Cost of magic items you create (SOLVED!!)

[kreynolds]

...hopefully for the last time.

I know this topic has been covered to the extent that it's like beating a dead horse with stick, buy hey. It's been goin' on for a while in the House Rules thread (been pretty entertaining for me too ) So, here's the question...

If a PC Wizard creates a 2,000gp magic item, does that item count against his wealth at the full market price (2,000gp) or at the creation cost of the item (1,000gp)? Assume the character has already been created, so the character is not using the rules in the DMG regarding creating characters above 1st level.

This is strictly a question regarding the rules or interpretation of the rules, so please, no house rules. I do realize however, that an interpretation of a rule could also be construed as a house rule or rule 0, but you get the idea.

I'll put up a poll to make this easier too, but please post your comments as to why you believe it works the way you do.

Thanks.

EDIT: Case solved. Thanks everybody! Send a howdy to Sean K. Reynolds if ya' get a chance.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

Assume the character has already been created, so the character is not using the rules in the DMG regarding creating characters above 1st level.

I am not sure why it matters then. A wizard can create as many items as he has resources and XP for, right?

Perhaps you can clarify to me what you are asking, since I am obviously missing the point.

 

[kreynolds]

Perhaps you can clarify to me what you are asking, since I am obviously missing the point.

This is the core question...

If a PC Wizard creates a 2,000gp magic item, does that item count against his wealth at the full market price (2,000gp) or at the creation cost of the item (1,000gp)?

 

[Crothian]

The one thing Kreynolds is forgetting is on page 145 of the DMG is a guideline for wealth levels for PCs of different levels. Assuming you use these guideline would a magic item created by a PC count at full market value, or half market value?

I think that should clear some things up.

 

[rhammer2]

This only matters if you are creating a character above 1st level, it has no meaning to existing characters except for balancing new characters joining an existing game.

I am not sure why it matters then. A wizard can create as many items as he has resources and XP for, right?

Perhaps you can clarify to me what you are asking, since I am obviously missing the point.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

I guess I don't understand the meaning of "count against his wealth" if you are not using the DMG rules for making a character above first level.

 

[kreynolds]

I guess I don't understand the meaning of "count against his wealth" if you are not using the DMG rules for making a character above first level.

All characters have a limit to how much stuff they can have. At 20th level, you have a limit of 760,000gp of wealth, meaning all of your gear, magic items, etc, should total roughly this value. It's not concrete, but it is a guide.

So, a 20th level fighter should have roughly 760,000gp worth of equipment, possessions, etc.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

The chart and text on page 145 of the DMG seem to refer to the market value of magic items, since the purpose stated there is for balancing adventures and treasure found (not made).

 

[Greythax]

Asuming I understand the spirit of this question, then it would be full market value. If you are trying to balance out the power of your characters in relation to one another by using GP value, then it is the function of the item that matters and not the cost. For instance, if one pc bought said magic item for 2000gp, and another made it for 1000gp, would they still not have the same item of equal power? Anyway, that is my 2 cents.

Greythax

 

[kreynolds]

The chart and text on page 145 of the DMG seem to refer to the market value of magic items, since the purpose stated there is for balancing adventures and treasure found (not made).

The chart is not strictly limited to magic items. It pertains to a character's overall wealth and power level. Let me quote...

One of the ways in which you can maintain measurable control on PC power levels is by strictly monitoring their wealth, including their magic items.

This chart was built using the average treasures found in average encounters compared with the experience points earned in those encounters. It then goes on to state...

Using that information, you can determine how much wealth a character should have based on her leve.

This chart is a guide to help you determine how much power a character should have at a given level.