diff --git a/test/api/unit/libs/items/utils.test.js b/test/api/unit/libs/items/utils.test.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..029d26a07c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/api/unit/libs/items/utils.test.js
@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+/* eslint-disable camelcase */
+import {
+  validateItemPath,
+  getDefaultOwnedGear,
+} from '../../../../../website/server/libs/items/utils';
+
+describe('Items Utils', () => {
+  describe('getDefaultOwnedGear', () => {
+    it('clones the result object', () => {
+      const res1 = getDefaultOwnedGear();
+      res1.extraProperty = true;
+
+      const res2 = getDefaultOwnedGear();
+      expect(res2).not.to.have.property('extraProperty');
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('validateItemPath', () => {
+    it('returns false if not an item path', () => {
+      expect(validateItemPath('notitems.gear.owned.item')).to.equal(false);
+    });
+
+    it('returns true if a valid schema path', () => {
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.gear.equipped.weapon')).to.equal(true);
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.currentPet')).to.equal(true);
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.special.snowball')).to.equal(true);
+    });
+
+    it('works with owned gear paths', () => {
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.gear.owned.head_armoire_crownOfHearts')).to.equal(true);
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.gear.owned.head_invalid')).to.equal(false);
+    });
+
+    it('works with pets paths', () => {
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.pets.Wolf-CottonCandyPink')).to.equal(true);
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.pets.Wolf-Invalid')).to.equal(false);
+    });
+
+    it('works with eggs paths', () => {
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.eggs.LionCub')).to.equal(true);
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.eggs.Armadillo')).to.equal(true);
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.eggs.NotAnArmadillo')).to.equal(false);
+    });
+
+    it('works with hatching potions paths', () => {
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.hatchingPotions.Base')).to.equal(true);
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.hatchingPotions.StarryNight')).to.equal(true);
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.hatchingPotions.Invalid')).to.equal(false);
+    });
+
+    it('works with food paths', () => {
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.food.Cake_Base')).to.equal(true);
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.food.Cake_Invalid')).to.equal(false);
+    });
+
+    it('works with mounts paths', () => {
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.mounts.Cactus-Base')).to.equal(true);
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.mounts.Aether-Invisible')).to.equal(true);
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.mounts.Aether-Invalid')).to.equal(false);
+    });
+
+    it('works with quests paths', () => {
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.quests.atom3')).to.equal(true);
+      expect(validateItemPath('items.quests.invalid')).to.equal(false);
+    });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/test/common/ops/buy/buy.js b/test/common/ops/buy/buy.js
index 478a2cae86..5ec36dfd3a 100644
--- a/test/common/ops/buy/buy.js
+++ b/test/common/ops/buy/buy.js
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import {
 import i18n from '../../../../website/common/script/i18n';
 import content from '../../../../website/common/script/content/index';
 import errorMessage from '../../../../website/common/script/libs/errorMessage';
+import { defaultsDeep } from 'lodash';
 
 describe('shared.ops.buy', () => {
   let user;
@@ -16,6 +17,10 @@ describe('shared.ops.buy', () => {
 
   beforeEach(() => {
     user = generateUser({
+      stats: { gp: 200 },
+    });
+
+    defaultsDeep(user, {
       items: {
         gear: {
           owned: {
@@ -26,7 +31,6 @@ describe('shared.ops.buy', () => {
           },
         },
       },
-      stats: { gp: 200 },
     });
 
     sinon.stub(analytics, 'track');
diff --git a/test/common/ops/buy/buyMarketGear.js b/test/common/ops/buy/buyMarketGear.js
index f546331215..602975f6a6 100644
--- a/test/common/ops/buy/buyMarketGear.js
+++ b/test/common/ops/buy/buyMarketGear.js
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import {
 } from '../../../../website/common/script/libs/errors';
 import i18n from '../../../../website/common/script/i18n';
 import errorMessage from '../../../../website/common/script/libs/errorMessage';
+import { defaultsDeep } from 'lodash';
 
 function buyGear (user, req, analytics) {
   let buyOp = new BuyMarketGearOperation(user, req, analytics);
@@ -24,6 +25,10 @@ describe('shared.ops.buyMarketGear', () => {
 
   beforeEach(() => {
     user = generateUser({
+      stats: { gp: 200 },
+    });
+
+    defaultsDeep(user, {
       items: {
         gear: {
           owned: {
@@ -34,7 +39,6 @@ describe('shared.ops.buyMarketGear', () => {
           },
         },
       },
-      stats: { gp: 200 },
     });
 
     sinon.stub(shared, 'randomVal');
diff --git a/test/helpers/common.helper.js b/test/helpers/common.helper.js
index 12e4efdaec..f594e15cd0 100644
--- a/test/helpers/common.helper.js
+++ b/test/helpers/common.helper.js
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import {
 } from '../../website/server/models/task';
 export {translate} from './translate';
 
