diff --git a/src/common/attributes/giveitem.c b/src/common/attributes/giveitem.c
index 7cc19b90d..8c992280d 100644
--- a/src/common/attributes/giveitem.c
+++ b/src/common/attributes/giveitem.c
@@ -56,8 +56,6 @@ a_readgive(attrib * a, FILE * F)
 	variant var;
 	char zText[32];
 
-	if (global.data_version<ITEMTYPE_VERSION) return a_readdefault(a, F);
-
 	fscanf(F, "%s ", zText);
 	var.i = atoi36(zText);
 	gdata->building = findbuilding(var.i);
diff --git a/src/common/items/demonseye.c b/src/common/items/demonseye.c
index db9b092c1..78622865f 100644
--- a/src/common/items/demonseye.c
+++ b/src/common/items/demonseye.c
@@ -45,15 +45,7 @@ summon_igjarjuk(struct unit * u, const struct item_type * itype, int amount, str
 	}
 }
 
-static resource_type rt_demonseye = {
-	{ "ao_daemon", "ao_daemon_p" },
-	{ "ao_daemon", "ao_daemon_p" },
-	RTF_ITEM,
-	&res_changeitem
-};
-
-
-boolean
+static boolean
 give_igjarjuk(const struct unit * src, const struct unit * d, const struct item_type * itype, int n, struct order * ord)
 {
 	sprintf(buf, "Eine höhere Macht hindert %s daran, das Objekt zu übergeben. "
@@ -62,19 +54,9 @@ give_igjarjuk(const struct unit * src, const struct unit * d, const struct item_
 	return false;
 }
 
-item_type it_demonseye = {
-	&rt_demonseye,           /* resourcetype */
-	ITF_NOTLOST|ITF_CURSED, 0, 0,       /* flags, weight, capacity */
-	NULL,                    /* construction */
-	&summon_igjarjuk,
-	NULL,
-	&give_igjarjuk
-};
-
 void
 register_demonseye(void)
 {
-	it_register(&it_demonseye);
 	register_function((pf_generic)summon_igjarjuk, "useigjarjuk");
 	register_function((pf_generic)give_igjarjuk, "giveigjarjuk");
 }
diff --git a/src/common/items/demonseye.h b/src/common/items/demonseye.h
index b196ad971..a63369f67 100644
--- a/src/common/items/demonseye.h
+++ b/src/common/items/demonseye.h
@@ -18,10 +18,7 @@
 extern "C" {
 #endif
 
-extern struct item_type it_demonseye;
-
 extern void register_demonseye(void);
-extern boolean give_igjarjuk(const struct unit *, const struct unit *, const struct item_type *, int, struct order *);
 
 #ifdef __cplusplus
 }
diff --git a/src/common/kernel/alchemy.c b/src/common/kernel/alchemy.c
index 476f42907..bbf5900b8 100644
--- a/src/common/kernel/alchemy.c
+++ b/src/common/kernel/alchemy.c
@@ -176,19 +176,9 @@ a_readeffect(attrib *a, FILE *f)
 	int power;
 	const potion_type * ptype;
 	effect_data * edata = (effect_data*)a->data.v;
-	if (global.data_version < ITEMTYPE_VERSION) {
-		union {
-			int i;
-			short sa[2];
-		} data;
-		fscanf(f, "%d", &data.i);
-		ptype = oldpotiontype[data.sa[0]];
-		power = data.sa[1];
-	} else {
-		char zText[32];
-		fscanf(f, "%s %d", zText, &power);
-		ptype = pt_find(zText);
-	}
+	char zText[32];
+	fscanf(f, "%s %d", zText, &power);
+	ptype = pt_find(zText);
 	if (ptype==NULL || power<=0) return AT_READ_FAIL;
 	edata->type = ptype;
 	edata->value = power;
diff --git a/src/common/kernel/battle.c b/src/common/kernel/battle.c
index 3c94347c5..8bdb8accd 100644
--- a/src/common/kernel/battle.c
+++ b/src/common/kernel/battle.c
@@ -2811,6 +2811,13 @@ make_fighter(battle * b, unit * u, side * s1, boolean attack)
 	const group * g = NULL;
 	const attrib *a = a_find(u->attribs, &at_otherfaction);
 	const faction *stealthfaction = a?get_otherfaction(a):NULL;
+  static const struct item_type * it_demonseye;
+  static boolean init = false;
+
+  if (!init) {
+    it_demonseye = it_find("demonseye");
+    init=true;
+  }
 
   if (fval(u, UFL_GROUP)) {
     const attrib * agroup = a_find(u->attribs, &at_group);
@@ -2986,7 +2993,7 @@ make_fighter(battle * b, unit * u, side * s1, boolean attack)
 		}
 	}
 
