Magic items are an important component of the Dungeons & Dragons experience; collecting and using wondrous artifacts is a given in a role-playing game of heroic fantasy. This is why, in D&D, every character class has access to magic items, starting at the very first level. However, one of these items is so powerful that it can easily turn the game’s balance upside down.

There is a long list of legendary artifacts that could fit that description: the Staff of Power, Queen Ehlissa’s Marvelous Nightingale, and of course, the Hand and Eye of Vecna come to mind. However, none of these items of unfathomable power match the sheer annoyance caused by the humble potion of healing.

In the current version of the D&D rules, combat can be a long and grueling affair that often comes down to attrition. Even if a character is reduced to zero hit points (HP) or below, they don’t die (except in the case of Massive Damage). Instead, they become Unconscious and start rolling death saving throws. On three failures, the character dies, while on three successes (or a natural 20 roll), they stabilize. While all this is happening, there is plenty of time for the rest of the party to administer healing, which usually comes in the form of spells or, more simply, potions. Once healed, a character can simply stand back up and join the action again.

Spell slots are a precious resource, especially at low- to mid-levels. While it’s important to have a dedicated healer in every party, at one point they are bound to run out of spells.

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