Do *Players* like to buy magic items?

[Quasqueton]

The question of whether or not DMs allow PCs to purchase magic items comes up fairly often on this forum. But to my recollection, I don't think anyone has asked if the Players like having the option to buy magic items.

When playing a PC, I like being able to purchase magic items that match/fit my character better than things the group may find in a dungeon. That's actually why, when I DM, I allow the PCs to buy magic item -- usually through brokers who can set up a deal -- swap, commission, or straight buy.

What about you?

Quasqueton

 

[Beard in the Sky]

I rarely let players buy anything more than minor protection items (Ring +1), low level potions, and low level scrolls, along with some alchemical items. They can commision the -creation- of a powerful weapon (for example) from an NPC wizard or blacksmith, but they can't just find them for sale. I encourage them to either use what they find, or make what they want or have it made. To me, if players are -not- used to having their DM give them better and better versions of whatever weapon they use, you see alot less 1st level fighters with three feats devoted to his Spiked Chain, or Mercurial Greatsword... you can put Weapon Focus in those if you want in my campaign, but the chances you will find a magical one is slim. If you want to upgrade the one you have, it will cost you. I just think that is the way the game is set up.

 

[Wyn A'rienh]

I love buying magic items.

We can't do it too often in our game. Only when/if we come to a large city and even then, it's up in the air as to what the store will actually carry. Then there's the haggling and roleplaying involved, which is always fun.

Don't get me wrong, loot is great and fun and sometimes just ridiculously powerful but it's fun to be able to have an item in mind, save up your money for it and search for it in every town you come to.

 

[Quasqueton]

I rarely let players buy anything more than . . .

No offense, but note that I'm asking Players what they like, not DMs what they allow.

Quasqueton

 

[Numion]

As a player I like to buy my own magic items.

Who cares if my bow wasn't used to slay the great wyrm Nyah-nyah-foo in the hands of legendary hero Borogorn eons ago, but was instead bought from Magic Items 'R' Us? It was used to kill an adult red dragon in my hands just last week. I'd rather name my notable magic items myself than have the DM feed me named items with history. I'm the one who's making history!

 

[diaglo]

i hate it as a player.

 

[dreaded_beast]

I love the idea of being able to purchase or at least commission magic items that are tailored to your character concept.

Plus, you don't have to fight with your party mates for the magic item that you want, heh.

 

[Crothian]

I don't really like it. Commisioning work is okay though, but just going to a store and browsing the shelfs isn't that fun.

 

[Frostmarrow]

As a player I'm all for it. Preferably it is dealt by the DM with secrecy. I don't like Magic R Us or any other magic shoppe open to just about anyone. No, I like to have a contact - a shady character perchance - who deals in magic items. Someone you just can't trust yet you feel special/proud for being allowed to deal with in the first place.

The 'shopkeeper' so to speak should have quirks and taboos. For example you are only allowed to buy if you can relate how your last purchase helped you on your quest. If you squandered the magic you are out of the loop!

When I say 'shopkeeper' I can mean anything from a reclusive gnome via a dragon to a wizened old high cleric.

 

[dreaded_beast]

After re-reading this thread, I realized I was confusing "purchasing" magic items and "commisioning" magic items.

I always assumed that both were the same, at least in the context of "you are buying a magic item either way".

However, I didn't really think about the "role-playing" or "flavor" difference of walking into a Magic-R-Us versus finding the the arcanist who specializes in making magical swords and trying to convince said wizard to craft the blade you desire.