What armor can monks wear?

What Armor Can Monks Wear?

Monks, as a class in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), are known for their agility, martial prowess, and spiritual focus. However, when it comes to armor, monks have some unique limitations. In this article, we’ll explore what armor can monks wear and what they can’t.

Direct Answer: What Armor Can Monks Wear?

According to the official D&D 5th edition rules, monks can wear bracers as armor. This is stated in the Player’s Handbook (PHB) on page 78. Bracers are a type of armor that covers the forearms and can provide protection against attacks.

Bracers: The Only Armor Option for Monks

While bracers are the only armor option for monks, they can still choose to wear other types of equipment that provide protection, such as shields. Shields can be used in conjunction with bracers to provide additional protection.

Other Types of Equipment Monks Can Wear

In addition to bracers and shields, monks can also wear other types of equipment that provide protection, such as:

• Leather armor: While not explicitly mentioned in the PHB, leather armor is a type of armor that can be worn by monks. However, it’s worth noting that leather armor is not as effective as bracers in terms of protection.
• Cloaks: Cloaks can provide some protection against cold weather and can also be used as a makeshift shield. However, they are not considered armor and do not provide the same level of protection as bracers.
• Tunics: Tunics are a type of garment that can provide some protection against the elements. However, they are not considered armor and do not provide the same level of protection as bracers.

What Armor Can’t Monks Wear?

Monks cannot wear the following types of armor:

• Plate armor: Plate armor is a type of armor that covers the entire body and is not suitable for monks.
• Chainmail: Chainmail is a type of armor that is made up of interlocking metal rings and is not suitable for monks.
• Scale armor: Scale armor is a type of armor that is made up of overlapping metal scales and is not suitable for monks.
• Hide armor: Hide armor is a type of armor that is made up of animal hides and is not suitable for monks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, monks in D&D 5th edition can wear bracers as armor, but not other types of armor. They can also wear other types of equipment that provide protection, such as shields, leather armor, cloaks, and tunics. However, they cannot wear plate armor, chainmail, scale armor, or hide armor. By understanding what armor can and can’t be worn by monks, players can make informed decisions about their character’s equipment and build.