+
 export function generateUser (options = {}) {
   let user = new User(options).toObject();
 
diff --git a/website/common/script/content/loginIncentives.js b/website/common/script/content/loginIncentives.js
index b61b639c80..091f9b108f 100644
--- a/website/common/script/content/loginIncentives.js
+++ b/website/common/script/content/loginIncentives.js
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       reward: [api.gear.flat.armor_special_bardRobes],
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.armor_special_bardRobes = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     2: {
@@ -30,6 +31,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       reward: [api.gear.flat.head_special_bardHat],
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.head_special_bardHat = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     4: {
@@ -38,6 +40,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     5: {
@@ -50,6 +53,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
         user.items.food.Meat += 1;
         if (!user.items.food.CottonCandyPink) user.items.food.CottonCandyPink = 0;
         user.items.food.CottonCandyPink += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.food');
       },
     },
     7: {
@@ -58,6 +62,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.quests.moon1) user.items.quests.moon1 = 0;
         user.items.quests.moon1 += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.quests');
       },
     },
     10: {
@@ -66,6 +71,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     14: {
@@ -78,6 +84,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
         user.items.food.Potatoe += 1;
         if (!user.items.food.CottonCandyBlue) user.items.food.CottonCandyBlue = 0;
         user.items.food.CottonCandyBlue += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.food');
       },
     },
     18: {
@@ -85,6 +92,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       reward: [api.gear.flat.weapon_special_bardInstrument],
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.weapon_special_bardInstrument = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     22: {
@@ -93,6 +101,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.quests.moon2) user.items.quests.moon2 = 0;
         user.items.quests.moon2 += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.quests');
       },
     },
     26: {
@@ -101,6 +110,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     30: {
@@ -115,6 +125,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
         user.items.food.RottenMeat += 1;
         if (!user.items.food.Honey) user.items.food.Honey = 0;
         user.items.food.Honey += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.food');
       },
     },
     35: {
@@ -123,6 +134,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     40: {
@@ -131,6 +143,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.quests.moon3) user.items.quests.moon3 = 0;
         user.items.quests.moon3 += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.quests');
       },
     },
     45: {
@@ -139,6 +152,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     50: {
@@ -147,6 +161,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.food.Saddle) user.items.food.Saddle = 0;
         user.items.food.Saddle += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.food');
       },
     },
     55: {
@@ -155,6 +170,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     60: {
@@ -162,6 +178,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       reward: [api.gear.flat.armor_special_pageArmor],
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.armor_special_pageArmor = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     65: {
@@ -170,6 +187,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     70: {
@@ -177,6 +195,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       reward: [api.gear.flat.head_special_pageHelm],
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.head_special_pageHelm = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     75: {
@@ -185,6 +204,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     80: {
@@ -192,6 +212,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       reward: [api.gear.flat.weapon_special_pageBanner],
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.weapon_special_pageBanner = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     85: {
@@ -200,6 +221,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     90: {
@@ -207,6 +229,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       reward: [api.gear.flat.shield_special_diamondStave],
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.shield_special_diamondStave = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     95: {
@@ -215,6 +238,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     100: {
@@ -223,6 +247,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.food.Saddle) user.items.food.Saddle = 0;
         user.items.food.Saddle += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.food');
       },
     },
     105: {
@@ -231,6 +256,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     110: {
@@ -256,6 +282,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
         user.items.eggs.TigerCub += 1;
         if (!user.items.eggs.Wolf) user.items.eggs.Wolf = 0;
         user.items.eggs.Wolf += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.eggs');
       },
     },
     115: {
@@ -264,6 +291,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     120: {
@@ -291,6 +319,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
         user.items.hatchingPotions.White += 1;
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.Zombie) user.items.hatchingPotions.Zombie = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.Zombie += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     125: {
@@ -299,6 +328,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     130: {
@@ -326,6 +356,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
         user.items.food.Milk += 3;
         if (!user.items.food.RottenMeat) user.items.food.RottenMeat = 0;
         user.items.food.RottenMeat += 3;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.food');
       },
     },
     135: {
@@ -334,6 +365,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     140: {
@@ -342,6 +374,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.weapon_special_skeletonKey = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
         user.items.gear.owned.shield_special_lootBag = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     145: {
@@ -350,6 +383,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     150: {
@@ -358,6 +392,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.head_special_clandestineCowl = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
         user.items.gear.owned.armor_special_sneakthiefRobes = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     160: {
@@ -366,6 +401,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     170: {
@@ -374,6 +410,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.head_special_snowSovereignCrown = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
         user.items.gear.owned.armor_special_snowSovereignRobes = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     180: {
@@ -382,6 +419,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     190: {
@@ -390,6 +428,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.shield_special_wintryMirror = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
         user.items.gear.owned.back_special_snowdriftVeil = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     200: {
@@ -398,6 +437,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple) user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple = 0;
         user.items.hatchingPotions.RoyalPurple += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
       },
     },
     220: {
@@ -406,6 +446,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.food.Saddle) user.items.food.Saddle = 0;
         user.items.food.Saddle += 1;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.food');
       },
     },
     240: {
@@ -414,6 +455,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.weapon_special_nomadsScimitar = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
         user.items.gear.owned.armor_special_nomadsCuirass = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     260: {
@@ -421,6 +463,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       reward: [api.gear.flat.head_special_spikedHelm],
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.head_special_spikedHelm = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     280: {
@@ -448,6 +491,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
         user.items.food.Milk += 3;
         if (!user.items.food.RottenMeat) user.items.food.RottenMeat = 0;
         user.items.food.RottenMeat += 3;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.food');
       },
     },
     300: {
@@ -473,6 +517,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
         user.items.eggs.TigerCub += 2;
         if (!user.items.eggs.Wolf) user.items.eggs.Wolf = 0;
         user.items.eggs.Wolf += 2;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.eggs');
       },
     },
     320: {
@@ -480,6 +525,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       reward: [api.gear.flat.head_special_dandyHat],
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.head_special_dandyHat = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     340: {
@@ -488,6 +534,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.weapon_special_fencingFoil = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
         user.items.gear.owned.armor_special_dandySuit = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     360: {
@@ -497,6 +544,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.food.Saddle) user.items.food.Saddle = 0;
         user.items.food.Saddle += 2;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.food');
       },
     },
     380: {
@@ -522,6 +570,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
         user.items.eggs.TigerCub += 3;
         if (!user.items.eggs.Wolf) user.items.eggs.Wolf = 0;
         user.items.eggs.Wolf += 3;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.eggs');
       },
     },
     400: {
@@ -549,6 +598,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
         user.items.food.Milk += 4;
         if (!user.items.food.RottenMeat) user.items.food.RottenMeat = 0;
         user.items.food.RottenMeat += 4;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.food');
       },
     },
     425: {
@@ -558,6 +608,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         if (!user.items.food.Saddle) user.items.food.Saddle = 0;
         user.items.food.Saddle += 3;
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.food');
       },
     },
     450: {
@@ -566,6 +617,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.weapon_special_tachi = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
         user.items.gear.owned.armor_special_samuraiArmor = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     475: {
@@ -574,6 +626,7 @@ module.exports = function getLoginIncentives (api) {
       assignReward: function assignReward (user) {
         user.items.gear.owned.head_special_kabuto = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
         user.items.gear.owned.shield_special_wakizashi = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+        if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       },
     },
     500: {
diff --git a/website/common/script/fns/randomDrop.js b/website/common/script/fns/randomDrop.js
index deaf0127b3..6061b3f83f 100644
--- a/website/common/script/fns/randomDrop.js
+++ b/website/common/script/fns/randomDrop.js
@@ -75,6 +75,8 @@ module.exports = function randomDrop (user, options, req = {}, analytics) {
 
