Item Pricing


Homebrew and House Rules

Grand Lodge RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

So the Magic Item Creation rules in the CRB give a table of guidelines for figuring out the price of your item. However, the formulas are all for numerical bonuses and whatnot. What if the effect of your item doesn't have anything that can be squared and then multiplied by X,000gp? How do you determine a likely price? Just eyeball it based on how powerful you think it would be?

Paizo Employee Developer

I recommend looking at other magic items which do similar things or have a similar power level, and try to figure it out based on that. Pricing a complex item requires creativity and thoughtfulness, not just math. Good luck in finding the right price for your item! :)

Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8

"First, your return to shore was not part of our negotiations nor our agreement so I 'must' do nothing. And secondly, you must be a pirate for the pirate's code to apply and you're not. And thirdly, the code is more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules. Welcome aboard the Black Pearl, Miss Turner."

"We'll do what I've always done, Sarah Jane. Improvise" - The Third Doctor.

Really, they're both true. Take the ability and the item. Then look at the 'goodie' item for that slot (headband of intellect, belt of strength, etc). Ask yourself (and any players) Would you always, sometimes or never take this effect over X? If it's always or never, you're too low/too high in prices.

Grand Lodge RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

...And if you can't find a similar item to compare it to?

EDIT: Ninja'd.

Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8

Jiggy, just an FYI.

If it in any way shape or form relates to your submission... shut up.

I'd hate to see Jiggy's Marvelous Muffin Pan DQed because the judges thought it was awesome, but knew it was yours from your questions.

Grand Lodge RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

Matthew Morris wrote:

Jiggy, just an FYI.

If it in any way shape or form relates to your submission... shut up.

I'd hate to see Jiggy's Marvelous Muffin Pan DQed because the judges thought it was awesome, but knew it was yours from your questions.

Pfft, the Marvelous Muffin Pan isn't even magical! It's my PFS fighter's Masterwork Tool for Profession (Baker)! (And no, I'm not kidding.)

Paizo Employee Developer

I guess I better not submit Mike's Marvelous Muffin Maker. Way too close to Matthew's idea! :)

Sczarni RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

Mike Kimmel wrote:
I guess I better not submit Mike's Marvelous Muffin Maker. Way too close to Matthew's idea! :)

Remember to try not to put a name in the title. Wonderous Muffin Maker will fool them!


What, exactly, is the property you are trying to give? What does it do?

I think we will be better able to assist you if we have as many concretes to work with as possible.


Find a spell that does something similar, and work from there. I find that it the flat bonus guidelines are not working, then use the rules for imitating a spell. If you can't find a spell that is similar, then you need to create a spell, then base the item price of the spell.

Paizo Employee Developer

Master_Crafter wrote:

What, exactly, is the property you are trying to give? What does it do?

I think we will be better able to assist you if we have as many concretes to work with as possible.

But please don't share with us if you are considering submitting this item to RPG Superstar!


Mike Kimmel wrote:
But please don't share with us if you are considering submitting this item to RPG Superstar!

Good point. Well, in that case, making the assumption that it's a special effect bonus not a stat bonus, here I go:

Is it more like a spell or a feat?
What level would it be if it were a spell? / How many prerequisites would it have as a feat?
Is it for a carried item or a worn item?

Even just that much should give us something more to work with.

RPG Superstar 2011 Top 16

Master_Crafter wrote:

Is it more like a spell or a feat?

What level would it be if it were a spell? / How many prerequisites would it have as a feat?
Is it for a carried item or a worn item?

Even just that much should give us something more to work with.

I feel your frustration, Master Crafter; however, even this much could be potentially identifying. :(

The best advice for pricing, as has been stated, is compare your item to similar ones, get feedback and ball park it. My Verdant Vine last year was WAAAYYY underpriced at 2,000 gp, and it still got in.

You want to be as close as you can get to a good price, Jiggy. If you're using design/revision time agonizing over price, my advice is to refocus on the design/revision so you know what you're really trying to price.

If you are at the pricing stage, do your best. That's all you can do. ;)

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