-	if (i_get(u->items, &it_demonseye)) {
+	if (it_demonseye && i_get(u->items, it_demonseye)) {
 		char lbuf[80];
 		const char * s = LOC(default_locale, rc_name(u->race, 3));
 		char * c = lbuf;
diff --git a/src/common/kernel/item.c b/src/common/kernel/item.c
index 91bd0278b..ccf14dc31 100644
--- a/src/common/kernel/item.c
+++ b/src/common/kernel/item.c
@@ -599,8 +599,6 @@ give_horses(const unit * s, const unit * d, const item_type * itype, int n, stru
 #define MAXLUXURIES (LASTLUXURY - FIRSTLUXURY)
 
 #define item2res(itm) (resource_t)(itm+R_MINITEM)
-#define herb2res(itm) (resource_t)(itm+R_MINHERB)
-#define potion2res(itm) (resource_t)(itm+R_MINPOTION)
 
 item_type * olditemtype[MAXITEMS+1];
 resource_type * oldresourcetype[MAXRESOURCES+1];
@@ -1225,12 +1223,6 @@ init_olditems(void)
 	}
 }
 
-const item_type *
-oldherbtype(herb_t h)
-{
-  return oldresourcetype[herb2res(h)]->itype;
-}
-
 static const char *potiontext[MAXPOTIONS] =
 {
 	/* Stufe 1: */
diff --git a/src/common/kernel/item.h b/src/common/kernel/item.h
index ed8d3381a..e3589b7ec 100644
--- a/src/common/kernel/item.h
+++ b/src/common/kernel/item.h
@@ -214,11 +214,6 @@ extern const weapon_type * resource2weapon(const resource_type * i);
 extern const potion_type * resource2potion(const resource_type * i);
 extern const luxury_type * resource2luxury(const resource_type * i);
 
-#define weapon2resource(x) ((x)->itype->rtype)
-#define luxury2resource(x) ((x)->itype->rtype)
-#define herb2resource(x) ((x)->itype->rtype)
-#define potion2resource(x) ((x)->itype->rtype)
-
 extern item ** i_find(item ** pi, const item_type * it);
 extern item * i_add(item ** pi, item * it);
 extern void i_merge(item ** pi, item ** si);
@@ -239,8 +234,6 @@ extern weapon_type * new_weapontype(item_type * itype, int wflags, double magres
 extern armor_type * new_armortype(item_type * itype, double penalty, double magres, int prot, unsigned int flags);
 extern potion_type * new_potiontype(item_type * itype, int level);
 
-extern const item_type * oldherbtype(herb_t h);
-
 /* for lack of another file: */
 
 /* sonstige resourcen */
@@ -379,48 +372,7 @@ enum {
 	R_SACK_OF_CONSERVATION,
 
 	/* POTIONS: */
-	R_FAST,
-	R_STRONG,
 	R_TREES,
-	R_DOMORE,
-	R_UGLY,
-#ifdef INSECT_POTION
-	R_WARMTH,
-#else
-	R_STEEL,
-#endif
-	R_WISE,
-	R_FOOL,
-	R_ROSE,
-	R_HORSEPOTION,
-	R_BERSERK,
-	R_PEOPLE,
-	R_GRASS,
-	R_ILL,
-	R_HEAL,
-
-	/* HERBS */
-	R_PLAIN_1, /* Flachwurz */
-	R_PLAIN_2, /* Würziger Wagemut */
-	R_PLAIN_3, /* Eulenauge */
-	R_FOREST_1, /* Grüner Spinnerich */
-	R_FOREST_2, /* Blauer Baumringel */
-	R_FOREST_3, /* Elfenlieb */
-	R_SWAMP_1,  /* Gurgelkraut */
-	R_SWAMP_2,  /* Knotiger Saugwurz */
-	R_SWAMP_3,  /* Blasenmorchel */
-	R_DESERT_1, /* Wasserfinder */
-	R_DESERT_2, /* Kakteenschwitz */
-	R_DESERT_3, /* Sandfäule */
-	R_HIGHLAND_1, /* Windbeutel */
-	R_HIGHLAND_2, /* Fjordwuchs */
-	R_HIGHLAND_3, /* Alraune */
-	R_MOUNTAIN_1, /* Steinbeißer */
-	R_MOUNTAIN_2, /* Spaltwachs */
-	R_MOUNTAIN_3, /* Höhlenglimm */
-	R_GLACIER_1,  /* Eisblume */
-	R_GLACIER_2,  /* Weißer Wüterich */
-	R_GLACIER_3,  /* Schneekristall */
 
