Helmets
Adamantine Helm
Made of the rare metal adamantine, the mystic power of the material permeates this helm, improving the wearer's concentration and making them harder to hit.
Special Properties
AC Bonus: + 2
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Item Code: x2_it_adahelm
Anagrys' Mindmaze
Anagrys Brightbrass was a talented gold dwarf wizard who hailed from the Great Rift, far to the south of Neverwinter. Although the folk of the North might be surprised by the idea of a dwarven wizard, the gold dwarves lack the suspicion of magic commonly held by shield dwarves. From an early age, Anagrys showed an aptitude for magic, and when she came of age at 50, her family enrolled her in the Academy Arcane deep within the Rift.
Anagrys studied sorcery under the tutelage of the archmage Randak Forn, a former adventurer who had spent much of his life making war on the aberrations that dwelt around the Great Rift. When Anagrys completed her studies, her teacher gave her this helmet, which he had worn while adventuring in the Underdark. Randak hoped to encourage his pupil to take up his crusade where he himself had left off; Anagrys did not disappoint him.
Special Properties
Ability Bonus: Intelligence + 2
Immunity: Miscellaneous Mind-Affecting Spells
Use Limitation: Class Wizard
Item Code: n2_itset_wiz1
Beholder Crown
This bizarre helm mounts a crown of tarnished bronze with eight metal eyestalks sprouting upward, each eyestalk bearing a gem.
These items are greatly valued by members of beholder cults, and some sages believe that powerful beholders have their servants construct such items to reward valuable servants and slaves. Of course, since all such servants are usually dead before they are ever free from the beholder's control, this is likely nothing more than a rumor.
Special Properties
Cast Spell: Finger of Death (13) 1 Use/Day
Cast Spell: Flesh to Stone (5) 1 Use/Day
Light: Dim (5m)
Item Code: x0_armhe014
City Watch Helmet
While offering no additional protection, helmets do come in a variety of styles.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Item Code: n2_it_arhelmcw
Cowl of Warding
This headpiece of fine black cloth covers the wearer's face completely. The wearer of the cowl is protected by a mind blank spell and acts as if wearing a ring of freedom of movement.
Originally designed by clerics of Mask, more recently these cowls have been commissioned from Amnish spellcasters by the local Shadow Thieves.
Special Properties
Freedom of Movement
Immunity: Miscellaneous Mind-Affecting Spells
Item Code: x0_armhe015
Fighter Helmet
While offering no additional protection, helmets do come in a variety of styles.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Item Code: x2_it_arhelm03
Finch's Fine Chapeau
While offering no additional protection, helmets do come in a variety of styles.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Diplomacy + 4
Skill Bonus: Bluff + 4
Skill Bonus: Perform + 2
Skill Bonus: Sleight of Hand + 2
Item Code: n2_helm_finch
Golden Circlet
Creatures that attack the mind are the stuff of nightmares, so it is not surprising that items protecting against them might acquire some of their disrepute. Golden Circlets, for example, have been linked to a claim that when the drow first retreated underground they fed on intellect devourers, and that eating such a creature without wearing a circlet produced a mind flayer. This is all, of course, nothing more than superstitious tavern talk.
Special Properties
Immunity: Miscellaneous Mind-Affecting Spells
Saving Throw Bonus: Specific: Will + 1
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Spell Resistance: 10
Item Code: nw_armhe010
Greater Mask of Persuasion
In his battle to deflect the attentions of the god Mask, the drow deity of thievery, Vhaeraun, granted his followers the knowledge to create these helms. These special helms not only mask the faces of his followers, but they make infiltration into enemy camps, such as the Church of Mask, far easier. With these helms, Vhaeraun's dedicated followers are some of the most effective and deadly spies in the realm.
Special Properties
Ability Bonus: Charisma + 2
Light: Low (10m)
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Skill Bonus: Diplomacy + 5
Item Code: nw_armhe012
Hat Test
While offering no additional protection, helmets do come in a variety of styles.
