Magical Items

The BG:EE manual lists a small selection of named magical items — flavour samples of the wider treasure pool scattered across the Sword Coast. The list below preserves the manual's flavour text. Many more magical items are found in-game than are described here.

"Listed below is a smattering of magical items that I have come across in my travels and conversations. There are undoubtedly more scattered all about the Sword Coast, but I'd be cautious when hunting for these items. Those who wield them are that much more powerful." — Elminster

Battle Axe +2: "Battle Axe of Mauletar"

During the civil war in Tethyr, the Battle Axe of Mauletar was in the possession of the house of Ossyind. This noble family was betrayed while trying to flee the country, and Mauletar — lead guard and personal friend — took up the axe and sacrificed himself to buy enough time for his companions to flee. His battle cry was favoured by the gods and was echoed across the lands as a symbol of devoted friendship and loyalty. Thus the magical axe was used to uphold these virtues against those who lacked honour and courage.

Boots of Speed: "The Paws of the Cheetah"

These enchanted boots were once the property of a deadly assassin fond of chasing down his prey. He moved with such speed that his targets often didn't have the opportunity to respond, even on horseback. Over time the assassin's fame spread, and although his name was never known, all knew to fear the words last heard by his victims: "You can hide, but you cannot run!"

Bracers of Defense AC 6: "Bracers to the Death"

These bracers were held for decades by an undefeated gladiator and found extensive use in arena combat. The death of this champion marked the disappearance of this magical item, but rumours persist that they are used to this day in competitive combat across the lands.

Cloak of the Wolf: "Relair's Mistake"

Great irony surrounds the creation of this magical cloak. Relair was a mage who overestimated the amount of control he had over magic. In the course of creating this garment, he apparently inflicted lycanthropy upon himself. The wearer can change form whenever he wishes. Relair was not so lucky.

Gauntlets of Dexterity: "The Brawling Hands"

This pair of gauntlets was likely developed in Kara-Tur to aid masters of the martial arts. Legends speak of such masters from the Far East bringing these items with them on their journeys, although details remain sketchy.

Girdle of Bluntness: "Destroyer of the Hills"

Having lost friends and loved ones to a series of raids by hill giants, Garrar the Powerful made it his mission to cleanse his homeland of them. It is not known where he acquired this item, but with it he single-handedly dispatched dozens of the creatures, all the while protected from the blows of their clubs. The remaining giants fled to neighbouring lands — lands that lacked a similar champion did not fare as well.

Helm of Defense: "Gift of Peace"

Prized for its noble origin as much as for its benefits to the wearer, this helm was originally intended to be a simple gift. There was no great crisis at hand nor dangerous evil to be overthrown, just a wish for one friend to give a gift to another. It could just have easily been a good book or bottle of wine, but adventurers are eminently more practical in their gift giving. The helm has seen many great battles since its creation, but the simple virtue at its core is what has always been remembered.

Light Crossbow of Speed: "The Army Scythe"

A short-lived outpost of humans in the Frozen Forest unearthed this weapon, and many others, from the ruins of an ancient settlement deep within that cold land. Never knowing the names of their extinct benefactors, the colonists used these weapons to carve a large territory for themselves — though in the end it was for naught. Crushed by a superior number of hobgoblins, these unfortunate souls have joined the ancients in their anonymity.

Plate Mail +1: "Fallorain's Plate"

Captain Fallorain, leader of Calimshan's 12th Cavalry Brigade, wore this enchanted armor for the last time during the Battle of the Spider Swamp. There he lost his life and army trying to drive an unrecorded evil from the area.

Ring of Protection +1: "Ring of the Princes"

This ring — and several of its type — were originally crafted to protect the sons of King Castter De'wess, although who created the rings is unknown. History records that the rings remained within that family for at least thirteen generations, though they were all apparently lost within the space of one. Enmity between the King and the family of the creator may be to blame.

"These are merely a small portion of the many magical items I have heard tales of. You'll have to find — and identify — the rest yourself!" — Volo

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Source: bgee/original_manuals/baldurs_gate_1_ee_mastering_melee_and_magic.pdf — "Magical Items in Baldur's Gate".