jmucchiello
Hero
I've been nagged by a minor inconsistency in 5E. (Just one? for the purposes of this thread, yes, just one. Well, maybe two.)
When you calculate the DC of just about everything in 5E, you add 8 + ability mod + proficiency bonus, if proficient. But when you calculate Armor Class, you add armor value + (possibly limited) dexterity bonus + shield value. So what happens if you use proficiency bonus with armor:
Armor
So a first level paladin in Chain Mail would have a AC 16 (8 + 6 + 2 + 0). At 5th level it would become AC 17 (8 + 6 + 3 + 0). At 19th level AC 20 (8 + 6 + 6 + 0).
Shield proficiency does not add proficiency bonus.
Can Rogues and Bards become Expert with their Armor? Probably a bit OP. But imagine the 19th level rogue in Leather armor and 20 Dex having a 26 AC (8 + 1 + 12 + 5). In a serious game, I would not allow this. But in a fun game, why not?
Might need to give a few pluses to the existing higher level monsters to compensate. And I know the system is supposed to avoid that kind of chasing the mean. But I like the idea of characters getting better at using their armor to their advantage.
When you calculate the DC of just about everything in 5E, you add 8 + ability mod + proficiency bonus, if proficient. But when you calculate Armor Class, you add armor value + (possibly limited) dexterity bonus + shield value. So what happens if you use proficiency bonus with armor:
Armor
Armor Type Light Padded Leather Studded Leather Medium Hide Chainshirt Scale Mail Breastplate Half Plate Heavy Ring Mail Chain Mail Splint Plate | Bonus +1 +1 +2 +2 +3 +4 +4 +5 +4 +6 +7 +8 | Max Dex Bonus no limit no limit no limit +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +0 +0 +0 +0 | Min Str to use - - - - - - - - - 13 15 15 |
So a first level paladin in Chain Mail would have a AC 16 (8 + 6 + 2 + 0). At 5th level it would become AC 17 (8 + 6 + 3 + 0). At 19th level AC 20 (8 + 6 + 6 + 0).
Shield proficiency does not add proficiency bonus.
Can Rogues and Bards become Expert with their Armor? Probably a bit OP. But imagine the 19th level rogue in Leather armor and 20 Dex having a 26 AC (8 + 1 + 12 + 5). In a serious game, I would not allow this. But in a fun game, why not?
Might need to give a few pluses to the existing higher level monsters to compensate. And I know the system is supposed to avoid that kind of chasing the mean. But I like the idea of characters getting better at using their armor to their advantage.