 	/* SONSTIGE */
 	R_SILVER,
@@ -429,9 +381,7 @@ enum {
 	R_HITPOINTS, /* Trefferpunkte */
 	R_PEASANTS,  /* Regionsbauern */
 
-
 	R_UNIT, /* Einheit (gib x einheit) */
-  R_SWORD, /* for spells */
 
 	MAX_RESOURCES, /* do not use outside item.c ! */
 	NORESOURCE = (resource_t) - 1
diff --git a/src/common/kernel/save.c b/src/common/kernel/save.c
index bc57c27b0..0d90e3238 100644
--- a/src/common/kernel/save.c
+++ b/src/common/kernel/save.c
@@ -1027,9 +1027,6 @@ unit *
 readunit(FILE * F)
 {
 	skill_t sk;
-	item_t item;
-	herb_t herb;
-	potion_t potion;
 	unit * u;
 	int number, n, p;
   order ** orderp;
@@ -1061,8 +1058,6 @@ readunit(FILE * F)
   if (u->display && strlen(u->display)>=DISPLAYSIZE) u->display[DISPLAYSIZE] = 0;
 #endif
   number = ri(F);
-  if (global.data_version<ITEMTYPE_VERSION)
-      set_money(u, ri(F));
   u->age = (short)ri(F);
   if (global.data_version<NEWRACE_VERSION) {
     u->race = new_race[(race_t)ri(F)];
@@ -1189,21 +1184,7 @@ readunit(FILE * F)
 			}
 		}
 	}
-	if (global.data_version>=ITEMTYPE_VERSION) {
-		read_items(F, &u->items);
-	} else {
-		while ((item = (item_t) ri(F)) >= 0) {
-			i_change(&u->items, olditemtype[item], ri(F));
-		}
-
-		while ((potion = (potion_t) ri(F)) >= 0) {
-			i_change(&u->items, oldpotiontype[potion]->itype, ri(F));
-		}
-
-		while ((herb = (herb_t) ri(F)) >= 0) {
-			i_change(&u->items, oldherbtype(herb), ri(F));
-		}
-	}
+	read_items(F, &u->items);
 	u->hp = ri(F);
 	if (u->hp < u->number) {
 		log_error(("Einheit %s hat %u Personen, und %u Trefferpunkte\n", itoa36(u->no),
@@ -1434,26 +1415,15 @@ readregion(FILE * F, short x, short y)
 				pres=&res->next;
 			}
 		}
-		if (global.data_version>=ITEMTYPE_VERSION) {
-			rs(F, buf);
-			if (strcmp(buf, "noherb") != 0) {
-        const resource_type * rtype = rt_find(buf);
-        assert(rtype && rtype->itype && fval(rtype->itype, ITF_HERB));
-        rsetherbtype(r, rtype->itype);
-			} else {
-				rsetherbtype(r, NULL);
-			}
-			rsetherbs(r, (short)ri(F));
+		rs(F, buf);
+		if (strcmp(buf, "noherb") != 0) {
+      const resource_type * rtype = rt_find(buf);
+      assert(rtype && rtype->itype && fval(rtype->itype, ITF_HERB));
+      rsetherbtype(r, rtype->itype);
 		} else {
-			int i = ri(F);
-
-			if (r->terrain->herbs==NULL)
-				rsetherbtype(r, NULL);
-      else {
-        rsetherbtype(r, r->terrain->herbs[i % 3]);
-      }
-			rsetherbs(r, (short)ri(F));
+			rsetherbtype(r, NULL);
 		}
+		rsetherbs(r, (short)ri(F));
 		rsetpeasants(r, ri(F));
 		rsetmoney(r, ri(F));
 	}
@@ -1464,25 +1434,10 @@ readregion(FILE * F, short x, short y)
 	assert(rmoney(r) >= 0);
 
