Does Equipment Help Leadership?

[The_Universe]

I don't think this is clear in the DMG/SRD (at least, it's not clear to me) - Do equipment bonuses count towards a character's leadership score (such as items that add to Charisma, or to charisma based checks), or is a leadership score based on the actual appearance and force of personality of the character, itself?

Is there an official ruling that I am not aware of?

What would you do in your own game? Why?

For myself, I am inclined *not* to allow non-permanent equipment to count, since the character's are probably "leading" their followers even when not fully kitted out for adventure - and it really doesn't make sense for the number to fluxuate a great deal based on (for instance) if the character is wearing a cloak, or not.

 

[Slobber Monster]

I think it depends on the slot used by the item. It's not unreasonable to assume that a cloak, ring, broach, circlet, etc would be worn every waking hour by a character. So for such an item I would assume that the followers and cohort would never deal with anything but the augemented persona, and thus would allow it. For something like armor, or a weapon that gave a bonus when grasped, I don't think it would be practical.

 

[The_Universe]

I think it depends on the slot used by the item. It's not unreasonable to assume that a cloak, ring, broach, circlet, etc would be worn every waking hour by a character. So for such an item I would assume that the followers and cohort would never deal with anything but the augemented persona, and thus would allow it. For something like armor, or a weapon that gave a bonus when grasped, I don't think it would be practical.

If the characters are not actively adventuring, is it still assumed that they're constantly wearing a circlet, or a cloak?

Those things always seem more like adventuring gear than every day fashion...

But perhaps I'm wrong. Others?

 

[Ankh-Morpork Guard]

I know I would wear a Cloak of Charisma as every day fashion.

Circlet, maybe, but the cloak? Most definitely. Flashy, charismatic, etc. Got to look good to lead.

Obviously, I allow items like Cloak of Charisma and such to apply to Leadership, mainly because its simple that way and most of the games we just assume the characters wear the things most of the time. Now, if the item is destroyed, and the Charisma drops down, the Cohort and some followers will probably just go about and find their own lives.

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

Yes, I would count the Cloak of Charisma.

As I see it, taking the Leadership feat implies the character spends time and energy looking for potential recruits, and the character is highly competent at doing so. We just do not bother to adjudicate this activity at the gaming table -- it happens between the scenes of our story.

If the character believes wearing that cloak will help, he certainly will wear it.

 

[BSF]

If the characters are not actively adventuring, is it still assumed that they're constantly wearing a circlet, or a cloak?

Those things always seem more like adventuring gear than every day fashion...

But perhaps I'm wrong. Others?

For my Bard it is.

Of course, he also made the cloak himself.

As a general rule, I would not allow non-permanent bonuses to apply for something like Leadership. Items can be stolen, destroyed, etc.

 

[Gez]

A cloak or circlet of charisma, sure. It could be worn everytime, even indoors.

Now, a plate armor of charisma, or a winter mantle of charisma, or other heavy equipment, nope.

 

[Vorith]

When I saw the title I thought...

When I saw the title I thought "yeah I always wondered that myself"

Then I looked and it was something else...I'll just ask my question on this thread.


Okay say you own the sword of Kas...and you try to lead a good army, do you then get penalties toward your total leadership score?


OR


Lets say you own a very powerful weapon known the world over (known for its vast power) would you gain any bonuses? (I know that I would feel better following a guy with a powerful weapon)


Thoughts? Opinions?

 

[The_Universe]

When I saw the title I thought "yeah I always wondered that myself"

Then I looked and it was something else...I'll just ask my question on this thread.


Okay say you own the sword of Kas...and you try to lead a good army, do you then get penalties toward your total leadership score?


OR


Lets say you own a very powerful weapon known the world over (known for its vast power) would you gain any bonuses? (I know that I would feel better following a guy with a powerful weapon)


Thoughts? Opinions?

I believe that the bonus for having a powerful beneficial item could contained in "Known for Special Power."

I'd give a player a leadership penalty for having the sword of Kas.

 

[The_Universe]

A cloak or circlet of charisma, sure. It could be worn everytime, even indoors.

Now, a plate armor of charisma, or a winter mantle of charisma, or other heavy equipment, nope.

I know that it *could* be....but is that even vaguely realistic? Would you wear a cape (seriously) 24-7? Would anyone?