Magic Weapons: Difference between revisions

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[[Category:Epic Path]]
[[Category:Epic Path]]
[[Category:Magic Item Creation]]
[[Category:Magic Item Creation]]
[[Image:Magic_Sword_1.jpg|500px|right|Malefrost]]
[[Image:Magic_Sword_1.jpg|500px|right|Malfrost]]
<div style="clear:right; float:right; padding-left:0.5em; padding-top:0.5em">__TOC__</div>
<div style="clear:right; float:right; padding-left:0.5em; padding-top:0.5em">__TOC__</div>
To create a magic weapon, a character needs a good workshop. There must be a powerful heat source such as a blown forge or magical fire. There must be a strong anvil and a wide variety of high-quality tools. There must be adequate room to work, with benches and tables. Finally, there should be a supply of materials, the most obvious being the weapon or the pieces of the weapon to be assembled. A good forge can be a cozy affair, or a massive workshop that sprawls and rambles through many rooms of a castle. In no case is any workspace ever portable.


Only a masterwork weapon can become a magic weapon, and the masterwork cost is added to the total cost to determine final market value. If a character has the appropriate Profession skill (e.g. weaponsmith, bowyer, etc.), they can create their own masterwork weapons but it is usually faster to simply buy a masterwork weapon from an NPCAdditional magic supplies costs for the materials are subsumed in the cost for creating the magic weapon, equal to half the base price of the Absolute Bonus cost (see Absolute Bonus, below).
A huge variety of magic weapons are possible, and most of them are either available for purchase at a magic item shop, or can be custom-made with enough time and a good craftsmanCharacters with [[Creator (Feat)]] can even make such weapons themselves, if they are so inclined.


Creating a magic weapon has a special prerequisite: The creator's caster level must be at least three times the enhancement bonus of the weapon. If an item has both an enhancement bonus and one or more magic weapon properties, the higher of the listed caster level requirements must be met. A magic weapon must have at least a +1 enhancement bonus to have any melee or ranged magic weapon properties applied to it.
==Calculating Cost==
To determine the cost of a magic weapon, you must add up the following:
* The cost of the non-magical base weapon
* The cost of any dweomermetal used in the weapon's construction
* The cost of the enhancement bonus from the table below
* The cost of the '''''sum''''' of all magic properties, also from the table below


If spells are involved in the prerequisites for making the weapon, the creator must have either 1) Prepared the spells to be cast (or must know the spells, in the case of a sorcerer or bard), 2) Purchased scrolls of the spells, 3) Have the spells otherwise available such as in a wand, or 4) Have worked out with the GM in advance any allowed substitutions (a jug of red dragon blood from a dragon of the proper challenge rating to substitute for a meteor swarm spell, for example) and must provide any material components or focuses the spells require. The act of working on the weapon triggers the prepared spells, or integrates any allowed substitutes.  On the first day of item creation, the spells are not available to cast, and the substitutes are consumed in making the item. (Those spell slots are expended from the caster's currently prepared spells, just as if they had been cast.)
==Example Magic Weapons==


At the time of creation, the creator must decide if the weapon glows or not as a side-effect of the magic imbued within it. This decision does not affect the price or the creation time, but once the item is finished, the decision is binding.  Note that many properties emit light as well, and you cannot choose to NOT emit light if you take that property.
*Example 1: A [[Longsword]] (15 gp) made of plain steel, with no enchantment bonus or properties, costs 15 gold pieces.
*Example 2: A [[Longsword]] (15 gp) infused with [[Dweomermetals#Cuprium-Infused_Weapons | Cuprium]] (500 gp), with no enhancement bonus or properties, costs 515 gold pieces.
*Example 3: A [[Longsword]] (15 gp) made of [[Dweomermetals#Bladesilver_Weapons | Bladesilver]] (7,500 gp), with no enhancement bonus or properties, costs 7,515 gold pieces.
*Example 4: A [[Longsword]] (15 gp) made of [[Dweomermetals#Bladesilver_Weapons | Bladesilver]] (7,500 gp), with a +1 enhancement bonus (2,300 gp) and no properties, costs 9,815 gold pieces.
*Example 5: A [[Longsword]] (15 gp) made of plain steel, with a +1 enhancement bonus (2300 gp) and no properties, costs 2,315 gold pieces.
*Example 6: A [[Longsword]] (15 gp) made of [[Dweomermetals#Bladesilver_Weapons | Bladesilver]] (7,500 gp), with a +1 enhancement bonus (2,300 gp) and the +1 [[Keen_(Melee_Weapon_Magic_Property) | Keen]] magical property (2,300 gp), costs 12,115 gold pieces.
*Example 7: A [[Longsword]] (15 gp)  made of plain steel, with no enhancement bonus, and the +1 [[Keen_(Melee_Weapon_Magic_Property) | Keen]] magical property (2,300 gp), costs 2,315 gold pieces.
*Example 8: A [[Longsword]] (15 gp) made of plain steel, with no enhancement bonus, the +1 [[Keen_(Melee_Weapon_Magic_Property) | Keen]] magical property, the +1 [[Throwing_(Melee_Weapon_Magic_Property) | Throwing]] property, and the +0 [[Returning_(Melee_Weapon_Magic_Property) | Returning]] property (50 gp), costs 10,065 gold pieces (because the two +1 magic properties and the +0 magic property are added together to a total of +2, which costs 10,000 gp).


Creating magic double-headed weapons is treated as creating two weapons when determining cost, time, and special abilities.


Creating some weapons may entail other prerequisites beyond or other than spellcasting. See the individual descriptions for details.
As can be seen, the variety of weapons that can be built is very, very large, and players are encouraged to explore the vast range of possibilities. Have fun!  Try new things!


