I'm having trouble making the effect I want for an item, it's an offhand parrying dagger that you can use your reaction to add to your ac equal to your dex modifier, but with each attempt I've made at doing so its just a permanent effect on your character sheet.
Does anyone know how to make it as just a reaction? I tried making a spell at will but I couldn't make it use the DEX modifier that way.
The Description of the item:
"The parrying dagger is a category of small handheld weapon that as the name implies they were designed to parry, or defend, more effectively than a simple dagger form, typically incorporating a wider guard, and often some other defensive features to better protect the hand as well. They may also be used for attack if an opportunity arises. As a reaction you may attempt to parry adding to your AC equal to your Dex Modifier. Due to the dexterous movements this may not be used in conjunction with a shield, heavy armor, or weapons lacking one of either the finesse or light property"
It also has a -1 penalty to attack and damage rolls made with it because it is an offhand weapon allowing for bonus action attacks.
Sorry, I can not answer your question. But I would like to comment on the item. Using your reaction is good idea. In addition you normally get your Dex modifier, I do not like the idea of doubling it. May I suggest you consider making it use your proficiency bonus instead? That way you get better as you gain more skill rather than getting better simply because you are agile. Maxes out at +6, but someone with a Tome can get a +6 Dex by that level anyway.
I agree with Mog_Dracov above but instead of -1 damage I generally like to reduce the damage die so as not to get a zero result on a die. Why? Well in general there are not a lot of games that use the zero damage + stat rule in their system or in their base idea game foundation.
If you have time look up parrying dagger and other weapons designed to parry and see if anything in their text provides ideas of what you could or can do to make the item grounded in reality (unless the items is not supposed to be grounded in reality or your game in general is not grounded in reality).
I'm having trouble making the effect I want for an item, it's an offhand parrying dagger that you can use your reaction to add to your ac equal to your dex modifier, but with each attempt I've made at doing so its just a permanent effect on your character sheet.
Does anyone know how to make it as just a reaction? I tried making a spell at will but I couldn't make it use the DEX modifier that way.
The Description of the item:
"The parrying dagger is a category of small handheld weapon that as the name implies they were designed to parry, or defend, more effectively than a simple dagger form, typically incorporating a wider guard, and often some other defensive features to better protect the hand as well. They may also be used for attack if an opportunity arises. As a reaction you may attempt to parry adding to your AC equal to your Dex Modifier. Due to the dexterous movements this may not be used in conjunction with a shield, heavy armor, or weapons lacking one of either the finesse or light property"
It also has a -1 penalty to attack and damage rolls made with it because it is an offhand weapon allowing for bonus action attacks.
Sorry, I can not answer your question. But I would like to comment on the item. Using your reaction is good idea. In addition you normally get your Dex modifier, I do not like the idea of doubling it. May I suggest you consider making it use your proficiency bonus instead? That way you get better as you gain more skill rather than getting better simply because you are agile. Maxes out at +6, but someone with a Tome can get a +6 Dex by that level anyway.
Yeah, that balances it better for the early game.
I agree with Mog_Dracov above but instead of -1 damage I generally like to reduce the damage die so as not to get a zero result on a die. Why? Well in general there are not a lot of games that use the zero damage + stat rule in their system or in their base idea game foundation.
If you have time look up parrying dagger and other weapons designed to parry and see if anything in their text provides ideas of what you could or can do to make the item grounded in reality (unless the items is not supposed to be grounded in reality or your game in general is not grounded in reality).
Good Luck and Have Fun
If it helps, this was how I made a type of parrying dagger known as a “Main-Gauche:”
https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/1338697-main-gauche-1
PS- If you look at Monsters that have a Parry reaction (like the bandit captain), they add the creature’s PB to their AC against the one attack.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
But what if I want to use my main-gauche adroitly?
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
Don’t you do everything adroitly?
And what do you mean? Did a typo or something sneak through? Or are you just riffing on “gauche.” (It’s hard to tell with you sometimes. 😜)
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Riffing on gauche, adroit shares the same french origins of gauche, but righteous not sinister orientation.
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.