Magic items

Magic items are objects "programmed" to deliver one or more magical spells in a determined manner under a specific set of circumstances. The reason that "programmed" is important is that most magic items do not deliver their magical properties constantly. The most famous of magic items, the One Ring from Lord of the Rings, only provides invisibility when the ring is put on, not when it is merely held in a hand.

The concept of objects "programmed" with magic is actually broader than the items that are carried around, and includes traps, magically locked doors, portals, etc.

Ideas for magic items

Fate worse than death - a weapon that, rather than killing its victim, transports them to their own personal hell for infinity - such an item would instil such fear in enemies that they might go so far as to kill themselves rather than suffer the fate worse than death