How much should this item cost?

[Captain Trek]

Hokay. Basically, I have a scout in a 3.5 game that's taking place in a setting that combines elements of magi-tech and steampunk in a somewhat similar manner to Arcanum, and my DM has decided to invent a special magi-tech spyglass that I will be able to purchase. We were, however, wondering how much it should cost...

It will have three abilities:

1: Can determine the vital-signs of any creature you point it at, effectively functioning as per the Deathwatch spell.
2: A night-vision feature that effectively grants me low-light vision while I'm looking through the spyglass.
3: An "adjustable zoom" (the DM is being rather vague on what the mechanical function of this actually is).

Thanks in advance

 

[Greenfield]

I'd start with the price of a spyglass, which in D&D 3.5 is 1000 gp.

I'd add in Masterwork costs, which is usually 50 go for artisan's tools and the like.

Next I'd calculate the spell enchantment cost for the highest level spell involved. That would probably be Deathwatch.

Typically, the forumla there is spell level x caster level x 2000 (Use Activated).

That grants use 5 times per day. Quadruple the price if it's to be unlimited times per day, or continuous function.

Next use the same formula for Lowlight Vision ( 1st level spell, I believe), so... Level 1 spell x level 1 caster x 2000 x 4 = 8000. Now multiply by 1.5, since it's the second spell in the item, so 12,000.

I'd attribute the "Variable Zoom" effect to Masterwork Spyglass, if it were me, since the term is vague and the effect undefined.

If it's to be a truly magical effect, I'd add enchantments used to create Eyes of the Eagle, which cost 2,500 gp, and multiply the cost by 1.5 again, because it's an extra enchantment on the same item.

Now this item may seem overpriced when you're finished, and the DM can and should apply some common sense to the final pricing. The formula in the book is just a guideline, not a hard and fast rule. Ultimately, the DM should consider the item's over all usefulness in the campaign, and find a book item of similar power and use, and use that as a price guide.

Note that the usefulness of an item can vary sharply from one campaign setting to another.

A game world revolving around airship travel, for example, would be a place where this item would be very useful. A game involving extended exploration of the Underdark might be a good one for the Lowlight Vision aspect, but being able to see long distances clearly in a place where there's pretty much never a long distance unobstructed view would negate a lot of the other function.

So, as always, the final answer is up to the DM.

 

[James the Newbie]

GP cost =
Spell level X Caster Level X 2000GP

Death watch spell
1*1*2000=2000GP

Low light vision
1*1*2000=2000GP

or

For items with multiple similar abilities that don’t take up space on a character’s body use the following formula: Calculate the price of the single most costly ability, then add 75% of the value of the next most costly ability, plus one-half the value of any other abilities.

So low light vision may only cost you 1500GP

Then the zoom should probably be like the gnome crossbow sight from page 36 of arms and equipment (Althought is v.30) Except that increases by two range increments, while doubling should increase by 6
The gnome sight is 150GP, so something that doubles is more likely 450gp if your DM doesn't want to steepen the price for better use. If so add 50% Per two range increments so 150+225+337.5=712.5GP

All in all that will probably be between 1950 GP (Low end) or 2712.5 GP (Higher end, you could add more, but seems a bit much)

EBON EYES
Transmutation
Level: Assassin 1, cleric 1, sorcerer/
wizard 1
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 10 minutes/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless)
You feel, more than see, a black haze form at the corner of your eyes. Upon touching
your intended subject the haze disappears and the creature’s eyes become shrouded in
blackness. The subject of this spell gains the ability to see normally in natural and magical darkness, although it does not otherwise improve the subject’s ability to see in natural dark or shadowy conditions. The subject ignores the miss chance due to lack of illumination other than total darkness. While the spell is in effect, a jet-black film covers
the subject’s eyes, a visual effect that gives the spell its name.

Material Component: A inch of powdered black gemstone of any type.

 

[Greenfield]

If you want it 5 times a day, you're about right. Sort of.

To qualify for the "multiple similar abilities" discount, you first have to double the base cost to make it "slotless". See the section where it says "that don’t take up space on a character’s body...". So the discount is a reduction of that cost increase.

Also, if you want it to work all the time, it goes higher. And I'd probably argue for a higher price yet, since the item takes a touch spell (Death Watch) and gives it essentially infinite range.