From a game mechanics perspective, is there any reason for any character not to use Spiked Gauntlets? As far as I can tell you can have them on while wielding other weapons, they (the gauntlet) cannot be disarmed, and they allow the character to count as armed.
Monks have no need for them, I understand that.
Wizards likely have no use for them.
Druids though nonproficient, would still gain the above advantages.
I understand the flavor argument behind not using them, I am speaking strictly from a game mechanics perspective. Thoughts?
|
The only reason would likely be the weight. And also that burning disarm spell from the Cheliax book, or any other heat metal-like spell.
I'm also thinking that a spiked gauntlet count as as being armed, so you wouldn't be able to arm a weapon in a spiked gauntlet hand, and if you fought with it as an off-hand weapon, it would have some penalties. Could also be difficult for spells with somatic components, since once again, you count as being armed.
I'm also thinking that a spiked gauntlet count as as being armed, so you wouldn't be able to arm a weapon in a spiked gauntlet hand.
Is this statement correct?
I was under the assumption that another weapon could be wielded in the hand that wears the spiked gauntlet. You just couldn't attack with both the spiked gauntlet and the weapon being held in that hand in the same round.
|
|
I'm also thinking that a spiked gauntlet count as as being armed, so you wouldn't be able to arm a weapon in a spiked gauntlet hand.Is this statement correct?
I was under the assumption that another weapon could be wielded in the hand that wears the spiked gauntlet. You just couldn't attack with both the spiked gauntlet and the weapon being held in that hand in the same round.
I'm not certain if it's completely correct. We should ask Nethys.
Page 146:
Gauntlet, Spiked: The cost and weight given are for a single gauntlet. An attack with a spiked gauntlet is considered an armed attack. Your opponent cannot use a disarm action to disarm you of spiked gauntlets.
Let's see if we can move this to the Rules forum and get one of those rules specialists to answer this.
| 4 people marked this as a favorite. |
You can wield a weapon in a hand using a spiked gauntlet... the spikes don't interfere with normal hand function (else the description would say so). The disadvantage compared to the normal gauntlet is just the cost.
You can wield a weapon in a hand using a spiked gauntlet... the spikes don't interfere with normal hand function (else the description would say so). The disadvantage compared to the normal gauntlet is just the cost.
+1
You can wield a weapon in a hand using a spiked gauntlet... the spikes don't interfere with normal hand function (else the description would say so). The disadvantage compared to the normal gauntlet is just the cost.
OK, thanks for confirming that.
Keep in mind that druids are not only non-proficient, but they are also restricted to non-metal.
Additionally, you may want the hand slot open for magic items that use the hands (typically gloves or gauntlets) and so might not have the space available.
All that said, not a bad backup for a melee type.
Sean Mahoney
Cool...
Thanks for clarifying. Good to know.
So, a spellcaster could wear a spiked gauntlet, and carry a shield, and still be able to perform somatic components with his "free" hand = spiked gauntlet?
I'd say the armored "free" hand counts as being armored for the purpose of arcane spell failure.
I'd say the armored "free" hand counts as being armored for the purpose of arcane spell failure.Cool...
Thanks for clarifying. Good to know.
So, a spellcaster could wear a spiked gauntlet, and carry a shield, and still be able to perform somatic components with his "free" hand = spiked gauntlet?
That would work, except there isn't a arcane spell failure value listed for spiked (or normal) gauntlet, and I'm not aware of any "armored" value for arcane spell failure.
So what should the failure rate be?
I would go with the lowest value for a suit of armor containing similar (non-spiked) gauntlets.
So 25% for metal gauntlets, assuming you don't have a non-gauntleted hand free to cast with.
Might bump that down to 20%, considering the rest of your arm is likely more free to move, but not any lower.
I would go with the lowest value for a suit of armor containing similar (non-spiked) gauntlets.
So 25% for metal gauntlets, assuming you don't have a non-gauntleted hand free to cast with.
Might bump that down to 20%, considering the rest of your arm is likely more free to move, but not any lower.
That is a bit hard to swallow. 20-25% for one gauntlet? Does that mean you can eliminate 20-25% arcane spell failure of heavier armors by removing your gauntlet?
I was always under the impression that somatic components generally tend to be intricate finger movements (impeded by gauntlets) more than they are big sweeping arm motions (which Fighters seem to do just fine in full plate, for reference).
Hence metal gauntlets would impose a disproportionately large spell failure penalty.
Personally, I think removing gauntlets would decrease spell failure by 5-10% - compare the relative spell failure chances for chainmail and a chain shirt, for instance.
That doesn't mean that wearing gauntlets alone imposes only a 10% penalty though - there is some overlap in what motions they impede, and so it makes sense that the spell failure of armor + the spell failure of gauntlets is less than the spell failure of armor with gauntlets.
Bah. I doubt I'm finding the right way to explain this. I hope you can figure out what I mean.
Bah. I doubt I'm finding the right way to explain this. I hope you can figure out what I mean.
I do get what you are saying.
The only thing is, if arcane spell failure was only - or mostly - limited to finger / hand movement, breastplate armor wouldn't have any. Or at least be very similar to shields.
The problem, if you wish to look at it like that, is that ASF is a very abstract concept.
From a game mechanics perspective, is there any reason for any character not to use Spiked Gauntlets?
I know this i old thread but i suggest that wearing a gauntlet does not let you use ring on the same hand.
|
From a game mechanics perspective, is there any reason for any character not to use Spiked Gauntlets?I know this i old thread but i suggest that wearing a gauntlet does not let you use ring on the same hand.
With the greatest possible respect, if my DM made this suggestion, I would invite him to shove that suggestion where the Sun don't shine, while still wearing the spiked gauntlets.
And the ring would still work.