Compensating for Inability to Create Magic Items

[Roman]

How could you mechanically compensate wizards for the inability to create magical items? How about if it was not complete inability, but rather a very hampered ability (magical items other than scrolls and potions would require acquisition of special items and materials to construct them and perhaps in addition the standard XP costs would be multiplied by a factor of 2, or 3, or maybe even 4)?

I am thinking of allowing wizards to specialize in without having to give up a school of magic. In addition the penalties to create magic items would be reduced if related to their chosen school.

I am not sure whether that would be balanced, however, and also what about other spellcasters?

 

[Doomhawk]

Well, some spellcasters choose to never make items at all anyways, and I would say that these casters should not get any additional benefit from being unable to do so. I would say simply allow Wizards to take some other feats instead of item creation feats for their bonus feats at 5/10/15/20.

 

[Roman]

Well, some spellcasters choose to never make items at all anyways, and I would say that these casters should not get any additional benefit from being unable to do so. I would say simply allow Wizards to take some other feats instead of item creation feats for their bonus feats at 5/10/15/20.

I see you point, but the ability to create magic items is in general very important to wizards (and even other spellcasters). It is almost like saying that if I removed feats like cleave, power attack, whirlwhind, etc. fighter would be as powerful as he is currently. He would obviously go down in power substantially. Wizards often survive, especially at low levels, by making scrolls to cast spells that they cannot memorize simultaneously...

In any case, do you think about my specialization idea (which I incidentally like flavour-wise - although I have done so, none of my players has ever played a specialist due to the stiff penalties and comparatively little benefit of specialists)? Is it balanced?