Recharging Magical Items

[bat]

That is a great way to get the party roleplaying. Maybe high level wizards can expend a spell for a charge or three, or perhaps alchemists know magical formulaes to recharge those magic items. The breath of dragons might do the same (Wand of Fireballs could be recharged by a red dragon's breath). I wouldn't go too far out there, though, but finding ways to recharge magic items could be a great little adventure in its own right.

[Dyson Logos]

In general, I just don't bring it up in my games and rarely allow it.

I like "disposable" magic items for whatever reason. At the same time, I love the idea of adding one charge to every wand and staff and so on in the party after they survive being blasted by a powerful dragon's breath weapon...

[Mr.Joel]

Sometimes I allow recharging, limited by two factors: Time and money.

It takes 24 hours to imbue a new charge into an item, and a number of rare, pricy ingredients, typically 500 gp worth. This is enough to discourage casual use, yet allow a powerful character to start a major quest with his items charged up. If it becomes abusive, phoenix dust (or whatever) becomes unobtainable at any price. You want it, quest for it!

[Dyson Logos]

Ever since playing in a Pendragon campaign, time hasn't been a very restricted resource in my campaigns. Most campaigns involve the characters getting together to adventure once or twice a year, and doing their "normal" stuff in the meantime. It prevents the "zero-to-hero in six months" issue, and gives the characters time to work on their backstory material.