Special Properties
None
Item Code: hat_test_1
Head of the Lame Kobold
After narrowly avoiding a grisly death in an attempted coup, the kobold warlock Sholsarrath the Lame (so named because he traded his finger and his foot to a demon for his power) resolved to do a better job keeping his tribe content and well-fed. To the kobold way of thinking, that meant raids on the local farmsteads. Lots of raids on the local farmsteads. With the old chief's aid, Sholsarrath whipped the Skulking Dragon tribe into a well-honed fighting machine and set about their plunder. The tribe quickly became feared and reviled throughout the nearby communitiesâ€â€so much so that a band of adventurers passing through the region resolved to end the kobold menace. Five heroes rode out from the village of Houndstown, and in short order they found tracks leading to the kobold camp.
The warriors of the Skulking Dragon might have been a nightmare plague to the homesteaders in the region, but against a well-trained adventuring band, they were little more than pests. As his finest warriors were slaughtered by the bucket-load, Sholsarrath called upon the demon Yargulbuzul one last time and demanded to be carried away from disaster. The imp made a great show of explaining how difficult that would be, but he demanded a final price, greater than any he had asked before. Sholsarrath agreed frantically, and Yargulbuzul said that he required the warlock's head. Never the brightest kobold in the world, Sholsarrath agreed, and just as the adventurers burst into the shaman's sanctum, they were treated to the peculiar sight of the imp lopping off the kobold shaman's head and laughing as he carried Sholsarrath's soul off to the Abyss.
Special Properties
Cast Spell: Fear (5) 3 Uses/Day
Ability Bonus: Charisma + 2
Decreased Ability Score: Intelligence -2
Use Limitation: Class Warlock
Item Code: n2_itset_war3
Headband of Intellect +2
Woven round the brim of this helm is a light cord with a small gem set so that it rests upon the forehead of the wearer. The magic of the headband has the power to dramatically sharpen the wearer's intellect.
Considered 'cheating' by some wizards, these bands are highly sought after by many wizards, especially the Red Wizards of Thay.
Special Properties
Ability Bonus: Intelligence + 2
Item Code: x0_armhe009
Headband of Intellect +4
Woven round the brim of this helm is a light cord with a small gem set so that it rests upon the forehead of the wearer. The magic of the headband has the power to dramatically sharpen the wearer's intellect.
Considered 'cheating' by some wizards, these bands are highly sought after by many wizards, especially the Red Wizards of Thay.
Special Properties
Ability Bonus: Intelligence + 4
Item Code: x0_armhe010
Headband of Intellect +6
Woven round the brim of this helm is a light cord with a small gem set so that it rests upon the forehead of the wearer. The magic of the headband has the power to dramatically sharpen the wearer's intellect.
Considered 'cheating' by some wizards, these bands are highly sought after by many wizards, especially the Red Wizards of Thay.
Special Properties
Ability Bonus: Intelligence + 6
Item Code: x0_armhe011
Headband of Intellect +8
Woven round the brim of this helm is a light cord with a small gem set so that it rests upon the forehead of the wearer. The magic of the headband has the power to dramatically sharpen the wearer's intellect.
Considered 'cheating' by some wizards, these bands are highly sought after by many wizards, especially the Red Wizards of Thay.
Special Properties
Ability Bonus: Intelligence + 8
Item Code: n2_armhe001
Headband of the Binder
This helm mounts a circlet of blue-green metal around the wearer's forehead. The circlet is stamped with the blank-scroll symbol of Oghma and grants the wearer insight into the origins of magical creations and spells.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Lore + 4
Skill Bonus: Spellcraft + 4
Item Code: x0_armhe016
Helm of Brilliance
This helm appears ordinary until its true nature is perceived. Made of brilliant silver and polished steel, the Helm of Brilliance is set with diamonds, rubies, fire opals, and opals, each of large size and enchanted. When struck by bright light, the helm scintillates and sends forth reflective rays in all directions from its crown-like, gem-tipped spikes. The jewels allow the wearer to cast a variety of powerful spells, although each such use drains some power from the helm.
In addition to these specific powers, the helm can absorb significant amounts of fire damage. The wearer may also focus the light from the helm at will to produce an effect similar to flame lash.
