Armor and Shields

Parvolon 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.

## Types of Armor

**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 movement 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. 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.

## Getting Into and Out of Armor

The time it takes to don or doff armor depends on the armor's category.

***Don.*** This is the time it takes to put on armor. You benefit from the armor's AC only if you take the full time to don the suit of armor.

***Doff.*** This is the time it takes to take off armor. If you have help, reduce this time by half.

### **Donning and Doffing Armor**

 Medium Armor
 Heavy Armor
 Shield

## Armor Qualities

***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, however. 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.

***Heavy Armor.*** Heavier armor interferes with the wearer's ability to move quickly, stealthily, and freely. If the Armor table shows “Str 13” or “Str 15” 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.

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

***Shields.*** A shield is made from wood or metal and is carried in one hand. Wielding a shield increases your Armor Class by 2. You can benefit from only one shield at a time.

## Light Armor

**Assassin's Garb**

Thin, flexible metal covering the torso, arms, and legs, as well as a hooded black cloak attached to the armor. There is built in space to put 1 hidden blade on each wrist. The high density of the metal leads to at least a moderate amount of strength to be able to maneuver efficiently while wearing.

**Blend In:** While wearing the assassin's garb, you have a +1 bonus on Dexterity (Stealth) checks when not in bright light.

**Battle Robe**

A full-body armored robe, made primarily for masters of arcane arts engaging in combat. They are usually made for high-ranking officials or military spell casters, and some can be as ornate as fine clothing.

**Free Wear.** The battle robe is padded with plates of hardened leather in strategic locations, such that they do not hamper movement any more than a common robe would. As such, anyone can wear a battle robe without penalty, regardless of whether they have light armor proficiency.

**Bandit's Armor**

The design incorporates metal vambraces, pauldrons, fauld, and a very curious spiked helmet with a spider-like visor. The remainder of it is composed almost entirely of leather and furs, leaving the torso and legs completely exposed.

***Barbaric Armor.*** If you have 17 or higher Strength, you may add your proficiency bonus in place of your Dexterity modifier to this armor's AC while wearing it.

**Brawler's Armor**

This suit of leather armor have is specially crafted to be used by brawlers. It has a pair of reinforced bracers, that allow for a better guard, as well as two gloves that increase the harm caused by punches.

***Defensive Bracers.*** While you have both hands free, you can use your bonus action to add +2 to your AC. This bonus lasts until the end of your next turn.

***Brawling Gloves.*** While you wear this armor, if you have your hands free, you roll a d6 for the damage die of your unarmed strikes.

**Duelist's Vest**

Leather, scale, chain, and plates combine to create a light flexible set of armor that was developed to protect those of noble blood during an "honorable" duel. While considered bad form, the vest is light enough to be concealed under clothing. The wearer of this vest takes 1 less piercing damage from non-magical attacks. This adjustment comes before damage resistance.

**Light Wooden Armor**

Basic armor made of wood that has been tied together with rope and/or twine. It allows the wearer to have freedom of movement, however the clinking of the wood causes the wearer to have disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. This armor tends to cover the chest and parts of the legs (usually the thighs and the ankles). As the signature armor of ancient druid warriors, it is infused with some magical capabilities.

**Soak:** If light wooden armor soaks in water for more than five minutes it becomes a softer wood for 1d4 hours. Drying with heat halves the time, rounding up. When soaked, the armor class of light wooden armor decreases by 1, and has a weight of 20 lbs.

**Druid's Magic:** While wearing light wooden armor, you have a +1 bonus on Intelligence (Nature) checks.

**Leather**

The breastplate and shoulder protectors of this armor are made of leather that has been stiffened by being boiled in oil. The rest of the armor is made of softer and more flexible materials.

**Leather Laminar**

Leather lamellar consists of thick rawhide pieces lacquered and laced together to form a cuirass and skirt. It's more sturdy than normal leather armor, but less stealthy.

**Studded Leather**

Made from tough but flexible leather, studded leather is reinforced with close-set rivets or spikes.

**Padded Armor**

Padded armor consists of quilted layers of cloth and batting.

**Plated Leather**

Plated leather armor is intended as a marriage of leather armor's light weight and flexibility and plate's strength. Plated leather armor is a base of full leather armor with lengths of chain mail and light lobstered plate secured over the joints and smaller steel plates secured throughout the armor.

**Elven Light Mail**

This suit of light, flowing chain mail and leather aids elven hunters in hiding in wooded terrain. You have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks when attempting to hide in such terrain, and can hide in such terrain even if you don't have cover.

**Orcish Gladiator, Light**

Usually consisting of a pair of Greaves and a Helmet, this armor provides a small effect, however you are not considered to be wearing armor. (You must however still be proficient in light armor to gain the benefits of this armor.

## Medium Armor

**Falconer Armor**

This armor set consists of a red cloth shirt and cape worn over chainmail, complemented by an asymmetrical pauldron on one shoulder. The helmet sports an enormously long feather set into its top, made to trail in the wind.

