I have always had an issue with the fact that shields do not protect against touch attacks. The image of a warrior blocking a scorching ray attack with his shield is classic. I created this type of magic armor so that this could happen in a game. I made it a + 3 enchantment so that it can not be stacked with ghost touch. Meaning that this type of enchantment does not allow protection from all types of touch attacks. I feel that limits it enough that it will not become a must have for every warrior. Is it to good, or under-powered? What do you think?
Magic Resistance
Price + 3; Aura moderate necromancy; CL 9th; —
Armor that has this ability protects the wearer from magic based touch attacks. This does not protect from touch attacks that are incorporeal even if the incorporeal status of the attack was granted by a spell.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Cost + 3
Craft Magic Arms and Armor, lesser astral projection
I like it. It makes players consider the necessity of the enchantment against potential or usual threats. That and the image of defending against a scorching ray like that is awesome.
If your homebrewing already you could just make shields apply vs touch attacks.
Personally I have shields apply vs touch attacks but not when flat footed.
If your homebrewing already you could just make shields apply vs touch attacks.
Personally I have shields apply vs touch attacks but not when flat footed.
I think this is an appropriate solution. Primarily because there are a lot of things that provide shield bonuses that flavorfully really should count against touch AC. For example, some spells that really should protect from being touched logically but don't because of the rules. Plus it falls in line with the logic of rules that uses shields against ray attacks.
While I'd never poo-poo on someone's parade, I'd just like to take a moment to examine the premise behind this.
The way touch magic works in Pathfinder, material items appear to conduct it. Meaning that when your cleric buddy does a melee touch to deliver cure light wounds, you don't need to be naked to accept it; your clothing conducts the magic to your skin and you benefit. Similarly, a ray shot at you that strikes your shield is conducted to your body, and you suffer.
The image of a fighter type denying the effect of a ray using a shield isn't in line with Pathfinder mechanics, regardless of if the shield makes them harder to hit or not, because touch magic is conductive.
I think the goal that should be aimed-for her is more of a insulating shield property. Perhaps make it a +1 equivalent and it allows you to add 1/2 of your shield bonus to touch AC against touch and ranged-touch spells and effects. It wouldn't be absurd to allow this to apply to armor as well, frankly.
The idea here isn't that you're harder to hit, it's that your insulating equipment doesn't conduct, so if it is touched, well, you're lucky.