       user.items.food[drop.key] = user.items.food[drop.key] || 0;
       user.items.food[drop.key] += 1;
+      if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.food');
+
       drop.type = 'Food';
       drop.dialog = i18n.t('messageDropFood', {
         dropText: drop.textA(req.language),
@@ -82,8 +84,11 @@ module.exports = function randomDrop (user, options, req = {}, analytics) {
       }, req.language);
     } else if (rarity > 0.3) { // eggs 30% chance
       drop = cloneDropItem(randomVal(content.dropEggs));
+
       user.items.eggs[drop.key] = user.items.eggs[drop.key] || 0;
       user.items.eggs[drop.key]++;
+      if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.eggs');
+
       drop.type = 'Egg';
       drop.dialog = i18n.t('messageDropEgg', {
         dropText: drop.text(req.language),
@@ -102,8 +107,11 @@ module.exports = function randomDrop (user, options, req = {}, analytics) {
       drop = cloneDropItem(randomVal(pickBy(content.hatchingPotions, (v, k) => {
         return acceptableDrops.indexOf(k) >= 0;
       })));
+
       user.items.hatchingPotions[drop.key] = user.items.hatchingPotions[drop.key] || 0;
       user.items.hatchingPotions[drop.key]++;
+      if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
+
       drop.type = 'HatchingPotion';
       drop.dialog = i18n.t('messageDropPotion', {
         dropText: drop.text(req.language),
diff --git a/website/common/script/fns/resetGear.js b/website/common/script/fns/resetGear.js
index d92df37da8..0a60635676 100644
--- a/website/common/script/fns/resetGear.js
+++ b/website/common/script/fns/resetGear.js
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ module.exports = function resetGear (user) {
     gear[type].shield = 'shield_base_0';
   });
 
-  // Gear.owned is a Mongo object so the _.each function iterates over hidden properties.
+  // Gear.owned is (was) a Mongo object so the _.each function iterates over hidden properties.
   // The content.gear.flat[k] check should prevent this causing an error
   each(gear.owned, function resetOwnedGear (v, k) {
     if (gear.owned[k] && content.gear.flat[k] && content.gear.flat[k].value) {
@@ -21,5 +21,7 @@ module.exports = function resetGear (user) {
   });
 
   gear.owned.weapon_warrior_0 = true; // eslint-disable-line camelcase
+  if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
+
   user.preferences.costume = false;
 };
diff --git a/website/common/script/fns/ultimateGear.js b/website/common/script/fns/ultimateGear.js
index 3c9251fb6f..ea5101bb97 100644
--- a/website/common/script/fns/ultimateGear.js
+++ b/website/common/script/fns/ultimateGear.js
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import reduce from 'lodash/reduce';
 import includes from 'lodash/includes';
 
 module.exports = function ultimateGear (user) {
-  let owned = typeof window !== 'undefined' ? user.items.gear.owned : user.items.gear.owned.toObject();
+  let owned = user.items.gear.owned.toObject ? user.items.gear.owned.toObject() : user.items.gear.owned;
 
