New FAQ at Wizards - Behind the Screen with magic item creation

[dcollins]

For magic items, I'm glad to see that they're upholding a distinction between by-the-book items, and player-invented house-ruled items:

Strictly speaking, neither of these items (e.g., robe of archmagi looking for higher AC bonus) can be improved in the normal fashion (see previous question), since there aren’t any “better” versions of them in the game... (p. 27)

Of course, I'm unhappy that they're hanging onto the "item caster levels aren't requirements" notion, which I think is nonsensical. This isn't what the DMG says, and now we have the dilemma (among others) of what exactly is the caster level of the following item?

Unless stated specifically, items never have a minimum caster level as a prerequisite. (The “CL” entry is the default caster level of the item, not a requirement for creation.)

A 3rd-level wizard with Craft Wondrous Item could create a harp of charming (even though he’s not high-enough level to cast suggestion, a prerequisite for creation), as long he had
access to the suggestion spell during creation (such as from an item or another character). (p. 28)

 

[blargney the second]

3rd. Incidentally, from this FAQ I get the feeling that the caster levels are listed in the DMG mostly for purposes of dispelling and disjoining.

I really enjoy the design & development insights published by Wizards recently, including those in this most recent FAQ. They serve as a reminder that the rules are intended to be both inspiring and open to interpretation. I like knowing the spirit of the rules.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Of course, I'm unhappy that they're hanging onto the "item caster levels aren't requirements" notion, which I think is nonsensical.

And only you ...

This isn't what the DMG says

Yes, it is. Despite your desire to ignore the Errata, it's there. Therefore, the DMG actually says what the FAQ says it says (at least in this case).

Anything else is a house rule.

and now we have the dilemma (among others) of what exactly is the caster level of the following item?

What CL is the item made at? There's your answer.

 

[Artoomis]

..Yes, it is. Despite your desire to ignore the Errata, it's there. Therefore, the DMG actually says what the FAQ says it says (at least in this case).

Stop promulgating your house rules...

That seemed kinda, well..., rude. Anyway, here's the errata:

Caster Level
Dungeon Master’s Guide, page 215
Problem: The last two sentences in the section on Caster
Level are ambiguous and potentially misleading.
Solution: Replace with this text: For other magic items, the
caster level is determined by the creator. The minimum caster
level is that which is needed to meet the prerequisites given.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

That seemed kinda, well..., rude.

You're right. I'll go back and change it a bit.

It's a long-standing problem, however, wherein certain aspects of the Errata are ignored because dcollins has decided he doesn't like them. He then proceeds to quote designers out of context in order to prove that the errata is in error.

Eventually, he'll post a link to his website wherein he enlightens us all.

 

[Artoomis]

You're right. I'll go back and change it a bit....

BTW: I don't think the errata was needed and the original text was perfectly clear, but, as the errata has been published, that's the actual rule.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

... as the errata has been published, that's the actual rule.

Exactly my point.

 

[Artoomis]

Exactly my point.

And you're right. It's just very easy to overlook the errata.You either have to make notes all over you books or remember to check it.

 

[Kerrick]

I think you people are missing a very important point...

Caster Level
Dungeon Master’s Guide, page 215
Problem: The last two sentences in the section on Caster
Level are ambiguous and potentially misleading.
Solution: Replace with this text: For other magic items, the
caster level is determined by the creator. The minimum caster
level is that which is needed to meet the prerequisites given.

Read the bold part again. Now read this:

A 3rd-level wizard with Craft Wondrous Item could create a harp of charming (even though he’s not high-enough level to cast suggestion, a prerequisite for creation), as long he had access to the suggestion spell during creation (such as from an item or another character). (p. 28)

That 3rd level bard cannot meet the prerequisites, because he can't cast suggestion. If someone else casts it, the item has that person's level as the CL, not the bard's. If he casts it off the scroll, it uses the scroll maker's CL, not the bard's. IOW, a 3rd level bard cannot make a harp of charming, no matter what The Sage says.

 

[Lobo Lurker]

It also states that mithral armor is considered one category lighter for proficiency purposes, something that's been brought up recently again. A good update, methinks.

Pinotage

Man... that utterly flies in the face of logic. I don't know how to use Full Plate armor, but suddenly, based on my experience with chainmail, I can use it. Not in my game pal! Rule 0.