Not sure if this has been suggested before. Anyway, i think it would be interesting to build with boosts that will work thoughout the battle. Examples Take one extra step Make one more damage Have 4 more HP +1 on block/armor rolls (no more failing parries! whoho!) Could increase/decrease depending on item rarity/level. Or maybe if they get boosted in one area, they get debuffed in another. Example +4 HP but hit 1 less. I dont think it would defeat the purpose of classes, since for example elves could use the move item, or dwarves could use the hp item.
