Rhino Hide Question

[Stonaman]

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/magic-armor/specific-magic-armor/rhino- hide

This +2 hide armor is made from rhinoceros hide. In addition to granting a +2 enhancement bonus to AC, it has a –1 armor check penalty and deals an additional 2d6 points of damage on any successful charge attack made by the wearer, including a mounted charge.

Ok. It says "This +2 Hide Armor."

Does this mean its +2 Hide Armor with extra abilities as per the item, or Hide Armor with 2 more AC than usual and that the only magical quality of it is the 2d6? I ask because a player is saying that, to increase the AC bonus, he only needs to start at the +1 Enhancement Bonus cost instead of the +3.

[awp832]

It's +2 hide armor with extra abilities.

I don't think you can change the AC on specific items by giving it additional enhancement bonuses anyway though, so sort of irrelevant.

However, if he were say, casting Magic Vestment on it, he would need to have a +3 bonus to start increasing his AC beyond what it already is, rather than just a +1.

[Stonaman]

Thank you, that answered my question completely.

[Claxon]

Indeed, it's +2 hide armor and then does other stuff too. Thats why it costs more than +2 hide armor.

Rules are written there are no provisions for modifying specific magic armors as he request and you could outright deny him.

[James Risner]

Ultimate Campaign p171 talks about this (upgraded named items)