Originally Posted by dwig
Originally Posted by Seraphael
Warped Headband of Intellect sets intelligence to 18 and allows quick meta-gaming builds where intelligence can be made a dump stat.

Also, we are comparing level 4 magic item progress in BG3 vs level 8-10 in BG1.

INT as a dump stat is a trap build that will only pay dividends in early access while we are unable to level past 4. A "stupid" wizard with headband and a greatsword will be weak next to a fighter at level 5 when the fighter gets double attack and the wizard doesn't. The stupid wizard will also not be able to reach 20 int, so they will fall behind the power curve for any spell that allows a save.

Its an uncommon item in 5E Dungeon Masters Guide, which means that the authors feel that it is appropriate loot for characters level 1 and up.

It is an uncommon item that is GUARANTEED at a very early stage, and that makes the item a lot more versatile and powerful as builds can be made around it - when this clearly isn't the case in 5e. Intelligence 9 instead of 16 equals +9 points to allocate. How much is that +1 extra intelligence modifier worth in BG3? Is it worth +9 points and two feats...for possibly 3 levels of gameplay (20 int obtainable at level 8 at earliest in a game that might max out at level 10)? Suddenly your "stupid wizard" looks very smart indeed.

Also, we're not only talking about "stupid wizards" here. Eldritch Knights, Arcane Tricksters are two subclasses that also stand to benefit significantly. This becomes less of an issue if Larian lets us roll characters like in the original series (which I hope they do).

Last edited by Seraphael; 06/03/21 08:06 PM.