Single use Magic Item Creation

[Burn56]

So.
Estimating Magic Item Gold Values
Has options for Single use, use-activated, and gives a potion as an example.

But there are items such as Candle of Truth.
Which is based on the Zone of Truth spell, lasting for an hour (which is like caster level 60, or perhaps 30 with the right meta magic feats).

Now the cost to make such an item is 1250 gold.
Once it's used it's done.

So now, that thought process in mind.

What about making something akin to brass knuckles or a red rod (Sword of Truth Series anyone?), that is a one use item, of BoneShatter.

Now, it's a 5th level spell, and for ease of math, lets say cast at caster level 10.
5 x 10 x 50 (single use use activated) put's it at 2500 gold to make, and about 5,000 gold to buy.
Now being realistic, that's not that bad, and a scroll IS cheaper, but could someone make it to where you hit someone with the item and you activate the spell?

Aka, take an otherwise low strength character, give them these one-time use brass knuckles of boneshatter, and have them punch someone.
The RP value alone for a single punch that shatters the jaw (and other bones) in a persons body, would be amazing.

But am I crazy trying to make this item?

[Lost In Limbo]

The major problem I see is that as a one use weapon it's so much worse than a scroll. As a 10th level scroll the spell has a range of 50ft, a Fort save of 16-17 (arcane or divine), and allows SR.

With boneshatter knuckles the range would be reduced to melee and you would also have to make an attack for the effect to come into play (touch attack if the GM feels nice). That would make three ways to overcome the spell (Save, SR, AC), and drastically reduce the range.

Also it would only be really useful for a character who focuses in unarmed combat, your normal back-line caster wouldn't want to jump into the middle of melee to punch a dude, and most martial types would prefer to keep their hands free for their own normal weapons.

Now maybe if you applied the same effect to an arrow (or Blunt Arrow) that could be useful. The range would be increased and since ammunition is destroyed on impact anyway you'r not left holding a discharged weapon.

In conclusion, it's a neat idea but mechanically a bit dicey, though I'm sure there's a way to make it work.

[Joesi]

Sounds a bit crazy just because of it's cost.

It's certainly not under-priced, so I'd say if it's what you want, go for it. You'll still need your GM's permission though as it is a custom item; Perhaps you could negotiate a discount at the same time.

It is a CLOSE range spell though, so keep that in mind for any discounts (maybe 10%-20%).

[Slime]

Lost In Limbo wrote:

(...) Now maybe if you applied the same effect to an arrow (or Blunt Arrow) that could be useful. (...)

Or just a club (simple and can be thrown). I would fit the bone breaking thing.

[Lost In Limbo]

Now that you mention the simple weapon thing, I could totally see a wizard with a crossbow who packs a case of specialized magic bolts. Or maybe an alchemist? Almost every first level full caster I see has a light crossbow for emergencies, even if they never end up using it.

[Burn56]

Yeah, its not really combat viable, but for a true RP scene it could do wonders.
Example, my character is a dex, cha, based character.
But she's what amounts to a police officer in the city she's in.
In an RP situation where everything thinks she's a "weaker" character, imagine just laying one on someone.
That'd be a hell of a way to set the tone.