***Falconer's Gauntlet.*** The right hand leather gauntlet of this armor is much longer than the left hand glove, and sports a large leather patch on the outside face, made for use as a portable perch for the Falconers' namesake. Wearing this armor grants you a +1 bonus to Wisdom (Animal Handling) checks made to handle birds.

**Wood Armor**

Favored by druids, this padded or leather armor is reinforced with wooden strips over the chest and thigh region.

**Soak:** If heavy wooden armor soaks in water for more than five minutes it becomes a softer wood for 1d4 hours. Drying with heat halves the time, rounding up. When soaked the armor class of heavy wooden armor decreases by 2, and it has a weight of 30 lbs.

**Druid's Magic:** While wearing wood armor, you have a +1 bonus on Intelligence (Nature) checks.

**Duskwood Armor**

This armor is carved from a single piece of duskwood and fastened to the body with leather straps. Armor made of duskwood is known to be very resistant to fire, providing some amount of protection from flames to creatures who wear armor made from it. This fire proof wooden armor is also known to be a favorite among druids.

***Fire Proof.*** The wearer of this armor takes 2 less fire damage. This adjustment comes before damage resistance.

**Leaf-mail**

This armor is made of leaves sewn and then lacquered together. While it does not provide very good protection, it blends in perfectly with some terrains. You gain advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks so long as you are partially obscured or surrounded by leaves.

**(Nation) Knights Armor**

This tattered set of armor is reminiscent of old crusader knights, incorporating a bucket helm and solid metal greaves and gauntlets with a chainmail suit. Knights also wear emblems of their crest to signify their allegiance to their kingdom.

**Royal Soldier Armor**

Over its belt-fastened leather torso and cream-colored waistcloth, it sports asymmetrical shoulder pauldrons, a metal plate protecting the chest, and a uniquely shaped helmet. Underneath it all lies a chainmail shirt that extends down into a fauld protecting the legs.

**Brigandine**

A brigandine is a form of body armour from the Middle Ages of Europe. It is a garment typically made of heavy cloth, canvas or leather, lined internally with small oblong steel plates riveted to the fabric, sometimes with a second layer of fabric on the inside.

**Hide**

This crude armor consists of thick furs and pelts. It is commonly worn by barbarian tribes, evil humanoids, and other folk who lack access to the tools and materials needed to create better armor.

**Breastplate**

This armor consists of a fitted metal chest piece worn with supple leather. Although it leaves the legs and arms relatively unprotected, this armor provides good protection for the wearer's vital organs while leaving the wearer relatively unencumbered.

**Chain Shirt**

Made of interlocking metal rings, a chain shirt is worn between layers of clothing or leather. This armor offers modest protection to the wearer's upper body and allows the sound of the rings rubbing against one another to be muffled by outer layers.

**Half Plate**

Half plate consists of shaped metal plates that cover most of the wearer's body. It does not include leg protection beyond simple greaves that are attached with leather straps.

**Scale Mail**

This armor consists of a coat and leggings (and perhaps a separate skirt) of leather covered with overlapping pieces of metal, much like the scales of a fish. The suit includes gauntlets.

**Noble Elf Armor**

This armor is made of leathers and leaves and was used by elven guards of the nobility. It is able to provide a fair defense against attacks made at a distance and also is maneuverable enough to keep quiet in the woods.

***Special.*** You gain a bonus of +2 to your AC against ranged weapon attacks.

**Noble Orc Armor (WIP)**

## Heavy Armor

**Heavy Wooden Armor**

Basic armor made of wood, supported by multiple layers, that has been tied together with rope and/or twine. It does it does not have quite the freedom of movement as light wooden armor and the clinking of the wood causes the wearer to have disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. This armor tends to covers the whole body from head to toe with only a few small unprotected areas at the joints. As the signature armor of ancient druid warriors, it is infused with some magical capabilities.

**Soak:** If heavy wooden armor soaks in water for more than five minutes it becomes a softer wood for 1d4 hours. Drying with heat halves the time, rounding up. When soaked the armor class of heavy wooden armor decreases by 2, and it has a weight of 30 lbs.

**Druid's Magic:** While wearing heavy wooden armor, you have a +1 bonus on Intelligence (Nature) checks.

**Warplate Armor**

This armor is even heavier but stronger than full plate.

***Special.*** This armor is so heavy that it hinders your movement. You can't take reactions or the Dodge, Disengage or Dash action while wearing it.

**Elite Knight Armor**

The famous partially plated armor of the knights of any Kingdom. Its distinctive overshirt gives it a look quite unlike any other plate armor in the business. Its design is easy to replicate and provides both decent protection and a high degree of mobility.

**Dragon Bone Armor**

Dragon bone armor is made up of wyvern bones, sinew and scales. Similar to a splint, the armor has a leather base with scales covering the leather, the bones are placed vertically over the scales for maximum protection. The bones and scales are cut and carved to perfectly form the armor to it bearer.

As this armor does not include metal parts, druids who are proficient in heavy armor can wear it.

