Masterwork to +1

[BralRocker]

I've been learning the rules of the game for a while now but little things still elude me. For example, what is the main advantage(s) to turning your masterwork weapon into a +1 magical weapon? I understand that as a magical weapon it can no longer be turned to dust by a rust spell or ability but what else?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Is_907]

Biggest difference is that a +1 weapon gives +1 to damage and attack rolls, whereas masterwork only gives +1 to attack rolls.

Depending on your setting and DM's rules, you may need to have a magical (+1 or greater) weapon to effectively damage certain monsters.

 

[Empirate]

Being magical grants a lot of small, but non-negligible perks. You can now ignore the damage reduction of a lot of monsters, for once. You have at least the chance (50% with each strike) to damage incorporeal creatures. Your weapon can only be sundered by another weapon that is at least as much enchanted (in pure enhancement bonus) as your own. You do a little more damage (whereas masterwork only grants a +1 to the attack roll). And your weapon can be further enchanted, of course. You'll most likely just stack on a lot of special abilities instead of additional enhancement bonus, since the latter can easily be tacked on (on a temporary basis each day) via the Greater Magic Weapon spell.

 

[BralRocker]

Thanks. That really helps me understand the drastic difference in GP value between the two.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Each magical +1 also adds 2 hardness and 10 hit points to the weapon.

 

[kitcik]

Oh yeah, and the biggest thing:

A masterwork weapon cannot have any of the cool properties like Warning or Valorous or Flaming or anything.

You have to get that first +1 before you start loading up the cool stuff.

(yes, this is mentioned at the end of [MENTION=78958]Empirate[/MENTION] 's post, but I thought it should be highlighted)