Tuesday Magic Item – Janus Helm

“That is a cunningly crafted helm,” said Voddick, watching the knight in his two faced-helm spar.

“And, I hear, equally cunningly magicked,” added Gollaon, sipping at a mug of mulled wine.

“Indeed?  What have you heard?”

“That he can see from both faces, making him nearly impossible to surprise,” said Golaon after another sip.

“Obvious yet unexpected.  I approve.”

Gollaon laughed and handed his friend a mug of mulled wine.  “I thought you would.”

Janus Helm

These cunningly wrought helms have two faces, and making such a thing that is both comfortable and protective is no small challenge, and are decorated to emphasize the face and often portray contrasting emotions or expressions.  They are made of the finest metals and lined with quality cloth and leather.

The helm provides all around vision, making the wearer impossible to flank while they are able to move.  However, this does have the effect of making them more vulnerable to vision based attacks, suffering a -4 circumstance penalty to such saves.

Up to three times a day, as a sudden action, the wearer may switch orientation, instantly reversing themselves.  This has a variety of tactical options and used against an opponent who is not expecting against it, it may catch enemies behind them flat-footed.

Aura moderate conjuration and divination; CL 7th
Slot head; Price 32,000; Weight 2 lb
Construction Requirements
Craft Wondrous Item, clairvoyance, dimension door; Cost 16,000

For D&D 5E:

Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)

Description as above.

The helm provides all around vision, multiple attackers do not gain advantage on attack rolls against the helm’s wearer while they are able to move.  However, this does have the effect of making them more vulnerable to vision based attacks, suffering disadvantage when making saves against such.

Up to three times a day, as a bonus action, the wearer may switch orientation, instantly reversing themselves.  This has a variety of tactical options and used against an opponent who is not expecting against it, it may catch enemies behind them by surprise giving the wearer advantage on their attacks.

Notes: Tying nicely to Janus, the month’s namesake, and the theme of transport for the month.

Photo by Mary McClainand and used under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license.

 

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