Amulet of Proof against Detection and Location, wrong DC

[_Ozy_]

The item is listed with a CL8.

From the item:

Quote:

the caster of the divination must succeed on a caster level check (1d20 + caster level) against a DC of 19 (as if the wearer had cast nondetection on herself ).

From nondetection:

Quote:

If a divination is attempted against the warded creature or item, the caster of the divination must succeed on a caster level check (1d20 + caster level) against a DC of 11 + the caster level of the spellcaster who cast nondetection. If you cast nondetection on yourself or on an item currently in your possession, the DC is 15 + your caster level.

Looks like the item uses the wrong base DC 11, instead of 15. The correct DC for the amulet should be 23.

[CampinCarl9127]

Except you didn't cast nondetection on yourself. You're using an item. I'm going to assume the item treats the wearer as if they had nondetection cast on them by the item, which is considered not themselves.

[_Ozy_]

Um, that directly contradicts what the magic item says.

So far, we've been told that it is quite literal when the words 'as if', or 'as the spell' are used when it comes to magic items and spells. That's why the ring of invisibility needs to be activated every 3 minutes.

If what you say is correct, the words would read: as if the wearer had nondetection cast on her. Or perhaps that phrase isn't even necessary.

Since the magic item specifically invokes self-casting, the most reasonable interpretation is to assume that those words are used for a reason, and trigger the heightened DC of the nondetection spell.

Otherwise, why use them? What purpose do those words actually serve?

[CampinCarl9127]

I'm saying they probably didn't realize the implications of the separate DC for casting it on yourself and put that in for simplicity.

Or perhaps it is an error and the DC would be 23.

But I'm more inclined to think they just didn't realize the implications, because for some reason myself and half of my gaming friends seem to understand the rules better than the people who actually get to create content.

[_Ozy_]

CampinCarl9127 wrote:

I'm saying they probably didn't realize the implications of the separate DC for casting it on yourself and put that in for simplicity.

Or perhaps it is an error and the DC would be 23.

But I'm more inclined to think they just didn't realize the implications, because for some reason myself and half of my gaming friends seem to understand the rules better than the people who actually get to create content.

I'm just confused as to what is 'simple' about adding superfluous words.

And surely the person who wrote up the item actually read the nondetection spell, considering the duplication of the language. It's kind of hard to miss the distinction in the spell, since it is specifically called out at the end.

I agree that it's hard to understand why this mistake exists, but there is a clear contradiction, and since those words appear to be purposeful, the DC should be adjusted.

Or, they can just strike out that particular sentence.

However, it should be noted that as a 35k item, you're not going to buy one until ~level 13. Do you really think a DC19 caster level check will cut it by then?

[CampinCarl9127]

You'd think that's hard to miss, but you'd be surprised at how unread some content creators are.

Yup, clear contradiction. Totally agree.

Ha, you overestimate how good items are. There are plenty of high cost items that have garbage DCs.