Powerstones and Intrinsic Value

[Kromm]

The rule isn't subtle and has nothing to do with economics. It's saying that to be enchanted as a Powerstone of a given size, an article has to have a minimum value locked in by the GM on the meta-game level. If a would-be Powerstone-enchanting PC hasn't paid for such an item or taken other risks attendant to acquiring a thing of value, then the player cannot use the rules for enchanting it. It's really that simple. If the meta-game aspects of this bother you, then consider that magic is essentially a way for wizards to have very limited access to meta-game information and a modicum of influence over meta-game events . . . go re-read the Bless or Link spell. Apparently, magic knows the GM's intent (which isn't surprising, given that all facts revealed by Divination come directly from the GM, too).