How Do You Calculate Natural Armor in Class 5e?
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e), natural armor is a mechanic that allows creatures to wear their natural armor as part of their overall armor class. In this article, we will explore how to calculate natural armor in Class 5e.
Direct Answer
To calculate natural armor in Class 5e, you add the creature’s natural armor bonus to its base armor class. The base armor class is determined by the creature’s type, and the natural armor bonus is based on the creature’s ability scores.
Calculating Natural Armor
Here are the steps to calculate natural armor in Class 5e:
- Determine the creature’s base armor class based on its type.
- Add the creature’s natural armor bonus to its base armor class.
Base Armor Class
The base armor class for a creature is determined by its type. For example, a humanoid creature has a base armor class of 10, while a giant has a base armor class of 16. Other creatures, such as dragonborn, have a base armor class of 18.
Natural Armor Bonus
The natural armor bonus is based on the creature’s ability scores. Here are the steps to calculate the natural armor bonus:
- Determine the creature’s Dexterity modifier.
- Add the creature’s natural armor bonus to its Dexterity modifier.
Types of Natural Armor
There are two types of natural armor: passive and active. Passive natural armor provides a bonus to the creature’s armor class without any additional requirements, while active natural armor requires the creature to take an action to activate it.
Active Natural Armor
Active natural armor requires the creature to take an action to activate it. This can include actions such as scratching or biting. The bonus to the creature’s armor class is determined by the specific action taken.
Example
Let’s say you have a dragonborn fighter with a Dexterity modifier of +2. You want to calculate its natural armor bonus. First, you add the creature’s Dexterity modifier to its base armor class:
Base Armor Class: 18
Dexterity Modifier: +2
Total Armor Class: 20
Next, you add the creature’s natural armor bonus to its Dexterity modifier:
Natural Armor Bonus: +2
Dexterity Modifier: +2
Total Natural Armor Bonus: 4
Finally, you add the creature’s total natural armor bonus to its total armor class:
Total Armor Class: 20
Total Natural Armor Bonus: 4
Total Armor Class with Natural Armor: 24
In this example, the dragonborn fighter has a total armor class of 24 with its natural armor.