Item DC's

[Amaranth]

I can't seem to find or recall the rules for raising the DC's on item effects. In particular, I;m having an issue with trying to raise the DC on the "Thundering" weapon effect. For some odd reason, 13 just doesn't seem to cut it at high levels. Who'd of thunk?

If anyone could provide assistance, cannonical or ad hoc, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Amaranth

 

[hong]

Saves for magic effects from items are always 10 + (spell level x 1.5), rounded down. Basically you calculate it according to the minimum stat that would be needed to cast the spell. The creator's or user's own stats don't count, nor do feats like Spell Penetration.

In the case of thundering, the DC 14 (not 13) save is probably based on the deafness spell, which is 3rd level for clerics. If you wanted, you could perhaps create a "greater thundering" (louder thundering?) enchantment that was based on a heightened deafness, bumped up to 8th level or so. This would increase the save DC to 22. You should also increase the price, say to a +3 enchantment.

 

[Fade]

Isn't there a feat in the ELH that allows you to add your full stat when making items?

 

[dcollins]

Well, according to the core rules, you're out of luck if you're trying to improve on Thundering, because the ability only exists as specified in the DMG. Any improvement would definitely be a house rule (a new item ability) requiring approval by the DM.

If you were dealing with an item that directly replicated spell effects (potions, scrolls, wands, or possible staffs), then you would have an option to "Heighten" the spell and increase the save DCs that way. See examples of this on DMG p. 205 (staff of power: lightning, fireball abilities), or DMG p. 206 (the wand of charm person worth 11,250 gp, etc.). Not so for Thundering or "other magc items" (per DMG p. 178).

 

[kreynolds]

Isn't there a feat in the ELH that allows you to add your full stat when making items?

Enhance Item, page 114.