The problem of keeping magic items scarce...

[VirgilCaine]

In this paradigm, the lord has the right to restrict and control the manufacture of said items, so item creators work directly for the lord.....or are outlaws. The items of outlaw creators may be confiscated by the lord, and the creator put to death.

RC

Funny man! Tell me another one.

A more logical scenario (IMO) would be that the PCs can't just up and run off to the city to buy what they want from the local Guild of Alakazammers because they're employed. Can't just send anyone to pick up thousands of gp in property, either. They get some free time, they can go and take a break in the city, but in the meantime, they keep doing their jobs and the lord provides for his vassals.

Drow in my campaign still have weapons and armor that are magical in the Underdark but lose their powers (and soon their substance) in sunlight).

Drow can still be exotic, if you work at it.

Somehow, using an idea that's existed for 20 years or so (and even older than that, if you count fairy (i.e. elf ) stuff that only exists in a fairy country) doesn't sit well with me.

It's like saying, "Hey look! People are riding horses again!" when people have done that for thousands of years.

 

[Mighty Halfling]

Haven't read the whole thread ....


If Magic Items are so rare, then a lot of people will want to keep their magic items safe. The best way to do that is to have Drawmij's Instant Summons cast on them. If the items are lost, stolen or looted, a person (or their survivors) can "say the magic word" and the item comes back home.

 

[Quartz]

With regard to enemy magic items, one-shots are definitely your friend: Necklaces of missiles, Oil of Impact, buffing potions etc. Instead of giving that enemy fighter a belt of Str +6, give him a potion of Empowered Bull's Strength. Perhaps the enemy mage has a Permanent Fox's Cunning. Instead of giving the fighter a mace +5, give him a normal mace and Oil of Impact +5. And when they do have magic items, make them aligned against the party - or make them look as if they are. Is your fighter really going to wield that flail that's covered with skulls? That bag the enemy threw? Full of Disenchanter blood.

Another thing: I've read much about adventurers taking on local potentates. Posters here should go to the Story Hour forum and read Aphonion Tales. The Duke may be of only middling level, but he's got vastly powerful allies. Does your party of 15th-20th level characters really wish to tangle with a character of 90th level, umpteen archmages, knights of power, etc, all well-prepared?

Again, the OoTS are adventurers with low teens of levels. Look how they fared against a huge army.