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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 separates 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. 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 that you lack proficiency with, you have disadvantage on any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that involves Strength or Dexterity, and you can't cast spells.

Armor Class (AC)

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

Stealth

If the Armor table shows "Disadvantage" in the Stealth column, the wearer has disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks.

Table - Armor

ArmorCostACStrengthStealthWeight
Light Armor
Padded5 gp11 + Dex modifier-Disadvantage.
Leather10 gp11 + Dex modifier--.
Studded leather45 gp12 + Dex modifier--.
Medium Armor
Hide10 gp12 + Dex modifier (max 2)--.
Chain shirt50 gp13 + Dex modifier (max 2)--.
Scale mail50 gp14 + Dex modifier (max 2)-Disadvantage.
Breastplate400 gp14 + Dex modifier (max 2)--.
Half plate750 gp15 + Dex modifier (max 2)-Disadvantage.
Heavy Armor
Ring mail30 gp14-Disadvantage.
Chain mail75 gp16Str 13Disadvantage.
Splint200 gp17Str 15Disadvantage.
Plate1,500 gp18Str 15Disadvantage.
Shield
Shield10 gp+2--.
  • name Armor
  • type Equipment
  • related
    • /equipment/armor-types
    • /equipment/donning-and-doffing-armor
    • /gameplay/combat/armor-class
    • /spellcasting