Damage Reduction = Insect Immunity?

[Tetsubo]

   Does having damage reduction make a character immune to mundane insects? Even DR 1/- would mean a common insect can't penetrate the characters skin. This would probably have little in game effect. But taken from a realistic angle this would revolutionize health care. It would make a person immune to dozens of deadly diseases and afflictions. Not to mention make a persons life a whole lot more pleasant. Imagine never getting bitten by a mosquito or black fly again.

[Bozwevial]

Well, one flaw I can find with this argument is that DR can be treated in one of two ways (and this is an obscure reference, I know): Either as "weapon bounces off harmlessly" or "wounds heal immediately". In the latter case, a disease could still make its way into the bloodstream.

[RobbyPants]

DR 1/- also equals house cat immunity.  Very prized by first level commoners!

[PhaedrusXY]

   Does having damage reduction make a character immune to mundane insects? Even DR 1/- would mean a common insect can't penetrate the characters skin. This would probably have little in game effect. But taken from a realistic angle this would revolutionize health care. It would make a person immune to dozens of deadly diseases and afflictions. Not to mention make a persons life a whole lot more pleasant. Imagine never getting bitten by a mosquito or black fly again.

As I sit here scratching a huge red bump on my leg, I drool at the possibility.

[BowenSilverclaw]

   Does having damage reduction make a character immune to mundane insects? Even DR 1/- would mean a common insect can't penetrate the characters skin. This would probably have little in game effect. But taken from a realistic angle this would revolutionize health care. It would make a person immune to dozens of deadly diseases and afflictions. Not to mention make a persons life a whole lot more pleasant. Imagine never getting bitten by a mosquito or black fly again.

As I sit here scratching a huge red bump on my leg, I drool at the possibility.

Only one? I envy you, Phaedrus

[Agita]

Well, one flaw I can find with this argument is that DR can be treated in one of two ways (and this is an obscure reference, I know): Either as "weapon bounces off harmlessly" or "wounds heal immediately". In the latter case, a disease could still make its way into the bloodstream.

Mechanically, if all damage from an attack is ignored, injury-based poisons and diseases don't apply, AFAIK, so the former is more likely.

[veekie]

   Does having damage reduction make a character immune to mundane insects? Even DR 1/- would mean a common insect can't penetrate the characters skin. This would probably have little in game effect. But taken from a realistic angle this would revolutionize health care. It would make a person immune to dozens of deadly diseases and afflictions. Not to mention make a persons life a whole lot more pleasant. Imagine never getting bitten by a mosquito or black fly again.

As I sit here scratching a huge red bump on my leg, I drool at the possibility.

Amen to that.

[Kerrick]

Yes, it applies - that's why a crown of vermin has DR 1/epic.

[bearsarebrown]

Well, one flaw I can find with this argument is that DR can be treated in one of two ways (and this is an obscure reference, I know): Either as "weapon bounces off harmlessly" or "wounds heal immediately". In the latter case, a disease could still make its way into the bloodstream.

Mechanically, if all damage from an attack is ignored, injury-based poisons and diseases don't apply, AFAIK, so the former is more likely.

Mechanically, you're right. But in the flavor text for DR it includes the latter.