When creating a magic item (say, one that already exists as any sort of example), are the Caster level, and any resist DCs calculated based on the minimums possible or based on the creators stats?
The caster level info here:
While item creation costs are handled in detail below, note that normally the two primary factors are the caster level of the creator and the level of the spell or spells put into the item. A creator can create an item at a lower caster level than her own, but never lower than the minimum level needed to cast the needed spell. Using metamagic feats, a caster can place spells in items at a higher level than normal.
The items save DCs are calculated like this.
Ok, next question, since the creator's caster level is used, does that also change the cost of the item itself - I presume so, because the caster level is part of the calculation of the item.
That's up to the GM. Typically only if the caster level meaningfully affects the item's effects. Though scrolls, potions and the like always scale cost with item caster level, a cloak of elvenkind probably should not as the only meaningful effect is how hard it is to affect it with dispel magic.
Ok, next question, since the creator's caster level is used, does that also change the cost of the item itself - I presume so, because the caster level is part of the calculation of the item.
The rules assume the item is exactly as it is in the book. For many items the caster level impacts the duration of effects that come from that item, and it would effect the price if you used a different caster level than what was listed.
Ok, this is likely one of the "exceptions" to the rule.. but I'm trying to recreate Necromancer's Beacon
It's costruction cost is only 24k gp. However, caster level minimum is 13 and it uses a 7th level spell.
So, somewhere there is a calculated multiplier of ~263 --
Given I'd like to fold in my caster level boosts to the DC of my spells into this item. My control undead DC is 28 (I'm level 14)
I'm curious as to what the difference in price would be.
I'd normally suggest that the item creation guidelines be used here:
Lantern, Necromancer’s Beacon
Price 48,000 gp; Slot none; CL 13th; Weight 1 lb.; Aura strong necromancyControl Undead
Dur 1min
SL: 7
min CL: 13Use Activated or Continuous: SL * CL * 2000 (note 2)
Note 2: If a continuous item has an effect based on a spell with a duration measured in rounds, multiply the cost by 4.
If the duration of the spell is 1 minute/level, multiply the cost by 2, and if the duration is 10 minutes/level, multiply the cost by 1.5.
If the spell has a 24-hour duration or greater, divide the cost in half.7 * 13 * 2000 * 2 = 364,000
But as you can see the price does not even come close to the price from the book. Their listed example, a "Lantern of Revealing", comes in at half the price from the formula.
So I recommend that you work with your DM and get a small increase in price.
Note that save DCs are not affected by the CL of the item or the creator's stats. Link So this type of change is completely in the House Rule category.
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The best way to pump an item DC on a custom item is to add the Heighten Spell feat to it; add that feat to the prereqs, and bump the spell level and thus save DC up to 9th, which is a DC of 23. I'd probably bump the price by somewhere around 1.5-2x the base item.
If you want to use your own boosts to the save DC, you really want a staff. That's basically what staves do, so I'm hesitant to share it with other items because staves are already pretty unpopular.
Ok, thanks for the explanation. Doesn't look like I'm going to be able to boost the save DC up very much. Maybe I can take away the 1 save and immune forever clause for a bit of a price increase.