Cast-off armour

[Aussiehams]

G'day all.

I just found a set of "Cast-off" plate, and I'm wondering if it has any in game application? Given that heavy armour doesn't have any effect on swimming, or running etc. when would I need to get it off quickly in game?

I can see a very edge case of having to hide, but if your wearing plate the chances are your stealth isn't great anyway, and you would be better off with the AC.

Also, is there a "quick-on" equivalent? That seems much more practical.

Thanks.

[sithlordnergal]

Its mostly there for fluff, but it can be useful if you need to hide or if you are hit by Heat Metal. Your DM may not use the spell that often. Personally, I like using Heat Metal against players in armor since it can turn their greatest strength into their greatest weakness. 2d8 fire damage as a bonus action with no save to avoid said damage, the only save you do get is to see if you can hold the item or are forced to drop it, and if you can't/choose not to drop it you're stuck taking disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.

[Trask]

RAW Heavy Armor doesnt affect physical activity but its common in my experience for DMs to rule otherwise during extended physical tests like mountain climbing or escaping a sinking ship.

[JackPhoenix]

Of course it's got application. Just ask any bard...

[DarkKnightJin]

On the one hand, I feel they forgot the ability to don it in such a short time as well.
On the other, being able to get into heavy armor at the drop of a hat seems like it's a more 'powerful' effect than something a Common magic item would possess.

Personally, I'd make the Cast-Off Armor and Veteran's Cane Common magic items work both ways, just for flavor.
Because, honestly, if I can't think of a way to challenge my players without gimping them on their armor.. I need to rethink my DMing style..

[JackPhoenix]

On the one hand, I feel they forgot the ability to don it in such a short time as well.
On the other, being able to get into heavy armor at the drop of a hat seems like it's a more 'powerful' effect than something a Common magic item would possess.

Personally, I'd make the Cast-Off Armor and Veteran's Cane Common magic items work both ways, just for flavor.
Because, honestly, if I can't think of a way to challenge my players without gimping them on their armor.. I need to rethink my DMing style..

It would make Tenser's Transformation more powerful.

On the other hand, at least the proficiency from Tenser's Transformation would actually do anything.

[Willie the Duck]

I just found a set of "Cast-off" plate, and I'm wondering if it has any in game application? Given that heavy armour doesn't have any effect on swimming, or running etc. when would I need to get it off quickly in game?

Note that in the optional* encumbrance rules, "If you carry weight in excess of 10 times your Strength score, up to your maximum carrying capacity, you are instead heavily encumbered, which means your speed drops by 20 feet and you have disadvantage on ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws that use Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution." So, there are situations where someone might want to wear armor, right up until they really don't want to. It doesn't seem likely that many PCs would do this (as most PCs use their attack rolls fairly often, and if not, are casters and probably already have their AC figured out), but I can totally imagine bundling the 'escort mission' living-baggage npc up in as much armor as they can carry (but then boy howdy will it suck if they fall in a pond and die). For PCs, maybe a wizard might want to wear plate after they've spent their spell slots (maybe their one combat cantrip is firebolt and you are wandering the elemental plane of fire).
*Yes, I know, optional rules. OTOH, why wouldn't there be magic items that most benefit optional playstyles?

Overall, though, I am sure it is for someone playing in one of the many many campaigns where a DM is going to say, "I do not care, you are not going to swim a mile in plate armor without consequence."

[Guy Lombard-O]

At least at my table, the main purpose of it is seen as escaping a Heat Metal. That spell is seriously nasty against a heavy armor opponent, especially if upcast to a 3rd or 4th level slot.