:* '''Time Required:'''  Crafting magic weapons requires one day for each CL of the item, minimum of 7 days.
::{| class="ep-default" style="text-align:center"
:* '''Feat(s) Required:''' Creator.
! width="110" | Enhancement Bonus or Magic Properties || width="110" | Cost
:* '''Skill(s) Required:''' Divinity, Naturalism, Reason, Spellcraft, Spycraft or Warfare
|-
| +1 || align="right" | {{#number_format: {{#expr: {{Magic-Item-Adjusted-Price|transcludesection=2-50 }}}}}}
|-
| +2 || align="right" | {{#number_format: {{#expr: {{Magic-Item-Adjusted-Price|transcludesection=6-50 }}}}}}
|-
| +3 || align="right" | {{#number_format: {{#expr: {{Magic-Item-Adjusted-Price|transcludesection=10-50 }}}}}}
|-
| +4 || align="right" | {{#number_format: {{#expr: {{Magic-Item-Adjusted-Price|transcludesection=14-50 }}}}}}
|-
| +5 || align="right" | {{#number_format: {{#expr: {{Magic-Item-Adjusted-Price|transcludesection=18-50 }}}}}}
|-
| +6 (epic) || align="right" | {{#number_format: {{#expr: {{Magic-Item-Adjusted-Price|transcludesection=23-50 }}}}}}
|-
| +7 (epic) || align="right" | {{#number_format: {{#expr: {{Magic-Item-Adjusted-Price|transcludesection=27-50 }}}}}}
|-
| +8 (epic) || align="right" | {{#number_format: {{#expr: {{Magic-Item-Adjusted-Price|transcludesection=31-50 }}}}}}
|-
| +9 (epic) || align="right" | {{#number_format: {{#expr: {{Magic-Item-Adjusted-Price|transcludesection=35-50 }}}}}}
|}


==Allowed Enchantments==
==Allowed Enchantments==
Line 25: Line 53:


===Weapon Enhancement Bonus===
===Weapon Enhancement Bonus===
Heroic tier characters (characters from level 1 to level 20) can wield a weapon with an enhancement bonus up to +5, and can have up to +5 pluses worth of Magic Weapon properties applied to their weapon, though there must always be at least +1 Enhancement bonus on the weapon before any magic weapon properties can be applied. As a result, heroic tier characters can wield a weapon with an absolute bonus of anything from +1 to +10.
A weapon's enhancement bonus is a direct bonus to the weapon's to-hit and damage, equal to the plus-value of the enhancement bonus.  That is, a weapon with a +2 enhancement bonus grants its wielder a +2 bonus to all to-hit rolls with that weapon, and +2 bonus damage to all damage rolls made for that weapon. This bonus damage is multiplied on a hit, but it is not [[base weapon damage]] that increases with level.
 
Enhancement bonuses are usually listed as part of the weapon's name, such as "+2 longsword".


Epic tier characters (characters level 21 to level 35) can wield a weapon with an enhancement bonus up to +9, and can have a total of up to +9 pluses-worth of Magic Weapon properties applied to their weapon (resulting in an Absolute Bonus as high as +18). However, the enhancement bonus of the weapon must be raised to at least +6 before it can have any Epic magic weapon properties applied to it.
A weapon may never have more than a +9 enhancement bonus.  Furthermore, characters must be at least level 21 before they can apply an enhancement bonus greater than +5 to a weapon.  Weapons with an enhancement bonus of +6, +7, +8, or +9, are considered epic weapons.


Any attempt to wield a weapon more magically enchanted than your level allows results in the character taking a non-proficiency penalty with the weapon (-4 to attack rolls), and the possibility of even more dire consequences (such as insanity, or being controlled by the weapon).
Any attempt to wield an epic weapon prior to 21st level results in the character taking a non-proficiency penalty with the weapon (-4 to attack rolls), and the possibility of even more dire consequences (such as insanity, or being controlled by the weapon).


At level 36 and higher (apotheosis) all restrictions on enhancement bonuses and the magic item properties are lifted, at which point the weapon may be enchanted in any way the character can afford.
At level 36 and higher (apotheosis) all limits on enhancement bonuses and the magic properties are lifted. Apotheotic weapons can be enchanted in any way the character can afford.


===Magic Weapon Properties===
===Magic Weapon Properties===
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Magic Weapon Properties|Magic Weapon Properties]]
* [[Melee Magic Properties]]
* [[Ranged Magic Properties]]


Magic Weapon Properties are additional traits, bonuses or effects the magic weapon grants or performs on top of the normal functionality of that weapon.  Magic weapon properties each have a cost associated with them that is measured in pluses similar to the weapon's enhancement bonus. The cost of a magic weapon is determined by adding the pluses listed for each magic weapon property to its base magic enhancement bonus. This is called the weapon's Absolute Bonus (see below for details)The Absolute Bonus is used to determine the cost of the weapon.
Magic properties are additional traits, bonuses or effects the weapon grants or performs on top of the normal functionality of that weapon.  Magic properties each have a cost associated with them that is measured in pluses similar to the weapon's enhancement bonus. The cost of a magic weapon's properties is determined by '''''adding the pluses listed''''' for each magic property and looking up the price on the table above.   


Weapons must have at least a +1 enhancement bonus before any magic weapon properties may be added to them. The limit to the total value of all weapon properties that may be added to a weapon is +5 pluses worth of properties for characters level 20 or below (heroic tier), or +9 pluses-worth of properties for characters levels 21 to 35 (epic tier)At level 36 and higher all restrictions are lifted, and a weapon may be enchanted in any way the character can afford and the referee will allow.
For example, a weapon with both "Flaming (+1)" and "Keen (+1)" has two pluses worth of properties, which costs {{#number_format: {{#expr: {{Magic-Item-Adjusted-Price|transcludesection=6-50 }}}}}} gp.   


=== Upgrading and Changing Magic Weapon Properties ===
You cannot price each property separately, even if you add them to the weapon at different times. That is, you can't pay the {{#number_format: {{#expr: {{Magic-Item-Adjusted-Price|transcludesection=2-50 }}}}}} gp cost for each +1 property; you can only pay that for the first +1 property.  When you add a second +1 property, you pay as though a total of +2-worth of properties was on the weapon (paying only the difference, since you already paid for the first +1)A weapon with two +1 properties always costs the same as a weapon with a single +2 property.  Similarly, a weapon with four +1 properties costs the same as a weapon with a single +4 property.
Enhancement bonuses cannot be removed from a magic weapon once applied, but the enhancement bonus can be increasedIf the weapon is made from a dweomermetal that offers an alternate way of allocating the enhancement bonus, this can also be changed by a craftsman (or a character with the Creator feat), but performing this work takes one full day of work per change in the Absolute Bonus, with a minimum of 1 full day.


