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Gauntlets of Ogre Power

Gauntlets of Ogre Power are magical gloves that grant the wearer tremendous physical strength. When worn and attuned, these gauntlets imbue the wearer with the raw might of an ogre, setting their Strength score to 19 if it was lower. The gauntlets are typically large, heavy-looking gloves made of thick leather or metal, often decorated with orcish or giantish symbols. Despite their brutal appearance, they fit any wearer and allow full dexterity of movement. This item is particularly valuable for characters with naturally low Strength who want to become effective melee combatants.

At a Glance

Type
Wondrous Item
Rarity
Uncommon
Attunement
Required

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MechanicsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

How It Works

Your Strength score is 19 while you wear these gauntlets. They have no effect on you if your Strength is already 19 or higher. This improves your Strength-based attack rolls, damage rolls, Athletics checks, and any other abilities that use your Strength modifier. Setting your Strength to 19 gives you a +4 Strength modifier. This affects melee weapon attacks (unless using finesse with Dexterity), carrying capacity, jump distance, and Strength saving throws.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Thinking the gauntlets increase Strength above 19 (they set it to 19, don't add to it)
Common Mistake
Not realizing this has no effect if your Strength is already 19 or higher
Common Mistake
Forgetting that carrying capacity is based on Strength (19 Str = 285 lbs capacity)
Common Mistake
Not accounting for improved jump distances with higher Strength
Common Mistake
Assuming the gauntlets look or feel bulky in combat (they don't impede dexterity)

DM Tips

DM Tip
These gauntlets are transformative for low-Strength characters (wizards, rogues, etc.)
DM Tip
A wizard with 8 Strength suddenly becomes a competent melee combatant
DM Tip
Standard value around 500-2,000 gp as an uncommon attunement item
DM Tip
Perfect for enabling unlikely melee builds (strength wizard, melee sorcerer)
DM Tip
The attunement requirement prevents everyone from having 19 Strength
DM Tip
Setting Str to 19 gives +4 modifier, which is excellent for most characters
DM Tip
Barbarians and fighters with already-high Strength get no benefit
DM Tip
Consider these for characters who want to multiclass into Strength-based classes
DM Tip
Removes armor Strength requirements (can wear plate with originally low Strength)
DM Tip
Great for solving strength-based puzzles or carrying heavy objects

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading