How would you price these items?

[Deadguy]

Well, let’s see. Working through each component:

1. Darkvision 60-feet, is equivalent to the goggles of night, so base 12,000 gp
2. The anti-arachnid effect is a slightly narrower use, but longer-range, version of repel vermin. As a 4th level spell, 10/min level standard duration, the cost would come to 1.5 x 2000 x 4 x 7 = 84,000 gp! Pretty expensive, and perhaps needs reducing, as the mask lacks the damage-causing potential of the spell. Let’s try knocking that down to 42,000gp.
3. Bonus on saves versus narrow range of spells is worth, say, half the normal cost. So 2^2 x 1000 / 2 = 2000gp.

Now putting this together, the cost is 42,000 + 1.5 x (12,000 + 2000) = 63,000 gp. That doesn’t sound too bad for a multi-purpose item that occupies the ‘lens’ slot. But it's definitely open to discussion (and perhaps also consideration of whether arachnids play a large part of the campaign).

 

[Joker]

They don't.

Excuse me while I recover from that price .

Edit: I'm never gonna post again just so I can keep this count.

 

[Vorput]

:

Edit: I'm never gonna post again just so I can keep this count.

Heh

 

[Deadguy]

They don't.

Excuse me while I recover from that price .

As you can see, most of the cost is having a continuous spell effect running. If you gave it a finite duration each day, or make it a charged effect (with few charges) you can save a lot of money in the design.

The other thing I always make myself do with such items is look closely at the actual magical effects I want. If the idea was to keep simple vermin away, then the cost is more token than actual. But any time you fold up multiple powers into a single item it will be costly.

 

[ceratitis]

i have a problem with some of the pricing in general. even simple effects seem to cost a lot. say for the vermin ability i'd calculate it as a cantrip effect. sure as a real cantrip it would be too good but considering the limited use of it and the added flavour for the players fun i'd do it. it just seems ridiculus that such an ability would cost so much while the save bonus which is way more useful is so cheap.
i'd max it it 20k, prob less, something like 17k.
Z

 

[two]

Well, let’s see. Working through each component:

1. Darkvision 60-feet, is equivalent to the goggles of night, so base 12,000 gp
2. The anti-arachnid effect is a slightly narrower use, but longer-range, version of repel vermin. As a 4th level spell, 10/min level standard duration, the cost would come to 1.5 x 2000 x 4 x 7 = 84,000 gp! Pretty expensive, and perhaps needs reducing, as the mask lacks the damage-causing potential of the spell. Let’s try knocking that down to 42,000gp.
3. Bonus on saves versus narrow range of spells is worth, say, half the normal cost. So 2^2 x 1000 / 2 = 2000gp.

Now putting this together, the cost is 42,000 + 1.5 x (12,000 + 2000) = 63,000 gp. That doesn’t sound too bad for a multi-purpose item that occupies the ‘lens’ slot. But it's definitely open to discussion (and perhaps also consideration of whether arachnids play a large part of the campaign).

That's crazy talk, man.

The "anti-arachnid" power probably will trigger 1 combat in every -- let's see -- 100? At most?

I've had characters go 10 levels without running up against a spider...

And, all the mask does if you DO come across a spider, is POSSIBLY (if they fail a moderate will save) stop the thing from approaching. No damage done, just, can't approach.

This falls into the "cool flavor, almost no mechanical advantage" category.

The anti-arachnid power I'd price at 5K or 10K if you are worried about it.

I mean, it will do nothing 99.999% of the time. You gonna pay 60K for something that does nothing 99.999% of the time, and even when it DOES do something....it's not really that impressive?

Not me.

 

[Deadguy]

It's costed as a continuous effect repel vermin with the price halved for its reduced effect (arachnids only, no damage). Generally I work with the spells that exist as the baseline. What I suspect it shows is that repel vermin isn't really a fourth level spell.

As a matter of fact I happen to agree with you both, that the effect ought to be a lot cheaper. But it's also worth getting the desired effect clarified. The item is a hodge-podge of powers, seemingly unconnected, so it's hard to judge what effect the item is supposed to have.

 

[two]

Commen Sense

I invoke commen sense.

Yeah, it's kinda useful to base effects on spells, except when it isn't.

Repelling spiders 24/7 with a DC15 will check is... let's see...

1) How much would you pay for this as a continual item as a player?

Unless I'm going into the "Cave complex of many spiders" I would not buy this item at all, even at 5K. Much better to get a cloak of resistance +1 and other stuff or Resistance +2. I would not buy it unless I knew there were lots of spiders up ahead. And even then, I would not spend more than 5K.

2) How much would you use this as a player?

It might not have a real effect on combat, even if it triggers...and might not trigger...well... ever. So...not a lot of use.

I don't care if there is a level 9 spell called "repel spiders" and this duplicates its effects. If so, the 9th level spells stinks, this item's power stinks, and it is nearly worthless.

I'd call it 5K max, if you want to be mean (and you KNOW there are spiders coming up).

If you don't plan on throwing a bunch of spiders out there... this ability is worth 0. Nada.

I would not spend 500 gold on it as a player. Maybe 200 gold, if I was feeling profligate.

 

[ceratitis]

tsa tsa no need to go all balistic on the man, he just tried to help with the pricing you know?
now we all agree this was too much so lets think about what would be acceptble.
Z

 

[Deadguy]

Thank you ceratitis. No harm, no foul.

I'd like Vorput's input into the purpose and origin of the item. Like I say, its powers seem a bit of a mix, so exactly why it has the anti-arachnid powers would be very helpful. I don't think it's quite as worthless as two feels, but I agree it's of limited application. Let's see if the power could stand refining first before assigning a value.