So I'm taking the magic item enhancing rules for a spin, and want to make sure my math is right by giving an example. I have a PC that is going up the craft-feats tree and is trying to enhance a whole bunch of the parties items, so figured I'd check before OKing everything...
The PRD states
"The cost to add additional abilities to an item is the same as if the item was not magical, less the value of the original item. Thus, a +1 longsword can be made into a +2 vorpal longsword, with the cost to create it being equal to that of a +2 vorpal sword minus the cost of a +1 longsword."
So according to the magic item rules, the cost to increase a +1 longsword into a +2 vorpal longsword would be
98,000gp, +2 vorpal longsword because its equivalent lvl 7 item (+5 for vorpal, +2 weapon bonus)
2,00gp, +1 longsword because its quivalent lvl 1 item.
So 98,000gp - 2,000gp = 96,000gp to increase the item given in the example above. Is that correct? As I read it the formula goes
new item cost - old item cost = cost to enhance the item (given all the prereqs are met).
Is it that simple? feels like I am missing something..Thanks for the help in advance!
It is that simple.
Note: it gets more complex with wondrous items. As an exercise, work out the price for upgrading a headband of vast intelligence +2 to a headband of mental prowess (int & wis) +2.
It is that simple.
Note: it gets more complex with wondrous items. As an exercise, work out the price for upgrading a headband of vast intelligence +2 to a headband of mental prowess (int & wis) +2.
Awesome, thank you so much! I just texted the PC, and he believes that enhancement cost should be halved. He quoted the Craft Magic Arms and Armor (Item Creation) text, which states
"To enhance a weapon, suit of armor, or shield, you must use up raw materials costing half of this total price."
So according to the PC's understanding, in the above example the total cost should be 48,000 to enhance the sword. Is the enhancement cost halved again according to the feat text? I'm not sure where I stand on this...Sorry for the endless questions!
Yes, PC is correct.
The numbers you quoted in your example are the *Prices* of a +1 Longsword and +2, Vorpal Longsword. Cost is half that in most cases - most exceptions are when there are material component costs.
2)COST of a +1 L-sword = 1,000
1)COST of a +2 Vorpal = 49,000
3)Cost to incr. 1 -> 2 =48,000
Chemlak: Actually, keeping with the formula (New Cost minus Old Cost = Cost to Improve) keeps that easy. 5k - 2k = 3k gp for your headband example.
Honestly, I can't think of any standard enhancements that have material component costs, so it's usually easier, IMHO, to take New Price minus Old Price and divide by 2.
Don't forget these parts of the rules:
The creator also needs a fairly quiet, comfortable, and well-lit place in which to work. Any place suitable for preparing spells is suitable for making items. Creating an item requires 8 hours of work per 1,000 gp in the item's base price (or fraction thereof), with a minimum of at least 8 hours. Potions and scrolls are an exception to this rule; they can take as little as 2 hours to create (if their base price is 250 gp or less). Scrolls and potions whose base price is more than 250 gp, but less than 1,000 gp, take 8 hours to create, just like any other magic item. The character must spend the gold at the beginning of the construction process. Regardless of the time needed for construction, a caster can create no more than one magic item per day. This process can be accelerated to 4 hours of work per 1,000 gp in the item's base price (or fraction thereof) by increasing the DC to create the item by +5.
The caster can work for up to 8 hours each day. He cannot rush the process by working longer each day, but the days need not be consecutive, and the caster can use the rest of his time as he sees fit. If the caster is out adventuring, he can devote 4 hours each day to item creation, although he nets only 2 hours' worth of work. This time is not spent in one continuous period, but rather during lunch, morning preparation, and during watches at night. If time is dedicated to creation, it must be spent in uninterrupted 4-hour blocks. This work is generally done in a controlled environment, where distractions are at a minimum, such as a laboratory or shrine. Work that is performed in a distracting or dangerous environment nets only half the amount of progress (just as with the adventuring caster).
So, upgrading the weapon you make up to 2000 gp of progress per day. Assuming the other character has the gold to pay for it upfront, it will take you 48000/2000=24 days to upgrade only this item, assuming you don't do other things that will impede your progress. Like adventuring.
Right, so the formula is correct just need to make sure I'm using the crafting costs and not the purchasing costs. And depending on item level make sure to factor in time to actually craft the thing. Thanks, much appreciated!
