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Message: <blockquote data-quote="scholz" data-source="post: 1469282" data-attributes="member: 10028">Dump Buffs period.I see no real benefit to buff spells or buff items. Typically all these do is raise the bar for all characters and create unnecessary tension (paladins and sorcerers fighting over buffs). DMs have to account for the increased threat level of the character with higher CRs. Nothing really is gained. It is very much like the Spinal Tap amp that goes to eleven. If everyone has it what is the point? And it is not cost free. As CZ asks, what about other items for gloves, and headbands? Also, if you try to balance the gold for their level, so much of that gold must be spent on buffing items just to keep up with the joneses. So.. I recommend keep 3.5 minutes of buff spells (if you must have them, they give some usefulness for rare cases). Or better yet have specific non-combat versions of the spells that last longer (a dex buff that enhances all of your dex based skill rolls would be very cool). Do not allow any buff items, except for rare artifacts or relics (an ancient suit of armor that increases your strength, or similar things). If your PCs are getting whooped by equal CR monsters you have at least two options. 1. Lower the CRs of your encounters (this is a great idea because if increases the scale of big threats, a CR 20 monster would be an incredible threat even to high level characters). 2. Give other sorts of items with bonuses for specific tasks. You want to carry your heavy spell book, make a magic 'light' spell book (or talking staff that can convey the same information). You need to do more damage? Well, how about a dancing axe that fights along side you. Need a better defense? How about armor that gives you DR as well as AC bonuses? Or a headband that gives you an insight bonus to AC?There are so many options. I cringe whenever I see headbands of intellect, or gloves of dexterity. Those things ruin the flavor of magic. The game becomes a pen and paper video game, instead of being a story telling game. So there!</blockquote>

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