Calculating costs for magic weapons


Rules Questions


I've read through and through, and unless I'm just not comprehending what I'm reading this clarification has eluded me:

A +1 enhancement bonus is 2,000 GP
A +2 enhancement bonus is 8,000 GP
A +3 enhancement bonus is 18,000 GP

Say I'm wanting to add magical enhancement to a previously existing item, in this case a Masterwork Elysian Bronze Scimitar.

Right off the bat it needs to be made a +1 magic weapon to receive additional enhancement. What I'd like to know is, if I wanted to add Keen (+1 enhancement) and Flaming (+1 enhancement) is the total price 6,000 GP, or 18,000 GP?


Nvm, reading the question typed out it makes perfect sense, you cant have a +1 +1 +1 weapon, with those enhancements it would be an effective +3 weapon. Derp.


The real question is, which is best: a +1 Keen Flaming Scimitar, +2 keen scimitar, or a +3 Scimitar.

It's going to depend on your situation... and the story behind the Scimitar.


Son, let me tell you the story behind my magic scimitar.

Them orcs over the hill have gold. And I need some gold to buy my scimitar a set of matching armor.


I actually had the exact same question come up at our table. Adding the flaming enchantment and a +1 enchantment to a sword costs 8'000 or 4'000? I see Shadowgoon essentially answered his own question, but there was no clarification. Just wanted to make sure.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder PF Special Edition, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
ShadowGoon wrote:

I've read through and through, and unless I'm just not comprehending what I'm reading this clarification has eluded me:

A +1 enhancement bonus is 2,000 GP
A +2 enhancement bonus is 8,000 GP
A +3 enhancement bonus is 18,000 GP

Say I'm wanting to add magical enhancement to a previously existing item, in this case a Masterwork Elysian Bronze Scimitar.

Right off the bat it needs to be made a +1 magic weapon to receive additional enhancement. What I'd like to know is, if I wanted to add Keen (+1 enhancement) and Flaming (+1 enhancement) is the total price 6,000 GP, or 18,000 GP?

It's 18,000 plus the cost of masterwork, plus the cost of the base weapon itself. Whether it be scimitar, dagger or battleaxe. The formula is effective plus squared x two plus the cost of masterwork. added to the base weapon price.

Grand Lodge

@LazarX: Don't forget to add the cost of the special material involved, too. I think there was a mention of Elysium Bronze in there smewhere.

And don't forget the extra 2000 gp associated with the first time you enhance a Cold Iron or similar special material item.

Shadow Lodge

David Plamondon wrote:
I actually had the exact same question come up at our table. Adding the flaming enchantment and a +1 enchantment to a sword costs 8'000 or 4'000? I see Shadowgoon essentially answered his own question, but there was no clarification. Just wanted to make sure

If you still need clarification, a +1 Flaming Sword costs 8,000 gold plus the cost of the masterwork sword. Adding the Flaming property to a +1 sword costs 6,000 gold (8,000 for the effective +2 weapon you want minus 2,000 for the +1 you have).


kinevon wrote:

@LazarX: Don't forget to add the cost of the special material involved, too. I think there was a mention of Elysium Bronze in there smewhere.

And don't forget the extra 2000 gp associated with the first time you enhance a Cold Iron or similar special material item.

When calculating the cost of enchanting cold iron does the 2k gp get added before or after you half the cost for doing it yourself? The rules are a bit fuzzy on that.

Thank you in advance.

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