How are magic items powered?
 

I noticed a few of the magic items in the book have a st cost to use, and others say no st cost. What about the magic items that do not say either?

Re: How are magic items powered?
 

ITL 148 says

1. A few of these work with no ST cost to the wearer.
2. Most require an expenditure of ST each turn they are used.
3. These, and the ST they use up each turn, are also noted below.

There are eight magic items that have no ST cost noted, so obliviously the rest require ST to use, by default. No?

Re: How are magic items powered?
 

Whether or not magic items list a ST cost, it is really up to the GM. Generally (and in my opinion) requiring ST to be expended in order for a character to use a magic item is a good rule of thumb.

Re: How are magic items powered?
 

I always thought it was that way unless it was otherwise stated.

Re: How are magic items powered?
 

ITL lists some magic items with no mention of ST cost, others with text along the lines of "No ST cost", and still others with a ST cost, so it is not at all clear how the ones with no mention of ST cost should be treated.

Re: How are magic items powered?
 

Exactly! That is why I posted my question. As a follow-up, if I am creating a magic item how do I know if it should have a ST cost or not?

Am I the only one that finds this confusing? I know a lot of you have been playing 30+ years however, I am new and find a lot of the rules kind of vague. I am not calling out the game or throwing people under a bus, I am confused and would like a clearer answer than what is basically in the book. I read what is in the book, it confused me, thus the reason for my post. Thanks for all help.

Re: How are magic items powered?
 

That's easy: it is up to you! Again, experience has taught me that self-powered magic items are best kept exceedingly rare--and that is true even for weapons or armor. Even just 1 point per turn or minute is usually enough to make a permanent magic item less likely to be abused. The most likely exceptions would be for items that boost an attribute or that confer a talent (such as Charisma) that would be weird having turning on and off continually. Generally, I prefer consumable items (like potions, ointments, etc.) that have a finite number of uses over permanent items.

Re: How are magic items powered?
 

Reaching back into my aging memory, I think that, unless specifically stated, a 0 ST magic enchantment would cost 10 times the regular enchantment. That alone made it rare. Most had to be pilfered from fallen foes. At least, that was our house rule.

Re: How are magic items powered?
 

1st edition adv wizard page 34
ITL page 156

Re: How are magic items powered?
 

I guess that explains the 10x cost factor from my aging memory. Not bad for an old dude.

From ITL page 156.