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

[LoneWolf23]

For that matter, why not divide armor into Mail (body), Helm (head) and Gauntlet/Bracer (Arms), like Final Fantasy does? Then divide the full suit's AC bonus accordingly. A +8 Suit of Full Plate, for exemple, would have +5 or +6 come from the mail, +1 from the Helm and +1 or +2 from the gauntlets. Helms and Gauntlets would penalize sight/listen checks and "fine touch" type skills, respectivly.

Opinions?

 

[GWolf]

I like that idea alot lonewolf.

 

[daTim]

I dont really think thats too good of an idea, since there are magic gaunlets that can be worn with magic armor without losing the benefits of the armor. There are also magic helms that can be worn with full plate without losing the effect of full plate. Esentially it would end up having a single suit of armor eating up the bracer/armor/glove/helmet/boot slots all in one. I think its just better to leave it rather vague and abstract.

 

[kenjib]

I don't like helmets being counted for style reasons. I like the freedom to visualize my character without a helmet if I so choose because it makes the character more personal (versus the anonymous bucket/robot head great helm look).

This is about fantasy fiction -- creating heroes and having evocative imagery. If I don't see my character as wearing a helmet I don't want to be penalized for my choice. Franky, I just don't think that little bit of realism is worth the flexibility you lose.

 

[Rydac]

What about the possibility of helms adding +1 AC and a small percentage chance to avoid a critical....like the fortification magic ability for armor. If the helm had a full visor or something to that effect increase the critical avoiding percentage.

I don't see much problem with the revision having helms as a separate armor item boosting AC by 1...it seems that the ability to hit generally outstrips defense enough that the impact won't be huge anyway

 

[Stalker0]

I think the +x to AC vs crits and the -y to spot/listen is a fabulous idea. Its an mechanic that's easy to incorporate, doesn't contradict or complicate any existing rules, and can be balanced by adjusting x and y.

 

[Terraism]

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

I loved your rules for that, and I've kept a link to 'em since. Hope you don't mind me sharing it - it's to your old House Rules post.

http://enworld.cyberstreet.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=912

 

[Thorvald Kviksverd]

I loved your rules for that, and I've kept a link to 'em since. Hope you don't mind me sharing it - it's to your old House Rules post.

http://enworld.cyberstreet.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=912

Hey, thanks

I tried a quick run through of the house rules forum, but I don't have access to the search function.

BTW, if you don't want to penalize a PC for not wearing a helmet--as some have expressed concern over--the Threat APs can be changed to suit your campaign; for example...

None: +0 APs
Light: +1 AP
Medium: +2 APs
Heavy: +3 APs

In this way, a character isn't "losing" anything by not wearing one--and those who choose to wear one to gain the armour benefits will suffer in other areas.

 

[Kai Lord]

I think helmets should reduce the threat range of attacks, with the caveat that a natural 20 always threatens.

 

[Sixchan]

I dont really think thats too good of an idea, since there are magic gaunlets that can be worn with magic armor without losing the benefits of the armor. There are also magic helms that can be worn with full plate without losing the effect of full plate. Esentially it would end up having a single suit of armor eating up the bracer/armor/glove/helmet/boot slots all in one. I think its just better to leave it rather vague and abstract.

Well, not if it Bracers, gloves, helmets and boots all gave a base AC bonus. Then replacing your regular Full plate helmet (AC bonus +1) with...say...a helm of teleportation (AC bonus +1, plus teleportation) wouldn't impact your armour bonus.

Then, of course you can wear a full-plate bracer with your leather armour, Final Fantasy style.