast the spell Telekinesis once per day. However, the Telekinesis effect is unreliable, and the user must roll a d20 to determine if the spell works correctly. On a roll of 11 or higher, the spell works as intended; on a roll of 10 or lower, the target object flies in a random direction (determined by a d8). This item may still be useful for manipulating objects from a distance, despite the risk.

Armor of Unending Gloom: This cursed armor grants a +2 bonus to Armor Class but shrouds the wearer in magical gloom. While wearing this armor, the wearer has a -2 on all attacks due to the darkness. Despite the hinderance, the armor's increased protection may make it a valuable asset in certain situations.

Sword of the Backbiter: This +2 longsword has a chance to harm its wielder as well as its intended target. On a natural attack roll of 1, the sword curves back and deals damage to the wielder instead of the target. The sword's enhanced attack and damage bonus may make it a tempting choice for some adventurers despite the risk.

Cloak of the Unseen Burden: This cloak grants the wearer the Invisibility spell once per day. However, while invisible, the wearer's movement speed is reduced by half due to a feeling of immense weight. The cloak may still be useful for sneaking past enemies or avoiding detection, albeit at a slower pace.

Necklace of the Aggravating Wisp: This necklace summons a Will-o'-Wisp that grants the wearer a +2 bonus to their saving throws. However, the Wisp constantly buzzes and distracts the wearer, imposing a -2 penalty on all checks involving concentration. Despite the annoyance, the benefits to saving throws may outweigh the downsides in certain situations.

Chime of Unpredictable Portals: This magical chime allows the user to cast the Dimension Door spell once per day. However, when the chime is struck, the destination of the portal is randomly determined within the spell's range. While the uncertainty of the destination may be risky, the ability to quickly escape dangerous situations or access hard-to-reach places still makes the chime a useful tool for adventurous individuals.

Dagger of the Restless Dead: This +1 dagger has the ability to deal an additional 2d6 damage on a successful hit. However, each time the dagger deals damage, there is a 50% chance it summons a hostile undead creature (determined randomly) to the wielder in 2d6 turns. Despite the danger, the dagger's increased damage potential makes it a powerful weapon for those willing to take the risk.

Helm of Confounding Languages: This helm grants the wearer the ability to understand and speak all languages. However, every time the wearer attempts to communicate, they must roll a d20. On a roll of 10 or lower, the message is scrambled, and the listener hears a random language instead of the intended one. This helm can still be helpful for understanding unknown languages, but the wearer should be cautious when using it to communicate important information.

Boots of Uncontrollable Speed: These boots grant the wearer the Haste spell once per day. However, once activated, the wearer cannot control their movement and must run in a random direction (determined by a d8) for the duration of the spell. This item could be valuable in situations where speed is necessary, despite the unpredictability of the movement.