Magic Item Creation

[Starsinger]

When creating a magic item besides a wand, staff, or scroll, or an item that casts a particular spell, do you have to have the exact spell, or could you substitute a similar spell of equal or higher level? For example, to craft a Frost weapon, you need either Chill Metal or Ice Storm. But could someone use Cone of Cold instead?

Also, can you cast the spell from a scroll while crafting or do you actually have to know it and be able to cast it repeatedly?

[Saph]

When creating a magic item besides a wand, staff, or scroll, or an item that casts a particular spell, do you have to have the exact spell, or could you substitute a similar spell of equal or higher level? For example, to craft a Frost weapon, you need either Chill Metal or Ice Storm. But could someone use Cone of Cold instead?

By the rules, no. If it says Chill Metal, then Chill Metal is what you have to cast.

Also, can you cast the spell from a scroll while crafting or do you actually have to know it and be able to cast it repeatedly?

You can get the spell from any source, as long as you cast it every day of the creation process, which might mean going through a lot of scrolls.

- Saph

[Starsinger]

Well... that's just stupid. Thanks Saph :)

[Indon]

Well, since the rules to creating magical items are really only guidelines, it wouldn't be out of the question to ask your DM about it; Cone of Cold for a frost weapon doesn't seem all that bad, for instance, I'd probably allow it.

[OzymandiasVolt]

No, the rules for making custom items are only guidelines. The rules for making an existing magic item are rules.

But yeah, it's not an unreasonable request to ask the DM.

[Roderick_BR]

You can also have someone else cast it for you. It may be someone from your group, or you can hire someone, although you technically doesn't really "cast" it, as in, there's not material component or XP cost to the caster casting the spell. All costs go to the guy making the item.