Bags
Bag of Tricks Shopping Guide: Types, Features & Best Uses
Looking for clever solutions and handy tools? Our “Bag of Tricks” shopping guide unlocks a world of uniquely practical products designed to make everyday life easier. Whether you’re tackling daily challenges, looking for thoughtful gifts, or simply love discovering ingenious gadgets, this guide has something for everyone. Dive in and equip yourself with versatile, must-have finds that turn problems into possibilities!
Comparison Table: Bag of Tricks Types
| Bag Color | Common Name | Summoned Animals (d8 Table) | Highest CR | Notable Animal Features | Appearance | Rarity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gray | Gray Bag of Tricks | 1. Weasel2. Giant Rat3. Badger4. Boar5. Panther6. Giant Badger7. Dire Wolf8. Giant Elk | 2 | Giant Elk (Huge, fast); Panther (stealthy); Dire Wolf (powerful) | Gray cloth | Uncommon | 1/2 lb (227 g) |
| Rust | Rust Bag of Tricks | 1. Rat2. Owl3. Mastiff4. Goat5. Giant Goat6. Giant Boar7. Lion8. Brown Bear | 1 | Brown Bear (multi-attack); Lion (speed); Owl (flying) | Rust-colored cloth | Uncommon | 1/2 lb (227 g) |
| Tan | Tan Bag of Tricks | 1. Jackal2. Ape3. Baboon4. Axe Beak5. Black Bear6. Giant Weasel7. Giant Hyena8. Tiger | 1 | Tiger (multi-attack, stealth); Ape (climbing, ranged attack) | Tan cloth | Uncommon | 1/2 lb (227 g) |
Types of Bag of Tricks
Although it shares a whimsical theme across all variations, the Bag of Tricks comes in three distinct color types: Gray, Rust, and Tan. Each bag summons a unique list of animals when used, giving its owner access to different sets of animal companions or battlefield allies. Let’s explore what sets these types apart.
Gray Bag of Tricks
- Creatures Summoned: Emphasizes a mix of stealthy, quick, and powerful beasts:
- Notable creatures: Panther (stealth), Dire Wolf (pack tactics & strength), Giant Elk (speed & size)
- Best For: Those seeking versatility in size, utility, or a strategic diversity of animal companions.
- Unique Features: Contains the only Huge creature (Giant Elk, CR 2) which can be useful for transportation and battlefield control.
Rust Bag of Tricks
- Creatures Summoned: Focuses on robust, practical animals and predators:
- Notable creatures: Brown Bear (high hit points & melee damage), Lion (pack-hunting), Owl (flight)
- Best For: Adventurers aiming for durable front-line support or airborne scouting.
- Unique Features: The only Bag with a flying animal (Owl); good for recon and unique tactical options.
Tan Bag of Tricks
- Creatures Summoned: Provides a variety of wild beasts, including great climbers and sprinters:
- Notable creatures: Tiger (stealth & high damage), Ape (can throw objects), Axe Beak (mobility)
- Best For: Those who want aggressive, stealthy, or environment-adaptive animals.
- Unique Features: The Ape offers useful hands, capable of making ranged attacks or manipulating objects.
Material Choices
The magical nature of the Bag of Tricks means its “material” is largely an aesthetic or narrative choice, but color is more than just style—it determines functionality.
- Gray Cloth: Symbolizes subtlety and adaptability; blends with a variety of adventuring gear.
- Rust Cloth: Evokes ruggedness and earthiness; fits in with survivalists or naturalists.
- Tan Cloth: Suggests wilderness and travel; ideal for explorers, rangers, or desert wanderers.
Although construction is typically described as simple cloth (sometimes adorned with animal motifs), its enchantments make it far more resilient than mundane fabric. Maintenance is as simple as regular cleaning (if your DM allows), and the bag is always lighter than it appears: just half a pound.
Usage Occasions
The Bag of Tricks is beloved for its creative utility and adaptability. Here are some popular scenarios for its use:
In Adventuring and Exploration
- Combat Support: Unleash an extra fighting companion, control the battlefield, flank enemies, or serve as a distraction.
- Reconnaissance: Use stealthy or flying animals (like an owl or panther) for scouting ahead, locating traps, or eavesdropping.
- Transportation and Carrying: Large creatures like Giant Elk or Brown Bear can carry gear, drag downed allies, or provide expedient travel.
In Roleplay and Problem Solving
- Distraction: Release a fuzzy animal to draw guards’ attention, cover an escape, or break up a crowd.
- Carrying Messages or Objects: Train a summoned beast (especially ape or mastiff) to deliver items or notes over short distances.
- Companionship and Entertainment: Offer characters moments of levity, animal bonding, or even meaningful roleplay with “pet” companions.
In Social and Utility Applications
- Intimidation or Diplomacy: A powerful creature beside you can sway negotiations.
- Survival Situations: Animals can help provide food (hunting), warmth, or protection during camp.
- Creative Challenges: Bridge gaps (ape tosses rope), climb walls, break objects, distract spellcasters—the Bag’s potential is limited only by your ideas.
How to Match with Outfits
While the Bag of Tricks is a magical item, how it fits your character’s visual presentation or daily attire can add flavor to your adventures.