   content.classes.forEach((klass) => {
     if (user.achievements.ultimateGearSets[klass] !== true) {
diff --git a/website/common/script/fns/updateStats.js b/website/common/script/fns/updateStats.js
index 65d466f1b0..669fb46fd2 100644
--- a/website/common/script/fns/updateStats.js
+++ b/website/common/script/fns/updateStats.js
@@ -75,6 +75,8 @@ module.exports = function updateStats (user, stats, req = {}, analytics) {
     } else {
       user.items.eggs.Wolf = 1;
     }
+
+    if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.eggs');
   }
   each({
     vice1: 30,
@@ -84,10 +86,12 @@ module.exports = function updateStats (user, stats, req = {}, analytics) {
   }, (lvl, k) => {
     if (user.stats.lvl >= lvl && !user.flags.levelDrops[k]) {
       user.flags.levelDrops[k] = true;
-      if (!user.items.quests[k])
-        user.items.quests[k] = 0;
-      user.items.quests[k]++;
       if (user.markModified) user.markModified('flags.levelDrops');
+
+      if (!user.items.quests[k]) user.items.quests[k] = 0;
+      user.items.quests[k]++;
+      if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.quests');
+
       if (analytics) {
         analytics.track('acquire item', {
           uuid: user._id,
diff --git a/website/common/script/libs/statsComputed.js b/website/common/script/libs/statsComputed.js
index 0997cae007..1239b6d9d5 100644
--- a/website/common/script/libs/statsComputed.js
+++ b/website/common/script/libs/statsComputed.js
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ function equipmentStatBonusComputed (stat, user) {
   let classBonus = 0;
 
   // toObject is required here due to lodash values not working well with mongoose doc objects.
-  // if toObject doesn't exist, we're on the client side and can assume the object is already plain JSON
+  // if toObject doesn't exist, we can assume the object is already plain JSON
   // see http://stackoverflow.com/questions/25767334/underscore-js-keys-and-omit-not-working-as-expected
   let equipped = user.items.gear.equipped;
   let equippedKeys = values(!equipped.toObject ? equipped : equipped.toObject());
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyArmoire.js b/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyArmoire.js
index 6416815841..cd4eb796af 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyArmoire.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyArmoire.js
@@ -90,6 +90,8 @@ export class BuyArmoireOperation extends AbstractGoldItemOperation {
     }
 
     user.items.gear.owned[drop.key] = true;
+    if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
+
     user.flags.armoireOpened = true;
     let message = this.i18n('armoireEquipment', {
       image: `<span class="shop_${drop.key} pull-left"></span>`,
@@ -125,6 +127,7 @@ export class BuyArmoireOperation extends AbstractGoldItemOperation {
 
     user.items.food[drop.key] = user.items.food[drop.key] || 0;
     user.items.food[drop.key] += 1;
+    if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.food');
 
     if (this.analytics) {
       this._trackDropAnalytics(user._id, drop.key);
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyMysterySet.js b/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyMysterySet.js
index 7e0bf0c83a..db9ca557f2 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyMysterySet.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyMysterySet.js
@@ -38,6 +38,8 @@ module.exports = function buyMysterySet (user, req = {}, analytics) {
     }
   });
 
+  if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
+
   user.purchased.plan.consecutive.trinkets--;
 
   return [
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyQuest.js b/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyQuest.js
index c9fb3985fb..09f04dcb59 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyQuest.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyQuest.js
@@ -68,6 +68,7 @@ export class BuyQuestWithGoldOperation extends AbstractGoldItemOperation {
   executeChanges (user, item, req) {
     if (!user.items.quests[item.key] || user.items.quests[item.key] < 0) user.items.quests[item.key] = 0;
     user.items.quests[item.key] += this.quantity;
+    if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.quests');
 
     this.subtractCurrency(user, item, this.quantity);
 
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyQuestGem.js b/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyQuestGem.js
index 90cf0190e8..1a1a24d90a 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyQuestGem.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/buy/buyQuestGem.js
@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@ export class BuyQuestWithGemOperation extends AbstractGemItemOperation {
   executeChanges (user, item, req) {
     user.items.quests[item.key] = user.items.quests[item.key] || 0;
     user.items.quests[item.key] += this.quantity;
+    if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.quests');
 
     this.subtractCurrency(user, item, this.quantity);
 
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/buy/hourglassPurchase.js b/website/common/script/ops/buy/hourglassPurchase.js
index 5354ee20bd..44f6e1a6f4 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/buy/hourglassPurchase.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/buy/hourglassPurchase.js
@@ -36,10 +36,12 @@ module.exports = function purchaseHourglass (user, req = {}, analytics) {
 
   if (type === 'pets') {
     user.items.pets[key] = 5;
+    if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.pets');
   }
 
   if (type === 'mounts') {
     user.items.mounts[key] = true;
+    if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.mounts');
   }
 
   if (analytics) {
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/buy/purchase.js b/website/common/script/ops/buy/purchase.js
index bd07248590..752ffed231 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/buy/purchase.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/buy/purchase.js
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@ function purchaseItem (user, item, price, type, key) {
 
   if (type === 'gear') {
     user.items.gear.owned[key] = true;
+    if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
   } else if (type === 'bundles') {
     let subType = item.type;
     forEach(item.bundleKeys, function addBundledItems (bundledKey) {
@@ -55,11 +56,13 @@ function purchaseItem (user, item, price, type, key) {
       }
       user.items[subType][bundledKey]++;
     });
+    if (user.markModified) user.markModified(`items.${subType}`);
   } else {
     if (!user.items[type][key] || user.items[type][key] < 0) {
       user.items[type][key] = 0;
     }
     user.items[type][key]++;
+    if (user.markModified) user.markModified(`items.${type}`);
   }
 }
 