The few such helms reported to still exist have been traced back to a great cleric of Lathander from Baldur's Gate named Ergelion. Ergelion equipped his companions with these helms to turn back a horde of undead swarming out of the Troll Hills to the north. Though the horde never reached Baldur's Gate, none of that band of adventurers was seen or heard from again.
Special Properties
Cast Spell: Fireball (10) 2 Charges/Use
Cast Spell: Prismatic Spray (13) 5 Charges/Use
Cast Spell: Wall of Fire (9) 3 Charges/Use
Damage Resistance: Fire 20/-
Light: Low (10m)
Cast Spell: Greater Fireburst 2 Charges/Use
Item Code: x0_armhe012
Helm of Darkness
This helm only takes its true form when the user first perceives its true nature. Made of blackened silver and steel, a newly created helm of darkness is set with thirty-six black opals along its lower edge and a great black sapphire in the front.
With a command word, the wearer can bring forth a darkness effect. The power issues from the sapphire, which can generate fifty such effects before crumpling to useless dust.
The helm is also capable of absorbing significant amounts of cold damage. The wearer is also immune to death magic and fear effects and can see through any form of darkness as though it were daylight.
Such helms are rumored to slowly corrupt their wearers to bend to Shar's whim, so that ultimately the Dark Goddess gains a powerful follower by greatly warding the victim in what her clerics often refer to as the subject's "infancy."
Special Properties
Cast Spell: Darkness (3) 1 Charge/Use
Damage Resistance: Cold 20/-
Darkvision
Immunity: Miscellaneous Death Magic
Immunity: Miscellaneous Fear
Immunity: Specific Spell: Darkness
Item Code: x0_armhe017
Helm of Gram the Mouse
Three years into his paladin training deep in the frozen land of Damara, the sixteen year-old Gram "the Mouse" found himself part of a patrol that was scouring the countryside for lost pilgrims that may have been slain by marauding orcish invaders. He had earned his nickname due to his small size and his insatiable appetite for cheese. Unfortunately, this epithet also biased many of the other candidates against him. He was not trusted with serious tasks, certainly not ones that required martial prowess.
To ensure that pilgrims were able to see their caravan, the group carried a bright green banner bearing the symbol of Torm on each side. When the caravan came under attack from orcs, the paladin leader shouted a command to Gram not to let the flag fall under any circumstances. Gram grabbed the flag and, moments later, the paladin who commanded him was shot dead by orcs. The other initiates charged forward toward the orcs and told Gram to get down, to find some cover. Gram refused, standing tall as arrows sailed around him. Inevitably, one of the orcish arrows hit Gram in the side of the head. He continued to remain upright, though the slow loss of blood eventually caused his footing to give way. The initiates believed Gram was dead, and returned to the temple for reinforcements.
Pilgrims found the caravan an hour later, long after the orcs had retreated from their positions. Gram was mostly frozen, upright but unconscious, still clutching the tilted flagstaff in his hands. When the Tormish paladins brought Gram back to the temple, his fellow candidates were chastised for abandoning him. Gram was given a heavy plate helmet to protect his head in future encounters.
Special Properties
Use Limitation: Class Paladin
Damage Resistance: Piercing 5/-
Item Code: n2_itset_pal2
Helm of the Stranger
It is said that Sir Jasper, a paladin and one of the most faithful servants of Torm, was given this helm by a mysterious kobold stranger when he was about to embark on a quest to kill a powerful red dragon. Unfortunately it turned out that poor Sir Jasper had been misinformed about the dragon's color and the helm's true nature, that, while it indeed would have aided him against a red dragon, made him vulnerable to the powerful breath weapon of the white dragon Tymofarrar.
Special Properties
Cast Spell: Cone of Cold (9) 5 Charges/Use
Cast Spell: Ice Storm (9) 4 Charges/Use
Damage Resistance: Fire 30/-
Damage Vulnerability: Cold 50% Damage Weakness
Light: Normal (15m)
Cast Spell: Ray of Frost (1) - Unlimited Uses
Item Code: x2_armhe001
Horse Hair Helmet
Despite its barbaric appearance, this helm bears a rather sophisticated - if weak - enchantment that allows the wearer to focus themselves more effectively. The popular theory is that a roaming mage in a tight spot grabbed this helm up and enchanted it in a hurry to give them the edge they needed, but this is little more than speculation.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Item Code: nw_arhe004
Laborer's Shade
There is nothing special about this item.
