Hey James, this reminds me a bit of the spellbreaker from Steven Brust's Vlad Taltos novels, which is not a bad thing (I think I did a basic spell-in-a-can version of that magic item for a character one).
I have to admit, the two powers feel a little too different to me for one item. I can see where thematically they're both sort of involving dispelling effects, but one's punching down walls while the other's sort of catching spells. Personally, I'd probably have gone with one or the other though obviously that may well not have been considered Superstar (and may well just be my own OCD-ness kicking in).
Obviously they're popular though and AM BARBARIAN's comments may be some of my favorites in any of the items.
Opponent overview
Style Mastery - Strong. The gauntlets are one of the most cinematic items this year. No wonder the crowd loves you. (Especially the barbarians).
Mechanics Mastery - Moderate. A few mechanical issues, from tinkering with the Dispel rules. Nothing earth-shattering, though.
Golarion Mastery - Unknown. Setting neutral item.
Special Abilities - Favored by the crowd, and for good reason.
CR 18 - Almost certain to advance, unless round 2 is a disaster.
Why am I only finding the more awesome items today?
I will admit, when I first read your first ability I misread it and thought you were making a sunder check, and it wasn't until the judges comments that I realized the design flaw. Its a simple fix.
I love the imagery of both functions of the item. Slashing through a wall spell with your sword is something martial characters have wanted. Blocking a spell and protecting your allies makes is cool. I picture this part on a shield more, but it works.
I would worry about how this item works with improved evasion. I can see that as a source of argument and potential faq. I would rule that you can't evade, but I know I would get into a dispute over it, so its a concern for me.
This is a very strong entry in terms of concept and utility. It falls down a bit on rules-fu and on flavor text. Notice that I don't say flavor - this item exudes cool even with no flavor text at all. The lack of a physical description still detracts from the item, though, making it feel like an entry in a rulebook rather than an item in the world.
That last critique is one to keep in mind as you move forward. Some monsters are conceptually cool, but lack that bit of memorable concrete style that makes a monster feel "real" at the table. As far as my vote is concerned, flavor text is no longer optional after this round.
Other than the concerns I raise above, I really like this item. Congratulations.
Why am I only finding the more awesome items today?
I will admit, when I first read your first ability I misread it and thought you were making a sunder check, and it wasn't until the judges comments that I realized the design flaw. Its a simple fix.I love the imagery of both functions of the item. Slashing through a wall spell with your sword is something martial characters have wanted. Blocking a spell and protecting your allies makes is cool. I picture this part on a shield more, but it works.
I would worry about how this item works with improved evasion. I can see that as a source of argument and potential faq. I would rule that you can't evade, but I know I would get into a dispute over it, so its a concern for me.
I don't thing improved evasion applies, since the user does not get a save, which is different than failing a save. Right?
RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16
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Star Voter Season 6, Dedicated Voter Season 7, Dedicated Voter Season 8
aka FaxCelestis
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Sort of. The revised text is "automatically and willingly fails", but on the other hand getting improved evasion on a tank character is not an easy feat and should be rewarded for style, if nothing else.
You really got me with the visuals this item conjures up. While I like the way the gauntlets let someone push through magical effects with sheer muscle, it's the second part that hooks me. I picture a warrior in a dungeon holding up his spellbreaker-gauntled hand in a last ditch effort to part an incoming blast of magical energy targeting him and a fallen comrade. With teeth grit, the magic jets out around him and he's untouched! Have you seen the movie I Am Number Four? Yeah, it's like when the girl (Number 6) protects Number 4 from the fiery blast on the football field. Good job, man! Any item that can do that deserves to advance.
Oh, and the name "Spellbreaker Gauntlets" just sounds cool! :)
I really like these, they remind me of the anime Rune Solider in terms of punching spells, and that’s just cool. I like the potential for building a strongly anti-magic character who doesn’t cast spells themselves but can still dispel them. A lot of my front-line characters could find use for these.
Ant Health Warning: this year, I really worked hard on technical execution of my item, so these reviews will likely reflect template use. Brace yourselves for the template fu - it can sting.
Template Use: 9.5/10
"
template fu stirs again as he smells a fresh half point to be eaten - "slots are not capitalised" he chomps merrily at me.
Slot affinity: 9/10
Touch... hands... gauntlets... the affinity is strong with this one. I did wonder about "weilding" the gloves, maybe you walk up to the barriers and challenge them Carry On style? "I say, dash it all, begone you foul barrier...", slap. Grin.
Gauntlets tend to be worn not weilded - but at least you were consistent in the use :)
Abuseability: 8/10
Let the barbarian wear the gloves, dont forget to get angry at the barrier before you try now, get really angry at it.
I also wondered about a spell that forks, does it affect a single line or a number of them or all of them?
Desirability: 8/10
I could see these being greatly used by some warrior priest/paladin of good health pool who can self heal well and quickly :)
Originality: 8/10
Two good solid powers, a good and solid item. Spell catching for me wasnt so original and a bit power gaming but the barrier removal was very cool. Well done.
Ant Score: 42.5/50 (85%)