Quick question on (nonmagical) crafting and modification

[tiluvias99]

Can one use the craft skill to modify an existing item, rather than creating a new one?

Say I use the Craft (Bow-Making) skill to make a composite shortbow with a +2 Strength Bonus to take advantage of a 15 Str score. Later on, I increase my Str to 16, and want to increase the bonus on my bow from +2 to +3. Would I have to make an entirely new bow, or could I use the craft skill to boost it up? And, if this were allowed, how much would it cost? Normally adding 1 to a shortbow's strength rating would cost 75 gp, or 25 gp if you were self-crafting.

Would the "repair" section of the Craft skill be more appropriate? Repairs cost 1/5th of the original item price, would it make sense to pay 1/5th of the new item price in this case? For example, going from a composite [+2] shortbow to a [+3] bonus would cost 300/5 = 60 gp. The only problem I see here is that you could go from a [+1] to a [+3] for the exact same price of materials as a[+2] to [+3], as it doesn't take into account the old price.

[sirpercival]

Well, you can sell the bow for 1/2 price, and then craft a new one yourself for 1/3 price... make yourself 17gp.

[tiluvias99]

The issue is avoiding selling the item. For example, in the case of a bow with magical enhancements but a sub-standard strength rating.

[kitep]

Can one use the craft skill to modify an existing item, rather than creating a new one?

I don't think there's an actual D&D rule anywhere, so you'll have to use common sense (and we know how well that works in a D&D universe)

Depends on the change.  If you want to change a short sword into a greatsword, then no.  If you want to add some jewels to the pommel of your shortsword, then yes.

As for the compound bow, I don't know.  A quick google search on real-life compound bows suggest the draw weight is as easy to change as turning a screw -- but I don't know if that's only a minor adjustment, or for bigger ones.  I'd personally allow it, but your DM may not be as lenient.

Good luck!

[tiluvias99]

Are there rules anywhere for permanently modifying existing items, as opposed to having to create new items? Dungeonscape's weapon and armor mods include this bit of text:

The modifications described below can be added to equipment to provide additional functions, with a corresponding increase in price. Unless specified otherwise, modifications cannot be added to existing weapons or armor. Instead, they are worked into the initial construction, with the design of the equipment compensating for their unusual requirements.

If there are examples anywhere of post creation modification rules, that would help a lot.