Many spell casting character classes can also research new spells, magic items, and other magical effects, as noted in the class description. This requires dedicated time (during which the character cannot go on adventures), monetary outlay, and sometimes rare ingredients.

All forms of Magical Research have a minimum 15% chance of failure. If the research fails, the money and time invested are lost.

The player must write up the spell they wish to create and show the referee. The referee then decides what level the spell will be and may request changes (or deem the spell impossible to research).

The character can only research spells of a level they are able to cast.

Researching a new spell takes 2 weeks per spell level and 1,000gp per spell level.

The player must write up the item they wish to create and show the referee. The referee then decides what materials are required and may request changes (or deem the item impossible to research).

Divine spell casters: Can only create items usable by their class.
Arcane spell casters: Can create any item except those that may only be used by divine spell casters.

Creating magic items often requires rare components related to the item’s powers, as determined by the referee. For example, creating a scroll might require brewing a special ink for the spell effect, as well as expensive parchment. Creating a magic weapon might require unusual metals, valuable gems, or body parts (e.g. blood, bones, scales) of monsters the weapon targets. Often, adventuring is required just to acquire these materials.

Duplicating spell effects: Single-use items (e.g. scrolls, potions) that recreate the effects of a spell cost 1 week per spell level and 500gp per spell level. Examples: potion of healing (500gp, 1 week—duplicates Cure Light Wounds), scroll of 2 × Magic Missile (1,000gp, 2 weeks—each casting conjuring a number of missiles determined by the creator’s level).
Multi-use items: Items that can recreate a spell effect multiple times (e.g. a wand with charges) cost 1 week per spell level per usage and 500gp per spell level per usage. Example: wand of illusion with 5 charges (5,000gp, 10 weeks—duplicates Phantasmal Force).
Maximum charges: Rods can have at most 10 charges, wands 20, and staves 30. The referee decides the maximum for other kinds of items. For items created with maximum charges, the referee may optionally reduce the time to 2 days per spell level per usage. Example: wand of fire balls with 20 charges (30,000gp, 120 days).
Other items: The referee must judge the requirements for creating items that do not recreate the effects of a spell. More powerful items should require more time, money, and special materials or quests. Examples: 20 arrows +1 (10,000gp, 1 month), plate mail +1 (10,000gp, 6 months), crystal ball (30,000gp, 6 months), ring of x-ray vision (100,000gp, 1 year).

Characters able to research spells or magic items can also research other magical processes. For example, a character might wish to sanctify a holy site or create magical traps, constructs, or portals.
As with magic item creation, the referee decides the time and cost of the research. The following may also be required:

• The casting of certain specific spells.
• Rare ingredients.
• Periodic renewal of the magic by performing the ritual again.