Armor Class

Armor Class
Basic Information
Type(s)	Terminology

There are usually nine different types of armor in Dungeons & Dragons-based games. The higher the AC value of the armor, the better protection it offers against attacks. However, good protection comes at a cost; arcane spellcasters risk spell failure whenever attempting to cast spells while wearing armor.

Clothing

AC 0

Piecemeal or complete armors of this grade are meager protection, no better than garments made of cloth or even rags.

Light Armor

AC 1

Protection equivalent to padded cloth.

AC 2

Protection equivalent to hardened leather.

AC 3

Protection equivalent to studded leather or hide.

Medium Armor

AC 4

Protection equivalent to scale mail.

AC 5

Protection equivalent to a suit of chainmail.

Heavy Armor

AC 6

Protection that is equal to banded or splint mail.

AC 7

Protection on par with half-plate.

AC 8

Protection equivalent to a suit of full plate armor.

Small Shields

AC Bonus +1

When used properly, a small shield can grant lightweight protection with very little encumbrance to the wielder.

Large Shields

AC Bonus +2

A large shield is effective protection for the adventurer who can afford the added weight and encumbrance.

Tower Shields

AC Bonus +3

The tower shield is a veritable wall of protection, though it can be quite cumbersome to carry on an adventure