Re: {kjd-exp} Bound Magic Items

lbeulmann@xxxxxxx <lbeulmann@xxxxxxx> wrote:
On 28 Jun., 19:45, Keith Davies <keith.dav...@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi All,

A week or two ago I mentioned writing up rules for binding creatures
into items as a method of enchantment.

I assume you know the variant rule of Power Components (DMG, box on p.
36, Chapter 2). These rules hint at what I call Magic Affinity of
Materials and your rule of binding spirits. I once worked out a rule
that exchanged part of the cost in gold with special materials from
beasts. I assumed that the crafting system (as it is) expressed the
burden of getting these materials in gold pieces and reversed the
whole thing.

Sounds reasonable. That strikes me as a different aspect of item
creation. I can see it being done apart from the binding idea I'm
working on. In fact, they may even be exclusive -- hard to get the
power component benefit of using a dragon's hide to make the armor, if
the hide isn't available for use in doing so (binding is the *last* step
of item creation, so unless you ripped a piece off the dragon, made the
armor, then went back to bind the dragon -- or kept it captive the
entire time -- I don't think this would work).

OTOH, that's only what's *logical*. This is magic, I'm not offended by
the idea of allowing the power components stuff apply when you bind the
creature, even if you *did* make the armor 'before having the
materials'.

The degree of cost reduction depends on many aspects. The brain juices
of a mind flayer may help to craft a ring of mind shielding, but they
are not part of the final item. The hide of a blue dragon to the
contrary should result in a distinct reduction in the costs of raw
materials if crafting an armor of electricity resistance, since it is
for the most part the final item.

What guidelines do you have for these aspects of cost reduction?

How the item/material is used is likely part of it, I'm sure difficulty
of acquisition would be (it's probably harder, or at least riskier, to
get a sufficient quality of human blood than it is bull's blood... to
say nothing of the difficulty of dragon's blood).

I made a monster list, that lists the "magic affinity" for all
monsters of the MM I. Before someone asks: No. This list is not
postable.

No? Why not? (Written on paper? I can understand not wanting to
transcribe something that long.)

Maybe you get an idea out of this.

Thanks for posting. It doesn't really tie *directly* to what I'm doing,
but it relevant.


Keith
--
Keith Davies "History is made by stupid people
keith.davies@xxxxxxxxxxxx "Clever people wouldn't even try
keith.davies@xxxxxxxxx "If you want a place in the history books
http://www.kjdavies.org/ "Then do something dumb before you die."
-- The Arrogant Worms
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Luthiers; walrus for nuts and saddles?
    ... I've never used ivory for bindings, so have never had to bend it. ... understanding is that the strips were soaked in vinegar as you say. ... other commonly available materials. ... binding many, many years ago. ...
    (rec.music.makers.builders)
  • Re: {kjd-exp} Bound Magic Items
    ... Materials and your rule of binding spirits. ... the idea of allowing the power components stuff apply when you bind the ... bit of the creature to be bound in the item before the binding. ...
    (rec.games.frp.dnd)
  • Re: Luthiers; walrus for nuts and saddles?
    ... other commonly available materials. ... Some of the bone nut and saddle blanks I've received lately have been ... binding many, many years ago. ...
    (rec.music.makers.builders)