Board Thread:Suggestions forum/@comment-26172435-20151221114104/@comment-26298013-20151221162431

Certainly an interesting idea. Perhaps instead of magical application of energy to a weapon, we use XP to unlock skills relating to the creation of better armors and weapons in general.* This means that you will be able to make a new item with a specific set of traits and abilities, or improve an old one.


 * --As opposed to the ability to use XP to enchant an object.

All because magic in Middle-Earth is...sketchy. It is never specifically said how Gandalf burns Weathertop to a crisp. Magical items like Anduril are never given any specific traits. Other than Orcs hate the sight of such weapons.

Reforging an item, or forging a new, but improved, item, would require more materials than making a basic sword or armor piece or what-have-you. Some of these possible enhancements could perhaps USE magical items (Quendite, etc.), in order to give a magical effect. However, only Elves can truly work what might be referred to as magic, as far as I know.

All of this might even open the way to giving each material specific properties: Bronze may be good for shields or armor, but slows your character. Iron is good for hammers, but steel is better for edged weapons, etc.