So I'm kinda new to this, and I was looking at magic weapons and getting very confused. I have a couple of questions:
1. Do effects like flaming, frost, etc. cost the same as a +1 enhancement, or do you have to have a +1 enhancement on the weapon before you can get the effect? Like, would I have to have a +1 rapier (that gives +1 to attack and damage) before I put flaming on it, or do I just pay the same as a +1 bonus and it becomes a flaming rapier (not a +1 flaming rapier)?
2. Why on earth is everything phrased in terms of +1 enhancements and such? Why can't they just say 1,000 GP? I saw the cost for adding effects and it was like:
(cost of existing enhancements + cost of new enhancements) - cost of existing enhancements
Is there a reason for it being drawn out like that and not just "pay the cost of the new enhancement?"
Essentially I'm wanting to make a character with a Keen flaming burst rapier and I'm really confused on how much that costs. Someone please help me figure this out.