Is it possible for a player to hire an npc (or multiple nps) to assist in the crafting of a magic item, in particular an enspelled item? I recall (maybe incorrectly) that Xanathar's referred to something about npcs in magic item crafting, but the wording in the new DMG refers to "you" (i.e., the player) with assistance from other party members. If npcs cannot be utilized, then this would seem to greatly limit the value of enspelled items for casters as they would be limited to spells from their own class list.
Thanks all for the responses. One other naive question. Am I correct in understanding that an enspelled item can hold only one spell? That is, there is no crafting something akin to a staff of fire that can be used to cast multiple spells.
Thanks all for the responses. One other naive question. Am I correct in understanding that an enspelled item can hold only one spell? That is, there is no crafting something akin to a staff of fire that can be used to cast multiple spells.
An enspelled item can only hold one spell, yes.
There's nothing saying you can't craft an item like a Staff of Fire that can cast multiple spells, but there's no multi-spell equivalent of an enspelled item where the crafter chooses which spells are in it.
Is it possible for a player to hire an npc (or multiple nps) to assist in the crafting of a magic item, in particular an enspelled item? I recall (maybe incorrectly) that Xanathar's referred to something about npcs in magic item crafting, but the wording in the new DMG refers to "you" (i.e., the player) with assistance from other party members. If npcs cannot be utilized, then this would seem to greatly limit the value of enspelled items for casters as they would be limited to spells from their own class list.
In order to craft a magic item, you have proficiency in Arcana and the appropriate tool, as well as be able to cast the relevant spell for an item.
So to create and Enspelled Staff with the Fireball spell, you would need proficiency in Arcana, Woodcarver's Tools, and the ability to cast Fireball.
I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to hire an NPC who meets all these requirements to make you the item you wanted, so long as they are willing.
Using Bastions hirelings can craft Common or Uncommon magic items:
iirc, Bastion options specifically require the player to remain in residence for the duration to craft items that cast spells.
True. Sorry for not mentioning it.
Does this extend to rare+ items?
Yes nothing about the rules differ depending on item rarity other than the time and cost required.
Re: NPCs that is entirely up to the DM whether one is available and willing to help you and for what cost.
Thanks all for the responses. One other naive question. Am I correct in understanding that an enspelled item can hold only one spell? That is, there is no crafting something akin to a staff of fire that can be used to cast multiple spells.
An enspelled item can only hold one spell, yes.
There's nothing saying you can't craft an item like a Staff of Fire that can cast multiple spells, but there's no multi-spell equivalent of an enspelled item where the crafter chooses which spells are in it.
The Bastion hirelings can craft Common and Uncommon magic items or help craft them if the item casts spells.
Technically, there is no allowance for the hireling helping if the item is Rare or higher, but that would be, IMO, a silly restriction.
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