stacking magic bonuses

[Gundark]

I have a question about stacking magic items. On page 177 in the dmg on the bottom that says "Behind the curtain :stacking bonuses" it gives an example of a character with magic armour, mage armour, ring of protection, cloak of protection, barkskin spell, and an amulet of natural armour would be unbalancing. Then it says " the mage armour, the ring of protection, and the barkskin... could all work together because they provide bonuses of different types" . Does this mean that magic armour does not work with and other magic item that gives an AC bonus. What are the rules about stacking magic items that give bonuses to AC. I really hope that it just isn't left up to the DM's descretion. I would like a rule on this

 

[Dimwhit]

Magic Armor gives an "armor" bonus and doesns't stack with other "armor" bonuses (except those from shields). For example, magic chainmail wouldn't stack with Bracers of Armor, which also give an "armor" bonus. However, magic chainmail would stack with Barkskin (which gives a "natural armor" bonus), a ring of protection (which gives a "deflection" bonus), and the Dodge feat (which gives a Dodge bonus - different dodge bonuses do stack, by the way).

For each item that gives an AC bonus, you have to look to see what type of bonus that is (armor, natural armor, deflection, dodge, etc.).

 

[Mahali]

and a shields armor bonus is only added with a "worn" set of armor. So Mage Armor and a shield do not stack.

Commonly house ruled otherwise as well.

 

[dcollins]

I would like a rule on this

This is so important, it's basically repeated in a bunch of places in the rulebooks. See PH p. 152 (under "Bonus Types"), PH p. 282 (see the glossary entry for "stack"), and/or DMG p. 176-177 (under "Bonuses From Magic").

Also, consider this website for a summary of the rules and examples: www.superdan.net/dndfaq1.html

 

[Gundark]

thanks that really helps

thanks for your replies that helped out lots.