Item Access

This is a more in-depth analysis of the Item Access system used by the Varisia Living Campaign. Gaining access to items is briefly outlined in Encounter Rewards: Item Access.

Special Materials
You cannot upgrade a regular item into one made from a special material. You must buy a brand new item made from a special material. If a special material does not automatically include masterwork quality costs, we strongly recommend purchasing it of masterwork quality (this will allow you to enchant it later, if desired/possible).

Magical Weapons, Armor, and Shields
To magically enchant a non-magical weapon or armor into a magical one, it must first be of masterwork quality (+300g to base price for weapons, +150g to base price for armors and shields). Non-magical weapons and armor made from special materials that have the masterwork quality included in their price (such as Adamantine and Mithral) can be magically enchanted without issue.

Non-masterwork quality items cannot be upgraded to masterwork quality. You must purchase a brand new item of masterwork quality in order to magically enchant it. You can upgrade any existing magical weapon/armor/shield to its next enhancement tier simply by paying the difference in cost. The same applies for adding on magical qualities that don't have a specific tier cost, such as the Shadow (Armor) [+3750g] quality.