Special Properties
None
Item Code: n2_helm_laborer
Leather Helm
A helm made from tanned leather.
Special Properties
None
Item Code: helm_leather
Lichskull
Hans Kludgen spent his life assisting the arch-mage Cledos. He traveled for many years across the world to hunt for arcane components to assist Cledos in the wizard's many rituals. Cledos rewarded Hans one fateful day by decapitating the faithful assistant and through a rare ritual, transformed the half-orc's skull into this powerful helmet. Hans -- always the dutiful assistant -- had delivered his final components to his master.
Special Properties
Decreased Ability Score: Charisma -2
Skill Bonus: Concentration +12
Skill Bonus: Spellcraft +12
Spell Resistance: 18
Use Limitation: Class Pale Master
Use Limitation: Class Red Dragon Disciple
Use Limitation: Class Sorcerer
Use Limitation: Class Wizard
Item Code: x2_helm_001
Mage's Skullcap
While offering no additional protection, helmets do come in a variety of styles.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 2
Item Code: n2_helm_magecap
Major Circlet of Blasting
Found occasionally among the Bedine, these helms bear an elaborate golden band circling the head, which looks like a sun disc when viewed from above. On command, the band projects a blast of searing light three times per day. Zhentarim records of helms captured from the Bedine suggest that they are lesser artifacts from the days of Netheril.
Special Properties
Cast Spell: Searing Light (5) 3 Uses/Day
Item Code: x0_armhe002
Mask of Death
This ivory mask has been fashioned into the likeness of a human skull. Once per day, the mask can be loosed to fly from the wearer's face. It charges and attacks a target assigned to it, affecting the target as per a finger of death spell. After attacking (whether successful or not), the mask flies back to its user.
Although the masks were originally made by sects of Myrkul-worshipers, several groups of Cyricists have begun claiming the masks as their own.
Special Properties
Cast Spell: Death Armor (3) 1 Use/Day
Cast Spell: Finger of Death (13) 1 Use/Day
Cast Spell: Vampiric Touch (5) 1 Use/Day
Item Code: x0_armhe013
Mask of Persuasion
In his battle to deflect the attentions of the god Mask, the drow deity of thievery, Vhaeraun, granted his followers the knowledge to create these helms. These special helms not only mask the faces of his followers, but they make infiltration into enemy camps, such as the Church of Mask, far easier. With these helms, Vhaeraun's dedicated followers are some of the most effective and deadly spies in the realm.
Special Properties
Ability Bonus: Charisma + 1
Light: Low (10m)
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Skill Bonus: Diplomacy + 3
Item Code: nw_armhe011
Mask of the Skull
A recent decision by Archmage Szass Tam has led to the creation of these masks, which all necromancers in the borders of Thay are required to wear. Those wearing the mask have access to powerful magics, but are also subject to Tam's control. Any wizard caught practicing necromancy while not wearing such a mask is killed and turned into a ghoul to serve Tam in death better than they did in life.
Special Properties
Cast Spell: Finger of Death (13) 1 Use/Day
Item Code: x2_armhe002
Minor Circlet of Blasting
Found occasionally among the Bedine, these helms bear an elaborate golden band circling the head, which looks like a sun disc when viewed from above. On command, the band projects a blast of searing light once per day. Zhentarim records of helms captured from the Bedine propose that they are lesser artifacts from the days of Netheril.
Special Properties
Cast Spell: Searing Light (5) 1 Use/Day
Item Code: x0_armhe001
Moonstone Mask
Named after the storied Moonstone Mask of Neverwinter, these helmets were worn to aid the "women of the Mask" in their defense. Each of these masks heighten the senses of the wearer, making it near-impossible for even the cleverest of thieves to steal their way past a guardian so equipped.
