Xanthum's page

Good old procrastination. I guess I missed it by a few minutes. Since I can't possibly win, here is my submission. I halved the calculated price given it's very specific use. Feedback welcome.

Coin Compass
Aura faint divination; CL 5th
Slot --; Price 6,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.
Description
This ordinary looking compass has a coin seated inside the lid. While the coin is in place, this item works as a normal compass, pointing toward north. Once the coin is removed, the compass needle always points in the direction of the coin within a range of 600 feet.
The coin is typically designed to look like local currency and is usually gold. A close inspection of the coin will reveal it to be false (Perception DC 15). The effect of this item is blocked by even a thin sheet of lead.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, locate object; Cost 3,000 gp

Since Paizo decided to reprint the Bear Trap in the new APG, I want to know how to reconcile this with trapmaking rules. The trap being a CR1 mechanical trap that costs 2g.

The cost of a mechanical trap is 1,000 gp × the trap's Challenge Rating. If the trap uses spells in its trigger or reset, add those costs separately. If the trap cannot be reset, divide the cost in half. If the trap has an automatic reset, increase the cost by half (+50%). Particularly simple traps, such as pit traps, might have a greatly reduced cost, subject to GM discretion. Such traps might cost as little as 250 gp × the trap's Challenge Rating.

Even assuming this is a simple trap, it's still 248g shy. That doesn't even take into account that items using cost more to buy than make.

This is not to say that I mind the Bear Trap, but I think it points to how the trapmaking rules are insufficient as written. Even Paizo doesn't seem to be following them. I wanted to have a trapmaking character in a game, but deemed it far too costly and time consuming.

I think to rectify this, we need a straightforward list of traps with reasonable costs and DCs clearly attached similar to what can be found for poisons.

Another thread on the topic