Template Question...

[ToddSchumacher]

If a creature has a Natural Armor Bonus and is given a template that adds a natural armor bonus...are they added together for one bonus?

I'm guessing no...but I want a second opinion before my game on Wednesday.

See I understand no two bonuses stacking for the purposes of magic items or spells or what not, but wondering if the template process just adds to the 'original' natural armor bonus. I'm kinda new to templates.

 

[Olive]

If a creature has a Natural Armor Bonus and is given a template that adds a natural armor bonus...are they added together for one bonus?

Named bonuses don't stack with each other, as a rule. So no, natural armour bonuses don't stack. Take the higher one and use that.

Do make sure the template gives a natural armour bonus, as opposed to increasing a natural armour bonus. If it INCREASES the bonus, then it does add together from one bonus. For example, the reptilian template in Savage Species increases the base creatures natural AC bu 2. So a creature with a natural AC of 3 will have a natural AC of 5 if given the reptilian template. What's the template you're using?

There is one kind of bonus that DOES stack. I think it's dodge bonuses, but can't quite remember.

 

[Li Shenron]

I think that the description always specifies if it is an increase or an overlap (or a change outright). IIRC, almost all the MM templates talk about "increasing" the eventually existing natural armor bonus, except the Lich which has "whichever better" (overlap, so to speak) and the Skeleton which changes to the new value even if lower.

 

[ToddSchumacher]

Named bonuses don't stack with each other, as a rule. So no, natural armour bonuses don't stack. Take the higher one and use that.

Do make sure the template gives a natural armour bonus, as opposed to increasing a natural armour bonus. If it INCREASES the bonus, then it does add together from one bonus. For example, the reptilian template in Savage Species increases the base creatures natural AC bu 2. So a creature with a natural AC of 3 will have a natural AC of 5 if given the reptilian template. What's the template you're using?

There is one kind of bonus that DOES stack. I think it's dodge bonuses, but can't quite remember.

Ah, its good to get a second opinion then. The template is the mineral warrior from the Underdark book. muhahaa. I'm adding it to some ogres. The teplate says 'improves by +3' that'll increase thier natural bonus to +8.

Thanks guys!

 

[Olive]

Ah, its good to get a second opinion then. The template is the mineral warrior from the Underdark book. muhahaa. I'm adding it to some ogres. The teplate says 'improves by +3' that'll increase thier natural bonus to +8.

Glad to help hurt your PCs!