Magic weapon properties can be removed from a magic weapon, replaced with altogether new properties, or upgraded to a higher version of the existing magic weapon property (when applicable)The cost to do so is the difference in cost between the old Absolute Bonus and the new Absolute Bonus.  However, if the Absolute Bonus goes down, there is no refund of money unless you can convince the craftsman performing the alterations why he should actually pay you for the privilege of doing that work.  Performing magic weapon property swaps and upgrades takes one full day of work per change in the Absolute Bonus, with a minimum of 1 full day.  Even if this work isn't performed by a player, the player must wait for the alterations to be performed, and they cannot make use of the weapon while the craftsman is working on it.  Some craftsmen might offer to lend or rent out a weapon while their customers wait, though they would expect the loaner weapon to return to them in good condition.
In order to add any '''''epic''''' magic properties, the wielder must be at least 21st levelPrior to 21st level, a weapon may have up to a maximum of +5 worth of magic properties enchanted onto it.  At level 21 or higher, a weapon may have up to a maximum of +9 worth of magic properties enchanted onto it.


A magic weapon which is altered in such a way as to violate the limitations of the campaign level will inflict a non-proficiency penalty on the wielder, or worse.
: <h3> Upgrading and Changing Enchantments </h3>
: Enhancement bonuses cannot be removed from a magic weapon once applied, but the enhancement bonus can be increased. The cost to do so is the difference in cost between the old bonus and the new one.


===Masterwork Weapons===
: Magic weapon properties can be removed from a magic weapon, replaced with altogether new properties, or upgraded to a higher version of the existing magic weapon property (when applicable).  The cost to do so is the difference in cost between the total pluses worth of properties on the old weapon and the total pluses of properties being applied to the new weapon.  However, if the total plus-value of the weapon goes down, there is no refund of money unless you can convince the craftsman performing the alterations why they should actually pay you for the privilege of doing that work. Performing magic property swaps and upgrades takes one full day of work per change in the plus-cost of the weapon, with a minimum of 1 full day.  Even if this work isn't performed by a player-character, the character must wait for the alterations to be performed, and they cannot make use of the weapon while the craftsman is working on it.  Some craftsmen might offer to lend or rent out a weapon while their customers wait, though they would expect the loaner weapon to be returned to them in good condition.
A masterwork weapon is a finely crafted version of a normal weapon. Wielding it provides a +1 enhancement bonus on attack rolls.  


Without using magic (such as the [[Masterwork Transformation (Spell)|Masterwork Transformation]] spell), you can't add the masterwork quality to a weapon after it is created; it must be crafted as a masterwork weapon.
: A magic weapon that is upgraded with epic properties before its wielder is at least level 21 will inflict a [[Non-Proficiency|non-proficiency]] penalty on the wielder, or worse.
 
The masterwork quality adds 300 gp to the cost of a normal weapon (or 6 gp to the cost of a single unit of ammunition). Adding the masterwork quality to a double weapon costs twice the normal increase (+600 gp).
 
Masterwork ammunition is damaged (effectively destroyed) when used. The enhancement bonus of masterwork ammunition does not stack with any enhancement bonus of the projectile weapon firing it.
 
All weapons created with a Dweomermetal are automatically considered to be of masterwork quality.  Additionally, any magic weapons that are found as loot are also masterwork by default, since you cannot enchant a weapon unless it is either masterwork or made from a Dweomermetal (and therefore masterwork).
 
The enhancement bonus granted by the masterwork quality doesn't stack with the enhancement bonus provided by the weapon's magic.
 
Even though some types of armor and shields can be used as weapons, you can't create a masterwork version of such an item that confers an enhancement bonus on attack rolls. Instead, masterwork armor and shields have lessened armor check penalties.


=== Special Materials ===
=== Special Materials ===
* [[Dweomermetals And Other Special Materials]]
* [[Dweomermetals]]


Mundane weapons are assumed to be made of forged iron.  Fragile weapons are usually made of crude iron, bronze, or bone. Masterwork weapons are assumed to be made of good quality steel, similar to historical Damascus or Wootz (forging good steel was often a happy accident before the chemistry was fully understood).  Weapons made from fantastic materials are possible as well, such as the classic mithril and adamantine.  These fantastic materials are collectively called "dweomermetals".  
Mundane weapons are assumed to be made of forged iron.  Fragile weapons are usually made of crude iron, bronze, or bone. Weapons made from fantastic materials are possible as well, such as the classic mithril and adamantine.  These fantastic materials are collectively called "dweomermetals".  


Dweomermetals do not alter the Absolute Bonus of weapon, though the cost for a weapon made with a dweomermetal is added to the overall cost of the weapon.  All weapons made using a dweomermetal are automatically masterwork weapons, and therefore the cost for masterwork does not need to be added to the total cost of the item.
Dweomermetals can be added to a weapon at the time it is purchased (or created), increasing the price depending on the dweomermetal chosen, and the handiness of weapon it is applied to (light weapons, one-handed weapons, and two-handed weapons)Note that ranged weapons, such as bows, also have a handiness (bows require two hands to fire), and use the same prices.


Note that special materials cannot be added to an existing weapon.  The weapon must be built from the special material before it can be enchanted.  If a character already has a +3 longsword, and wants it to be a +3 argent longsword, he would have to sell his old longsword and buy an argent one.  He cannot simply upgrade it.  (This rule can be broken, at GM discretion, in cases where the weapon is a family heirloom, an artifact, or any sort of magic item that is meant to grow with the player, where replacing it with a new weapon would disrupt the story continuity for the character.  In these cases, the item may have always been made from the special material, but only exhibits its qualities when the character reaches a high enough level to appreciate it, or perhaps it acquires the special materials qualities after some event transpires (like the character gets splashed with molten mithril).)
Note that special materials cannot be normally be added to an existing weapon, though some advanced armor smithies offer a [[Dweomermetals#Reforging_a_Dweomermetal | reforging]] process that makes this possible.  


