Helmets

Helmets do not improve AC and do not add DR. Instead, a helmet protects the head from serious injury when things go wrong. A player without a helmet is always at risk when the blow lands in the worst place possible. Most of the time this will not come up – but when it does, it matters a lot.

Restrictions: Wizards and Thieves may not wear helmets. Helmets disrupt senses by dulling hearing, limiting vision, and breaking concentration – making all abilities for those classes impossible while worn.

When should head trauma checks occur?

The DN may call for a head trauma roll when a natural 20 is scored against the character when attacked from above, or a natural 1 is rolled when a character makes a Chance Roll, Save Roll or Probability Roll related to potential body damage. Examples: a high fall onto stone or metal while walking a ledge; forcing open a rusted iron gate that snaps and collapses overhead; a ceiling trap smashing down; a rock or heavy object dropping onto the head; a horse rearing beneath a rider. If a character has no helmet, the DN should raise the stakes.

Possible consequences without a helmet

When head trauma happens, the DN decides relative to the scene: Dazed (next turn is lost); Blurry vision (Quick saves at risk for a short time); Ringing ears (Mind save rolls harder until rest); Knockdown (stunned and falls prone); Memory jolt (forgets current action or spell); Complete blackout (lights out, body drops).

A helmet will not stop blows like armor’s DR and will not help you dodge like Dexterity Bonus. It protects thought, balance, and consciousness when the world hits the head instead of the body. If your cleric or fighter values their eyesight, balance, hearing, or consciousness, wear one.

Helmet Costs & Examples