 	if (r->land) {
-		if (global.data_version<ITEMTYPE_VERSION) {
-			int i, p = 0;
-			for (i = 0; oldluxurytype[i]!=NULL; i++) {
-				int k = ri(F);
-				r_setdemand(r, oldluxurytype[i], k);
-				if (k==0) {
-					/* Prüfung ob nur ein Luxusgut verkauft wird. */
-					if (p == 1) {
-						/* Zuviele ... Wir setzen den Demand. */
-						r_setdemand(r, oldluxurytype[i], (char) (1 + rand() % 5));
-					} else ++p;
-				}
-			}
-		} else {
-			for (;;) {
-				rs(F, buf);
-				if (!strcmp(buf, "end")) break;
-				r_setdemand(r, lt_find(buf), ri(F));
-			}
+		for (;;) {
+			rs(F, buf);
+			if (!strcmp(buf, "end")) break;
+			r_setdemand(r, lt_find(buf), ri(F));
 		}
 	}
 	a_read(F, &r->attribs);
@@ -1832,10 +1787,6 @@ readgame(const char * filename, int backup)
   if (global.data_version >= GLOBAL_ATTRIB_VERSION) {
     a_read(F, &global.attribs);
   }
-  if (global.data_version < ITEMTYPE_VERSION) {
-    fprintf(stderr, "kann keine alten datenfiles einlesen");
-    exit(-1);
-  }
   global.data_turn = turn = ri(F);
   ri(F); /* max_unique_id = */ 
   nextborder = ri(F);
diff --git a/src/common/kernel/xmlreader.c b/src/common/kernel/xmlreader.c
index 370cc3eb1..8b982a0a3 100644
--- a/src/common/kernel/xmlreader.c
+++ b/src/common/kernel/xmlreader.c
@@ -946,9 +946,6 @@ parse_resources(xmlDocPtr doc)
   /* make sure old items (used in requirements) are available */
   init_resources();
 
-  /* old resources now extern (for spells */
-  oldresourcetype[R_SWORD] = rt_find("sword");
-
   return 0;
 }
 
diff --git a/src/common/modules/arena.c b/src/common/modules/arena.c
index b20c9f9ec..84c535bd8 100644
--- a/src/common/modules/arena.c
+++ b/src/common/modules/arena.c
@@ -100,22 +100,6 @@ leave_arena(struct unit * u, const struct item_type * itype, int amount, order *
 	return 0;
 }
 
-static resource_type rt_gryphonwing = {
-	{ "griphonwing", "griphonwing_p" },
-	{ "griphonwing", "griphonwing_p" },
-	RTF_ITEM,
-	&res_changeitem
-};
-
-static item_type it_gryphonwing = {
-	&rt_gryphonwing,           /* resourcetype */
-	ITF_NOTLOST|ITF_CURSED, 0, 0,       /* flags, weight, capacity */
-	NULL,                     /* construction, score */
-	&leave_arena,
-	NULL,
-	&give_igjarjuk
-};
-
 static int
 enter_fail(unit * u) {
 	sprintf(buf, "In %s erklingt die Stimme des Torwächters: 'Nur wer ohne materielle Güter und noch lernbegierig ist, der darf die Ebene der Herausforderung betreten. Und vergiß nicht mein Trinkgeld.'. %s erhielt keinen Einlaß.", regionname(u->region, u->faction), unitname(u));
@@ -161,7 +145,7 @@ enter_arena(unit * u, const item_type * itype, int amount, order * ord)
 	}
 	sprintf(buf, "In %s öffnet sich ein Portal. Eine Stimme ertönt, und spricht: 'Willkommen in der Ebene der Herausforderung'. %s durchschreitet das Tor zu einer anderen Welt.", regionname(u->region, u->faction), unitname(u));
 	addmessage(NULL, u->faction, buf, MSG_MESSAGE, ML_IMPORTANT);
-	new_use_pooled(u, &rt_gryphonwing, GET_SLACK|GET_RESERVE, 1);
+	new_use_pooled(u, itype->rtype, GET_SLACK|GET_RESERVE, 1);
 	use_pooled(u, r, R_SILVER, fee);
 	set_money(u, 109);
 	fset(u, UFL_PARTEITARNUNG);
@@ -169,20 +153,6 @@ enter_arena(unit * u, const item_type * itype, int amount, order * ord)
 	return 0;
 }
 