Only ONE special material may be used in the construction of a single weapon, even after the Apotheosis at level 36.  A weapon cannot be made of both ambergold and paramount alloy. The Double weapons, such as the 2-bladed sword, are the exception to this rule, as each end can be made of a different dweomermetal, if desired.
Only ONE special material may be used in the construction of a single weapon, even after the Apotheosis at level 36.  A weapon cannot be made of both ambergold and paramount alloy. The Double weapons, such as the 2-bladed sword, are the exception to this rule, as each end can be made of a different dweomermetal, if desired.


===Special Rule: Absolute Bonus===
==Other Magic Weapon Considerations==
By adding together the plus values of the Enhancement Bonus and Magical Properties of a weapon, you determine the weapon's Absolute Bonus. For example, a +2 Keen Longsword has a +3 Absolute Bonus, which is the sum of the +2 enhancement bonus and the +1 cost of the Keen property. Dweomermetals do not alter the Absolute Bonus of a weapon, though they do alter the cost.  The Absolute Bonus plus the special material costs (or the cost of masterwork if no special material is used) plus the cost of the non-magical version of the weapon itself determine the total magic item cost of the weapon.  The maximum possible Absolute Bonus of any magic weapon, armor or shield is +18, though the maximum allowed in a given campaign varies by the campaign's current player level (as described above). At level 36, all restrictions are lifted, and weapons, armors and shields may be enchanted in any way the characters can afford.
 
== Magic Weapon Costs ==
To determine the cost of a magic weapon, three elements must be added together:
* The cost of the weapon.
* The cost of any special materials used to create the weapon (e.g. mithril, adamantine, etc.), or the cost for masterwork.
* The cost of the Absolute Bonus (the sum of the magic properties and the enhancement bonus).
 
=== Table: Weapon Absolute Bonus Cost (Heroic Tier Characters) ===
{| class="ep-default" style="text-align:center"
! width="110" | Enhancement Bonus || width="175" | Magic Properties || width="110" | Absolute Bonus || width="110" | Cost
|-
! rowspan="6" | +1 || align="left" | no properties || +1 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=1}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +1 worth of properties || +2 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=3}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +2 worth of properties || +3 ||  {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=5}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +3 worth of properties || +4 ||  {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=7}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +4 worth of properties || +5 ||  {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=9}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +5 worth of properties || +6 ||  {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=11}}}}
|-
! rowspan="6" | +2 || align="left" | no properties || +2 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=3}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +1 worth of properties || +3 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=5}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +2 worth of properties || +4 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=7}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +3 worth of properties || +5 ||  {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=9}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +4 worth of properties || +6 ||  {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=11}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +5 worth of properties || +7 ||  {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=13}}}}
|-
! rowspan="6" | +3 || align="left" | no properties || +3 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=5}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +1 worth of properties || +4 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=7}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +2 worth of properties || +5 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=9}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +3 worth of properties || +6 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=11}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +4 worth of properties || +7 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=13}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +5 worth of properties || +8 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=15}}}}
|-
! rowspan="6" | +4 || align="left" | no properties || +4 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=7}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +1 worth of properties || +5 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=9}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +2 worth of properties || +6 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=11}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +3 worth of properties || +7 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=13}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +4 worth of properties || +8 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=15}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +5 worth of properties || +9 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=17}}}}
|-
! rowspan="6" | +5 || align="left" | no properties || +5 ||  {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=9}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +1 worth of properties || +6 ||  {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=11}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +2 worth of properties || +7 ||  {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=13}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +3 worth of properties || +8 ||  {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=15}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +4 worth of properties || +9 ||  {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=17}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +5 worth of properties || +10 ||  {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=19}}}}
|}
 
=== Table: Weapon Absolute Bonus Cost (Epic Tier) ===
{| class="ep-default"  style="text-align:center"
! width="110" | Enhancement Bonus || width="175" | Magic Properties || width="110" | Absolute Bonus || width="110" | Cost
|-
! rowspan="10" | +6 || align="left" | no properties || +6 ||  {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=11}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +1 worth of properties || +7 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=13}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +2 worth of properties || +8 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=15}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +3 worth of properties || +9 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=17}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +4 worth of properties || +10 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=19}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +5 worth of properties || +11 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=21}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +6 worth of properties || +12 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=23}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +7 worth of properties || +13 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=25}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +8 worth of properties || +14 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=27}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +9 worth of properties || +15 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=29}}}}
|-
! rowspan="10" | +7 || align="left" | no properties || +7 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=13}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +1 worth of properties || +8 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=15}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +2 worth of properties || +9 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=17}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +3 worth of properties || +10 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=19}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +4 worth of properties || +11 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=21}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +5 worth of properties || +12 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=23}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +6 worth of properties || +13 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=25}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +7 worth of properties || +14 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=27}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +8 worth of properties || +15 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=29}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +9 worth of properties || +16 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=31}}}}
|-
! rowspan="10" | +8 || align="left" | no properties || +8 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=15}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +1 worth of properties || +9 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=17}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +2 worth of properties || +10 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=19}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +3 worth of properties || +11 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=21}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +4 worth of properties || +12 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=23}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +5 worth of properties || +13 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=25}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +6 worth of properties || +14 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=27}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +7 worth of properties || +15 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=29}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +8 worth of properties || +16 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=31}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +9 worth of properties || +17 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=33}}}}
|-
! rowspan="10" | +9 || align="left" | no properties || +9 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=17}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +1 worth of properties || +10 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=19}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +2 worth of properties || +11 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=21}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +3 worth of properties || +12 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=23}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +4 worth of properties || +13 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=25}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +5 worth of properties || +14 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=27}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +6 worth of properties || +15 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=29}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +7 worth of properties || +16 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=31}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +8 worth of properties || +17 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=33}}}}
|-
| align="left" | +9 worth of properties || +18 || {{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=35}}}}
|}
 
