Race/Class Hireling clarification

[Howler81]

So an elf hireling wearing a horny helmet would gain the higher bonus, according to a post I just read.

If I am an elf, and my early generic +1, "carry anything" Hireling were to wear the helmet, would my Elfness garner the +3 bonus, or would the hirelings nothingness keep it at +1?

[Herpopotamus]

Are you talking about the hireling card in the original munchkin?

If so, then I would say that you would get the +3 bonus because nowhere in the card text does it say that the hireling wears the item. It allows you to wear the item, and you are an elf. Therefore, you should get the +3 bonus. This is not an official ruling, but just my stab at it :D

[Clipper]

I was thinking otherwise, but looking at the text again, Hireling does say it allows you to carry and use the extra Item. The other Race/Class Hirelings all say they can carry and use the Item, but you get the bonuses and abilities.

This difference in wording means I agree with Herpopotamus. It's just my opinion too, of course, but I think it's well supported by the card text.

[MunchkinMan]

Originally Posted by Howler81

So an elf hireling wearing a horny helmet would gain the higher bonus, according to a post I just read.

That would be correct.

If I am an elf, and my early generic +1, "carry anything" Hireling were to wear the helmet, would my Elfness garner the +3 bonus, or would the hirelings nothingness keep it at +1?

You would get the +3 because you're an Elf. The Hireling card from Munchkin and Munchkin 3 is more like a Cheat! card that gives you a +1 bonus and can hold different Items for you if you want to change what it is "carrying."