It's been a while since I last made an item crafter, so just in case I missed an erratum somewhere in the last couple of years:. There's nothing preventing a Wizard 3 from making a handy haversack at level 3 with a DC 8 (3 + 5 for missing spell prerequisite) Spellcraft check other than time and funds, right?
A creator can create an item at a lower caster level than her own, but never lower than the minimum level needed to cast the needed spell.
Handy Haversack requires Secret Chest so its minimum CL is 9. You can create it without actually having the spell (or being high enough level to cast it), but that doesn't change the minimum CL for the item.
A creator can create an item at a lower caster level than her own, but never lower than the minimum level needed to cast the needed spell.Handy Haversack requires Secret Chest so its minimum CL is 9. You can create it without actually having the spell (or being high enough level to cast it), but that doesn't change the minimum CL for the item.
Where is this requirement specified, if you don't mind me asking? Caster level is not listed under the requirements section.
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This part of the FAQ might help.
Also this part of the magic item section.
The standard item crafting DC is 5+ caster level of item, +5 for any missing prerequisite.
The Haversack is CL 9, so the base DC is 14. If you don't have the spell (such as by being level 3) then +5 brings it to DC 19. That's it.
I do want to mention that while John Mechalas is correct that the CL is 9, its not a good idea to assume the spell involved sets the CL. Stat boosters are CL 8,12, and 16, but are all based on the 2nd level stat spells (caster level 3 for most).
EDIT: Okay, while I was formulating this, The Black Bard ninja'd me by around 8 minutes, lol.
There's three Caster Levels involved in crafting.
The first is the DC-setter. Secret Chest sets minimum CL of 9 for this.
The second is a construction requirement (requiring +5 to bypass). Handy Haversack does not have this requirement, though IIRC Pearls of Power and Ioun Stones do. All this does is make it harder for low-level casters to create
The third is your own CL, used to provide requirements.
Handy Haversack is CL 9 (per item description and Secret Chest). DC for someone who has Secret Chest is thus the base of CL+5 = 14. You don't have the spell, so +5 to the DC for 19.
A wizard 3 with spellcraft 3 ranks and 16+ int (or 2+ ranks, 18+ int, or 1+ rank, 20 int) can do this by taking 10. It will take the full 2 days (no rushing, b/c then it's hard to make the check).
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What John Mechalas quoted actually means that if you have a high CL, you don't have to make your items at such a high CL; you can only put a little power into them - if the requirements can be met (secret chest)
If it's a prerequisite (like Ioun Stones), then yes it's another +5 to the difficulty if you're not quite that high up. But if it's not listed as a REQUIREMENT, then no it wouldn't up the DC.
So, CL 9 is not a requirement and thus does not increase the DC of the item if not met--potions, spell trigger, and spell completion notwithstanding. That hasn't changed from my understanding. : )
Edit: somehow missed the above "never lower than required for the spell" bit, sorry! Thanks again.
So, to be clear, nothing's stopping a Wizard 3 (or Druid 3, or whatever) from crafting a handy haversack other than time, gold, and Spellcraft score?
So, to be clear, nothing's stopping a Wizard 3 (or Druid 3, or whatever) from crafting a handy haversack other than time, gold, and Spellcraft score?
Correct. Though Spellcraft isn't actually necessary - you can use an appropriate Craft or Profession skill instead.
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Wait, you can craft items with Profession? Can I have a source for this?So, to be clear, nothing's stopping a Wizard 3 (or Druid 3, or whatever) from crafting a handy haversack other than time, gold, and Spellcraft score?Correct. Though Spellcraft isn't actually necessary - you can use an appropriate Craft or Profession skill instead.
Wondrous items mostly. Profession (Woodcutter) can be used for wands and staves. Profession (Scribe) for scrolls. It is detailed in the section on crafting each type of magic item.
Crafting a wondrous item requires 1 day for each 1,000 gp of the base price.
Item Creation Feat Required: Craft Wondrous Item.
Skill Used In Creation: Spellcraft or an applicable Craft or Profession skill check.
Spellcraft is still the best choice, as it applies to all magic item creation. Craft and Profession skills are far more limited.
Spellcraft is still the best choice, as it applies to all magic item creation. Craft and Profession skills are far more limited.
They are more easily buffed with spells and items though. But yes: spellcraft is best.
Spellcraft is best, especially if you want to create a wide variety of devices.
But being able to use a Profession can be very nice for Clerics*, especially if strapped a bit for intelligence, but playing in a campaign that uses Background Skills.* or other Wisdom-based casters
Indeed, pumping Spellcraft has been challenging on my Int 12 druid.
What are the best ways to boost spellcraft checks?
Skill Focus and Gloves of Elvenkind should be enough for most purposes.