All!

We are currently having a discussion within my party. Our point of disscussion is related to items of superior quality. In the rule book the example of superior quality indicates a +1 fortune die for tests where his clothes are important. Weapons, by the same philosophy, should be given a +1 fortune die when attacking.

What happens when armour is a superior quality item?

1. It gains a +1 defence value (i.e. a +1 fortune die for it's application - which is to give misfortune dies to the opponents attack)

2. It gains a +1 fortune die where the make/apperance of your armour is important ( i.e. social standings - in such case weapons should not gain +1 fortune die for attacks either)

3. Will alternative 1, ref above, unbalance the game - and should in such case other bonuses be concidered?

a.) Impact on encumbrance (i.e. better fit, lighter materials etc)

b.) Increased soak

c.) a combination of the two

Our party has lots of rpg experience, but we meet quite seldom these days and have not had the opportunity to test the impact of superior armour to the game, so we would love to have some thoughts from the good people of this forum.

Regards

Erik

That's an excellent question.

Until we get clarification from up on high, I might use some combination of all the rules that you mentioned above. For all superior items.

In fact, Superior quality items might even need their own equipment card (like gromril armor or the swordmaster's sword).

This might be favorable for two reasons:

1. The item in question is given an increased sense of importance (heck, it has its own CARD). I find nothing worse than trivializing rare and important items.

2. You can fit all kinds of details. Like, with what social groups it may confer bonus fortune dice for interactions, or under which circumstances it grants a bonus fortune die for damage / soak.

Eg of different kinds of superior items:

Plain looking, but super well balanced and crafted. Only recognizable by military types.

Very fancy - recognized by nobles, but not all that special in combat, but it IS lighter.

Rudimentary, but recognized by dwarves (grans a bonus to social rolls with dwarves). Does more damage against greenskins.

You know, that sort of thing. Plus a card will allow space to note who the craftsman was, space for artwork, etc...

I would personally go by previous editions and just rule that superior crafted armour is less encumbring and movement limiting. You could however add fortune dice to say impress someone with your shiny appointed armour vs someone in ordinary armour.