Grimoire of the Harbinger: DnD 5e Homebrew Magic Item

Grimoire of the Harbinger with skull adornment and glowing green runes — The Grimoire of the Harbinger beckons with forbidden power.

The Grimoire of the Harbinger is a very rare DnD 5e homebrew magic item that allows the user to emit a necrotic wave, dealing damage to enemies.

✨ Item Overview

This sinister artifact, the Grimoire of the Harbinger, is bound in dark leather with bone-like adornments and glowing green runes. Imbued with necromantic power, this tome lets its wielder unleash a surge of necrotic energy, damaging foes yet making the holder shunned by the living.

How to Use It in Play

Once per long rest, a character attuned to this grimoire can release a wave of necrotic energy in a 20-foot radius. This attack deals 3d8 necrotic damage, with a Constitution save to halve the damage. Ideal for those who thrive in dark magic, but users will find themselves at a social disadvantage, suffering on Persuasion checks.

Flavorful Ending

This chilling tome speaks of fates best left unspoken, a companion for those who tread the darkest paths.

🔑 Key Facts

Type: Wondrous Item (book)
Rarity: Very Rare
Attunement: Yes
Effect: Emit a 20-ft necrotic wave
Damage: 3d8 necrotic damage
Save: DC 15 Constitution save halves damage
Drawback: Disadvantage on Persuasion checks while attuned
Includes: Free download for VTT / Foundry

📜 Item Stats

Type	Wondrous Item (book)
Rarity	Very Rare
Attunement	Yes
Necromantic Surge	Once per long rest, emit 20-ft necrotic wave
Effect	3d8 necrotic damage, DC 15 Con save halves
Drawback	Disadvantage on Persuasion checks while attuned

Crafted in the shadowed halls of Mortem Keep, this grim tome was last held by the necromancer Elara the Void, who vanished into darkness. When grasped, the book emits a cold, eerie whisper as if speaking forbidden secrets.

🎲 Free Magic Items for DnD

Want to use Grimoire of the Harbinger in your campaign? Download the free token below — perfect for VTTs like Roll20 or Foundry, or print it out for your table!

Foundry VTT · dnd5e v3 & v4

⚔️ Foundry VTT Macro

Create the Grimoire of the Harbinger directly in your world — with one click.

This Script Macro creates two fully configured items in Foundry VTT: the Grimoire of the Harbinger item and the Necromantic Surge feature, complete with Active Effects, damage rolls, saving throws, and an unidentified state for mystery-first reveal at the table. No modules required. Recharge: 1× per long rest.

Open the Macro Directory

In Foundry, click the macro hotbar at the bottom. Click any empty slot or open the Macro Directory and hit Create Macro.

Set Type to “Script”

In the macro editor, make sure the type is set to Script (not Chat). Give it a name like Grimoire of the Harbinger.

Paste the Code & Save

Copy the macro below, paste it into the editor, and click Save Macro.

Run the Macro

Click the macro button in the hotbar. Optional: select a token first — items will be added directly to that character’s sheet. With no token selected, they appear in the World Items sidebar.

Necromantic Surge · 3d8 Necrotic 👁 Unidentified by Default

GM Note: The item is created as unidentified — players only see “Mystic Tome” and a flavour description until you reveal it. To identify it: open the item sheet → Details tab → tick Identified.

grimoire-of-the-harbinger-macro.js

Macro & item by RuneForge Studio · Free to use in your campaign

// ================================================================
//  GRIMOIRE OF THE HARBINGER — Foundry VTT Creation Macro
//  Source & Lore: runeforgestudio.com
//  Compatible with dnd5e system v3.x and v4.x (2024 PHB)
//
//  HOW TO USE:
//  1. Create a new Script Macro in Foundry VTT
//  2. Paste this entire code, then save the macro
//  3. Optional: select a token first -> items are added directly
//     to that character. No selection -> World Items sidebar.
//  4. Execute the macro (click hotbar button or run button)
//
//  UNIDENTIFIED SYSTEM (native dnd5e — no module required):
//  – Created with system.identified = false
//  – Players see "Mystic Tome" and atmospheric text
//  – To reveal: item sheet (as GM) -> Details tab -> tick Identified
// ================================================================

// — IMAGE URL ——————————————————-
// Loaded directly from RuneForge Studio. For offline use, download
// and upload via Foundry's file browser, then replace this URL.
(async () => {

// — IMAGE URL ——————————————-
  // Loaded directly from RuneForge Studio. For offline use,
  // download and upload via Foundry's file browser.
  const IMAGE_URL = "https://runeforgestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Free_Magic_Items_for_DnD_grimoire-of-the-harbinger.png";

// — DETECT SYSTEM VERSION ——————————————
const sysVer = game.system.version;
const isV4 = foundry.utils.isNewerVersion(sysVer, "3.9.9");
console.log("[Grimoire of the Harbinger] dnd5e " + sysVer + " detected -> " + (isV4 ? "v4 mode" : "v3 mode"));

