“ L1 wizard spell
This spell must be cast for 31 consecutive days by one wizard to create a +1 sword,-2 to anyone else holding it(other than sword owner).No special ingredients or quality of blade, the only requirement on this part is it must be a short sword or longer and must be a true sword. The sword must draw blood from a living creature of at least 1-1 hit die every day and The blade is -1 until the 31st casting, when it becomes fully and permanently enchanted .Variants that enchant other weapons could be possible.”
“ Somehow, someway, a band of gnomes learns how to be ninjas. In fine gnomish style, they open an academy to teach this art to other gnomes. Wacky Hijinks ensue. Or the gnomes become some of the finest assassins in the land. Or both.”
“ The PCs find a strange helmet, when donned it will take control of that PC and speak and act trough him/her. It explains that it is benevolent and needs their help in a quest and that it will stop possessing the PC when the task is done. Great if a player is gone for a number of sessions.”