Which bonuses apply to *touch* AC?

[LazarusLong42]

So, we all know all about bonuses to AC. But the PHB and DMG seem less clear on what magical bonuses apply during a touch attack.

A character without any magical items loses his armor and shield bonuses, but retains his Dex bonus. Therefore it makes sense that armor enhancements (from magical armor) are lost, and dodge and haste bonuses are retained.

But what about (1) deflection bonus, (2) natural armor, (3) other bonuses...

 

[Camarath]

These bonuses do not apply to Touch; Armor bonuses, Natural Armor Bonuses and Shield Bonuses. AFAIK all other Armor Class bonuses apply to your Touch AC.

 

[Xarls Taunzund]

These bonuses do not apply to Touch; Armor bonuses, Natural Armor Bonuses and Shield Bonuses. AFAIK all other Armor Class bonuses apply to your Touch AC.

Keep in mind though that the armor from Bracers of Armor is a force effect, and therefore applies to the touch attacks of incorporeal/ethereal creatures. The same applies to the Mage Armor and Shield spells.

 

[Camarath]

Keep in mind though that the armor from Bracers of Armor is a force effect, and therefore applies to the touch attacks of incorporeal/ethereal creatures. The same applies to the Mage Armor and Shield spells.

That is true Force based armor and shield bonuses do apply against touch attack from those creatures. But I don't think they apply against normal touch attacks from non-incorporeal/ethereal creatures.

 

[The Souljourner]

You're correct Camarath. They only apply against incorporeal touch attacks. It's a little odd the way they worded those attacks, because they really shouldn't be called touch attacks. They are normal attacks that bypass armor, natural armor, and shield bonuses, unless they are force effects or specifically mention they affect incorporeal creatures (ghost touch ability).

In answer to the original question - the real question is not what applies, but what doesn't apply. Natural armor bonuses, armor bonuses, and shield bonuses do not apply against touch attacks. Everything else applies against touch attacks, unless it specifically says it doesn't.

-The Souljourner

 

[Felix]

From the "What is included" side of things:

DEX bonus
Deflection bonuses
Dodge bonuses
Circumstances bonuses
WIS bonus (for Monk)
INT bonus (for Duelist)

 

[doktorstick]

From the "What is included" side of things:

DEX bonus
Deflection bonuses
Dodge bonuses
Circumstances bonuses
WIS bonus (for Monk)
INT bonus (for Duelist)

Add cover to that list.

 

[Staffan]

It's much easier and more correct to say that everything except armor, natural-armor and shield bonuses add to touch AC. Everything else adds.

 

[Darklone]

Right. If you take a look at the list of all different bonuses to AC in the DMG, you'll notice sacred, profance, insight and hundred more possible choices...

 

[CrimsonTemplar]

Don't forget

From the "What is included" side of things:

DEX bonus
Deflection bonuses
Dodge bonuses
Circumstances bonuses
WIS bonus (for Monk)
INT bonus (for Duelist)

And CHA from one of the PrClasses in Song & Silence that I can't recall the name of at the moment (it's one of the swashbuckler types).