-static resource_type rt_arenagate = {
-	{ "eyeofdragon", "eyeofdragon_p" },
-	{ "eyeofdragon", "eyeofdragon_p" },
-	RTF_ITEM,
-	&res_changeitem
-};
-
-static item_type it_arenagate = {
-	&rt_arenagate,           /* resourcetype */
-	ITF_NONE, 0, 0,          /* flags, weight, capacity */
-	NULL,                   /* construction, score */
-	&enter_arena
-};
-
 /***
  ** Szepter der Tränen, Demo-Item
  ***/
@@ -308,6 +278,9 @@ static void
 tower_init(void)
 {
 	int i, first = newarena;
+  item_type * it_demonseye = it_find("demonseye");
+  item_type * it_griphonwing = it_find("griphonwing");
+  assert(it_griphonwing && it_demonseye);
 	for (i=0;i!=6;++i) {
 		region * r = tower_region[i] = findregion(arena_center->x+delta_x[i]*3, arena_center->y+delta_y[i]*3);
         if (r) {
@@ -330,8 +303,8 @@ tower_init(void)
 		attrib * a;
 		item * items;
 
-		i_add(&items, i_new(&it_gryphonwing, 1));
-		i_add(&items, i_new(&it_demonseye, 1));
+		i_add(&items, i_new(it_griphonwing, 1));
+		i_add(&items, i_new(it_demonseye, 1));
 		a = a_add(&b->attribs, make_giveitem(b, items));
 
 		b->size = 10;
@@ -548,9 +521,6 @@ void
 register_arena(void)
 {
 	at_register(&at_hurting);
-	register_demonseye();
-	it_register(&it_arenagate);
-	it_register(&it_gryphonwing);
 	register_function((pf_generic)use_wand_of_tears, "use_wand_of_tears");
 	register_function((pf_generic)enter_arena, "enter_arena");
 	register_function((pf_generic)leave_arena, "leave_arena");
diff --git a/src/res/eressea/items.xml b/src/res/eressea/items.xml
index 2ff896e4b..38ace0121 100644
--- a/src/res/eressea/items.xml
+++ b/src/res/eressea/items.xml
@@ -1,50 +1,65 @@
 <?xml version="1.0"?>
 <resources>
 
+  <resource name="demonseye">
+    <!-- summons igjarjuk -->
+    <item weight="0" score="6000" notlost="true" cursed="true">
+      <function name="use" value="useigjarjuk"/>
+      <function name="give" value="giveigjarjuk"/>
+    </item>
+  </resource>
+
+  <resource name="griphonwing">
+    <!-- this lets you leave the arena -->
+    <item weight="0" score="6000" notlost="true" cursed="true">
+      <function name="use" value="leave_arena"/>
+      <function name="give" value="giveigjarjuk"/>
+    </item>
+  </resource>
+
+  <resource name="eyeofdragon">
+    <!-- the arena gate, for one-time entry -->
+    <item weight="0" score="0">
+      <function name="use" value="enter_arena"/>
+    </item>
+  </resource>
+
   <resource name="questkey1" appearance="key">
     <!-- Key for an old quest. placeholder item -->
-    <function name="change" value="changeitem"/>
     <item notlost="yes" weight="1" />
   </resource>
 
   <resource name="questkey2" appearance="key">
     <!-- Key for an old quest. placeholder item -->
-    <function name="change" value="changeitem"/>
     <item notlost="yes" weight="1" />
   </resource>
 
   <resource name="jadee_ring" appearance="ring">
     <!-- Wedding ring for Jadee -->
-    <function name="change" value="changeitem"/>
     <item cursed="yes" notlost="yes" weight="0" />
   </resource>
 
   <resource name="wente_ring" appearance="ring">
     <!-- Wedding ring for Wildente -->
-    <function name="change" value="changeitem"/>
     <item cursed="yes" notlost="yes" weight="0" />
   </resource>
 
   <resource name="jadee_dress">
     <!-- Wedding dress for Jadee -->
-    <function name="change" value="changeitem"/>
     <item cursed="yes" notlost="yes" weight="0" />
   </resource>
 
   <resource name="wente_dress">
     <!-- Wedding dress for Wildente -->
-    <function name="change" value="changeitem"/>
     <item cursed="yes" notlost="yes" weight="0" />
   </resource>
 
   <resource name="lmsreward">
     <!-- LMS reward -->
-    <function name="change" value="changeitem"/>
     <item cursed="yes" notlost="yes" weight="0" />
   </resource>
 
   <resource name="greatbow">
-    <function name="change" value="changeitem"/>
     <item weight="100">
       <construction skill="weaponsmithing" minskill="5" reqsize="1">
         <modifier function="mod_elves_only"/>