=== Table: Weapon Absolute Bonus Cost (Apotheosis) ===
{| class="ep-default" style="text-align:center"
! width="110" | Enhancement Bonus || width="175" | Magic Properties || width="110" | Absolute Bonus || width="110" | Cost
|-
| unlimited || align="left" | unlimited || per additional +1 || +{{#number_format:{{Magic-Item-Base-Price|transcludesection=35}}}}
|}


== Restricted Enchantments ==
===Creation Level of Magic Weapons===  
Weapons cannot have any other magical enchantments placed on them besides the three listed above: weapon enhancement bonus, magic weapon properties and dweomermetals/special materials.  For the sake of heading off questions, a list of what is NOT allowed is provided below.  Note that there are magic weapon properties and dweomermetals which can provide some of the effects below.  However, except for using those properties or materials, these effects cannot be directly enchanted onto a weapon.
The creation level required to craft a weapon is calculated as follows:


* Ability Damage
:: Magic Weapon Creation Level = 3x enhancement bonus + 1 per plus of magic properties
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Ability Scores|Ability Scores]]
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Alternate Movement Types|Alternate Movement Types]]
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Alternate Senses|Alternate Senses]]
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Armor Enhancement Bonus|Armor Enhancement Bonus]]
* Base Attack Bonus (BAB)
* Caster Level Checks
* Circumstance Bonuses
* Class-Specific Abilities
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Maneuver Offense|Maneuver Offense]]
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Maneuver Defense|Maneuver Defense]]
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Damage Resistance|Damage Resistance (DR)]]
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Deflection AC|Deflection AC]]
* Dodge AC
* Elemental Damage
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Energy Resistance|Energy Resistance (ER)]]
* Feats
* Hit Points
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Increased Movement|Increased Movement]]
* Initiative
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Magic Armor Properties|Magic Armor Properties]]
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Magic Shield Properties|Magic Shield Properties]]
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Natural AC|Natural AC]]
* Other Classes' Class Features
* Racial Abilities
* Ranged Damage
* Reach
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Saving Throws|Saving Throws]]
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Shield Enhancement Bonus|Shield Enhancement Bonus]]
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Skill Bonuses|Skill Bonuses]]
* Skill Ranks
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Spell Effects|Spell Effects]]
* [[Magic Item Enchant - Spell Resistance|Spell Resistance]]
* Spell Save DC
* Status Conditions
* Temporary Hit Points
* Touch Attacks
* Traits


==Other Magic Weapon Considerations==
Thus, a +9 Halberd of Annihilation (a +9 enhancement bonus with a +9 property) has a creation level of 36 (3 x 9 (enhancement bonus) + 9 (magic property pluses)).  A +2 longsword of Speed (a +3 property) has a creation level of 9 (3 x 2 (enhancement bonus) + 3 (magic property pluses)).


===Caster Level Required To Make Weapons===
A character wishing to craft the weapon must have [[Creator (Feat)]], and a minimum character level equal to, or greater than, the weapon's creation level.
The caster level required to make a weapon with a weapon property is given in the description of the property.  If a weapon has more than one weapon property, the caster level required to place the weapon properties is the highest of all the properties plus 2.  For a weapon with only an enhancement bonus and no other abilities, the caster level or effective caster level required to make the weapon is three times the enhancement bonus.  Thus, it requires a third level creator to make a +1 weapon, sixth level to make a +2, etc.  If a weapon has both an enhancement bonus and a special ability, the higher of the caster level requirements must be met.  As always, caster level can either be a character's 'native' caster level if they actually cast spells, or their Effective Caster Level they gain from having the Creator feat and ranks in either Divinity, Naturalism, Reason, Spellcraft, Spycraft or Warfare. Note that even spell casters have to have the Creator feat to make magic items.


===Additional Bonus Damage Dice===  
===Additional Bonus Damage Dice===  
Some magic weapons deal additional bonus dice of damage. Unlike other modifiers to damage, additional dice of damage are considered bonuses and are not multiplied when the attacker scores a critical hit.  In all cases, refer to the description of the weapon to see if there are specific rules for handling the bonus damage.  If there are no rules in the weapon description, then these rules apply.
Some magic properties add bonus dice of damage to the weapon's damage. These bonus dice of damage are considered bonus damage and are not multiplied on a critical hit.  In all cases, refer to the description of the magic property to see if there are specific rules for handling the bonus damage.  If there are no rules in the magic property's description, then these rules apply.


===Additional Base Damage Dice===
===Additional Base Damage Dice===
Some magic weapons gain improved or additional base damage diceThese dice DO improve with level as normal base damage dice do, and ARE multiplied when the attacker scores a critical hit.  Increases to base weapon damage can be found in the form of additional dice, and as adders. In all cases, additions to the base weapon damage are multiplied by high level effects and are multiplied on critsAs a result, these effects are powerful and rare.
Some magic properties grant a bonus to the weapon's [[base weapon damage]]Increases to base weapon damage improve with level (at 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, 26th, and 31st levels) and are multiplied when the wielder scores a critical hit.  Increases to base weapon damage can be found in the form of additional dice (e.g. +1d6), and as adders (e.g. +2)These effects are powerful and rare, and will always clearly state that they apply to ''base'' weapon damage.


===Ranged Weapons and Ammunition===  
=== Magic Ammunition ===
The enhancement bonus from a ranged weapon does not stack with the enhancement bonus from ammunition. Only the higher of the two enhancement bonuses applies. Ammunition fired from a projectile weapon with an enhancement bonus of +1 or higher is treated as a magic weapon for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction. Similarly, ammunition fired from a projectile weapon with an alignment gains the alignment of that projectile weapon. Weapon properties of a ranged weapon do not stack with weapon properties of ammunitionIf a character is using a ranged weapon with properties and has ammunition with properties, they may choose which properties to use with each shot as a free action.  As always, no weapon may ever have the same property twice.  If ammunition and a ranged weapon have the same weapon properties, only count the property once.
There is no magical ammunition. While melee and ranged weapons can be enchanted with enhancement bonuses, magic properties, and dweomermetals, ammunition (which always has the [[Expendable (Quality)|expendable]] weapon quality) cannot typically be enchanted or made of special materialsInstead, ammunition always inherits the enchantment (the enhancement bonuses, magic properties, and dweomermetal benefits) of the weapon from which they are fired.


