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Message: <blockquote data-quote="77IM" data-source="post: 4612450" data-attributes="member: 12377">DEFCON has given me a good idea for a meta-mechanic.  Certainly, the DM can do anything he wants, and I've given out multi-trait items under the label of "minor artifact."  But any rigid pricing guideline could be abused by players.So how about a rule similar to the 3.5 "spell research?"  Like this:1.  The player describes what sort if item he wants to make (e.g., a flaming frosting double sword).2.  The DM decides on the minimum level and cost-adjustment of the item using whatever system or guidelines he sees fit. (E.g., I'm thinking of a system where the minimum level of a flaming frosting double sword is level 10, for a +2 version, which costs 2x what a normal level 10 item would cost.  But it's up to the DM how to arrive at these figures.)3.  The PC then needs to succeed at three Arcana checks (with a DC assigned by the DM, based upon the level and/or cost of the item).  Each check takes 8 hours research and design.  Failing a check means you wasted your 8 hours, but can keep trying until you get 3 successes.  (E.g., under my guidelines, the DC would be 10 + 1/2 level + 2x bonus, or 24 for the +2 flaming frosting double sword.)4.  Once the research is complete (the PC has three successes), the DM tells them whether the item is allowed or not.  The DM can forbid the item for any reason but needs to explain to the player what the reason is, so that the player won't make the same mistake when designing his next item.  (E.g., a +2 flaming frosting double sword doesn't seem imbalanced compared to just wielding two separate enchanted weapons, so I'd allow it.  If the player wanted a +1 version, though, I'd explain that it's not allowed because it is too much better than a +1 flaming double sword for not enough cost.)What's the point of requiring research and checks?  Why not just have the player and DM discuss the item and decide on the level and cost?  Mostly, it's to prevent a player from coming to the DM with a list of a dozen multi-trait items.  Since each one requires research time, the player will only be able to find out about one or two of them.  In an ideal situation the DM will explain to the player ahead of time his balance guidelines so that most item research will be successful. -- 77IM</blockquote>

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