ELH Magic Item: Souldrinker

[Chris Nagle]

This item is from the ELH (Epic Level Handbook) and I am having problems trying to figure out how the costing works.

Souldrinker: This +5 bastard sword bestows 2d4 negative levels on its target whenever it deals damage, just as if its target had been struck by the energy drain spell. Each negative level bestowed grants the wielder 5 temporary hit points. One day after being struck, the subject must make a Fortitude save (DC 25) for each negative level or lose a level. If this sword’s power causes a character to have negative levels at least equal to his or her current level, the character is instantly slain and the wielder gains an additional 10 temporary hit points. Temporary hit points gained from this weapon last for a maximum of 1 hour.
Caster Level: 21st; Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Craft Epic Magic Arms and Armor, Spell Focus (Necromancy), energy drain; Market Price: 478,335 gp; Cost to Create: 239,315 gp + 14,780 XP.

Energy Drain is a 9th level spell.
Caster level 21.
Spell level 9 x Caster Level 21 = 189
189 x 2000gp for continuous effect = 378000gp
Bastard Sword +335gp
+5 weapon +50,000gp

Gives me 428335 but the item is 478335.

Am I missing something?

 

[James McMurray]

Energy Drain doesn't grant the caster temporary hit points. This weapon does. Looks like someone valued that ability at 50,000gp.

 

[Olive]

Am I missing something?

Perhaps it's one of those things where what the process gives you isn't quite right, so you findle with it. There's lots of examples of that in the rules.

 

[Kem]

+5 weapon +50,000gp

Gives me 428335 but the item is 478335.

Am I missing something?

Yes, the +5 part is the second ability of the weapon. Its x2 in 3.0 Rules.

Dunno why it didn't change with 3.5.

However the healing part might also be it.