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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Fanaelialae" data-source="post: 4319742" data-attributes="member: 53980">It's pretty effortless to implement.  Just shift the gear enhancement bonus to a bonus gained from leveling (an inherent enhancement bonus).  Now the fighter who breaks out of prison and grabs a guard's sword is just about as good as with his Vorpal sword (though his Vorpal sword still grants noticable benefits).Obviously that means that items only exist at levels where they're special abilities upgrade from the base item.My guess as to why they didn't make this default is twofold.  First, the sword +1 has been a staple of D&D since the early days.  Secondly, 4e specifically calls out treasure as a form of reward that works alongside experience.  It's much easier to give out rewards every level over 30 levels if you can simply upgrade Bob's Vorpal Sword +5(which he absolutely loves) to a Vorpal Sword +6.If you use this method you might want to tweak the reward system slightly.  I like it though, and will probably use it after I finish my first 4e campaign.ALTERNATE THOUGHT- Give your players the bonuses and effects from Monster Magic Threshold (DMG pg 174).  This allows you to retain item enhancement bonuses without alteration and character capability drops only very slightly (typically -1) when they don't have access to their equipment.</blockquote>