===Magic Thrown Weapons===
===Magic Thrown Weapons===
Weapons designed for throwing, such as the throwing axe or the careen (but not weapons with the ammunition property, such as skiprocks), gain the [[Returning, Lesser|Lesser Returning]] property for free if they have an enhancement bonus or magic property worth an enhancement bonus of at least +1. If they have an enhancement bonus of +2 or greater (or magic properties equivalent to +2 enhancement or greater), thrown weapons gain the [[#Returning, Greater|Greater Returning]] magic property for free. These Returning properties cost nothing extra, and never increase the overall cost of additional upgrades, but they do count against the maximum possible enchantments the weapon can have.  That is, when calculating the weapon's cost, treat the absolute bonus of the weapon as though the returning properties were not present, but when calculating what magic properties the weapon can be outfitted with, include the returning properties in the absolute bonus.  For example, a +2 careen of icy burst (a +2 property) also has greater returning (also a +2 property) automatically.  The cost of this careen would be calculated as though it had an absolute bonus of only +4 (ignoring the returning property), but future enchantments would be limited by the fact that it really has an absolute bonus of +6.  Since Heroic tier characters cannot ever put more than +5 pluses worth of magic properties on a weapon, this careen could only have +1 more pluses worth of magic properties applied while the wielder remains below 21st level.
Weapons designed for throwing, such as the throwing axe or the careen (but not ammunition), may gain the [[Returning_(Melee_Weapon_Magic_Property)|Returning]] property for only 50 gold if the player desires it.


===Magic Ammunition and Breakage===
These Returning properties cost very little, they do not alter the cost of additional magic properties, and they do not count against the maximum possible enchantments the weapon can have.
Magical ammunition is created identically to all other magic weapons, both in terms of cost, time to craft, and available enchantments, except that 50 pieces of ammunition are created for the cost of a single weapon.


The magic weapon properties available to ammunition are different from those available to melee and ranged weaponsOnly magic weapon properties specifically designated for ammunition may be applied to magic ammunition.  
===Light Generation===
If a weapon is created by a player-character, or purchased from an [[NPC]], the player can choose whether or not it gives off lightIf the weapon is found as treasure, there is a 30% chance it gives off light when drawn.


Magical ammunition follows the standard rules for recovering expended ammunition. If the attack hits, the arrow, bolt or bullet is expended and not recoverable. If the attack misses, there is a 50% chance that the piece of ammunition is recoverable.
Some magic weapon properties cause the weapons to always or never glow, as defined in their descriptions, and this cannot by changed by the player's desire at item creation.  


See the rules for [[Crafting_Consumable_Magic_Items#Creating_Magic_Ammunition|crafting magical ammunition]] for additional details.
Characters cannot initiate a [[stealth]] stance if they are carrying a visible source of light.  In addition, a stealth stance is immediately broken if the stealthed character reveals a light source.  If the magic weapon generates light, it can be left sheathed in order to mask its light, permitting stealth, but as soon as such a weapon is drawn, any ongoing stealth ends.


===Light Generation===  
===Durability===  
30% of randomly generated magic weapons shed light equivalent to a light spell. These glowing weapons are quite obviously magical. Such a weapon can't be concealed when drawn, nor can their light be shut off, and they usually make Stealth rolls more difficult by imposing a penalty to stealth rolls. If a weapon is specially crafted by a player or as a commission from an NPC, whether or not it gives off light is chosen by the player.  Some magic weapon properties cause the weapons to always or never glow, as defined in their descriptions, and this cannot by changed by the player's desire at item creation.  
Weapons do not have hardness or hit points. A weapon can be [[Broken]] if a sunder attempt successfully equals or exceeds the wielder's [[Maneuver Defense]].  Most weapons (and indeed, most items of any type) have a Durability of one, so a single Sunder Breaks them. If a weapon or other item has a Durability greater than one for whatever reasons, it is unaffected by successful Sunders until its Durability reaches zero, when it gains the Broken condition as normal.  


===Hardness and Hit Points===
Magical enhancement bonuses on weapons do not increase the wielder's Maneuver Defense versus sunder attempts, though some [[Dweomermetals]] do.
Weapons do not have hardness or hit points.  This has been replaced with the [[Combat_Maneuvers#Sunder|Sunder combat maneuver]].  Instead, a weapon can be [[Broken]] if a sunder attempt successfully equals or exceeds the wielder's Maneuver Defense.  See the [[Combat_Maneuvers#Sunder|Sunder maneuver]] and the [[Broken]] condition pages for more details.


Magical enhancement bonuses on weapons do not increase the wielder's Maneuver Defense versus sunder attempts, though some [[Dweomermetals_And_Other_Special_Materials|Dweomermetals]] do.
===Activation===
Usually a character benefits from a magic weapon in the same way a character benefits from a mundane weapon &mdash; by wielding (attacking with) it.  Magic properties and bonuses to-hit and damage are only gained from a weapon if the weapon is being wielded.  Sheathed or stowed weapons provide no benefit, even if the property states the provided effects are always on.


===Activation===
If a weapon has a weapon property that the user needs to activate, then the user usually needs to utter a command word (a standard action). Refer to the magic property description for details.
Usually a character benefits from a magic weapon in the same way a character benefits from a mundane weapon-by wielding (attacking with) it. If a weapon has a weapon property that the user needs to activate, then the user usually needs to utter a command word (a standard action). A character can activate the special abilities of up to 50 pieces of ammunition at the same time, assuming each piece has identical abilities.


===Magic Weapons and Critical Hits===  
===Magic Weapons and Critical Hits===  
Some weapon properties and some specific weapons have an extra effect on a critical hit. This special effect overcomes immunity to critical bits. Critical hits rolled with these weapons function against creatures not normally subject to critical hits, but only for the weapon property's effect. In such instances, on a successful critical roll, apply the magic weapon's special effect, but otherwise resolve damage as though it were a normal hit.
Some magic properties and some specific weapons have an extra effect on a critical hit. This special effect overcomes immunity to critical hits. Critical hits rolled with these weapons function against creatures not normally subject to critical hits, but only for the weapon property's effect. In such instances, on a successful critical roll, apply the magic weapon's special effect, but otherwise resolve damage as though it were a normal hit.


