5.5e / 2024 · 5e / 2014 · Pathfinder 1E · D&D 3.5e
Armour or Shield of Spell Resistance
This property protects the wearer against magic through Spell Resistance in Pathfinder 1E and D&D 3.5e. The two 5e rulesets instead use features such as Magic Resistance, advantage, saving-throw bonuses, damage resistance or item-specific protection; they do not use a universal Spell Resistance score.
Explore: Magic Armour & Shields · Spell Resistance · Spell Resistance Spell
At a Glance
| Property | Spell Resistance |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protects against applicable spells in Pathfinder 1E and D&D 3.5e |
| 5e status | No universal Spell Resistance score |
| 3.x progression | SR 13 / 15 / 17 / 19 |
| Key warning | Do not import an SR number directly into 5e |
5.5e / 2024
No Spell Resistance score. Do not convert SR 13, 15, 17 or 19 directly into 2024 D&D. A 2024 magic armour or shield should state its actual protection—such as advantage on particular saving throws, resistance to a damage type or another item-specific effect—and use the item’s own rarity and attunement rules.
5e / 2014
No Spell Resistance score. In 2014 D&D, Magic Resistance and similar features normally modify saving throws rather than forcing a caster-level check against an SR number. A conversion must therefore be written as a 5e item instead of importing the 3.x SR progression.
Pathfinder 1E
While the armour or shield is worn or used as required, it grants the listed Spell Resistance.
| Spell Resistance | Price modifier |
|---|---|
| SR 13 | +2 bonus |
| SR 15 | +3 bonus |
| SR 17 | +4 bonus |
| SR 19 | +5 bonus |
Aura: strong abjuration · CL: 15th · Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, spell resistance.
D&D 3.5e
The 3.5e property uses the same four Spell Resistance values and bonus-equivalent prices: SR 13 (+2), SR 15 (+3), SR 17 (+4) and SR 19 (+5). Resolve the caster-level check and Spell Resistance interactions using the 3.5e rules.
Aura: strong abjuration · CL: 15th · Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, spell resistance.
Why Spell Resistance Matters
Spell Resistance is not an Armor Class bonus and it is not the same thing as resistance to spell damage. In the 3.x systems it creates an additional gate an applicable spell may have to pass before its effect resolves.
That is why direct numeric conversion into 5e fails: modern 5e normally expresses magical defence through saving throws, advantage, damage resistance, immunity or specific item text rather than a universal SR score.
Run It at the Table
- Pathfinder / 3.5e: identify whether the spell is subject to Spell Resistance before making the caster-level check.
- 5e: use the item’s actual modern protection instead of inventing a caster-level check.
- Do not confuse terms: 5e features called Magic Resistance usually affect saving throws and are not the 3.x Spell Resistance subsystem.
Related Magical Defence
Spell Resistance · Spell Resistance Spell · Armour of Invulnerability · Soulfire · Magic Armour & Shields
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