[Chris Byler]

Originally posted by Taqwus:
I could see a case for some auto-equipping cursed items, depending on the nature of the curse (think powerful items that either can mask the curse or otherwise appeal to the finder), but even that should require an MR check.

Something like Stormbringer might be pretty hard to put down, or to meekly set aside and deliver to the lab, despite the downside of occasionally going berserk and turning on your associates...

Yeah, if we're talking about Stormbringer or the One Ring, that's one thing (although as I pointed out on another thread, Gandalf (the LotR one) refused the One Ring when it was offered - so an MR check to resist cursed artifacts might be appropriate). But an Eye of Aiming or Knife of the Damned is entirely different. Less powerful items should have less powerful (if any) compulsion.

How about: non-harmful items found are equipped if there is an open slot, otherwise sent to the treasury. Harmful items cause the finder to make an MR roll with the following penetration:
trivial item (Cons 0) - pen 9
minor item (Cons 2) - pen 11
major item (Cons 4) - pen 13
very powerful item (Cons 6) - pen 15
artifact (Cons 8) - pen 17
If the finder passes, the item goes to the treasury; otherwise the finder puts it on.

"Harmful" is defined as any one (or more) of the following:
* causes an affliction when equipped (eyes, hearts, disease items)
* causes curse or horror mark when equipped
* auto-berserk (wearer starts battle berserk)
* unremovable
* has a damaging aura (heat, cold, poison) - even if the item confers immunity on its bearer, this can still be harmful to those around him, so commanders should be able to think twice about putting on such an item
* attracts attackers (Grail, Forbidden Light)
* transforms the wearer (Lychantropos Amulet)

and anything else I can't think of at the moment that is a good reason not to put something on.