Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Milkman Dan 10-06-06, 02:44 PM	For a front-line warrior (fighter, paladin, barbarian, monk, or ranger with two weapons), it can be a pretty hard choice to pick between an amulet of natural armor or an amulet of health. Do you increase your armor class (and help avoid confirmed criticals, not to mention the dreaded horde of small fries that will occasionally get a lucky hit)? Or do you build up your hit points (and your already decent Fort save)? For my barbarian/fighter PC, I was lucky enough to come across an amulet of health +4, so it was an easy choice. But his armor class is really low when compared to other fighter-types, even with his relatively high Dex. And having such an item crafted into a different slot (like a cloak of natural armor) can be fairly expensive if the DM applies the 1.5 cost multiplier. And this is money taken away from other enhancements, particularly enhancements to existing armor. If (or when) my PC dies, as per the campaign houserule, I'll get 75% rollover and the standard equipment gp value for starting PCs of that level, as per the DMG. I'll probably create a fighter-type. What would you chose as equipment? Natural armor or health?
Tony Vargas 10-06-06, 03:01 PM	I think the amulet is perhaps the most hotly contested 'slot' there is. ;) One thing to consider is that an amulet of health basically does what Bear's Endurance does, and one of natural armor is on the same vein as Barkskin. Both are second level spells. Both can be made into potions. So, whichever you choose, the functionality of the other can still be available. If you have a caster in the party who's willing to cast one spell or the other, you can pick the item that works like the less readily available spell. I think barkskin has the longer durration in 3.5, so that might also be a consideration. Alternate slots are also a possibility. There is a little-used 'shirt' slot, for instance, and it's affinity is apropriate for Health.
Draxo 10-06-06, 03:09 PM	I say go for AC for a fighter type, and health for a caster type, personally. So.. for your fighter, i would choose the +4Con over any natural armor amulet of 1 or 2. Though would probably go for a +3 natural armor ammy over health +4. And yes.. i agree that the amulet slot is the most contested slot.. it can really get a little silly..!
tarkin 10-06-06, 03:16 PM	It depends a lot on your level. Natural armor +2 means a lot when you are a low level fighter, but not that much at higher levels. Constition +2 means a lot at higher levels, but not that much at lower levels.
Milkman Dan 10-06-06, 03:47 PM	I think I'll hold onto that potion of barkskin then. :D Our last adventure was pretty rough, so it forced me to have a hard look at tactics and equipment. (I wouldn't wish a hunting party of troglodytes led by a druid and a half-troll barbarian on my worst enemy. :( ) Thanks for the suggestions and opinions so far, it was very useful and informative.
GaffeR 10-06-06, 04:30 PM	If your DM allows to creation of magic items (rather than the stuff listed in the DMG), i'd second the idea for the shirt slot. Bracers of natural armor, shirt of natural armor, vest of natural armor, etc. Check the DMG body slots for other locations.
wonlee76 10-06-06, 05:34 PM	When you get wealthy, why not both? The 2nd enchantment will be priced at a 50% premium but if you got the cash, why not take both at a future date.
Moon-Lancer 10-07-06, 03:42 AM	I think the amulit of health is better better, becuse if your low on hp, and the bears enderence goes away, you die, while the amulit is more of a perminent iteam.
Jherid 10-07-06, 10:51 AM	Wear the Amulet of Health and find some Crimson Dragonhide Bracers (Draconomicon).