Differences on Customized Magic Items
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This houserule is being discussed by the DM team and has not yet been finalized
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In Novus Utum, only magic items from the Core Rulebook, Advanced Players Guide and Psionics Unleashed are allowed.
Within reason, you are allowed to decide what shape the magic item takes. Your Boots of Haste can be black thigh-highs with 6" stiletto heels, elegant brown ankle boots or sturdy lime green leather boots with orange fur trimmings.
In all cases, the item remains the basic type it was before. Boots remain boots, cloaks remain cloaks, rings remain rings.
We allow some exceptions as described below. In all cases though, once a magic items appearance is settled, that is its shape, and it cannot be shaped into something else, beyond reshaping to fit your character if it is the wrong size.
==== Reshaped Slotless Items ====
Magic items that do not use up a slot on the body, such as scrolls, wands, rods, etc. may take on different shapes. Some criteria are listed below, but in general anything that can reasonably hold the items power is a valid form.
Such reshaped items work exactly as the normal item, they just aren't in their normal shape. Making them works the same as making the normal item work and using them works the same as well in terms of rules.
On your sheet, write down the normal name of the item, and add the different shape in the Notes field. Some examples are shown in the gallery below.
Reshaped Slotless items can be heavier but never lighter than their normal equivalent. If the new shape also takes up a slot on the body (such as being changed into a glove or amulet), then the item does NOT take up that slot - it just becomes pretty awkward to wear with a slotted equivalent.
==== Slotted Items ====
Items that use up a slot on the body such as Rings, Amulets, and Boots can be reshaped as well, as long as the shape remains with in the confines of items of that slot.
The Core Rulebook in the section on Magic Items on the Body describes the generic shape of items on the body. Your item must remain within that range.
For example, Boots of Haste can be reshaped into shoes, slippers, sandals, socks, stockings, or any other footwear. However, they cannot become Gloves of Haste.
Reshaped Slotted items can be heavier but never lighter than their normal equivalent.
==== Armour and Weapons ====
Weapons and armour cannot be reshaped beyond the normal variation of their type. You cannot shape a Longsword like a Bastard Sword, and you cannot make a set of fullplate appear like a set of studded leather. However, the details of these items are, within their normal variation, up to you. If you want your sword to have a cool carving of a wolves head at the pommel, that is fine.