How do you decide armor class?

How Do You Decide Armor Class? A Comprehensive Guide

In role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, armor class plays a crucial role in character development and combat mechanics. Armor class, or AC, is a value that measures a character’s or monster’s defenses against attack. In this article, we will explore how armor class is determined, discussing the factors that affect armor class, and providing suggestions on how to choose your armor class wisely.

What Determines Armor Class?

In Dungeons and Dragons, armor class is the sum of several factors:

• Base Armor Class: This is the maximum armor class a character’s armor can provide. Medium armor, for example, has a base armor class of 12.
• Dexterity Modifier: A character’s Dexterity score affects their armor class. A high Dexterity score can increase armor class, while a low one can decrease it.
• Shield Bonus: Wielding a shield, such as a buckler or a kite shield, can increase armor class. The bonus varies depending on the type of shield (see table below).
• Other Bonuses: Spells, items, traits, and racial abilities might also affect armor class (see table below).

| Factor                              | Bonus |
|------                              |------|
| Shield (buckler)                     | +2 AC |
| Shield (light)                      | +5 AC |
| Shield (heavy)                      | +8 AC |
| Robes of the Archdruid             | +0 AC |
| Magebringer's Cloak | +2 AC |