Another major issue with people trying to "balance" is taking something that worked before and thinking it will work again in a different mechanical environment. Like how wizards are balanced because they are squishy and how old spell slots used to work, but compared to today spell slots are just universal ammo for the type of spell you want and being squishy doesn't mean much anymore.
this is one of the reasons im thinking about making my magic items sold by specialized wizards who take requests/commissions for what items the customers want, rather than a store full of extremely dangerous/expensive items sitting on shelves. of course the problem isnt solved by just this, its a deeper issue, but this is a good first step i believe.
The best think is to tie any magic item deals to a quest or job and to be very strict about the required materials for them. Not just "Oh this wizard can make it" but "the wizard will make it after you complete his task, plus he needs a leather belt, silver dust, and a fist sized pearl." This also makes those "less optimal" item creation feats a real choice.
Another major issue with people trying to "balance" is taking something that worked before and thinking it will work again in a different mechanical environment. Like how wizards are balanced because they are squishy and how old spell slots used to work, but compared to today spell slots are just universal ammo for the type of spell you want and being squishy doesn't mean much anymore.
Absolutely, and now they're making that even worse
this is one of the reasons im thinking about making my magic items sold by specialized wizards who take requests/commissions for what items the customers want, rather than a store full of extremely dangerous/expensive items sitting on shelves.
of course the problem isnt solved by just this, its a deeper issue, but this is a good first step i believe.
The best think is to tie any magic item deals to a quest or job and to be very strict about the required materials for them. Not just "Oh this wizard can make it" but "the wizard will make it after you complete his task, plus he needs a leather belt, silver dust, and a fist sized pearl." This also makes those "less optimal" item creation feats a real choice.