Paying CP for Magic Items

[Hugh Neilson]

7 hours ago, massey said:

Points don't create magic items.  Points are a representation of how powerful your character is.  You don't have to spend points to make items, but no matter what you do your point total can't exceed the campaign limits.  You can make a +5 Vorpal Longsword of Asswhooping according to whatever the ritual is required in the story, but you can't keep it for yourself until you've got points available.  Otherwise it would make you more powerful than the campaign allows.

 

This is only true to the extent that our campaign rules make it true.  In a Supers game, a normal sword and suit of chain mail must typically be paid for in points.  In a Heroic game, that same sword and suit of chain mail may typically be acquired for cash, with no points expended.

 

7 hours ago, massey said:

Independent should represent that the item is not a part of the character -- it can be used by them, but there's no "plot immunity" that ensures it will stick around.  One failed Str check, a failed saving throw, a sneaky thief, and it's gone.  Easy come, easy go.

 

Sure.  But while the character retains it, he is more powerful than the campaign allows ( the -2 limitation gave him more points to spend than his teammates who did not gamble on the Independent limitation).  Unlike other limitations, Independent does not limit the character at all, until the item is lost, at which time the points are effectively lost with it.  His "limitation" is that he might (or will) eventually lose those points.

 

7 hours ago, massey said:

Suppose Bob the fighter goes out on an adventure with his trusty brand new longsword.  And the first thing he encounters is an orc, guarding a chest.  Bob runs forward and rolls to hit. 

 

Where did Bob get that brand new longsword from?  It seems like he more powerful now that he has that longsword than he would have been without one, having to engage the Orc in fisticuffs if he wants that chest.  But he did not pay any points for that longsword, at least in a typical Fantasy game.