Magic items creation

[Tar-Edhel]

I stumbled upon this in the ELH:

"When a character creates a magic item, she uses the minimum key ability score necessary to imbed a spell of a given level, and the associated modifier to adjust de DC for saving throws, regardless of her actual key ability score, which could be higher.

For instance, a staff of hold person created by a wizard normally grants a DC of 14: 10 (base) +3 (3rd-level spell) +1 (caster's key ability score must be at least 13)."

Does it really mean that there is no way that I could create a wand that would release spells with DC based on my 22 INT and Greater spell focus feat??

I always assumed the minimum key ability rule was to be applied for randomly generated magic items...

 

[dcollins]

That's always been the the rule.

DMG p. 176 (emphasis added): "the DC is always 10 + the level of the spell or effect + the ability bonus of the minimum ability score needed to cast that level of spell..."

 

[kreynolds]

The save DC formula is also 10 + (1.5 x spell level). So, a 9th level spell would have a save DC of 23.

However, there is a feat that allows you to apply your full stat to the save DC. I can't remember the name of it right now though. Let me see if I can find it.

 

[IceBear]

Also, I think that you could make an item using a heightened version of the spell to increase the DC. I'm not that familiar with the item creation rules, but I think I saw that idea in the past.

IceBear

 

[kreynolds]

Cool! I found the feat! I knew that damn thing was in the ELH somewhere! Anyways, here's the description...

Choose any item creation feat you already know. When you create an item with that feat, adjust the DC for saving throws required by the magic item, if any, by your key ability modifier.

So, full save DCs (identical to the save DCs of spells you cast) on magic items you create. It's on page 114 (of all places) of the ELH. It's not an epic feat either.

 

[Xarlen]

Though, Focus/Greater focus don't apply. Foo.

 

[kreynolds]

Get Invigorate Item from The Book of Eldritch Might II. It increases the save DC by +1.

 

[Xarlen]

+1?! Oh no! That's Broken! It'll unbalance everything!

+1. Wooo. Can't stop me from takin' THAT.

 

[kreynolds]

Well, personally, I find it much easier to simply lower your targets relevant ability score and then pop them with your regular ol' wand of somethin' cool.