Fortification...

[Ruavel]

I'm sure it's balanced and all, but am I the only person who has an issue with any level of Fortification (ie the magical ability that reduces the risk of critical hits & sneak attacks) being added to even the lightest armour...?

I'm toying with the idea of restricting the maximum type of fortification that can be added to a suit of armour to the same type as the armour itself, ie Light armour, light fortification max; Medium armour, medium fortification max, etc...

anyone else done anything like this...?

am I just being a bastard DM...?

 

[Kirin'Tor]

I think the idea makes good logical sense - IF - you are assuming that the property is part magic and part physical. If it's purely magic, then no, I wouldn't like that restriction, if it's in any way a function of the armor, yes that sounds good.

So, depending on the campaign world, I like it! normal\low magic: good; high magic: nah

 

[Ruavel]

The magic level of the campaign world is mid to high, but I'm considering this item for an element of flavour (along with a few others) along the lines of your comment (the ability being a function of both the physical AND magical elements)...

 

[LazerPointer]

really good idea. if (and only if) a character starts to complain, you could allow a much more expensive light armor/heavy fort. due to the intricacy and power of the magic required.

 

[The Amazing Dingo]

It definately makes a certain degree of logical sense to me. I can understand your method and I can also understand the RAW method.

Just a little note, you'll be making those lightly armed fighters slightly less powerful...assuming they were aiming for such an enchantment even if on their mithral chainmail.

 

[Crosshair]

If you're going to restrict it, I'd restrict it to armor type, not how light or heavy it is. Mithril chainmail is an example, it's light, but it's medium class armor.

If you base it on weight/strength of material and that sort of thing, you may want to give a slight price reduction if they make the armor out of adamantine.

You also want to ask yourself the question of what would happen if they fortified their own armor with Craft Magical Arms & Armor, they may want that to be able to get around the rule or they may not bring it up at all.

All things to consider.
peachy.

 

[Ruvion]

We have been using this rule for about a year and it's working out to be quite fine...I originally implemented this rule after seeing that a buckler could provide the heaviest fortification...which at the time sounded to me rather dull and uninspired. It does take something away from light armored warriors and rogues (and this is a drag since I personally like finesse fighters), but there are feats and equipment (by ways of light, heavy, fortified helms) that get you around that IMC.