What does natural armor do?

What Does Natural Armor Do?

Natural armor is a unique feature in the world of Dungeons & Dragons that allows certain creatures to harness their natural defenses to enhance their ability to withstand attacks. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of natural armor, exploring what it does, how it works, and its implications for your gameplay experience.

Direct Answer: What Does Natural Armor Do?

In short, natural armor provides a bonus to a creature’s Armor Class (AC), making it more difficult for enemies to hit and damage them. This bonus is calculated by adding a fixed value to the creature’s AC, which is typically determined by its size, shape, and biology.

How Does Natural Armor Work?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how natural armor works:

• Calculating Natural Armor Bonus: The natural armor bonus is determined by the creature’s size, shape, and biology. For example, a large, scaly creature like a dragon might have a natural armor bonus of +2, while a small, furry creature like a rodent might have a bonus of +0.
• Applying the Bonus: The natural armor bonus is added to the creature’s AC, making it more difficult for enemies to hit and damage them.
• Touch Attacks: Natural armor does not affect touch attacks, which are attacks that specifically target a creature’s bare skin or other vulnerable areas.
• Shielding: Natural armor can interact with shields, allowing the creature to add its natural armor bonus to its shield’s bonus.

When Does Natural Armor Apply?

Natural armor applies whenever the creature is not wearing armor or using a shield. This means that even if a creature is using a shield, its natural armor bonus will still be applied.

Examples of Natural Armor

Here are some examples of creatures with natural armor:

• Dragons: Dragons are famous for their scaly skin, which provides a natural armor bonus of +2 to +5.
• Tortles: Tortles, as we’ll discuss later, have a natural armor bonus of +2 due to their shell.
• Crabs: Crabs have a natural armor bonus of +1 due to their hard exoskeleton.

Tortle Natural Armor

Tortles are a unique case when it comes to natural armor. They have a natural armor bonus of +2 due to their shell, which provides excellent protection against attacks. However, this bonus does not apply to touch attacks, which can still hit and damage a tortle.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Here are some benefits and drawbacks to consider when it comes to natural armor:

• Benefits:
  • Provides additional protection against attacks
  • Can interact with shields for enhanced protection
  • Unique to certain creatures, making them more formidable opponents
• Drawbacks:
  • May not provide protection against touch attacks
  • May not stack with armor or shield bonuses
  • Can limit the creature’s ability to wear armor or use shields

Conclusion

In conclusion, natural armor is a unique feature in the world of Dungeons & Dragons that allows certain creatures to harness their natural defenses to enhance their ability to withstand attacks. By understanding how natural armor works, when it applies, and its benefits and drawbacks, you can better navigate the game and make informed decisions about your character’s abilities.

Table: Natural Armor Bonuses

Note: This table is not exhaustive and is meant to provide a general idea of the natural armor bonuses associated with different creatures.