black onyx shortage [Archive] - Wizards Community

black onyx shortage [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
cfphpl
09-29-04, 12:57 AM Ok here is the problem. You have to have black onyx to create undead right. So doesnt that mean that over time there is going to be a greater and greater shortage of black onyx? I mean they get destroyed when you cast the spell. And also 50gp for the amount is going to vary depending on the economy. So here is my question is there a way around this. I am trying to gain some undead minions but my dm is making it very hard to get black onyx for the reason mentioned above. Is the some way around this like a feat that uses xp or something. Any help would be much appreciated.
kSquared
09-29-04, 01:09 AM So doesnt that mean that over time there is going to be a greater and greater shortage of black onyx?
Economics 101: Unless the world's supply of black onyx is truly running out, there would be no reason for there to be anything but a temporary shortage. In the long run, miners would notice how valuable black onyx was becoming, then stake out a claim, and start looking for it. This would again increase the supply of black onyx, which would drop the price level down.

Of course, ultimately, your DM is free to say whatever he wants. If your world has a black onyx shortage, he's free to say that too. I'm not sure how high-level your campaign is, but the Ignore Materials epic feat lets you cast spells without needing valuable GP components. If he's hellbent on denying you a specific component, then there's probably a reason for it. Ask!
Deep Blue 9000
09-29-04, 03:34 PM I agree with k^2 that your dm probably doesn't want you to have undead minions and is going about it in a very circumspect manner. I'd recomend either giving up or taking with your DM.
Kyuketsukiouji
09-29-04, 04:19 PM Ignore Material Component.

Or develop a better version of the spell that doesn't need the component.

Or limited wish for onyx...
SpellMaster
09-29-04, 04:22 PM Or say that the black onyx rests in the eye socket of the created undead (or other similar orifice), so that when it is destroyed, you get it back. Might make it a lot cheaper, but if shortages are really a problem, this would solve it.
CrimsonRyoko
09-29-04, 04:32 PM Funny thing spells vs. economics. . . . Spell calls for 50gp worth of said gem.
DM makes gem VERY RARE, so a small sliver of it would cost 50gp. . . still is 50gp worth. . . just easier to carry. If he wanted to make it really hard for ya, he would make the Gem very common, and 50gp worth of it would be a mountain. But thats just being a ::edit :)::

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
cfphpl 09-29-04, 12:57 AM	Ok here is the problem. You have to have black onyx to create undead right. So doesnt that mean that over time there is going to be a greater and greater shortage of black onyx? I mean they get destroyed when you cast the spell. And also 50gp for the amount is going to vary depending on the economy. So here is my question is there a way around this. I am trying to gain some undead minions but my dm is making it very hard to get black onyx for the reason mentioned above. Is the some way around this like a feat that uses xp or something. Any help would be much appreciated.
kSquared 09-29-04, 01:09 AM	So doesnt that mean that over time there is going to be a greater and greater shortage of black onyx? Economics 101: Unless the world's supply of black onyx is truly running out, there would be no reason for there to be anything but a temporary shortage. In the long run, miners would notice how valuable black onyx was becoming, then stake out a claim, and start looking for it. This would again increase the supply of black onyx, which would drop the price level down. Of course, ultimately, your DM is free to say whatever he wants. If your world has a black onyx shortage, he's free to say that too. I'm not sure how high-level your campaign is, but the Ignore Materials epic feat lets you cast spells without needing valuable GP components. If he's hellbent on denying you a specific component, then there's probably a reason for it. Ask!
Deep Blue 9000 09-29-04, 03:34 PM	I agree with k^2 that your dm probably doesn't want you to have undead minions and is going about it in a very circumspect manner. I'd recomend either giving up or taking with your DM.
Kyuketsukiouji 09-29-04, 04:19 PM	Ignore Material Component. Or develop a better version of the spell that doesn't need the component. Or limited wish for onyx...
SpellMaster 09-29-04, 04:22 PM	Or say that the black onyx rests in the eye socket of the created undead (or other similar orifice), so that when it is destroyed, you get it back. Might make it a lot cheaper, but if shortages are really a problem, this would solve it.
CrimsonRyoko 09-29-04, 04:32 PM	Funny thing spells vs. economics. . . . Spell calls for 50gp worth of said gem. DM makes gem VERY RARE, so a small sliver of it would cost 50gp. . . still is 50gp worth. . . just easier to carry. If he wanted to make it really hard for ya, he would make the Gem very common, and 50gp worth of it would be a mountain. But thats just being a ::edit :)::