Some magic items require a creature to form a bond with them before their magical properties can be used.
This bond is called [[Attunement]], and certain items have a prerequisite for it:
- If the prerequisite is a [[Class]], a creature must be a member of that [[Class]] to attune to the item.
- If the class is a spellcasting class, a monster qualifies if that monster has spell slots and uses that class’s spell list.)
- If the prerequisite is to be a spellcaster, a creature qualifies if it can cast at least one spell using its traits or features, not using a magic item or the like.
Without becoming attuned to an item that requires attunement, a creature gains only its nonmagical benefits, unless its description states otherwise.
> [!example] Example
> A magic shield that requires attunement provides the benefits of a normal shield to a creature not attuned to it, but none of its magical properties.
#### Attuning to an Item
Attuning to an item requires a creature to spend a [[Short Rest]] focused on only that item while being in physical contact with it.
> [!INFO] Roleplay
> This focus can take the form of weapon practice (for a weapon), meditation (for a wondrous item), or some other appropriate activity, the player can decide.
If the [[Short Rest]] is interrupted, the [[Attunement]] attempt fails. Otherwise, at the end of the [[Short Rest]], the creature gains an intuitive understanding of how to activate any discovered magical properties of the item, including any necessary command words for those properties.
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> [!Failure] Attunement Limitations
> - A creature can't attune to more than one copy of an item at a time.
> - For Example, a creature can't attune to more than one [[Ring of Protection]] at a time.
> - A creature can't attune to more than one type of item per slot on the creature. (see [[Player Character Attunement Slots]])
> [!Danger] Losing Attunement
> - A creature's attunement to an item ends if the creature no longer satisfies the prerequisites for attunement.
> - A creature's attunement fails if the item has been more than 100 feet away for at least 24 hours.
> - A creature's attunement fails if the creature dies.
> - A creature's attunement fails if another creature attunes to the item.
> - A creature can also voluntarily end attunement by spending another short rest focused on the item, unless the item is [[Cursed]].