Pricing on special-purpose powers...

[seebs]

The pricing guidelines say 2k*CL*SL for use-activiated or continuous items.

Special purpose powers of "cast a spell" are priced at 2k*CL*SL. There seems to be no discount for the limitation that the power can be used only in pursuit of a possibly-quite-specialized goal.

Anyone know whether there's a reason for that, or is this just one of those "no one knows, that's just what it says" things?

[Eridan]

What are 'special purpose powers' ?

Every Command word, Use-activated or continuous magic item can be modified with the special 'charges per day' that lowers the base price.

Quote:

Charges per day

Base price: Divide by (5 divided by charges per day)

[Nothing]

If you are referring to the intelligent item's special power, which can only be used to further the item's special purpose, this is because the intelligent item itself uses the power instead of the character.

Take for example a Heal at will item. This would cost 132k (2k x 6 x 11) for either an intelligent item or a wondrous item to have. The intelligent item will cast it whenever it feels like it, costing the wielder no actions, while the wondrous item can be used when the character wants, but costs him a standard action.

When it comes in to play the action economy of a spell being on an item more than makes up for the limited places you can use it, especially if the spell is well suited to the purpose. Consider getting a free greater Dispel Magic every round with the special purpose of defeat arcane spellcasters, or a free Sunbeam every round with the slay Vampires purpose.