D&D 3.x Helms in 3.5e

Conaill · May 6, 2003

Isn't there a piecemeal armor system in OA? I thought I saw one *somewhere*. There's a chance they might add that as an optional rule.

drnuncheon · May 6, 2003

Conaill said:
Isn't there a piecemeal armor system in OA? I thought I saw one *somewhere*

There are a couple of pieces of armor in OA that can be worn with other (light) armor, but it's not really a 'piecemeal armor system'.

J

coyote6 · May 7, 2003

Thorntangle said:
To get back on topic -

I posted something about helms a while back, but I got 0 repies. In Dungeon's "Life's Bazaar", Kazmojen has listed in his inventory a "Great Helm". Some points of AC were unaccounted for but I don't know how much natural armor a half-troll templated creature would receive.

+4, IIRC. It's in the Fiend Folio.

Does that account for all of his AC?

Thorntangle · May 7, 2003

coyote6 said:
+4, IIRC. It's in the Fiend Folio.

Does that account for all of his AC?

Kazmojen - AC 23, Dex12, Full Plate, great helm with visor

10(base) + 1(dex) + 8(full plate) + 4(natural armor) = 23

Yes, all accounted for. But why the separate entry for great helm with visor?

Hypersmurf · May 7, 2003

Yes, all accounted for. But why the separate entry for great helm with visor?

A trap door in the ceiling opens and a rock falls on your head!

-- More --

Fortunately, you are wearing a hard helmet.

-Hyp.

niteshade6 · May 7, 2003

In that case I'll be sure to put my helmet on if I suddently find myself fighting lots of letters of the alphabet in a strangely random seeming dungeon.

More seriously, in some of the D&D computer games, helms will grant some form of protection against critical hits. This is a logical function of helms, but it's probably a little too good to see 3.5, since there will really be very little reason not to wear one then.

Hypersmurf · May 7, 2003

More seriously, in some of the D&D computer games, helms will grant some form of protection against critical hits. This is a logical function of helms, but it's probably a little too good to see 3.5, since there will really be very little reason not to wear one then.

They may affect Spot and Listen checks.

And you'll draw the attention of hungry Blackguards who might suspect you're concealing a secret stash of babies...

-Hyp.

Lord Pendragon · May 7, 2003

niteshade6 said:
More seriously, in some of the D&D computer games, helms will grant some form of protection against critical hits. This is a logical function of helms, but it's probably a little too good to see 3.5, since there will really be very little reason not to wear one then.

"A little" too good? Mourn the rogue! Well-respected in 3.0. In 3.5...countered by a hat.

Darklone · May 7, 2003

Hmm... I'd rather give penalties for guys who wear armour but no helmets...

Kae'Yoss · May 7, 2003

The way I see it helmets are part of some types of armor. You could make them a separate entry, but then you had to reduce the AC bonus of those types of armor. Otherwise, you're supposed to wear a helm, and it isn't mentioned. Of course, you can exchange that helm for a special one (magical helmet).

I really don't like the rule of helmets making immune to crits. That would make crits totally useless (and sneak attack, too). Rogues already avoid undead, oozes, constructs and barbarians, cause they cannot sneak attack them, should they now have to avoid every humanoid, monstrous humanoid, outsider, and whatever is able to wear a helm, too? Nope, if you want to wear something that helps you against crits and sneak attacks, go buy an armor of fortification.
Also, crits and sneak attacks aren't only hits on the head...

I could see helmets giving a bonus to concentration (like in NWN), and also a penalty to listen checks. But I really think helmets should remain part of the armor types, not some different entry.