Q24:Regarding epic armors and such. The table lists the prices of epic armor enhancements up to +20. However, there is a gap in prices between +5 and +6 (25k -> 360k). That text indicates that the prices listed are for pure enhancement bonuses, but not abilities added to it.
How would you figure out the cost of an epic item with a low level ability? Say, +6 armor of light fortification. It's effective bonus would be +7, but the +6 bumps it into epic range. Would it cost 490k gold (+7 on the epic table)? Given the gap, it also seems reasonable that it could cost 371k (360 for the +6 enhancement to armor bonus, 11k for the +1 ability bumping the original +5 to +6), however that is completely unsupported by any rule I've found, which likely means I've made it up. Of course, having light fortification effectively cost 130k gp seems just as unreasonable as my option, which is why I've come here.
Have I just confused myself?
A24the Important thing with EPIC/Non-Epic weapons and Armor .... first look at the table for
EPIC Magic items ..... the first 4 lines are important:
Grants a bonus on attacks or damage greater than +5.
Grants an enhancement bonus to armor higher than +5.
the Problem is that you choose to have an Enhancement Bonus of +6 which makes it EPIC ... thus you have to use the EPIC Armor value = 490000gp .... if you notice the Cost of Armor and Weapon Special Abilities is a Variable depending on how much the item already has... exa:
+1 Light Fortification Armor = 4000gp
+2 Light Fortification Armor = 9000gp
+3 Light Fortification Armor = 16000gp
+4 Light Fortification Armor = 25000gp
+5 Light Fortification Armor = 36000gp
since the Enhancement value is still below +5....but the
effective bonus (enhancement plus special ability bonus equivalents) is below +10 thus it is still Non-Epic
some Special Abilities do have a Cost of +6 thus they make an Item EPIC: exa
+1 Acid Warding Armor(+6 bonus) = 490000gp
there are only 3 Special Abilities that
might not make an item EPIC(consult with your DM):
Great invulnerability (10/magic) (+4 bonus)
Great invulnerability (15/magic) (+5 bonus)
Negating (+5 bonus)
although they are called Epic Specials .... the Text says that "Except when otherwise stated, epic magic armor and shields follow the rules for nonepic magic armor and shields." .... thus if you use those 3 Specials with armor that has an Enhancement Bonus lower than +5 or Effective bonus lower than +10 .... it should be Non-Epic