magic item creation

[Brett]

Quick question on magic item creation costs:

Say you want to enchant a circlet/headband so that a wizard can use it to cast spells similar to how a staff works.

One of the rules states that to enchant the item with an additional power double the cost. Does this apply to spell like effects? For example, being able to cast wall of force and fireball once per day.

There is another rule that talks about multi use items (I can't remember the exact term) that talks about how to calculate these items - take the cost of the most powerful ability, then add three quarters of the next, then add half of the cost of any remaining abilities. Is this JUST for staffs, or for more items? It also uses the term 'similar abilities' like those of most staves - what is a similar ability? Different spells like the staff of power and staff of the magi?

Any help appreciated,

-Brett

 

[boothbey]

I generally consider similar powers to be spells in the same line...healing spells are similar...fireball, wall of fire, meteor swarm would all be similar...enhancements like cats grace and bull strength would be similar.

No hard and fast rule, just DM opinion I think.

 

[kreynolds]

One of the rules states that to enchant the item with an additional power double the cost. Does this apply to spell like effects?

If the 2 (or more) powers are constantly active and/or beneficial to have both of them active at the same time, such as a bonus to strength and dex (as boothbey mentioned), the cost of the second power is doubled.

There is another rule that talks about multi use items (I can't remember the exact term) that talks about how to calculate these items - take the cost of the most powerful ability, then add three quarters of the next, then add half of the cost of any remaining abilities. Is this JUST for staffs, or for more items?

It's not just for staffs, even though staffs are a themed item, meaning it's probably the most common magic item you'll find that functions that way and has multiple powers. You can use that same method on pretty much any item though.

It also uses the term 'similar abilities' like those of most staves - what is a similar ability? Different spells like the staff of power and staff of the magi?

I guess that's up to you, the DM. For example, a staff with multiple cold based spells would be "similar". Likewise, a staff with multiple force based spells would also be "similar". As to your question about Wall of Force and Fireball on the same item, I doubt I would give a discount, but nor would I double the second power. More than likely I would just add them up, and for two reasons: 1) they aren't similar powers, and 2) they aren't beneficial to have both functioning at the same time, like a belt that grants a Strength and Dex bonus.