This category is left in this book to remind GMs of some of the things that can be included in their item lists other than standard items. Whenever possible, nonstandard items should be defined in terms of spells, items, and rules that already exist in this book and in the PrinceCon book. No set of guidelines for levels, effects, and restrictions can possibly encompass the infinite variety of nonstandard items that can be designed for PrinceCon, and no attempt is made to provide such a set here. However, all GMs are encouraged to read frequently the introductory sections regarding item lists, leveling, and nonstandard items.
Nonstandard items include items appropriate to a single scenario, or unique to specific events at the current PrinceCon, that require an explanation in the item list. Items with absolutely no effect outside of the scenario in which they are found do not, in general, need to appear in an item list. A GM can include an item with powerful, even artifact-level, effects in his list if its power is greatly reduced outside his scenario, or if its power is mostly unavailable to PCs. He can include very minor magical items that exist in the world but which are not of much use to an adventurer (e.g., the magical beer stein that keeps beer cold on even the hottest day). Other common types of nonstandard items include "red herring" items with useful effects that mislead players or that disguise the function of some other item; any item with a beneficial function that its user must weigh against some negative effects; and any cursed or detrimental item that its possessor can convert into a valuable magical item with the proper actions.
Last Modified on September 25,1995.
ammulder@princeton.edu