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/changeClass.js b/website/common/script/ops/changeClass.js
index 618a617619..49af6f481a 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/changeClass.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/changeClass.js
@@ -53,7 +53,8 @@ module.exports = function changeClass (user, req = {}, analytics) {
     addPinnedGearByClass(user);
 
     user.items.gear.owned[`weapon_${klass}_0`] = true;
-    if (klass === 'rogue')  user.items.gear.owned[`shield_${klass}_0`] = true;
+    if (klass === 'rogue') user.items.gear.owned[`shield_${klass}_0`] = true;
+    if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
 
     removePinnedItemsByOwnedGear(user);
 
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/equip.js b/website/common/script/ops/equip.js
index 679a5aa4a2..329eb46a8b 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/equip.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/equip.js
@@ -52,6 +52,8 @@ module.exports = function equip (user, req = {}) {
           user.items.gear[type].toObject ? user.items.gear[type].toObject() : user.items.gear[type],
           {[item.type]: `${item.type}_base_0`}
         );
+        if (user.markModified && type === 'owned') user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
+
         message = i18n.t('messageUnEquipped', {
           itemText: item.text(req.language),
         }, req.language);
@@ -61,6 +63,8 @@ module.exports = function equip (user, req = {}) {
           user.items.gear[type].toObject ? user.items.gear[type].toObject() : user.items.gear[type],
           {[item.type]: item.key}
         );
+        if (user.markModified && type === 'owned') user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
+
         message = handleTwoHanded(user, item, type, req);
       }
       break;
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/feed.js b/website/common/script/ops/feed.js
index 9e4582b71b..1a66770d28 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/feed.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/feed.js
@@ -12,6 +12,11 @@ function evolve (user, pet, req) {
   user.items.pets[pet.key] = -1;
   user.items.mounts[pet.key] = true;
 
+  if (user.markModified) {
+    user.markModified('items.pets');
+    user.markModified('items.mounts');
+  }
+
   if (pet.key === user.items.currentPet) {
     user.items.currentPet = '';
   }
@@ -74,12 +79,15 @@ module.exports = function feed (user, req = {}) {
       message = i18n.t('messageDontEnjoyFood', messageParams, req.language);
     }
 
+    if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.pets');
+
     if (userPets[pet.key] >= 50 && !user.items.mounts[pet.key]) {
       message = evolve(user, pet, req);
     }
   }
 
   user.items.food[food.key]--;
+  if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.food');
 
   return [
     userPets[pet.key],
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/hatch.js b/website/common/script/ops/hatch.js
index eacb1c0e49..121e45647e 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/hatch.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/hatch.js
@@ -33,6 +33,11 @@ module.exports = function hatch (user, req = {}) {
   user.items.pets[pet] = 5;
   user.items.eggs[egg]--;
   user.items.hatchingPotions[hatchingPotion]--;
+  if (user.markModified) {
+    user.markModified('items.pets');
+    user.markModified('items.eggs');
+    user.markModified('items.hatchingPotions');
+  }
 
   return [
     user.items,
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/openMysteryItem.js b/website/common/script/ops/openMysteryItem.js
index 4773565b89..c45d63e925 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/openMysteryItem.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/openMysteryItem.js
@@ -26,7 +26,10 @@ module.exports = function openMysteryItem (user, req = {}, analytics) {
   item = cloneDeep(content.gear.flat[item]);
   user.items.gear.owned[item.key] = true;
 
-  if (user.markModified) user.markModified('purchased.plan.mysteryItems');
+  if (user.markModified) {
+    user.markModified('purchased.plan.mysteryItems');
+    user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
+  }
 
   if (analytics) {
     analytics.track('open mystery item', {
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/pinnedGearUtils.js b/website/common/script/ops/pinnedGearUtils.js
index bc96ad2be3..e3deed562c 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/pinnedGearUtils.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/pinnedGearUtils.js
@@ -98,7 +98,10 @@ function removePinnedGearAddPossibleNewOnes (user, itemPath, newItemKey) {
   // an item of the users current "new" gear was bought
   // remove the old pinned gear items and add the new gear back
   removePinnedGearByClass(user);
+
   user.items.gear.owned[newItemKey] = true;
+  if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
+
   addPinnedGearByClass(user);
 
