[D&D 3.5] Helms, Helmets, and Headpieces rumors

[theoremtank]

It was rumored a couple of days back on an ENWorld news post that helms might be handled differently in the 3.5 revision. That is, they might be made more prominent as opposed to simply being there for flavor.

I feel helms should be considered separately from armor although I am unsure what kind of bonuses and penalties I would assign to them.

What does everyone here think should be done with helms? Should helms be changed or left the same? If you feel they should be given some type of rule mechanic what would that be? What about bonuses and penalties associated with using different types of helms?

 

[Azure Trance]

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I thought the last time this topic came up something along the lines of, "It would create the rules of called shots to the head and the can of worms that opens up."

 

[DDK]

A +1 vs. critical hits could be good.

 

[Olive]

A +1 vs. critical hits could be good.

yeah, that would be good. even a +2 might not be unbalancing... give a reason to take it without being better than a shield.

 

[Mercule]

A +1 vs. critical hits could be good.

Do you mean +1 AC after the threat has already been determined?

Or do you mean reduce your opponent's threat range by 1?

The former sounds reasonable. The latter has some serious balance issues (axes, anyone?).

 

[Shadowlord]

I applied the armor penalty to Listen & Spot as your vision is obscured with heavier helms that come with heavier armor and heavier armor tends to make more noise. So the helmets are "built in" the armor.

 

[Zappo]

I think +1 to AC versus a crit confirmation would be fine. Maybe add a -1 to Spot/Listen, so that the characters have some reason not to wear one 24/7.

 

[Thorvald Kviksverd]

I posted rules for helm/ets providing "Threat APs" several years ago--and periodically since.

Basically, it is assumed that a disproportionate number of critical threats will be against the head and, therefore, helm/ets will provide a disproportionate amount of protection at such times.

They provide this protection by increasing the target's APs by a given amount when the threat/critical confirmation roll is made.

I also included penalties for certain skills, vision, hearing, etc. and a chance for arcane spell failure for those castings using verbal components.

Anyway, if your interested I'll post them again.

I have no idea if the rumored rules revision will be similar in any way though.

 

[John Smallberries]

Just lose 1 point of AC if you're not wearing your helmet (for those armors which assume helmet use).

 

[Chauzu]

Helmets that cover most of the face can cause a decrease in dexterity due to it being harder to see.