How much would this cost?

[Third Mind]

Say I'm crafting magical weapons for npcs but I'd like to add an effect that basically shuts down all magic on the item when a command word is spoken (Just in case they decide to backstab me) and can be returned with another different command word.

How much would this cost to add to a magic item already in the process of creation? Is there anything like this in the books?

[Tinalles]

The Magic Items section in the core rulebook says: "If no activation method is suggested either in the magic item description or by the nature of the item, assume that a command word is needed to activate it."

That would certainly apply to weapon properties like flaming, etc. Basic enhancement bonuses (+1, +2, etc) are probably "always on".

So you can turn the weapon's special abilities off again either with the same command word, or you could just say that this particular weapon has two commands, one for off, and one for on.

Of course, for the NPC to actually use the item, they'll need to know the command word.

If you want a SECOND command word, sort of a back door "I crafted this so I can therefore turn it off if I have to" command, then talk to your GM. I wouldn't charge extra for it, personally.

[Third Mind]

Gotcha. Yeah, it's the last sentence that I'm going for (the backdoor command word as it were) and I don't expect it to be free. I guess I'll just have to ask my DM how much he wants it to cost, but I was hoping to get some suggestions on how much would seem reasonable to present to him.

[Tinalles]

Hrm. Well, Integrating such a thing wouldn't be too technically challenging, I would think.

Ah ha! Here's how I would do it:

You're trying to conceal this backdoor command word, but anyone with Detect Magic can suss it out if the roll high enough on their Spellcraft check. Therefore, you need to alter the magical aura of the weapon to make detection more difficult. The 1st level spell Magic Aura allows you to alter the aura of an item "as if it were ... a magic item of a kind you specify", in this case an ordinary magic weapon (if there is such a thing) with no backdoor command.

So, add that spell to the spell pre-reqs required to make the item. If you haven't got the spell, the craft DC goes up by 5.

And if he wants a monetary value on it, I'd suggest tacking on an extra 250 gp. I just pulled that out of my hat though. Your GM is the only one who can say yea or nay.

[NOG the Demoralizer]

Maybe have him look at homebrewing a rule for something similar in concept to the spell secret page and figure a fair cost to have that cast permanently on the item. Not exactly the same effect, but tangentially the concept would work for me... without the command word looking at and using the item it would function as a mundane item sort of thing.

[Gator the Unread]

Tinalles wrote:

The 1st level spell Magic Aura allows you to alter the aura of an item "as if it were ... a magic item of a kind you specify", in this case an ordinary magic weapon (if there is such a thing) with no backdoor command.

So, add that spell to the spell pre-reqs required to make the item. If you haven't got the spell, the craft DC goes up by 5.

And if he wants a monetary value on it, I'd suggest tacking on an extra 250 gp. I just pulled that out of my hat though. Your GM is the only one who can say yea or nay.

Very elegant, rather simple. I like it. Good call, Tinalles