AC question

[Oryan77]

Do bracers of armor stack with Mage Armor? I know if they have the same armor type they don't stack, but if the bracers don't stack with the spell or any other armor bonus item, it seems like they would be useless because everyone has some form of armor bonus already (either mage armor or magical armor). Am I missing something here?

When stacking, is it only referring to magical bonuses? So could you wear bracers of armor with non magic full plate armor?

For people who can't wear armor, what are good ways to raise the AC for PC's around 6-7th lvl?

 

[Crothian]

Bracers of armor do not stack with mage armor or other types of armor

 

[Nail]

Do bracers of armor stack with Mage Armor?

No. The bonuses overlap.

it seems like they would be useless because everyone has some form of armor bonus already (either mage armor or magical armor). Am I missing something here?

Yes you are. The bracers might have an armor bonus higher than the PC migth have otherwise.

For example, Mage Armor gives a +4 Armor bonus to AC. You might find Bracers of Armor +5. Such bracers would give you a superior AC than the spell.

Simple enough.

 

[Babylon Knight]

i'd let it stack personally

 

[Pyrex]

Bracers of Armor are not useless because they can provide a +8 armor bonus.

The Mage Armor spell only provides +4 and is easily dispellable.

Bracers of Armor are also half the cost (though not quite as good as) a Ring of Protection.

Whether or not the armor is magical it still provides an Armor bonus and thus does not stack with the Armor bonus from the Bracers.

Ways to boost AC:
Potion of Barkskin -> Amulet of Natural Armor (Natural Armor)
Potion of Shield of Faith-> Ring of Protection (Deflection)
Scroll/Wand of Shield -> Animated Magical Shield (Shield)
Dusty Rose Ioun Stone (Insight)
Potion of Cat's Grace -> Gloves of Dexterity (Dexterity)
Potion of Reduce Person (Size)

I think that pretty much covers the standard bonus types. And (one from each line) all stack with each other.

 

[Pyrex]

i'd let it stack personally

You'd let the following stack?
-- +5 Full Plate (+13 Armor)
-- Bracers of Armor +8 (+8 Armor)
-- Mage Armor (+4 Armor)

Total: +25 to AC from Armor

You may want to rethink that.

 

[Aust Diamondew]

The bracers are meant to be used by characters who don't wear armor, monks and characters with such high dexterity scores the bracers are better than wearing padded armor or by high level wizards and sorcerers who can afford to pay extra to creat something better than mage armor but cost a lot more than a first level spell slot (though unlike mage armor dispel magic won't get rid of the bracers bonus to AC).

I wouldn't allow them to stack. If you do and allow it to stack with normal armor as well as with mage armor expect to see armor wearing characters with much higher ACs at mid-high levels.

 

[Babylon Knight]

Bracers and Full Plate, nope

Full Plate and Mage Armor, yes

Mage Armor and Bracers, yes

practically the only combinations i'd let work.

 

[Crothian]

Bracers and Full Plate, nope

Full Plate and Mage Armor, yes

Mage Armor and Bracers, yes

practically the only combinations i'd let work.

Well, those are house rules and while great for your game, just confuse things in the old rules forum.....

 

[Babylon Knight]

Depends on your players too.