D&D 5E Does 5e have anything like Ironwood

[AmerginLiath]

Dragon scale armor can presumably be worn by druids, as it is medium armor that is not made of metal. It's a +1 scale armor, which makes it 2 points better than +1 hide armor and 1 point worse than +1 half plate, so not too shabby for a druid.

Dragon scale armor is very rare, so by the guidelines it's appropriate after 11th level (and costs between 5,000 and 50,000 gp, if your group is into that sort of thing). It appears on table H, which gives you a 0.02% chance of finding it in a treasure hoard starting at level 5. So, yeah, talk to your DM about it.

I've had a druid wear dragonscale before (albeit at high level, of course), so I agree that it would work within the vows. I'm not surprised to see Ironwood/Darkwood go away. Those struck me as being inserts into the 3.x system when the range of ACs were so wide that those unable (explicitly or implicitly) to wear metal armor were so outmatched without a kludge that they were completely in danger. In 5th, however, the range of ACs are tight enough that spells like Barkskin or even magic items can raise the AC of a character unable to deploy metal armor. Likewise, one can't forget shields, since a wooden shield is functionally equivalent to a metal shield – even if the druid doesn't always use it, a shield is likely a worthwhile investment for those battles where the extra AC matters (5th being less focused on characters have one singular weapon focus).

 

[Evhelm]

I've had a druid wear dragonscale before (albeit at high level, of course), so I agree that it would work within the vows. I'm not surprised to see Ironwood/Darkwood go away. Those struck me as being inserts into the 3.x system when the range of ACs were so wide that those unable (explicitly or implicitly) to wear metal armor were so outmatched without a kludge that they were completely in danger. In 5th, however, the range of ACs are tight enough that spells like Barkskin or even magic items can raise the AC of a character unable to deploy metal armor. Likewise, one can't forget shields, since a wooden shield is functionally equivalent to a metal shield – even if the druid doesn't always use it, a shield is likely a worthwhile investment for those battles where the extra AC matters (5th being less focused on characters have one singular weapon focus).

I think you're on to the right track here; unlike 3/3.X, AC is not wide-ranging anymore, so a druid's spells/other-abilities seem able to compensate pretty well. (I'm purely speculating, of course, but that is my impression )

 

[vecna00]

There was a spell way back in the 2E days in a Dragon magazine article for Dark Sun called "Ironwood." I don't remember the specifics of the spell (level, duration, etc), but it definitely just made wood have hardness and durability (and saving throws) of iron. If it wasn't permanent, it could be made permanent. I don't see a problem with this spell being required in magic item creation to improve durability of certain items, or to make special armors. I really do like the idea of a suit of ironwood full plate that makes the wearer look like Groot from a distance....

 

[aramis erak]

I keep having to remind myself the OP was asking about non-metal armor, rather than Bill Willingham's naughty fantasy comics... (which have an excellent setting; ver D&Dish)...

I'd suggest that the exotic materials should correspond to hides of critters with that same inherent AC... so getting a 15 AC set of Basilisk Leather should require defeating said basilisk, then crafting the leather from it, then crafting the armor from the leather.... and, since you've sunk the time in, why not go ahead and make it +1....

In organized play, tho', y'r hosed...

 

[Plaguescarred]

I want to play a land Druid, but they can't where any metal armor. I couldn't find any reference. Does anyone know if there is anything like Ironwood in 5e

RAW here are the armors that specify wood, mention or ommit to mention metals as part of their description;

No Metal Armor
Padded armor
Leather armor
Studded leather armor
Hide armor
Ring mail armor
Shield

Metal Armor
Chain shirt armor
Scale mail armor
Breatplate armor
Half plate armor
Chainmail armor
Splint armor
Plate armor
Shield

 

[Derren]

Ring mail without metal?

 

[Plaguescarred]

Ring mail without metal?

Yup in 5E a ring mail is a leather armor with rings not specifically made of metal. Doesn't mean some ring mail are not made with metal, but at least some may be within the rules.

 

[steeldragons]

Or, maybe in 5e, as with studded (as from previous pre-3e editions), the amount of metal present on Studded or Ring mail is not in a sufficient amount to bother the druid/thwart their magic/powers.

I'm uncertain on the wording in the 5e PHB. But does it say they can not use armors that are made /of/ metal, made /with/ metal, or that are "mostly" or "entirely" metal?

Nothing wrong with having a little metal in the mix...but something entirely metal (like a metal shield or a chain shirt) would be a no no.

 

[Greatwyrm]

I could see scale mail or a breastplate made from chitin, if you've got access to a number of really big bugs.

 

[Plaguescarred]

Or, maybe in 5e, as with studded (as from previous pre-3e editions), the amount of metal present on Studded or Ring mail is not in a sufficient amount to bother the druid/thwart their magic/powers.

I'm uncertain on the wording in the 5e PHB. But does it say they can not use armors that are made /of/ metal, made /with/ metal, or that are "mostly" or "entirely" metal?

Nothing wrong with having a little metal in the mix...but something entirely metal (like a metal shield or a chain shirt) would be a no no.

It says ''made of'' metal. I agree if the druid could not wear any armor that had metal it would not be able to wear most armor, even leather, padded armor and wooden shield can have nails, pins, strap buckle often made of metal. I assume it refers to armor made of metal for the most part.

Armor: Light armor, medium armor, shields (druids will not wear armor or use shields made of metal)