What Determines Your Armor Class in DND?
In Dungeons and Dragons (DND), armor class (AC) is a crucial stat that measures a character’s defenses, including the strength of their protective gear and their ability to avoid attacks. So, what determines your armor class in DND?
Base Armor Class
The base armor class (AC) is the foundation of a character’s defenses. It is calculated based on the character’s unarmored AC, which is determined by their Dexterity modifier. Here’s the formula:
- Unarmored AC = 10 + Dexterity modifier
For example, if a character has a Dexterity modifier of +3, their unarmored AC would be 13 (10 + 3).
Armored Armor Class
When a character wears armor, their armor class (AC) increases based on the type of armor they wear. The AC values for different types of armor are listed below:
| Armor Type | AC Bonus |
|---|---|
| Leather | +2 |
| Padded | +2 |
| Studded Leather | +3 |
| Chain Mail | +5 |
| Plate Mail | +8 |
| Shield | +2 |
For example, if a character wears leather armor, their armor class (AC) would be 15 (unarmored AC +2).
Dexterity Bonus
Characters with high Dexterity scores can add their Dexterity modifier to their armor class (AC). This is known as the Dexterity bonus. Here’s the formula:
- Dexterity bonus = Dexterity modifier
For example, if a character has a Dexterity modifier of +3, their Dexterity bonus would be 3.
Shield Bonus
Characters who use shields can add a bonus to their armor class (AC). The shield bonus is determined by the type of shield used. Here’s the formula:
- Shield bonus = +2 (for light shields) or +3 (for heavy shields)
For example, if a character uses a light shield, their shield bonus would be +2.
Magic Items and Spells
Magic items and spells can also affect a character’s armor class (AC). Some magic items, such as bracers of armor, can increase a character’s armor class (AC) by a certain amount. Spells, such as shield, can also increase a character’s armor class (AC).
Example
Let’s say a character has a Dexterity modifier of +3 and wears leather armor. Their base armor class (AC) would be 15 (10 + 2). If they also use a light shield, their shield bonus would be +2, bringing their total armor class (AC) to 17.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a character’s armor class (AC) in DND is determined by their base armor class (AC), Dexterity bonus, shield bonus, and any magic items or spells that affect their armor class (AC). By understanding how these factors interact, players can create characters that are well-defended and effective in combat.
Key Takeaways
- Base armor class (AC) is determined by unarmored AC and armor type
- Dexterity bonus is added to base armor class (AC)
- Shield bonus is added to base armor class (AC)
- Magic items and spells can affect armor class (AC)
- A character’s armor class (AC) is a critical stat that measures their defenses in combat