Helms in 2nd Edition AD&D - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Helms in 2nd Edition AD&D

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
zombiegleemax
Dec 13, 2006 21:02:17 Where are any rules about the use of helms in 2nd edition AD&D? They have a cost listed in the Player's Guide but it doesn't say what purpose they have? Do they reduce AC by -1 like a shield? I think I recall a game where they prevented critical hits, maybe it was Baldur's Gate. Anyway some help on how they work and where some rules can be found would be awesome!

I know D&D uses a generalized health and armour system, but if a helm is listed in the Player's Guide then it must have an intended use right?

~Blitzkrieg~
#2
agathokles
Dec 14, 2006 3:19:17
Where are any rules about the use of helms in 2nd edition AD&D? They have a cost listed in the Player's Guide but it doesn't say what purpose they have? Do they reduce AC by -1 like a shield?

Helms in AD&D have basically one function: avoiding called shots to the head. They also have some drawbacks -- wearing massive helms impairs peripheric vision and hearing (you won't catch pickpockets while wearing a knight's helm...).

The rules are in the Complete Fighter's Handbook and in PO: Combat & Tactics, IIRC.
#3
zombiegleemax
Dec 15, 2006 20:55:27 You are correct about the Fighters Handbook, not sure about PO though.
#4
Tintagel
Dec 17, 2006 8:59:09 I believe the original 1st Edition AD&D DMG had rules for wearing helms. It was near the combat matrixes or something.

I think the rule was that 1 in 6 attacks would go to the head, and that if you weren't wearing one, your head would have unarmored AC. Kinda silly.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 zombiegleemax Dec 13, 2006 21:02:17	Where are any rules about the use of helms in 2nd edition AD&D? They have a cost listed in the Player's Guide but it doesn't say what purpose they have? Do they reduce AC by -1 like a shield? I think I recall a game where they prevented critical hits, maybe it was Baldur's Gate. Anyway some help on how they work and where some rules can be found would be awesome! I know D&D uses a generalized health and armour system, but if a helm is listed in the Player's Guide then it must have an intended use right? ~Blitzkrieg~
#2 agathokles Dec 14, 2006 3:19:17	Where are any rules about the use of helms in 2nd edition AD&D? They have a cost listed in the Player's Guide but it doesn't say what purpose they have? Do they reduce AC by -1 like a shield? Helms in AD&D have basically one function: avoiding called shots to the head. They also have some drawbacks -- wearing massive helms impairs peripheric vision and hearing (you won't catch pickpockets while wearing a knight's helm...). The rules are in the Complete Fighter's Handbook and in PO: Combat & Tactics, IIRC.
#3 zombiegleemax Dec 15, 2006 20:55:27	You are correct about the Fighters Handbook, not sure about PO though.
#4 Tintagel Dec 17, 2006 8:59:09	I believe the original 1st Edition AD&D DMG had rules for wearing helms. It was near the combat matrixes or something. I think the rule was that 1 in 6 attacks would go to the head, and that if you weren't wearing one, your head would have unarmored AC. Kinda silly.