Magic Items

Locating Magic Items
There is a much greater scarcity of magic in 5th edition compared to previous editions. This generally means that magic items are not sold in shops, but rather people need to be “in the know” to find them or be connected to someone that has what you are looking for. Even a person selling relatively mundane items such as potions of healing would be forced to hide their stores for the great risk of theft and worse, being inundated with beleaguered individuals needing the healing but who could not afford the 50 gp (more than most peasants make in a year). Most people might never see a real magic item in their lives, and stories would be told (and greatly exaggerated) of those that did see one. Consequently, an adventuring party isn’t likely to be able to waltz down Main Street looking for magic items.

Because of their rarity you must first locate a magic item before you can even attempt to buy one. A character must dedicate a full eight hour day to locating a magic item. This may entail research or following up on rumors and leads as to whom might possess the item you are looking for. Each day of investigation allows for one roll. After locating an item, you must still negotiate with its owner and persuade them to part with it. This might mean trading magic items, parting with vast sums of gold or other illicit methods.

It should be noted that this is an excellent opportunity to use complex skill checks with the Investigation, Persuasion and History skills. Ultimately the difficulty needed to find an item is up to the GM.

Magic Item Identification
With standard fantasy, magic items are slightly more rare and harder to uncover their abilities. Identifying a magic item requires an Arcana check depending on the rarity of the item. If you are not proficient in the Arcana skill, you suffer disadvantage on this skill check. On a failed roll, the character must wait at least 24 hours before attempting a new Arcana check to identify the item.

The identify spell is also an option, as per the PHB. It may also simply grant advantage on the Arcana roll, rather than automatically providing the results.