// — DESCRIPTIONS —————————————————

const identifiedDesc = `Wondrous Item (book)
<blockquote>"Crafted in the shadowed halls of Mortem Keep, this grim tome was last held by the necromancer Elara the Void, who vanished into darkness. When grasped, the book emits a cold, eerie whisper as if speaking forbidden secrets."</blockquote>
Type: Wondrous Item (book)
Rarity: Very Rare
Attunement: Yes
Necromantic Surge: Once per long rest, emit 20-ft necrotic wave
Effect: 3d8 necrotic damage, DC 15 Con save halves
Drawback: Disadvantage on Persuasion checks while attuned
<h3>Necromantic Surge</h3>
See the Necromantic Surge feature item for full mechanics.
<h3>Drawback</h3>
Disadvantage on Persuasion checks while attuned`;

const unidentifiedDesc = `A weighty tome bound in dark leather, adorned by a skull design with glowing runes. Its aura suggests untapped power within.`;

const abilityDesc = `Feature: Grimoire of the Harbinger — 1/Long Rest
Once per long rest, emit a wave of necrotic energy, dealing 3d8 necrotic damage to creatures in a 20-foot radius. Affected creatures must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw to halve the damage.`;

// — ACTIVE EFFECTS ————————————————-
const activeEffects = [];

// — MAIN ITEM ——————————————————
const mainItemData = {
  name: "Grimoire of the Harbinger",
  type: "equipment",
  img: IMAGE_URL,
  system: {
    description: {
      value: identifiedDesc,
      unidentified: unidentifiedDesc,
    },
    identified: false,
    quantity: 1,
    rarity: "very rare",
    equipped: false,
    attunement: isV4 ? "none" : 0,
    weight: { value: 3, units: "lb" },
    price: { value: 0, denomination: "gp" },
    armor: { type: "trinket", value: 0, dex: null },
    uses: { value: null, max: null, per: null },
  },
  effects: activeEffects,
};

// — ABILITY ITEM —————————————————
const abilityItemData = {
  name: "Necromantic Surge (Grimoire of the Harbinger)",
  type: "feat",
  img: IMAGE_URL,
  system: {
    description: { value: abilityDesc, unidentified: "" },
    identified: true,
    activation: { type: "action", cost: 1, condition: "" },
    duration: { value: null, units: "inst" },
    range: { value: null, long: null, units: "self" },
    target: isV4
      ? {
          template: { type: "radius", size: 20, units: "ft" },
          affects: { type: "creature", count: null, choice: true },
        }
      : { value: 20, units: "ft", type: "sphere" },
    uses: {
      value: 1,
      max: "1",
      per: "lr",
      recovery: [],
      prompt: true,
    },
    save: { ability: "con", dc: 15, scaling: "flat" },
    actionType: "save",
    damage: isV4
      ? {
          base: { number: 3, denomination: 8, bonus: "", types: ["necrotic"], custom: { enabled: false, formula: "" } },
        }
      : { parts: [["3d8", "necrotic"]] },
    chatFlavor: "DC 15 CON save — fail: 3d8 necrotic",
    rarity: "",
  },
};

// — CREATE THE ITEMS ———————————————–
mainItemData.folder = null;
abilityItemData.folder = null;

const targetActor = canvas.tokens.controlled[0]?.actor ?? game.user.character ?? null;

try {
  let created;
  if (targetActor) {
    created = await targetActor.createEmbeddedDocuments("Item", [mainItemData, abilityItemData]);
    ui.notifications.info("Grimoire of the Harbinger + Necromantic Surge added to " + targetActor.name);
  } else {
    created = await Item.create([mainItemData, abilityItemData]);
    ui.notifications.info("Grimoire of the Harbinger + Necromantic Surge created in World Items (no token selected)");
  }
  if (created?.[0]) created[0].sheet?.render(true);
} catch (err) {
  ui.notifications.error("Error creating items — check browser console (F12).");
  console.error("[Grimoire of the Harbinger] Creation error:", err);
}

})();

// ================================================================
//  GM REFERENCE
//  Identifying: item sheet -> Details tab -> tick "Identified"
//  Players see: "Mystic Tome" + atmospheric text
//  Give to PC: drag item from World Items onto character sheet
// ================================================================

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Grimoire of the Harbinger work?

The Grimoire allows the user to unleash a necrotic wave dealing 3d8 damage once per long rest, affecting enemies within a 20-ft radius.

What are the drawbacks of using this item?

While attuned to the Grimoire of the Harbinger, the user suffers disadvantage on all Persuasion checks.

Where can I download the Grimoire of the Harbinger?

You can download the Grimoire of the Harbinger for free from our website, suitable for VTT and Foundry.

What lore is associated with the Grimoire of the Harbinger?

Crafted in Mortem Keep, the Grimoire was held by the necromancer Elara the Void, emitting eerie whispers of forbidden secrets.

What classes benefit most from Grimoire of the Harbinger in DnD 5e?

The Warlock and Sorcerer classes benefit most from the Grimoire of the Harbinger due to their affinity for necromancy and spellcasting. The necrotic wave synergizes well with their damage output, while the drawback encourages strategic play.

How does Grimoire of the Harbinger compare to similar official DnD 5e items?

The Grimoire of the Harbinger is similar to the Rod of the Pact Keeper, which enhances spellcasting abilities but does not impose a drawback like disadvantage on Persuasion checks.

📚 Related Articles

More DnD 5e Homebrew Items — homebrew items
Understanding Necromancy in DnD — necromancy
Guide to VTT and Foundry Resources — VTT resources

Explore all Free magic Items

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