Why does a javelin of lightning cost 1500 gp?

[Vahktang]

And why would anyone buy a 5D6 attack, a one shot, at that cost?
I can't seem to find the formula that would give a price of 1500 gp.

I can see potion variant:

user activated, 3rd level, 5th level caster = 750 gp.
That seems perfect for it.

Where does the 2 x cost come from?
If anything, it should probably be less, 10% off for material component or something.
Any thoughts?

More later,

Vahktang

 

[Darklone]

I love these things. Because you're allowed to throw several of them with a full round action. Give 4 of them to your buddy the ranger at level 6 and he may unleash hell on earth on the BBEG.

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicItems/magicWeapons.htm#javelinofLightning

 

[frankthedm]

And why would anyone buy a 5D6 attack, a one shot, at that cost?
I can't seem to find the formula that would give a price of 1500 gp.

I can see potion variant:

user activated, 3rd level, 5th level caster = 750 gp.
That seems perfect for it.

Where does the 2 x cost come from?

Because it is not a potion. Potions target the drinker, something that is a bad idea to do with attack spells. If you want a single use item that electrocutes you for 5d6 when activated as an attack action for 750 gp, go for it.

The Necklace of fireballs offers a flat rate of 150 gp per damage die, coming out to the amount you want, though defaulting to a standard action to use. What a shame it goes off like a roman candle if you get burned by magical fire. This minor drawback renamed it The Necklace of Explosive Decapitation to many people.

That might be another way, Drop the price to 750, make it a standard action to throw one and add this...

If the javelin is being held or carried by a character who fails her saving throw against a magical electrical attack, the item must make a saving throw as well (with a save bonus of +4). If the javelin fails to save, the javelin activates, often with regrettable consequences for the carrier.

While not reprinted in 3.5, 3.0's Tome & Blood magic item pricing super-table specified one shot items that were not potions did use a 100 gp multiplier rather than a potion’s 50gp. That fits the javelin of lightning perfectly.