I have an idea, killing three birds with one stone: commissioned crafting, donating to the server and getting customized really usable magical items appropriate for you character.
You know the feeling. You have a set or armour that you really like and is brilliant for your character but for one thing: it is only +2. You do have bracers armor +3 though. Or you have a magical sword +4, a silver dagger with 1-4 fire and vampiric regeneration +1 and would like to make it a troll slayer sword (or dagger) and give to your best friend Paladin Peter. And the server needs donations. So, what about DM crafting? A draft of the rules.
1) DM crafting once per calendar month per user account.
2.1) DM will merge two items and create one item with the properties from both two items. Player can opt to change the type of item, i.e. from the example above chose between creating a +4 dagger with fire 1-4 or a sword +4 with fire 1-4 or even a battleaxe +4 fire 1-4. Properties, and weapon material (silver, cold iron etc) must exist on one of the items merged (this could perhaps also even out the difference between weapons types where for instance good battleaxes are rare or non-existant).
2.2) Cost: 50 000 gp per created new item and 2$ donated to server. Every dollar counts!
OR
3 DM will add two properties to an existing item. Property added must be "legal" to item. Exception is regeneration which I think could go on armor, cloaks (max +3 hp/round per character) and belts. Spell casting properties 1/day.
3.1 Cost: 50 000 gp per created item and 2$ donated to server. Every dollar counts!
Problems with this? Probably a lot I haven't considered. Good effects? Several I think. Getting really usable items (for your character) is a good thing and can storywise enrich the characters story making items part of their background (personal, professional or adventuring) more epic. What sounds best? "I got my family's ancient dragon slayer sword at my side" vs. "I bought a sword from a bearded man in the city". I also see the fun in giving gifts to your friends on the server. Or really appreciate your henchman, or your loved one, etc etc.
Side questions: lore wise, where are all these hundreds and hundreds magical items supposed to be created? Considering the amount of gold in the market at least a couple of competing Arts & Crafts Magical Items Ltd businesses should be existing in a city state of Baldur's Gate dignity?
So here I am now, waiting to be shot down.