===Weapons for Unusually Sized Creatures===  
===Weapons for Unusually Sized Creatures===  
The cost of weapons for creatures who are neither Small nor Medium varies (see Equipment). The cost of the masterwork quality is also affected to the same degree.  IE, if a weapon costs four times as much because it is size large, it costs 4 times as much to make it masterwork.  The cost to enchant a size large weapon is unchanged, however, nor does the weapon's size increase the time required for enchantment.
The cost of weapons for creatures who are neither Small nor Medium varies (see Equipment). The cost to enchant a size large weapon is unchanged, however, nor does the weapon's size increase the time required for enchantment.

Latest revision as of 15:22, 2 August 2023

Malfrost

A huge variety of magic weapons are possible, and most of them are either available for purchase at a magic item shop, or can be custom-made with enough time and a good craftsman. Characters with Creator (Feat) can even make such weapons themselves, if they are so inclined.

Calculating Cost

To determine the cost of a magic weapon, you must add up the following:

  • The cost of the non-magical base weapon
  • The cost of any dweomermetal used in the weapon's construction
  • The cost of the enhancement bonus from the table below
  • The cost of the sum of all magic properties, also from the table below

Example Magic Weapons

  • Example 1: A Longsword (15 gp) made of plain steel, with no enchantment bonus or properties, costs 15 gold pieces.
  • Example 2: A Longsword (15 gp) infused with Cuprium (500 gp), with no enhancement bonus or properties, costs 515 gold pieces.
  • Example 3: A Longsword (15 gp) made of Bladesilver (7,500 gp), with no enhancement bonus or properties, costs 7,515 gold pieces.
  • Example 4: A Longsword (15 gp) made of Bladesilver (7,500 gp), with a +1 enhancement bonus (2,300 gp) and no properties, costs 9,815 gold pieces.
  • Example 5: A Longsword (15 gp) made of plain steel, with a +1 enhancement bonus (2300 gp) and no properties, costs 2,315 gold pieces.
  • Example 6: A Longsword (15 gp) made of Bladesilver (7,500 gp), with a +1 enhancement bonus (2,300 gp) and the +1 Keen magical property (2,300 gp), costs 12,115 gold pieces.
  • Example 7: A Longsword (15 gp) made of plain steel, with no enhancement bonus, and the +1 Keen magical property (2,300 gp), costs 2,315 gold pieces.
  • Example 8: A Longsword (15 gp) made of plain steel, with no enhancement bonus, the +1 Keen magical property, the +1 Throwing property, and the +0 Returning property (50 gp), costs 10,065 gold pieces (because the two +1 magic properties and the +0 magic property are added together to a total of +2, which costs 10,000 gp).


As can be seen, the variety of weapons that can be built is very, very large, and players are encouraged to explore the vast range of possibilities. Have fun! Try new things!

Enhancement Bonus or Magic Properties Cost
+1 2,300
+2 10,000
+3 25,000
+4 56,000
+5 180,000
+6 (epic) 755,000
+7 (epic) 2,300,000
+8 (epic) 7,200,000
+9 (epic) 22,050,000

Allowed Enchantments

A magic weapon is enhanced to strike more accurately and deliver more damage. Magic weapons have three types of improvements that may be applied to them:

Weapon Enhancement Bonus

A weapon's enhancement bonus is a direct bonus to the weapon's to-hit and damage, equal to the plus-value of the enhancement bonus. That is, a weapon with a +2 enhancement bonus grants its wielder a +2 bonus to all to-hit rolls with that weapon, and +2 bonus damage to all damage rolls made for that weapon. This bonus damage is multiplied on a hit, but it is not base weapon damage that increases with level.

Enhancement bonuses are usually listed as part of the weapon's name, such as "+2 longsword".

A weapon may never have more than a +9 enhancement bonus. Furthermore, characters must be at least level 21 before they can apply an enhancement bonus greater than +5 to a weapon. Weapons with an enhancement bonus of +6, +7, +8, or +9, are considered epic weapons.

Any attempt to wield an epic weapon prior to 21st level results in the character taking a non-proficiency penalty with the weapon (-4 to attack rolls), and the possibility of even more dire consequences (such as insanity, or being controlled by the weapon).

At level 36 and higher (apotheosis) all limits on enhancement bonuses and the magic properties are lifted. Apotheotic weapons can be enchanted in any way the character can afford.

Magic Weapon Properties

Magic properties are additional traits, bonuses or effects the weapon grants or performs on top of the normal functionality of that weapon. Magic properties each have a cost associated with them that is measured in pluses similar to the weapon's enhancement bonus. The cost of a magic weapon's properties is determined by adding the pluses listed for each magic property and looking up the price on the table above.

For example, a weapon with both "Flaming (+1)" and "Keen (+1)" has two pluses worth of properties, which costs 10,000 gp.

You cannot price each property separately, even if you add them to the weapon at different times. That is, you can't pay the 2,300 gp cost for each +1 property; you can only pay that for the first +1 property. When you add a second +1 property, you pay as though a total of +2-worth of properties was on the weapon (paying only the difference, since you already paid for the first +1). A weapon with two +1 properties always costs the same as a weapon with a single +2 property. Similarly, a weapon with four +1 properties costs the same as a weapon with a single +4 property.

In order to add any epic magic properties, the wielder must be at least 21st level. Prior to 21st level, a weapon may have up to a maximum of +5 worth of magic properties enchanted onto it. At level 21 or higher, a weapon may have up to a maximum of +9 worth of magic properties enchanted onto it.

