When creating a unique magic item, how are prerequistes/caster levels determined?

[demon_jr]

I haven't been able to figure this out.

Suppose you want to create a unique (an item that is not described in the DMG). This is mainly for items that are not scrolls, wands, potions, since I think caster level for these items is usually determined by having the minimum caster level to cast the spell required. (Being at least 5th level to cast Fireball if you are a Wizard.)

However, in the case of Wonderous Items, Rings, etc., what would you do?

A ring of climbing, for instance, has caster level of 5th level, with the prerequisites being no spells needed and only 5 ranks in climb.

An elven cloak has a caster level of 3, with the prequisites of being an elf, and having the invisibility spell.

On the other hand elven boots have a caster level of 5th, with no spells needs, and only having to be an elf.

How would you go about determining what caster level and prerequisites are requied in creating a unique magic item?

I have some specific items in mind, but it would be helpful if I had some general rules or guidelines regarding determining the caster levels and prerequisites for unique items.

 

[kreynolds]

How would you go about determining what caster level and prerequisites are requied in creating a unique magic item?

If you haven't seen this already, check this out.

 

[dcollins]

Unfortunately, Monte's essay expressly contradicts the written rules: www.superdan.net/dndfaq2.html

As the original poster intuits, caster level and prerequisites are frequently overlooked in "new item" design, and there are no guidelines in the core rulebooks. Hence, it's entirely up to the DM's tastes and balancing judgement.

As a start, clearly, most items have a caster level of at least the minimum to cast an analogous spell. If no analogous spell presents itself, then add in some skills, feats, or arbitrary level minimum. If the DM wants to restrict the item to non-player creation, then hiking the caster level or specifying a non-player race is a good tool.

 

[JoelF]

What I tend to do is require a spell for most items. If there isn't one, then it needs to be researched. For the core items that don't need a spell, I'll sometimes change things so they do require a researched spell. For instance, there are some spells that grant a +10 bonus to a skill, like Jump. If you want any item that gives a +10 bonus to a skill, like elven boots or a belt of balance, or whatever, I'd require a spell to be researched that did the same thing as jump. Alternatively, I'd allow a spell that did it somehow better, like invisibility instead of a spell that gave a +10 to hide.

I'd model caster level based on the spell required.

 

[demon_jr]

Thanks everyone!

This has been really helpful!

 

[kreynolds]

Unfortunately, Monte's essay expressly contradicts the written rules: www.superdan.net/dndfaq2.html

I don't see a contradiction in the rules at all. I've read your essay, but I see no compelling evidence that an item's caster level is arbitrary in any way. It is directly determined by the most powerful effect of the item, and you can set the power level of that effect, thus you can set the caster level of the item.

Basically, whatever is used to create the most powerful function of the item is what sets the caster level of the item. The caster level of an item is a prerequisite only in regards to "this is what level you have to be to create this item exactly as written". If you want to make a weaker version of an item, you can, and the caster level will be lower. If you want to make a more powerful version of an item, you can, and the caster level will be higher.

For example, the only reason that the Boots of Speed have a caster level of 10th is because that is what level you would have to be to get 10 rounds out of the Haste spell. If you only want your Boots to give you 5 rounds of Haste, you only need to be a 5th level caster, and you set the caster level of the new boots to 5th. By being 5th level, you meet the requirements for both 5 rounds of Haste and the Craft Wondrous Item feat. If you want 15 rounds of Haste, you need to be a 15th level caster to set the caster level of the item that high. The caster level of the Boots of Speed can never be set lower than 5th because that is the minimum level you need to be to cast Haste, even though Craft Wondrous Item only requires you to be 3rd level or higher, so it is the Haste spell that sets the absolute minimum of Boots of Speed.

The caster level of an item is a prerequisite only in regards to exactly as it is written. There is no reason at all why you couldn't set the caster level of the Boots of Speed lower than 10th level.

I don't understand where the confusion lies.

 

[Artoomis]

...By being 5th level, you meet the requirements for both 5 rounds of Haste and the Craft Wondrous Item feat...

True, but I just though I'd point out that (unless I missed a rule somewhere) the appropriate creation feat has nothing whatsoever to do with the caster level.

You could create a wondrous item with caster level 1, for example, if appropriate. Nothing prevents it. You could not actually create the item unless you were at least 3rd level because of the feat requirement, of course, but you certainly could create, say, a magic missle item that gives one missle with a caster level of "1."

In fact, a ring of climbing, for example, is caster level 5, but you can't create it until you are 12th level to get the Forge Rings feat.

 

[dcollins]

...you can set the power level of that effect, thus you can set the caster level of the item.

Not so. According to the key quote on DMG p. 178, for non-potions/scrolls/wands, "the caster level is determined by the item itself", not by the creator.

 

[demon_jr]

Not so. According to the key quote on DMG p. 178, for non-potions/scrolls/wands, "the caster level is determined by the item itself", not by the creator.

I read your essay dcollins, very informative. I think you make a good arguement. Now I will present your essay and Monte Cook's and let my DM have the final say.

Regarding the above, then what if you are creating an item that has not been created before and as a result, has no item caster level? I would assume that you would try to find the closest equivalent of the magic item in the DMG, but is even that a good method?

 

[dcollins]

I would assume that you would try to find the closest equivalent of the magic item in the DMG, but is even that a good method?

I don't think that any better method presents itself.