- Color Coordination: Align the bag’s color (gray, rust, tan) with your overall adventurer style, such as earth tones for rangers or bright tan for desert nomads.
- Attachment Options: The bag can be slung over the shoulder, belt-tied, or attached to a backpack, ensuring easy access during unpredictable combat but stylish enough for downtime.
- Animal Motifs: Some bags are stitched with subtle animal patterns—an opportunity for character expression or to reference a favored animal companion.
- Size and Weight: Compact and lightweight, the Bag of Tricks won’t interfere with movement or restrict style choices—a practical accessory for any magical wardrobe.
Practical Tips and Advice for Choosing and Using Your Bag of Tricks
1. Select Your Bag by Intended Use
Ask yourself which creatures most benefit your playstyle:
– Prefer stealth and infiltration? Choose Gray for panther or dire wolf.
– Need brute strength or flight? Try Rust for brown bear and owl.
– Like versatility? Tan provides mobility (Axe Beak), climbing (Ape), and power (Tiger).
2. Know Your Animals
Familiarize yourself with the stat blocks (available in your Monster Manual) for each creature your bag can produce. Understand their strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities.
3. Maximize Your Actions
Remember, the summoned animal acts right after you on your initiative. You can use a bonus action to command it, or let it act on its own instincts.
4. Plan for Recharge
You can only pull three fuzzy objects (i.e., summon three animals) each day (until the next dawn). Use them thoughtfully for crucial encounters or emergencies.
5. Synergize with Party Tactics
Coordinate with party members. Animals can assist flanking, grapple foes, trigger traps, or provide the help action for skill checks.
6. Think Outside the Box
Sometimes the solution isn’t straightforward. Need a distraction, a lookout at night, or a mobile trap detector? Your Bag of Tricks might save the day in unexpected ways.
7. Maintain and Personalize
Some stories/DMs encourage personalizing your bag—embroidery, tokens, or even animal “names”—making it an iconic extension of your character.
8. Handle with Care
While the creatures are magically loyal and temporary (vanishing at dawn or when defeated), avoid reckless endangerment—players often develop strong bonds with their animals!
Technical Comparison Table: Bag of Tricks Key Features
| Feature | Gray Bag | Rust Bag | Tan Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest CR | 2 (Giant Elk) | 1 (Brown Bear) | 1 (Tiger) |
| Largest Creature Size | Huge (Giant Elk) | Large (Brown Bear) | Large (Tiger) |
| Flying Creature | No | Yes (Owl) | No |
| Most Powerful Attacker | Dire Wolf, Panther, Giant Elk | Brown Bear, Lion | Tiger, Giant Hyena |
| Stealthy Creatures | Panther | Owl | Tiger |
| Climbing/Throwing | None | None | Ape (climbing, can throw) |
| Maximum Summons/Day | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Recharge | Next dawn | Next dawn | Next dawn |
| Bag Weight | 1/2 lb | 1/2 lb | 1/2 lb |
| Rarity | Uncommon | Uncommon | Uncommon |
| Price Estimate | Varies (typically 101–500 gp if listed) | Same | Same |
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Conclusion
The Bag of Tricks is a uniquely charming and versatile magic item, elevating both utility and whimsy in adventures of all kinds. Whether you’re a strategist, animal lover, wilderness explorer, or creative problem-solver, there’s a Bag of Tricks color and creature roster to match your needs. By understanding the types, material nuances, best usage scenarios, and maximizing their magical features, you can add flair, fun, and extra advantages to your journeys. Choose wisely, treat your summoned friends well, and let your Bag of Tricks open new possibilities with every fuzzy object you draw!
FAQ
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How many animals can I summon per day with a Bag of Tricks?
You can summon up to three animals each day (regardless of bag type). After three uses, the bag won’t work until the next dawn. -
How does the color of my Bag of Tricks affect which animals I can summon?
The color (Gray, Rust, Tan) determines the unique list of animals available to each bag, affecting size, utility, strength, and special abilities. -
Are the summoned animals permanent?
No. Each creature disappears at the next dawn or when it’s reduced to 0 hit points. -
Can I control the animal that appears when I use the Bag of Tricks?
You can influence which animal appears only by rolling on a d8 corresponding to the table for your bag’s color. You cannot choose directly. -
Do the animals obey my commands?
Yes, each creature is friendly to you and your companions. You can use a bonus action to command it; otherwise, it acts according to its own nature but does not attack you or your allies. -
What happens if I lose my Bag of Tricks?
The animals disappear at dawn regardless, and you lose access to the magic until the bag is recovered or you acquire a new one. -
Can the animals use special abilities, like flying or climbing?
Yes! Each summoned creature has its normal features and abilities based on its stat block in the Monster Manual. -
Can I summon all three animals at once?
Yes. You can use your action three times (once per fuzzy object)—either all in one round (with features like Action Surge or Quickened actions) or over multiple turns/encounters. -
Can the Bag of Tricks be used as part of creative problem-solving (not just combat)?
Absolutely! Summoned animals can assist with scouting, carrying, distractions, overcoming obstacles, or even social situations. Explore creative uses for each creature. -
Is the Bag of Tricks suitable for any character class?
The Bag of Tricks is universally usable and does not require attunement. Anyone can benefit from it—though classes with animal-handling or strategic play (like rangers or rogues) might find it especially compelling.
