Can someone please explain the leather helm to me (aka game mechanics)?

[Mr. F]

So, I thought, I understand the game mechanics but it doesn't seem to be the case.

I found a leather helmet (light armor) that boosts dexterity saving throws by +1, but I can't figure out, when the bonus is applied.

For example:
My main character is war cleric, wearing medium armor (so dexterity bonus capped by +2) with a base dexterity of 10 (so no bonus from dexterity at all).
Equipping the leather helmet doesn't do anything for me. The tooltip from my dexterity saving throws states "+1 form helmet" but is still capped at 0.

Can someone tell me please, what I am missing here?

[Myth Alric]

It should just be +1 to any saving throws rolled. Like if you step in grease and make a roll not to fall on your butt.

The dex bonus to armor class, is entirely separate.

[Mr. F]

Hm, is it maybe just not clear in the ui, when the +1 is applied then? When I open the inventory and go for details (left side, third column) there is my saving throw bonus shown. But it's still +0?!

[Angelina]

It should definitely say +1 on the dex saving throw tooltip when wearing that helmet. Does for me. In fact says exactly +1 from Leather Helmet under DEX Saving Throw info in the UI. So not only does it state i have a +1 it also says what the source is for everything that applies a bonus.

[Mr. F]

Not that I'm missing something here. When I hover over the DEX Saving Throw Icon, the tooltip states '+1 from helmet' but the overall number is not changed, it still shows +0 for me. So my guess was, it is capped at +0 for some reason.

[Calv]

There are two separate "checks" here.

You have your Dex modifier - The number that increases when you main dex stat increases, which in your case is 0. This modifier is used for general skill checks, dex based attacks and your armour class.

Then you have your Dex Saving Throw - This is a special type of skill check that is only used in certain circumstances, usually when attempting to avoid damage. For example, if someone throws a fireball at you, you roll a Dex Saving Throw to determine if you take full damage or half damage. In this situation, the leather helmet would add 1 to your roll.

This is quite in-depth explanation of these systems and you likely don't need to read all of it, but it's worth checking the main sections: https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Ability%20Scores#content

[Mr. F]

Thank you, I will have a look at it.

[Drake]

Yes bonuses from items are not added to the main number, they are calculated after when the roll is done.