**Stone**

This armor is made of chipped stone slabs strapped to leather. It primarily protects the chest, but guards in most places to some degree. Stone armor is bulky and heavy, but it is strong and cheap to make. Many orc and giant tribes use stone armor because of the easy means one needs to go to make it.

**Ring Mail**

This armor is leather armor with heavy rings sewn into it. The rings help reinforce the armor against blows from swords and axes. Ring mail is inferior to chain mail, and it's usually worn only by those who can't afford better armor.

**Chain Mail**

Made of interlocking metal rings, chain mail includes a layer of quilted fabric worn underneath the mail to prevent chafing and to cushion the impact of blows. The suit includes gauntlets.

**Splint**

This armor is made of narrow vertical strips of metal riveted to a backing of leather that is worn over cloth padding. Flexible chain mail protects the joints.

**Plate**

Plate consists of shaped, interlocking metal plates to cover the entire body. A suit of plate includes gauntlets, heavy leather boots, a visored helmet, and thick layers of padding underneath the armor. Buckles and straps distribute the weight over the body.

**Elven Samurai Armor**

Often referring to sets of Ō-yoroi or Dō-maru armor, samurai armor consists of a crested helmet with large, flat shoulder armor. In feudal japan, was often gifted to lower ranking nobles. They are constructed from small scales of leather or metal laced into plates with cord and lacquered. Certain sets had masks intended to intimidate enemies.

**Orcish Hoplite Armor (WIP)**

## Shields

**Shield**

A shield is made from wood or metal and is carried in one hand. Wielding a shield increases your Armor Class by 2. You can benefit from only one shield at a time.

**Pavise**

These shields are primarily used as portable cover for crossbowmen and archers, usually using either a ground spike or a fold-out stand.

As an action, you may plant the pavise onto the ground. While the pavise is planted, it can provide half cover to one person, but forfeits the normal +2 bonus to AC from wielding this shield.

**Gauntlet Shield**

The gauntlet shield acts as a normal shield, but instead of holding it with one hand, it is attached to a gauntlet so that you can wield two handed weapons and still gain the extra AC from wearing a shield.

**Kite Shield**

A kite shield, also known as a teardrop shield, is a heavier variant of the classic round shield, extending downward into a point at the base. To help compensate for the additional weight, kite shields are fitted with straps through which the arm is secured, rather than being held only by a handle behind the central boss.

***Unwieldy.*** Though kite shields were developed for use by mounted cavalry, they can still be wielded by foot soldiers. When an unmounted combatant wields a kite shield, they take a 5 foot movement speed penalty.

***Purpose-Built.*** Kite shields are designed to protect both mount and rider in combat. When a mounted combatant wields a kite shield, their mount receives a +2 bonus to AC.

**Dueling Shield**

More common in trial-by-combat than actual warfare, this two-handed shield is designed with sharp edges to execute thrusting blows.

***Special.*** A dueling shield can be used primarily in two ways. Wielded in one hand, which will deal 1d6 slashing damage on a hit and gives the wielder a +1 bonus to their armor class. Otherwise, when wielded with two hands the shield does 1d8 slashing damage on a hit and gives the weilder a +2 bonus to their armor class.

**Tower Shield**

This massive shield is used frequently in organized armies for its effectiveness at protecting soldiers and aiding in the formation of lines.

While you are holding a tower shield:

* You have disadvantage on attack rolls.
* You have half cover.
* You can spend an amount of movement equal to half your speed to have three-quarters cover until the start of your next turn. If you do this, then when you are an obstacle to a target [PHB. p. 196] you grant three-quarters cover instead of half cover.

**Wall Shield**

An incredibly large shield with spikes on the bottom that allow it to be planted into the ground. When planted, this shield is a barrier that is five feet wide and six feet tall and can be pulled out of the ground after a successful DC 18 Strength check. A creature wielding this shield has disadvantages on all Dexterity saving throws and all attack rolls.

**Buckler, Parrying**

A buckler is a small metal shield held in a fist grip. As it is not strapped, it can be donned or doffed as easily as drawing or stowing a weapon. While you are wielding this buckler and defending against a melee weapon attack, your Armor Class is effectively increased by half your Dexterity modifier, rounded up.

**Tribal Shield**

A tribal shield is a shield made from bone, animal hide, untampered wood, or other materials available to primitive civilizations that have not yet invented metalworking. It is more flammable than a normal shield and easily sundered by a strong blow. When a creature scores a critical hit against you while you are wielding a tribal shield and you are not incapacitated, you can choose for its attack to become a normal hit instead. This destroys the shield.

**Wing Guards**

An especially useful piece of titanium armor allowing flying races to cover the musculature of their wings. It snaps on easily to wing structures but leaves the wing membranes exposed as not to inhibit flight. If you are wearing Wing Guards, you are unable to gain the benefits of using another shield. If you are wearing Wing Guards and are knocked prone while flying, you can make a DC 15 Dexterity save to avoid falling.