How are magic items powered?

[agentJ]

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?

[hcobb]

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?

[Shostak]

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.

[Bill_in_IN]

Originally Posted by Shostak

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.

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

[Shostak]

Originally Posted by Bill_in_IN

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

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.

[agentJ]

Originally Posted by Shostak

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.

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.

[Shostak]

Originally Posted by agentJ

As a follow-up, if I am creating a magic item how do I know if it should have a ST cost or not?

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.

[Bill_in_IN]

Originally Posted by Shostak

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.

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.

[hcobb]

Originally Posted by Bill_in_IN

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.

1st edition adv wizard page 34
ITL page 156

[Bill_in_IN]

Originally Posted by hcobb

1st edition adv wizard page 34
ITL page 156

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

From ITL page 156.

Self-Powered Items
A wizard may make an improved version of any item that
normally costs ST each turn it is used. Such a “self-powered”
item uses less ST, or none at all, each turn. It draws its ST
from outside energy, rather than its wearer’s life-force. At the
maker’s option, such an item may be “on” all the time or
under the control of its wearer.
Such items are harder to make, requiring (at a minimum)
ten times as long, or ten times as many wizards, to create.
Details are given on the Magic Item Creation Table.
Missile-spell and Hammertouch items cannot be self-
powered.