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What makes a magic item interesting?
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<blockquote data-quote="fba827" data-source="post: 4812979" data-attributes="member: 807"><p>To answer this question, I gave myself a couple "Would I prefer this or that" type mental questions.</p><p></p><p>I think the key factor in answering your question is the fact that you used "What makes a magic item <strong>interesting</strong>?" (emphasis mine) as opposed to "what makes a magic item useful?"</p><p></p><p>If given the choise between</p><p>a) longsword +1 and a frost longsword +1, I would opt for the frost longsword (it is, in my opinion) both more interesting and more useful)</p><p>b) two equally power-leveled longswords, I would opt for the longsword that had the more dramatic/themed effect for my character's preference</p><p>c) mysterious longsword vs an equally power-leveled longsword, my answer depends... if I already have a bunch of mystery items, frankly, I'd choose something known, and visa versa. Variety is great, but it can be overkill. So there is no clear winner here, hence, I can't say it's an "always" choice.</p><p>d) "The sword of Tannis, with a jade hilt and blood stained blade, used in the battle of 100 moons lead the elves to victory against the zombie horde," or "a frost longsword +3" I would opt for the sword of Tannis (even if it was just a longsword +1). Sure, it's usefulness will diminish as my PC gained levels, but I would choose it and use it as long as it was viable, and then some.</p><p>e) ... and so on...</p><p></p><p>so with that in mind, I have to say background/history/flavor is what makes it interesting to me. of course, i'd like some of that history to be learned over time, rather than all at once. it allows the "character" of the item to be spread out and come up again later, rather than all at once upfront when it might be forgotten weeks later.</p><p></p><p>Perhaps that is part of the equation too -- the longevity of it's "interestingness." a less flavorful item might just become a "built-in" stat boost/power option, whereas something more flavorful has the chance to be mentioned/focused more often.</p><p></p><p>(just my personal opinion).</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="fba827, post: 4812979, member: 807"] To answer this question, I gave myself a couple "Would I prefer this or that" type mental questions. I think the key factor in answering your question is the fact that you used "What makes a magic item [b]interesting[/b]?" (emphasis mine) as opposed to "what makes a magic item useful?" If given the choise between a) longsword +1 and a frost longsword +1, I would opt for the frost longsword (it is, in my opinion) both more interesting and more useful) b) two equally power-leveled longswords, I would opt for the longsword that had the more dramatic/themed effect for my character's preference c) mysterious longsword vs an equally power-leveled longsword, my answer depends... if I already have a bunch of mystery items, frankly, I'd choose something known, and visa versa. Variety is great, but it can be overkill. So there is no clear winner here, hence, I can't say it's an "always" choice. d) "The sword of Tannis, with a jade hilt and blood stained blade, used in the battle of 100 moons lead the elves to victory against the zombie horde," or "a frost longsword +3" I would opt for the sword of Tannis (even if it was just a longsword +1). Sure, it's usefulness will diminish as my PC gained levels, but I would choose it and use it as long as it was viable, and then some. e) ... and so on... so with that in mind, I have to say background/history/flavor is what makes it interesting to me. of course, i'd like some of that history to be learned over time, rather than all at once. it allows the "character" of the item to be spread out and come up again later, rather than all at once upfront when it might be forgotten weeks later. Perhaps that is part of the equation too -- the longevity of it's "interestingness." a less flavorful item might just become a "built-in" stat boost/power option, whereas something more flavorful has the chance to be mentioned/focused more often. (just my personal opinion). [/QUOTE]
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