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Gloves of Missile Snaring

Gloves Of Missile Snaring
  • Category: Wondrous Item
  • Rarity: Uncommon (Requires Attunement)

If you're hit by an attack roll made with a Ranged or Thrown weapon while wearing these gloves, you can take a Reaction to reduce the damage by 1 d 10 plus your Dexterity modifier if you have a free hand. If you reduce the damage to 0 , you can catch the ammunition or weapon if it is small enough for you to hold in that hand.

Tactical Applications​

Combat Strategy: Provides +1 AC bonus and allows catching missiles and ammunition with reactions. When you catch a missile, you can immediately throw it back as part of the same reaction.

Class Synergies:

  • Monks: Perfect synergy with existing missile deflection abilities and unarmed combat focus
  • Any Class: Universal defensive benefit against ranged attacks
  • Front-line Fighters: Reduces ranged damage while advancing on archer enemies
  • Duelists: Provides defensive option against multiple ranged attackers

Build Considerations: Requires free hand to catch missiles. Most effective against numerous ranged attackers rather than single powerful shots.

Acquisition Methods​

Crafting Requirements: Requires enchanted leather, missile-catching magic, and reflexive enchantments. Creation cost 4,000-8,000 gp and takes 6 weeks.

Common Sources:

  • Monk monasteries and martial arts training centers
  • Treasure hoards of martial artists and defensive specialists
  • Commission from enchanters specializing in protective magic
  • Found in the collections of bodyguards and defensive fighters
  • Rewards from grateful martial arts masters

Alternative Acquisition: Sometimes discovered in training dojos or obtained through trials of defensive combat skill.

Value & Trade​

Estimated Value: 6,000-12,000 gp, with higher demand among characters facing regular ranged combat threats.

Trade Considerations: Popular among front-line fighters and anyone operating in environments with heavy archer presence.

Character Integration​

Roleplay Elements: Suggests training in defensive martial arts, experience as a bodyguard, or specialization in protection magic.

Character Concepts:

  • Monastery-trained martial artist with defensive specialization
  • Professional bodyguard protecting important individuals
  • Defensive fighter specializing in ranged attack mitigation
  • Character trained in exotic combat techniques and reflexive defense

Adventure Hooks​

The Bodyguard Contract: Protecting VIPs where missile-catching skills provide crucial defensive advantages.

The Archer Gauntlet: Navigating areas with heavy crossbow or archer presence where deflection becomes essential.

The Monastery Training: Studying advanced martial arts techniques that complement the gloves' defensive capabilities.

The Siege Defense: Defending fortifications where catching and returning enemy ammunition provides tactical advantages.

Variants & Customization​

Greater Gloves of Missile Snaring (Very Rare): Enhanced AC bonus and ability to catch larger projectiles like javelins and crossbow bolts.

Gloves of Spell Turning (Legendary): Can catch and redirect certain spells in addition to physical missiles.

Reflecting Gloves (Rare): Automatically return caught missiles without requiring reaction timing.

Specialized Variants:

  • Monk's Gloves: Enhanced integration with existing martial arts abilities
  • Guardian's Gloves: Optimized for protecting others rather than just the wearer
  • Duelist's Gloves: Enhanced for single combat against multiple ranged opponents

Lore & History​

Origins: Developed by ancient martial artists who needed protection against ranged weapons while maintaining offensive capabilities.

Historical Significance: These gloves enabled warriors to survive archer-heavy battlefields and close distance with ranged opponents.

Cultural Impact: Represent the martial arts philosophy of turning enemy attacks into advantages through skill and timing.

Magical Craft: Demonstrates understanding of defensive magic and the enhancement of natural reflexes through enchantment.

Balancing Notes​

Introduction Timing: Appropriate for levels 5-10 when ranged combat becomes frequent and defensive options become important.

Campaign Impact: Provides meaningful defense against ranged attacks without overwhelming combat encounters.

Reaction Management: Players must choose between missile catching and other reaction-based abilities.

Encounter Design​

Recommended Challenges:

  • Combat encounters with multiple ranged attackers where missile catching provides clear advantages
  • Scenarios where returning caught missiles creates tactical opportunities
  • Defensive situations where protecting allies from ranged attacks is crucial
  • Environments where ammunition scarcity makes returning missiles valuable

Tactical Adjustments: Archer enemies may adapt tactics when they observe missile-catching capabilities.

Defensive Equipment: Shield +1, Brooch of Shielding, and other items that provide protection against specific attack types.

Martial Arts Equipment:

  • Items that enhance unarmed combat and martial arts techniques
  • Equipment for defensive fighting and damage mitigation
  • Tools for bodyguard work and protective services

Complementary Equipment: Items that enhance Dexterity-based checks or provide additional defensive bonuses.

Roleplay Opportunities​

Martial Arts Mastery: Characters develop reputation for exotic combat techniques and defensive prowess.

Protective Instincts: Missile-catching abilities create opportunities to protect allies and demonstrate heroic reflexes.

Cultural Connection: Training in missile deflection may connect characters to monk traditions and martial arts communities.