AC of a worn amulet and helm?

[kreynolds]

This came up in a game I ran last weekend. I figured an amulet was tiny and a helm was small. Did I judge them too large?

 

[hammymchamham]

I think you did right. A buckler is small, and I would say roughly the size of a helm.

 

[Mr Fidgit]

IMO, yes, since small is (generally) the size of a gnome, and tiny is (again, generally) the size of a housecat



is that a housecat around your neck, or are you just happy to see me?

 

[kreynolds]

Actually, I think I ruled them too big. Going by the chart on page 136 of the PH, a chair is small, a tome is tiny, a scroll is diminutive, and a potion is fine. I think a medium-size creature's amulet wouldn't be any larger than a scroll (possibly even a potion), and a helm is much smaller than a chair.

Maybe the ACs should look something like this (assume no deflection bonus)...

Amulet: 5 (example Dex mod of wearer) + 4 (diminutive size) = AC 9
Helm: 5 (example Dex mod of wearer) + 2 (tiny size) = AC 7

That seems awfully low. Maybe they should look like this?

Amulet: 5 (example Dex mod of wearer) + 8 (fine size) = AC 13
Helm: 5 (example Dex mod of wearer) + 4 (diminutive size) = AC 9

I don't know. What do you guys think?

The other reason I ask is because of items having to make Reflex saves. For example, the rust dragon's breath weapon forces any exposed metal items, magical or not, carried or not, to make Reflex saves or crumble into dust. Do items get a size modifier to Reflex saves? I ruled they did, but I'm not sure now.

 

[Mr Fidgit]

would the amulet and helmet in your AC examples still get the base 10?

as far as the saves, i don't the Reflex bonus is that bad an idea. things worn and held by a character should get some kind of bonus, although some bonuses may be circumstantial. a helmet worn may have to make a full-out save, but an amulet (which should, IMO, be worn under armor D)), may get a bonus for being under a cloak, behind a shield, or what have you

 

[shilsen]

Actually, I think I ruled them too big. Going by the chart on page 136 of the PH, a chair is small, a tome is tiny, a scroll is diminutive, and a potion is fine. I think a medium-size creature's amulet wouldn't be any larger than a scroll (possibly even a potion), and a helm is much smaller than a chair.

Maybe the ACs should look something like this (assume no deflection bonus)...

Amulet: 5 (example Dex mod of wearer) + 4 (diminutive size) = AC 9
Helm: 5 (example Dex mod of wearer) + 2 (tiny size) = AC 7

That seems awfully low. Maybe they should look like this?

Amulet: 5 (example Dex mod of wearer) + 8 (fine size) = AC 13
Helm: 5 (example Dex mod of wearer) + 4 (diminutive size) = AC 9

I don't know. What do you guys think?

I agree that you ruled them too big. The chart you mention differs drastically from creature size, and the former should be used for items. Amulet as fine in size, and helm as diminutive sounds good.

 

[kreynolds]

would the amulet and helmet in your AC examples still get the base 10?

If they are immobile, they're do, but they suffer the -5 penalty for having a Dex of 0. If they're worn, held, or carried, they don't.