How Does Natural Armor and Unarmored Defense Work?
In Dungeons & Dragons, natural armor and unarmored defense are two distinct features that can significantly impact a character’s Armor Class (AC). In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of natural armor and unarmored defense, exploring how they work and what implications they have on combat.
What is Natural Armor?
Natural armor is an inherent AC bonus that certain creatures possess due to their biological defenses, such as tough skin, scales, or thick fur. This bonus is a built-in component of the creature’s Base AC, making them naturally more resilient. Creatures with natural armor are not wearing armor, and this bonus is not affected by armor worn or shields used.
How Does Natural Armor Work?
When a creature with natural armor is attacked, their AC is calculated by adding their natural armor bonus to their Base AC. The formula for calculating natural armor AC is:
Base AC + Natural Armor Bonus
For example, a troll with a natural armor bonus of +2 would have an AC of:
12 (Base AC) + 2 (Natural Armor Bonus) = 14 AC
What is Unarmored Defense?
Unarmored defense is a feature available to certain classes, such as Barbarians and Monks. When using unarmored defense, these classes can calculate their AC without wearing armor. Unarmored defense is not the same as natural armor, and the two features do not stack.
How Does Unarmored Defense Work?
When using unarmored defense, a character’s AC is calculated by adding their Dexterity modifier and Constitution modifier to their Base AC. The formula for calculating unarmored defense AC is:
Base AC + Dexterity Modifier + Constitution Modifier
For example, a Barbarian with a Base AC of 10, a Dexterity modifier of +2, and a Constitution modifier of +1 would have an AC of:
10 (Base AC) + 2 (Dexterity Modifier) + 1 (Constitution Modifier) = 13 AC
Do Natural Armor and Unarmored Defense Stack?
No, natural armor and unarmored defense do not stack. When a character has natural armor, they cannot use unarmored defense, and vice versa. The two features are mutually exclusive, and only one can be used at a time.
Can You Use Shields with Unarmored Defense?
Yes, characters using unarmored defense can still use shields. Shields do not affect the calculation of unarmored defense AC, and can be used in conjunction with this feature.
Comparison of Natural Armor and Unarmored Defense
| Feature | Natural Armor | Unarmored Defense |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Biological defense | Class feature |
| Worn | Not worn | Not worn |
| Calculation | Base AC + Natural Armor Bonus | Base AC + Dexterity Modifier + Constitution Modifier |
| Stacking | No stacking with armor or shields | No stacking with natural armor |
In conclusion, natural armor and unarmored defense are two distinct features that can significantly impact a character’s Armor Class. While natural armor is an inherent biological defense, unarmored defense is a class feature that allows characters to calculate their AC without wearing armor. It’s essential to understand the differences between these two features to make informed decisions in combat.