D&D 3E/3.5 [3.5] Monk Belt...

Dwarmaj · Aug 1, 2003

For a non-monk, is the AC benefit +1 or is it Wis+1?

Belt, Monk’s: This simple rope belt, when wrapped around a character’s waist, confers great ability in unarmed combat. The wearer’s AC and unarmed damage is treated as a monk of five levels higher. If donned by a character with the Stunning Fist feat, the belt lets her make one additional stunning attack per day. If the character is not a monk, she gains the AC and unarmed damage of a 5th-level monk. This AC bonus functions just like the monk’s AC bonus.
Moderate transmutation; CL 10th; Craft Wondrous Item, righteous might or transformation; Price 13,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.

From the Monk description:

AC Bonus (Ex): When unarmored and unencumbered, the monk adds her Wisdom bonus (if any) to her AC. In addition, a monk gains a +1 bonus to AC at 5th level. This bonus increases by 1 for every five monk levels thereafter (+2 at 10th, +3 at 15th, and +4 at 20th level).
These bonuses to AC apply even against touch attacks or when the monk is flat-footed. She loses these bonuses when she is immobilized or helpless, when she wears any armor, when she carries a shield, or when she carries a medium or heavy load.

For the price I'd think it's only a +1 increase in AC, but the description seems to say it's Wis+1.

Tabarnak Smokeblower · Aug 1, 2003

I'd go with Wis + 1

TS

Tellerve · Aug 1, 2003

No, it is the +1 to AC that comes when you get 5th level as a monk, not a Wisdom bonus. And since it says it is like being a 5th level monk i'd say it is +1 AC that doesn't go away when flat-footed, and is useful against touch attacks.

Tellerve

Dwarmaj · Aug 1, 2003

It probably should be just +1, but the wording doesn't state that. Also WotC customer service (yea, I know they're not always accurate with their rulings) say you get Wis+1. Here's a link to discussion on the same subject over at WotC

Nifft · Aug 1, 2003

IMC, it's going to be a flat +1 AC, not Wis + 1 AC. For that price... no way.

-- Nifft

Vurt · Aug 1, 2003

Since it works as the monk's ability, the AC bonus doesn't work with armour or while encumbered. And just how high is the party wizard's wisdom?

-- Vurt

Dwarmaj · Aug 1, 2003

The party wizard wouldn't be the one that would benefit the most. Try the party Cleric or Druid who use Bracers of Armor.

youspoonybard · Aug 1, 2003

Yeah. No need for Monk1/Drd X, when you get the best part of the deal for a little bit o' gold.

Vurt · Aug 1, 2003

Dwarmaj said:
The party wizard wouldn't be the one that would benefit the most. Try the party Cleric or Druid who use Bracers of Armor.

Good point, especially if the Cleric or Druid has Bracers of Armour +5 or something, but in practice, is it really that bad, considering that magicing up armour and shields is generally cheaper than making bracers?

Consider, for a mid-level cleric with Wis 20, Dex 12 and 50k gp burning in his pocket...

Bracers of Armour +5 (36,000 gp)
Monk's Belt (13,000 gp)

Total AC 22, Cost: 49,000 gp

Full Plate +5 (26,650 gp)
Large Steel Shield +4 (16,170 gp)

Total AC 30, Cost 42,820 gp

Going the tank route is still way, way better, but if it's that big of a problem in your campaign, make it an armour bonus for anyone other than a monk.

-- Vurt

[Edit: grammar]

Skaros · Aug 1, 2003

Vurt said:
Good point, especially if the Cleric or Druid has Bracers of Armour +5 or something, but in practice, is it really that bad, considering that magicing up armour and shields is generally cheaper than making bracers?

Consider, for a mid-level cleric with Wis 20, and Dex 12 with 50k gp burning in his pocket...

Bracers of Armour +5 (36,000 gp)
Monk's Belt (13,000 gp)

Total AC 22, Cost: 49,000 gp

Full Plate +5 (26,650 gp)
Large Steel Shield +4 (16,170 gp)

Total AC 30, Cost 42,820 gp

Going the tank route is still way, way better, but if it's that big of a problem in your campaign, make it an armour bonus for anyone other than a monk.

-- Vurt

Yes, I think its pretty bad.

Factor in that with the full plate your movement drops to 20' (for humans, for example). Add in that you have huge armor check penalties.

With the belt/bracer combo you have your full movement, no armor check penalties, and can wield a two handed weapon for x1.5 strength bonus, if applicable.

Also, the belt/bracer combo is active 24 hours a day. With full plate you won't be sleeping in your armor, and any nighttime encounter will mean you are down to something close to a 10 AC.

Skaros

D&D 3E/3.5 [3.5] Monk Belt...

Dwarmaj

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Tabarnak Smokeblower

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Tellerve

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Dwarmaj

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Nifft

Penguin Herder

Vurt

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Dwarmaj

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youspoonybard

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Vurt

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Skaros

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