[RPG] How rare are magic items in the Old World

magic-itemswfrp-1e

In regards to magic item rarity, the Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay first edition book states:

They should be kept rare enough so that finding one (even in the hands
of an NPC opponent) elicits some excitement from the players, but not
so rare that they despair of ever possessing such treasures.

Is there a magic number? Does it ultimately depend on the group? Do the novels or campaigns provide any insight? I'm not familiar with later editions of WFRP, so I'm not sure if this question was addressed in more detail as the system matured.

Best Answer

WFRP, 2nd Edition, p.169:

Magic Items

Magic items are beyond rare in the Warhammer World. There are not magical smiths churning out masses of magic swords in the forges of Nuln. Each magic item is unique, with its own special history and powers. A character with one magic item is considered lucky. The mightiest heroes of the Old World might have three. (...)

(All emphasis mine.)

I don't have the other books handy, but I strongly suspect this approach has been rather consistent through the editions. We've always played it this way, at least: a simple, single magic item in WFRP is, imo, about the equivalent of a minor artifact in DnD in terms of value, rarity and importance.

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