Special Properties
Darkvision
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Skill Bonus: Listen + 5
Skill Bonus: Search + 5
Skill Bonus: Spot + 5
Item Code: nw_it_novel004
Noble's Cap
Despite its simple appearance, this helm bears a rather sophisticated - if weak - enchantment that allows the wearer to focus themselves more effectively. The popular theory is that a roaming mage in a tight spot grabbed this helm up and enchanted it in a hurry to give him the edge he needed, but this is little more than speculation.
Special Properties
Ability Bonus: Charisma + 1
Item Code: n2_helm_noblecap
Paladin Helmet
While offering no additional protection, helmets do come in a variety of styles.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Item Code: x2_it_arhelm01
Pot Helmet
Despite its simple appearance, this helm bears a rather sophisticated - if weak - enchantment that allows the wearer to focus themselves more effectively. The popular theory is that a roaming mage in a tight spot grabbed this helm up and enchanted it in a hurry to give him the edge he needed, but this is little more than speculation.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Item Code: nw_arhe001
Royal Guard Helmet
While offering no additional protection, helmets do come in a variety of styles.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Item Code: n2_it_arhelmroyal
Scattertrail Helmet
Hailing from the ancient High Forest, the Scattertrail family of gnomes were itinerant tinkers, traveling from village to village on the outskirts of the wood mending pots and farming implements and, on more than one occasion, helms and shields. It was a hard life, and there was no shortage of danger from the monsters that lurked in the forest, but the family's strong sons kept the worst of the threats at bay, and the Scattertrails were well-liked throughout the villages.
The youngest Scattertrail, Darya, was never content with the life of a tinker. Whenever the family's wagons made camp for the night, she would wander off into the woods, exploring and observing the local flora and fauna. During one of her forest jaunts, she discovered this helmet lying rusted and pitted in a glade. According to her own later accounts, her older brother repaired the helmet and made it a gift to Darya, "so she could at least keep her fool head out of trouble." Despite the absurdity of a young gnome girl wearing a helmet sized for a head twice as large as her own, Darya kept the helmet and wore it throughout her adventuring career.
Special Properties
Cast Spell: Entangle (5) 3 Uses/Day
Cast Spell: Summon Creature IV (7) 1 Use/Day
Use Limitation: Class Druid
Item Code: n2_itset_drd1
Shukenja Helm
The Shukenja are a monastic order known for their subtlety and magic power. Though rank-and-file brothers fight with a staff and wear no armor, elite members of the order are known to wear Shukenja Helms into battle to augment their sorcerous abilities. Over the years these monks have spread through the Realms, and today many of their helms can be found in the hands of the order's allies and enemies.
Special Properties
Bonus Spell Slot of Level: Sorcerer Level 0
Bonus Spell Slot of Level: Sorcerer Level 1
Bonus Spell Slot of Level: Sorcerer Level 2
Bonus Spell Slot of Level: Sorcerer Level 3
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Item Code: nw_armhe008
Spike Helmet
Despite its barbaric appearance, this helm bears a rather sophisticated - if weak - enchantment that allows the wearer to focus themselves more effectively. The popular theory is that a roaming mage in a tight spot grabbed this helm up and enchanted it in a hurry to give them the edge they needed, but this is little more than speculation.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Item Code: nw_arhe002
Stag Helmet
Despite its barbaric appearance, this helm bears a rather sophisticated - if weak - enchantment that allows the wearer to focus themselves more effectively. The popular theory is that a roaming mage in a tight spot grabbed this helm up and enchanted it in a hurry to give them the edge they needed, but this is little more than speculation.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Item Code: nw_arhe005
Swashbuckler's Hat
While offering no additional protection, helmets do come in a variety of styles.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Diplomacy + 2
Item Code: n2_helm_swashhat
Thayvian Circlet
Thayvian Circlets were created by the Red Wizards of Thay to help them fend off their aggressive competitors, such as the Luskan Brotherhood and the Zhentarim. Though designed to augment the spellcasting abilities of the Thayvian wizards, they actually did much more, improving hardiness, reflexes, and will power.