   // update the version, so that vue can refresh the seasonal shop
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/releaseBoth.js b/website/common/script/ops/releaseBoth.js
index c306d92793..75aa65abd7 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/releaseBoth.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/releaseBoth.js
@@ -62,6 +62,10 @@ module.exports = function releaseBoth (user, req = {}) {
     user.items.pets[animal] = 0;
     user.items.mounts[animal] = null;
   }
+  if (user.markModified) {
+    user.markModified('items.pets');
+    user.markModified('items.mounts');
+  }
 
   if (giveBeastMasterAchievement) {
     if (!user.achievements.beastMasterCount) {
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/releaseMounts.js b/website/common/script/ops/releaseMounts.js
index 4462d11f44..adb9d96dfd 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/releaseMounts.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/releaseMounts.js
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ module.exports = function releaseMounts (user, req = {}, analytics) {
     }
     user.items.mounts[mount] = null;
   }
+  if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.mounts');
 
   if (giveMountMasterAchievement) {
     if (!user.achievements.mountMasterCount) {
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/releasePets.js b/website/common/script/ops/releasePets.js
index 0124474a37..0764fddb62 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/releasePets.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/releasePets.js
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ module.exports = function releasePets (user, req = {}, analytics) {
     }
     user.items.pets[pet] = 0;
   }
+  if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.pets');
 
   if (giveBeastMasterAchievement) {
     if (!user.achievements.beastMasterCount) {
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/revive.js b/website/common/script/ops/revive.js
index b8ddb0b637..14ad3d1ddd 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/revive.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/revive.js
@@ -87,6 +87,7 @@ module.exports = function revive (user, req = {}, analytics) {
     removePinnedGearByClass(user);
 
     user.items.gear.owned[lostItem] = false;
+    if (user.markModified) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
 
     addPinnedGearByClass(user);
 
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/sell.js b/website/common/script/ops/sell.js
index b777a32e76..796ed929c2 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/sell.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/sell.js
@@ -44,6 +44,8 @@ module.exports = function sell (user, req = {}) {
   }
 
   user.items[type][key] -= amount;
+  if (user.markModified) user.markModified(`items.${type}`);
+
   user.stats.gp += content[type][key].value * amount;
 
   return [
diff --git a/website/common/script/ops/unlock.js b/website/common/script/ops/unlock.js
index bbf59c7b2a..7adbac48de 100644
--- a/website/common/script/ops/unlock.js
+++ b/website/common/script/ops/unlock.js
@@ -75,6 +75,7 @@ module.exports = function unlock (user, req = {}, analytics) {
         setWith(user, pathPart, true, Object);
         let itemName = pathPart.split('.').pop();
         removeItemByPath(user, `gear.flat.${itemName}`);
+        if (user.markModified && path.indexOf('gear.owned') !== -1) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       }
 
       // Using Object so path[1] won't create an array but an object {path: {1: value}}
@@ -96,6 +97,7 @@ module.exports = function unlock (user, req = {}, analytics) {
       if (path.indexOf('gear.') !== -1) {
         // Using Object so path[1] won't create an array but an object {path: {1: value}}
         setWith(user, path, true, Object);
+        if (user.markModified && path.indexOf('gear.owned') !== -1) user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
       }
       // Using Object so path[1] won't create an array but an object {path: {1: value}}
       setWith(user, `purchased.${path}`, true, Object);
diff --git a/website/server/controllers/api-v3/auth.js b/website/server/controllers/api-v3/auth.js
index 84c5485fe6..bdf8c17a72 100644
--- a/website/server/controllers/api-v3/auth.js
+++ b/website/server/controllers/api-v3/auth.js
@@ -204,6 +204,8 @@ api.updateUsername = {
       } else {
         user.items.pets['Wolf-Veteran'] = 5;
       }
+
+      user.markModified('items.pets');
     }
     await user.save();
 
diff --git a/website/server/controllers/api-v3/debug.js b/website/server/controllers/api-v3/debug.js
index 27b7156d68..eb2cd31260 100644
--- a/website/server/controllers/api-v3/debug.js
+++ b/website/server/controllers/api-v3/debug.js
@@ -135,6 +135,7 @@ api.modifyInventory = {
 
     if (gear) {
       user.items.gear.owned = gear;
+      user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
     }
 
     [
@@ -148,6 +149,7 @@ api.modifyInventory = {
     ].forEach((type) => {
       if (req.body[type]) {
         user.items[type] = req.body[type];
+        user.markModified(`items.${type}`);
       }
     });
 
diff --git a/website/server/controllers/api-v3/groups.js b/website/server/controllers/api-v3/groups.js
index 9eef5108e9..eed4aff4cb 100644
--- a/website/server/controllers/api-v3/groups.js
+++ b/website/server/controllers/api-v3/groups.js
@@ -595,6 +595,7 @@ api.joinGroup = {
           inviter.items.quests.basilist = 0;
         }
         inviter.items.quests.basilist++;
+        inviter.markModified('items.quests');
       }
       promises.push(inviter.save());
     }
@@ -890,6 +891,7 @@ api.removeGroupMember = {
 
       if (group.quest && group.quest.active && group.quest.leader === member._id) {
         member.items.quests[group.quest.key] += 1;
+        member.markModified('items.quests');
       }
     } else if (isInvited) {
       if (isInvited === 'guild') {
diff --git a/website/server/controllers/api-v3/hall.js b/website/server/controllers/api-v3/hall.js
index 2073962af0..5309b56e4f 100644
--- a/website/server/controllers/api-v3/hall.js
+++ b/website/server/controllers/api-v3/hall.js
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ import {
 import _ from 'lodash';
 import apiError from '../../libs/apiError';
 import validator from 'validator';
+import { validateItemPath } from '../../libs/items/utils';
+
 
 let api = {};
 
