D&D (2024) How many magical rings can a single character wear and use?

[AnimeSniper]

One session years ago the DM threw out as rewards basically the houserule that you could have a total of ten rings, 8 plus 2 thumbs, but only use one offensive type at a time, defensive shield of insert type would react to an enemy attack, bracelet/neck ring of all elemental protections, and etcetera. Most were I think low level.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

How many rings can a plasmoid wear?

 

[AnimeSniper]

Another houserule was in regard to piercings so there opened up locations for more magical artifacts items to be employed by the player. One was an ear piercing that allowed the player to have enhanced hearing for x-time period

 

[Parmandur]

The text is almost the same as in 2014. The only meaningful difference is that 2014 gives examples of possible exceptions allowing you to wear more than one of the categories it says you can usually only wear one, and 2024 just says the DM might make exceptions.

There has never been a limit (other than possible attunement) on the ring or amulets/neckware categories in 5e.

I think the "two ribgs" thing might be a 3E-ism?

 

[Paul Farquhar]

I think the "two ribgs" thing might be a 3E-ism?

Might go back to 2nd. Most video game adaptations have two ring slots.

It’s never been a rule in 5e as far as I know. You can have as many as you like if they don’t need atunement. Same with robes.

 

[aco175]

I just found out that rogues no longer get longsword proficiency, so things are getting crazy. I'd go with open proficiency slots.

 

[Mannahnin]

I would not put any limit on rings other than what naturally comes from limited attunement slots. Humans have 8 fingers, I'd assume most species are similar - if the DM is giving out more than 8 magical rings per person, there's a bigger problem

Lots of people wear thumb rings.

I think the "two ribgs" thing might be a 3E-ism?

Might go back to 2nd. Most video game adaptations have two ring slots.

It’s never been a rule in 5e as far as I know. You can have as many as you like if they don’t need atunement. Same with robes.

It's been there since the beginning. In every edition prior to 5e the same restriction exists. No more than one magic ring per hand, and if you wear more, none of them function.

1974 OD&D it's on page 33 of Monsters & Treasure.
1977 Holmes Basic page 36.
1979 AD&D DMG page 129.
1981 Moldvay Basic B49.
1983 Menzter Basic DM's book page 44 (exception made for the cursed Ring of Weakness).
1989 2E DMG page 127.
1991 Rules Cyclopedia page 237 (retains the exception for Ring of Weakness).
2004 3.5 DMG page 229.
2008 4E PH page 251.

 

[Gorck]

So if you have a really lenient DM, you could use all 8 fingers and 2 thumbs to wear all 10 types of Rings of Resistance.

 

[Oofta]

So if you have a really lenient DM, you could use all 8 fingers and 2 thumbs to wear all 10 types of Rings of Resistance.

You're not counting toes? What kind of controlling DM are you that you limit a players options like that.

 

[Oofta]

I think the attunement requirement takes care of the worst abuses. Besides, if PCs have rings it's because the DM provided the opportunity to acquire them.