Special Properties
Ability Bonus: Intelligence + 2
Saving Throw Bonus: Universal + 1
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Item Code: nw_armhe009
The Laurel Crown
The bard who wears the Laurel Crown does so because he bested a fellow bard in a contest, whether one of singing, story-telling, or poetry. The Crown is no mere ornament, since it possesses qualities which enhance a bard's abilities, and only the most talented bards can even hope to win the Crown.
Special Properties
AC Bonus: + 1
Skill Bonus: Perform + 4
Bonus Spell Slot of Level: Bard Level 3
Bonus Spell Slot of Level: Bard Level 4
Bonus Spell Slot of Level: Bard Level 5
Use Limitation: Class Bard
Item Code: n2_arhe001
The Regal
This bronze helm was last worn by a hero of little fame who led a crusade into the Underdark. His goal? To eliminate the drow. His mission sadly failed, the hero lies in an unmarked grave. His helmet was taken as a trophy by the drow who slaughtered him.
Special Properties
Damage Reduction: + 6 Soak 5 Damage
Damage Resistance: Acid 10/-
Damage Resistance: Fire 10/-
Decreased Skill Modifier: Search -5
Decreased Skill Modifier: Spot -5
Item Code: x2_helm_002
The Watchful Mind of Pim
It was said that in his youth, the halfling Pim Pebbletoe was unusually serious for his age. He enjoyed the company of quiet hounds and farm cats more than his brothers and sisters. Pim was not a disrespectful child, but he was quiet and distant. The family farm was a busy one, and Pim's siblings were always occupied with a variety of tasks. When the work day was done, they were all content to relax - except for Pim, that is. He would go into the barn with his bow and watch for rabbits that would inevitably emerge to eat the ripening crops. His mother and father thought the boy had odd habits, but they loved him all the same.
One day, a merchant traveling to Pim's village reported that creatures had been seen at Gray Hills, a halfling burial site about two days' ride to the east. Pim was a young man by now, so he went to the sheriff of his town and asked permission to visit the Gray Hills with his bow and watch for intruders. The mayor saw no problem with the boy's enthusiasm to help out, but he warned Pim that he couldn't pay any money. Pim told the mayor that he needed no money for the task. It was simply something he wanted to do.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Search + 4
Skill Bonus: Spot + 4
Cast Spell: Invisibility Purge (5) 1 Use/Day
Use Limitation: Class Fighter
Item Code: n2_itset_ftr1
Thieves' Hood
Bards and rogues alike are known to reminisce on "the glory days," and the stories of an ancient guild so magnificent it outfitted even its lowliest members with the most incredibly wondrous wares. Though there is little contained in historical documents to verify such a golden age, the occasional discovery of one of these Thieves' Hoods is enough to keep the tale in circulation.
Special Properties
Immunity: Miscellaneous Knockdown
Immunity: Miscellaneous Poison
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Skill Bonus: Open Lock + 2
Skill Bonus: Search + 2
Use Limitation: Class Rogue
Item Code: nw_armhe007
Watchman's Helm
It is unclear if these magic headpieces were created by clerics of Helm, god of guardians, or if they acquired their name by a more convenient circumstance. Whatever the case, they are highly prized by guards and sentries. All cast a visible glow of one sort or another, and many magically hone the wearer's senses. Needless to say, rogues have also taken to wearing them, proving the old proverb that 'what's good for the goose is good for the gander.'
Special Properties
Light: Low (10m)
Skill Bonus: Listen + 8
Skill Bonus: Search + 8
Skill Bonus: Spot + 8
Item Code: nw_armhe006
Winged Helmet
Despite its simple appearance, this helm bears a rather sophisticated - if weak - enchantment that allows the wearer to focus themselves more effectively. The popular theory is that a roaming mage in a tight spot grabbed this helm up and enchanted it in a hurry to give him the edge he needed, but this is little more than speculation.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 1
Item Code: nw_arhe003
Wizard's Hat
Despite its simple appearance, this helm bears a rather sophisticated - if weak - enchantment that allows the wearer to focus themselves more effectively. The popular theory is that a roaming mage in a tight spot grabbed this helm up and enchanted it in a hurry to give him the edge he needed, but this is little more than speculation.
Special Properties
Skill Bonus: Concentration + 2
Item Code: n2_helm_wizhat