@@ -264,10 +266,11 @@ api.updateHero = {
     if (updateData.purchased && updateData.purchased.ads) hero.purchased.ads = updateData.purchased.ads;
 
     // give them the Dragon Hydra pet if they're above level 6
-    if (hero.contributor.level >= 6) hero.items.pets['Dragon-Hydra'] = 5;
-    if (updateData.itemPath && updateData.itemVal &&
-        updateData.itemPath.indexOf('items.') === 0 &&
-        User.schema.paths[updateData.itemPath]) {
+    if (hero.contributor.level >= 6) {
+      hero.items.pets['Dragon-Hydra'] = 5;
+      hero.markModified('items.pets');
+    }
+    if (updateData.itemPath && updateData.itemVal && validateItemPath(updateData.itemPath)) {
       _.set(hero, updateData.itemPath, updateData.itemVal); // Sanitization at 5c30944 (deemed unnecessary)
     }
 
diff --git a/website/server/libs/items/utils.js b/website/server/libs/items/utils.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..0c0d9adf2f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/website/server/libs/items/utils.js
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+import shared from '../../../common';
+import { model as User } from '../../models/user';
+import { last } from 'lodash';
+
+// Build a list of gear items owned by default
+const defaultOwnedGear = {};
+
+Object.keys(shared.content.gear.flat).forEach(key => {
+  const item = shared.content.gear.flat[key];
+  if (item.key.match(/(armor|head|shield)_warrior_0/) || item.gearSet === 'glasses' || item.gearSet === 'headband') {
+    defaultOwnedGear[item.key] = true;
+  }
+});
+
+export function getDefaultOwnedGear () {
+  // Clone to avoid modifications to the original object
+  return Object.assign({}, defaultOwnedGear);
+}
+
+// When passed a path to an item in the user object it'll return true if
+// it's valid, false otherwsie
+// Example of an item path: `items.gear.owned.head_warrior_0`
+export function validateItemPath (itemPath) {
+  // The item path must start with `items.`
+  if (itemPath.indexOf('items.') !== 0) return false;
+  if (User.schema.paths[itemPath]) return true;
+
+  const key = last(itemPath.split('.'));
+
+  if (itemPath.indexOf('items.gear.owned') === 0) {
+    return Boolean(shared.content.gear.flat[key]);
+  }
+
+  if (itemPath.indexOf('items.pets') === 0) {
+    return Boolean(shared.content.petInfo[key]);
+  }
+
+  if (itemPath.indexOf('items.eggs') === 0) {
+    return Boolean(shared.content.eggs[key]);
+  }
+
+  if (itemPath.indexOf('items.hatchingPotions') === 0) {
+    return Boolean(shared.content.hatchingPotions[key]);
+  }
+
+  if (itemPath.indexOf('items.food') === 0) {
+    return Boolean(shared.content.food[key]);
+  }
+
+  if (itemPath.indexOf('items.mounts') === 0) {
+    return Boolean(shared.content.mountInfo[key]);
+  }
+
+  if (itemPath.indexOf('items.quests') === 0) {
+    return Boolean(shared.content.quests[key]);
+  }
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/website/server/libs/payments/groupPayments.js b/website/server/libs/payments/groupPayments.js
index b632667284..5da9309f1f 100644
--- a/website/server/libs/payments/groupPayments.js
+++ b/website/server/libs/payments/groupPayments.js
@@ -170,6 +170,7 @@ async function addSubToGroupUser (member, group) {
 
   member.purchased.plan = plan;
   member.items.mounts['Jackalope-RoyalPurple'] = true;
+  member.markModified('items.mounts');
 
   data.user = member;
   await this.createSubscription(data);
diff --git a/website/server/libs/payments/subscriptions.js b/website/server/libs/payments/subscriptions.js
index 549b41d1dc..fe0119e09a 100644
--- a/website/server/libs/payments/subscriptions.js
+++ b/website/server/libs/payments/subscriptions.js
@@ -140,6 +140,7 @@ async function createSubscription (data) {
 
   if (recipient !== group) {
     recipient.items.pets['Jackalope-RoyalPurple'] = 5;
+    recipient.markModified('items.pets');
     revealMysteryItems(recipient);
   }
 
diff --git a/website/server/models/coupon.js b/website/server/models/coupon.js
index 2d99143b68..f08a8135eb 100644
--- a/website/server/models/coupon.js
+++ b/website/server/models/coupon.js
@@ -46,6 +46,8 @@ schema.statics.apply = async function applyCoupon (user, req, code) {
     user.items.gear.owned.body_special_wondercon_red = true;
     user.items.gear.owned.body_special_wondercon_black = true;
     user.items.gear.owned.body_special_wondercon_gold = true;
+    user.markModified('items.gear.owned');
+
     user.extra = {signupEvent: 'wondercon'};
   }
 
diff --git a/website/server/models/user/hooks.js b/website/server/models/user/hooks.js
index 75bee4d71d..ed3a7514b5 100644
--- a/website/server/models/user/hooks.js
+++ b/website/server/models/user/hooks.js
@@ -125,6 +125,8 @@ function _setUpNewUser (user) {
   let iterableFlags = user.flags.toObject();
 
   user.items.quests.dustbunnies = 1;
+  user.markModified('items.quests');
+
   user.purchased.background.violet = true;
   user.preferences.background = 'violet';
 
