Monk's Belt help

[Hypersmurf]

One things that comes to mind is shilelagh, which as Hypersmurf often points out, invalidates itself by the RAW.

No, it doesn't. Unless you feel that spells continually poll the 'Target' line for validity throughout their duration.

If you feel that the Target line only applies at the time the spell comes into effect, Shillelagh works just fine.

-Hyp.

 

[KarinsDad]

Back on topic: You say that the words 'AC bonus' refer to the paragraphs describing the class features of the monk. I think they refer to the 'AC bonus' (and also unarmed damage) mentioned in the level progression table. Both are valid interpretations.

I disagree.

One is "AC bonus of a Monk", the other is "AC level bonus of a Monk".

The item calls out "AC of a 5th level Monk", not "AC bonus of a 5th level Monk" nor "AC level bonus of a 5th level Monk".

When interpreting the phrase "AC of a 5th level Monk", the only way to answer the question (IMO) is to ask the simple question:

What is the "AC of a 5th level Monk"?

Answer: Dex Mod + Wis Mod + 1 + spells + magic items.

This answer is based on all of the rules and not solely restricted to a single table or a single paragraph in the Monk class description.

All rules.

In other words, if you do not take all of the rules into consideration, you are not interpreting according to RAW.