Item Bases
I'm currently building this section up. But this is a progress, that might take some time 😉
Every item belongs to an Item Class which is used to define the overall utility of the item. Next to an Item Class every item has a Base Type. These Base Types define the implicit modifier or a specific stat (e.g. a defense state) of the item. This is different for every item base.
If the item is a Magic item, depending on pre and suffixes the Base Type is within the name. If the item is a Normal item, the Base Type is the item it self. Rare and Unique Items have the Base Type in the second line of the item name.
The Importance Of Item Bases
Two items of the same base item can have the same defense stat e.g. the Energy Shield value of the Vile Robe and the Ceremonial Robe.
Where the Vile Robe has an Energy Shield of 184 the Ceremonial Robe has an Energy Shield of 123. Therefore the Vile Robe will end up with a higher Energy Shield if the modifiers are the same.
Sticking to the defense stat, other Base Items, such as the Sacramental Robe have a lower defense stat but also provide an implicit modifier. Here it's a (40–50)% faster start of Energy Shield Recharge.
Be aware of the different base types, as these do have a profound impact on your overall build. You can furthermore customize your item filter to highlight items of your favored Item Base.
Chancing Uniques
The Orb Of Chance provides you with a probability to upgrade a normal item into an Unique. But if you want e.g. the Unique Item The Wicked Quill you will notice that the Item Base is a Withered Wand. So, you will need a normal item from the Base Type Withered Wand otherwise you will not get the The Wicked Quill.
Here are some examples for Item Bases
Wands
Withered Wand
Bone Wand
Attuned Wand
Siphoning Wand
Volatile Wand
Acrid Wand