Upgrading and Changing Enchantments

Enhancement bonuses cannot be removed from a magic weapon once applied, but the enhancement bonus can be increased. The cost to do so is the difference in cost between the old bonus and the new one.
Magic weapon properties can be removed from a magic weapon, replaced with altogether new properties, or upgraded to a higher version of the existing magic weapon property (when applicable). The cost to do so is the difference in cost between the total pluses worth of properties on the old weapon and the total pluses of properties being applied to the new weapon. However, if the total plus-value of the weapon goes down, there is no refund of money unless you can convince the craftsman performing the alterations why they should actually pay you for the privilege of doing that work. Performing magic property swaps and upgrades takes one full day of work per change in the plus-cost of the weapon, with a minimum of 1 full day. Even if this work isn't performed by a player-character, the character must wait for the alterations to be performed, and they cannot make use of the weapon while the craftsman is working on it. Some craftsmen might offer to lend or rent out a weapon while their customers wait, though they would expect the loaner weapon to be returned to them in good condition.
A magic weapon that is upgraded with epic properties before its wielder is at least level 21 will inflict a non-proficiency penalty on the wielder, or worse.

Special Materials

Mundane weapons are assumed to be made of forged iron. Fragile weapons are usually made of crude iron, bronze, or bone. Weapons made from fantastic materials are possible as well, such as the classic mithril and adamantine. These fantastic materials are collectively called "dweomermetals".

Dweomermetals can be added to a weapon at the time it is purchased (or created), increasing the price depending on the dweomermetal chosen, and the handiness of weapon it is applied to (light weapons, one-handed weapons, and two-handed weapons). Note that ranged weapons, such as bows, also have a handiness (bows require two hands to fire), and use the same prices.

Note that special materials cannot be normally be added to an existing weapon, though some advanced armor smithies offer a reforging process that makes this possible.

Only ONE special material may be used in the construction of a single weapon, even after the Apotheosis at level 36. A weapon cannot be made of both ambergold and paramount alloy. The Double weapons, such as the 2-bladed sword, are the exception to this rule, as each end can be made of a different dweomermetal, if desired.

Other Magic Weapon Considerations

Creation Level of Magic Weapons

The creation level required to craft a weapon is calculated as follows:

Magic Weapon Creation Level = 3x enhancement bonus + 1 per plus of magic properties

Thus, a +9 Halberd of Annihilation (a +9 enhancement bonus with a +9 property) has a creation level of 36 (3 x 9 (enhancement bonus) + 9 (magic property pluses)). A +2 longsword of Speed (a +3 property) has a creation level of 9 (3 x 2 (enhancement bonus) + 3 (magic property pluses)).

A character wishing to craft the weapon must have Creator (Feat), and a minimum character level equal to, or greater than, the weapon's creation level.

Additional Bonus Damage Dice

Some magic properties add bonus dice of damage to the weapon's damage. These bonus dice of damage are considered bonus damage and are not multiplied on a critical hit. In all cases, refer to the description of the magic property to see if there are specific rules for handling the bonus damage. If there are no rules in the magic property's description, then these rules apply.

Additional Base Damage Dice

Some magic properties grant a bonus to the weapon's base weapon damage. Increases to base weapon damage improve with level (at 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, 26th, and 31st levels) and are multiplied when the wielder scores a critical hit. Increases to base weapon damage can be found in the form of additional dice (e.g. +1d6), and as adders (e.g. +2). These effects are powerful and rare, and will always clearly state that they apply to base weapon damage.

Magic Ammunition

There is no magical ammunition. While melee and ranged weapons can be enchanted with enhancement bonuses, magic properties, and dweomermetals, ammunition (which always has the expendable weapon quality) cannot typically be enchanted or made of special materials. Instead, ammunition always inherits the enchantment (the enhancement bonuses, magic properties, and dweomermetal benefits) of the weapon from which they are fired.

Magic Thrown Weapons

Weapons designed for throwing, such as the throwing axe or the careen (but not ammunition), may gain the Returning property for only 50 gold if the player desires it.

These Returning properties cost very little, they do not alter the cost of additional magic properties, and they do not count against the maximum possible enchantments the weapon can have.

Light Generation

If a weapon is created by a player-character, or purchased from an NPC, the player can choose whether or not it gives off light. If the weapon is found as treasure, there is a 30% chance it gives off light when drawn.

Some magic weapon properties cause the weapons to always or never glow, as defined in their descriptions, and this cannot by changed by the player's desire at item creation.

Characters cannot initiate a stealth stance if they are carrying a visible source of light. In addition, a stealth stance is immediately broken if the stealthed character reveals a light source. If the magic weapon generates light, it can be left sheathed in order to mask its light, permitting stealth, but as soon as such a weapon is drawn, any ongoing stealth ends.

Durability

Weapons do not have hardness or hit points. A weapon can be Broken if a sunder attempt successfully equals or exceeds the wielder's Maneuver Defense. Most weapons (and indeed, most items of any type) have a Durability of one, so a single Sunder Breaks them. If a weapon or other item has a Durability greater than one for whatever reasons, it is unaffected by successful Sunders until its Durability reaches zero, when it gains the Broken condition as normal.

Magical enhancement bonuses on weapons do not increase the wielder's Maneuver Defense versus sunder attempts, though some Dweomermetals do.

Activation

Usually a character benefits from a magic weapon in the same way a character benefits from a mundane weapon — by wielding (attacking with) it. Magic properties and bonuses to-hit and damage are only gained from a weapon if the weapon is being wielded. Sheathed or stowed weapons provide no benefit, even if the property states the provided effects are always on.

If a weapon has a weapon property that the user needs to activate, then the user usually needs to utter a command word (a standard action). Refer to the magic property description for details.

Magic Weapons and Critical Hits

Some magic properties and some specific weapons have an extra effect on a critical hit. This special effect overcomes immunity to critical hits. Critical hits rolled with these weapons function against creatures not normally subject to critical hits, but only for the weapon property's effect. In such instances, on a successful critical roll, apply the magic weapon's special effect, but otherwise resolve damage as though it were a normal hit.

Weapons for Unusually Sized Creatures

The cost of weapons for creatures who are neither Small nor Medium varies (see Equipment). The cost to enchant a size large weapon is unchanged, however, nor does the weapon's size increase the time required for enchantment.