@@ -217,6 +219,7 @@ schema.pre('save', true, function preSaveUser (next, done) {
     // automatically granted an item during a certain time period:
     // if (!this.items.pets['JackOLantern-Base'] && moment().isBefore('2014-11-01'))
     // this.items.pets['JackOLantern-Base'] = 5;
+    // this.markModified('items.pets');
   }
 
   // Filter notifications, remove unvalid and not necessary, handle the ones that have special requirements
diff --git a/website/server/models/user/schema.js b/website/server/models/user/schema.js
index 42871628c8..e411bfb437 100644
--- a/website/server/models/user/schema.js
+++ b/website/server/models/user/schema.js
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 import mongoose from 'mongoose';
 import shared from '../../../common';
-import _ from 'lodash';
 import validator from 'validator';
 import { schema as TagSchema } from '../tag';
 import { schema as PushDeviceSchema } from '../pushDevice';
@@ -11,6 +10,9 @@ import {
 import {
   schema as SubscriptionPlanSchema,
 } from '../subscriptionPlan';
+import {
+  getDefaultOwnedGear,
+} from '../../libs/items/utils';
 
 const Schema = mongoose.Schema;
 
@@ -251,12 +253,12 @@ let schema = new Schema({
 
   items: {
     gear: {
-      owned: _.transform(shared.content.gear.flat, (m, v) => {
-        m[v.key] = {$type: Boolean};
-        if (v.key.match(/(armor|head|shield)_warrior_0/) || v.gearSet === 'glasses' || v.gearSet === 'headband') {
-          m[v.key].default = true;
-        }
-      }),
+      owned: {
+        $type: Schema.Types.Mixed,
+        default: () => {
+          return getDefaultOwnedGear();
+        },
+      },
 
       equipped: {
         weapon: String,
@@ -310,55 +312,52 @@ let schema = new Schema({
     //   'PandaCub-Red': 10, // Number represents "Growth Points"
     //   etc...
     // }
-    pets: _.defaults(
-      // First transform to a 1D eggs/potions mapping
-      _.transform(shared.content.pets, (m, v, k) => m[k] = Number),
-      // Then add additional pets (quest, backer, contributor, premium)
-      _.transform(shared.content.questPets, (m, v, k) => m[k] = Number),
-      _.transform(shared.content.specialPets, (m, v, k) => m[k] = Number),
-      _.transform(shared.content.premiumPets, (m, v, k) => m[k] = Number)
-    ),
+    pets: {$type: Schema.Types.Mixed, default: () => {
+      return {};
+    }},
     currentPet: String, // Cactus-Desert
 
     // eggs: {
     //  'PandaCub': 0, // 0 indicates "doesn't own"
     //  'Wolf': 5 // Number indicates "stacking"
     // }
-    eggs: _.transform(shared.content.eggs, (m, v, k) => m[k] = Number),
+    eggs: {$type: Schema.Types.Mixed, default: () => {
+      return {};
+    }},
 
     // hatchingPotions: {
     //  'Desert': 0, // 0 indicates "doesn't own"
     //  'CottonCandyBlue': 5 // Number indicates "stacking"
     // }
-    hatchingPotions: _.transform(shared.content.hatchingPotions, (m, v, k) => m[k] = Number),
+    hatchingPotions: {$type: Schema.Types.Mixed, default: () => {
+      return {};
+    }},
 
     // Food: {
     //  'Watermelon': 0, // 0 indicates "doesn't own"
     //  'RottenMeat': 5 // Number indicates "stacking"
     // }
-    food: _.transform(shared.content.food, (m, v, k) => m[k] = Number),
+    food: {$type: Schema.Types.Mixed, default: () => {
+      return {};
+    }},
 
     // mounts: {
     //  'Wolf-Desert': true,
     //  'PandaCub-Red': false,
     //  etc...
     // }
-    mounts: _.defaults(
-      // First transform to a 1D eggs/potions mapping
-      _.transform(shared.content.pets, (m, v, k) => m[k] = Boolean),
-      // Then add quest and premium pets
-      _.transform(shared.content.questPets, (m, v, k) => m[k] = Boolean),
-      _.transform(shared.content.premiumPets, (m, v, k) => m[k] = Boolean),
-      // Then add additional mounts (backer, contributor)
-      _.transform(shared.content.specialMounts, (m, v, k) => m[k] = Boolean)
-    ),
+    mounts: {$type: Schema.Types.Mixed, default: () => {
+      return {};
+    }},
     currentMount: String,
 
     // Quests: {
     //  'boss_0': 0, // 0 indicates "doesn't own"
     //  'collection_honey': 5 // Number indicates "stacking"
     // }
-    quests: _.transform(shared.content.quests, (m, v, k) => m[k] = Number),
+    quests: {$type: Schema.Types.Mixed, default: () => {
+      return {};
+    }},
 
     lastDrop: {
       date: {$type: Date, default: Date.now},