Armor (5.5)

by SovereignLeaderLore

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Armor

Fantasy gaming worlds are a vast tapestry made up of many different cultures, each with its own technology level. For this reason, adventurers have access to a variety of armor types, ranging from leather armor to chain mail to costly plate armor, with several other kinds of armor in between. The Armor table collects the most commonly available types of armor found in the game and separaqtes them into three categories: light armor, medium armor, and heavy armor. Many warriors supplement their armor with a shield.

The Armor table shows the cost, weight, and other properties of the common types of armor worn in fantasy gaming worlds.

Armor Proficiency

Anyone can put on a suit of armor or strap a shield to an arm, but only those proficient in the armor’s use know how to wear it effectively. Your class gives you proficiency with certain types of armor.

If you wear armor with which you lack proficiency, you have disadvantage on any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that involves Strength or Dexterity, and you can’t cast spells.

Properties

Armor Class (AC)

Armor protects its wearer from attacks. The armor (and shield) you wear determines your base Armor Class.

Bulwark

This armor covers you so completely that it provides benefits against some damaging effects. If you are proficient with this armor, when you would make a Dexterity saving throw to take half damage, you can use your reaction to add a +3 modifier to the roll.

Comfortable

You don't need to remove this armor to rest, as it is comfortable enough to sleep in.

Noisy

This armor is difficult to move in without making noise or otherwise revealing yourself. The wearer has disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks while wearing that armor.

Heavy

Heavier armor interferes with the wearer’s ability to move quickly, stealthily, and freely. If the Armor table shows a number in the Strength column for an armor type, the armor reduces the wearer’s speed by 10 feet unless the wearer has a Strength score equal to or higher than the listed score.

Hindering

This armor is so heavy and bulky that it slows you down no matter what. Your movement speed is reduced by 5 feet.

Shields

A shield is made from wood or metal and is carried in one hand. Wielding a shield increases your Armor Class by a certain amount listed in on the table. You can benefit from only one shield at a time.

There are three types of shields, represented by their size: Buckler, Kite, and Tower.

Armor Weight

Armor vary in weight greatly, making them easier or harder for some creatures to wear.

Light Armor

Made from supple and thin materials, light armor favors agile adventurers since it offers some protection without sacrificing mobility. If you wear light armor, you add your Dexterity modifier to the base number from your armor type to determine your Armor Class.

Medium Armor

Medium armor offers more protection than light armor, but it also impairs your maneuverability more. If you wear medium armor, you add your Dexterity modifier, to a maximum of +2, to the base number from your armor type to determine your Armor Class.

Heavy Armor

Of all the armor categories, heavy armor offers the best protection, but the worst maneuverability and movement. These suits of armor cover the entire body and are designed to stop a wide range of attacks. Only proficient warriors can manage their weight and bulk.

Heavy armor doesn’t let you add your Dexterity modifier to your Armor Class, but it also doesn’t penalize you if your Dexterity modifier is negative.

Light Armor
Armor Cost Armor Class (AC) Strength Properties Weight
Padded 5gp 11 + Dexterity Mod — Noisy, Comfortable 8 lbs.
Leather 10gp 11 + Dexterity Mod — Comfortable 10 lbs.
Studded Leather 45gp 12 + Dexterity Mod — Comfortable 13 lbs.
Medium Armor
Armor Cost Armor Class (AC) Strength Properties Weight
Hide 10gp 12 + Dexterity Mod (max 2) — Comfortable 12 lbs.
Chain Shirt 50gp 13 + Dexterity Mod (max 2) — — 20 lbs.
Scale Mail 50gp 14 + Dexterity Mod (max 2) — Noisy 45 lbs.
Breastplate 400gp 14 + Dexterity Mod (max 2) — Noisy, Hindering 20 lbs.
Half Plate 750gp 15 + Dexterity Mod (max 2) — Noisy, Hindering 40 lbs.
Heavy Armor
Armor Cost Armor Class (AC) Strength Properties Weight
Ring Mail 30gp 14 — Noisy 40 lbs.
Chain Mail 75gp 16 13 Noisy 55 lbs.
Splint 200gp 17 15 Noisy 60 lbs.
Plate 1,500gp 18 15 Noisy, Bulwark, Hindering, 65 lbs.
Shields
Armor Cost Armor Class (AC) Strength Properties Weight
Buckler 10gp +1 — — 2 lbs.
Kite 20gp +2 — — 6 lbs.
Tower 50gp +3 15 Bulwark, Hindering 15 lbs.

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