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Message: <blockquote data-quote="JohnSnow" data-source="post: 3059738" data-attributes="member: 32164">Log me into the "hates stat boosting items" camp. I find it leads quickly to my least favorite part of D&D - the "Christmas Tree PC." This character has magic shoes, shirt, gloves, amulet, belt, bracelets, sword, armor and knickers.Okay, maybe not quite.The point is that I prefer characters who have one (or maybe two) significant items. My favorite example is the Lord of the Rings, where each of the characters in the Fellowship, with the notable exception of Frodo, has like 3 useful magic items. Sam has 4, but one is of really questionable use until later.Gandalf (a freaking Wizard!): 2-3 (Wizard's Staff(?), Glamdring, and Narya)Aragorn: 3 - Anduril, scabbard of Anduril & Elven CloakBoromir: 2 - Horn & Elven CloakGimli: 3 - Dwarven mail, axe & Elven CloakLegolas: 3 - Elven Bow, Arrows, & Elven Cloak (maybe his knives too)Sam: 4...sorta - Barrow blade, box of magic dirt, Elven Cloak, and walking stickMerri: 3 - Barrow blade, elven cloak, and elven knifePippin: 3 - barrow blade, elven cloak, and elven knifeFrodo: 6 - "Sting," mithril coat, phial of Galadriel, elven cloak, walking stick & One magic ringThat's um...not many. Most of the swords could best be described as "magic." The elves give the Fellowship each a Cloak. They also get, I believe, three coils of semi-magic rope. Most of the items in the story are just "well made" - that is, masterwork.I don't mind skill boosting items (like the elven cloaks), but they shouldn't be exactly "common." I also have no problem with "magic" weapons or armor (or those made of unusual materials), but I don't think we need 5 grades of them. I also don't object to "plot device" items - boots of speed, flying carpets, and the like. To my way of thinking, stat bonuses should be permanent (like Hercules, or the Ent Draughts Merri and Pippin quaffed) or very temporary (like Asterisk's potions of strength).Stat boosting "items" should be rare in the extreme and, basically, artifacts. They'd be comparable to Thor's belt or gloves (the inspiration for the early belt & gloves, I believe). Fantasy Flight really hit the nail on the head with Midnight. There are covenant items, which unlock more powers as the character goes up in level. In addition, there are charms, usable by anyone, that can provide a one time or short-term bonus to some skill or stat. What you won't find much of are lots of permanent little items.And I share people's disdain for items that boost mental stats. I have no problem with an item that boosts a caster's spellcasting ability...but a +6 headband of intellect?  :\I'm working on a suitable list of magic items for use in an Iron Heroes campaign. And since they don't NEED those stat bonuses, all the items are being designed principally to provide flavor and coolness. I'm pilfering Midnight, The Wheel of Time RPG and The Black Company Campaign Setting for some ideas, and various other sources as well.Including First Edition AD&D.</blockquote>

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