New Confessions: The Down & Under Adventurer

[Mr Jack]

3. A staff of defense is a magical implement that may also be in the PH, and gives +1 to AC. Makes me wonder how many other exceptions there are to the principle that only items in the clothing/armor slot affect AC which was hinted at in the magic items article.

I don't see that having a two handed weapon adding an AC bonus is going to significantly violate that principle?

 

[delericho]

That comment about the staff of defense certainly was odd.

As for the rest of the article, I liked it, much as I liked the previous one. However, I do think it would benefit from somewhat tighter editing. It's rather too long for the content.

 

[Derren]

3. A staff of defense is a magical implement that may also be in the PH, and gives +1 to AC. Makes me wonder how many other exceptions there are to the principle that only items in the clothing/armor slot affect AC which was hinted at in the magic items article.
Link

And so it starts.
Each splatbook will then feature more and more "primary effect in secondary slot" items. At first it will just be a +1 to AC or saving throw, but then they will affect damage and ability scores. After some years the first combi items will appear and items that give class talents. And then you are back in 3E...

 

[LostSoul]

3. A staff of defense is a magical implement that may also be in the PH, and gives +1 to AC. Makes me wonder how many other exceptions there are to the principle that only items in the clothing/armor slot affect AC which was hinted at in the magic items article.

It sounds like the staff, being a Wizard implement, is less of a magic item and more of a class feature.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

And so it starts.
Each splatbook will then feature more and more "primary effect in secondary slot" items. At first it will just be a +1 to AC or saving throw, but then they will affect damage and ability scores. After some years the first combi items will appear and items that give class talents. And then you are back in 3E...

Wait a moment: Staff means implement means not a secondary slot. It's basically the defending property on a sword, and having it probably means that an equally-levelled item would grant a higher bonus to magical attacks. Or comparable to a Tower Shield, the poor stupid normally smart warriors Combat Expertise...

 

[withak]

An entertaining read, sure, but this column is so light on detail it might just float away.

 

[Derren]

Wait a moment: Staff means implement means not a secondary slot. It's basically the defending property on a sword, and having it probably means that an equally-levelled item would grant a higher bonus to magical attacks. Or comparable to a Tower Shield, the poor stupid normally smart warriors Combat Expertise...

Ok, then instert another step before what I have said
"Primary items with bonuses from different primary slots". It only delays the progression of things. As soon as a rule gets violated you can be sure that other violations will follow.

 

[Lackhand]

Wait a moment: Staff means implement means not a secondary slot. It's basically the defending property on a sword, and having it probably means that an equally-levelled item would grant a higher bonus to magical attacks. Or comparable to a Tower Shield, the poor stupid normally smart warriors Combat Expertise...

And wizards can't use shields at all, so the staff seems a likely place (two handed item, intended for people who can't use shields... hmmm...) to allow a defensive-minded wizard to buff up in genre.

 

[Grymar]

That was probably another poor attempt at humor. Seriously, she really needs to tone it down and treat her writings as an article, not her own personal blog.

Nah, she's a good writer and it is quite enjoyable to read, in my opinion. It is nice to read a funny article while trying to pick out the occasional rule being dropped in there.

 

[Wormwood]

Nah, she's a good writer and it is quite enjoyable to read, in my opinion. It is nice to read a funny article while trying to pick out the occasional rule being dropped in there.

Agreed.

I dig her style, and think she's a welcome addition to the site.