D&D 5E Touch AC in 5E

[CleverNickName]

I'd personally make it a Dex save against a DC of 10 + attack's mod, to keep in theme with the idea of dodging an attack that needs only touch to inflict an effect.

Or yeah, if you want to keep it as an ''attacker rolls'' thing, attack roll against 10 + dex might be the easiest way of doing it.

Yeah, I'm leaning toward using "10 + Dex mod" just out of simplicity.

I'd love the "dexterity save" option, too, if it weren't for the various abilities in 5E that trigger and/or negate based on dexterity saves. And that's fine, except when it doesn't make sense (for example, using the Shield Master feat to cause that attack to hit your shield instead and therefore miss your shield. Somehow.)

I briefly considered just giving the creature a discrete bonus or Advantage on attack rolls against armored targets, since (as @humble minion pointed out) there are a ton of different bonuses added to AC besides just armor or shields. But it feels really complicated and fiddly, and that's why I'm soliciting feedback from folks who might have done this before. Where did you draw the line? Which bonuses did you use and which did you omit?

 

[Ancalagon]

How is drawing attention to a point where the system breaks down a feature?

It seems obvious to me that it should be harder to touch a Highly trained Fighter than a peasant - and it should be even harder if that Fighter is holding a great big sharp piece of steel in his hand which he is an expert in using.

(At the very least Touch attacks ought to have disadvantage against armed opponents).

I suggest you look up warhammer frpg 2nd edition if you want a more realistic feel on how armor and skills at arms should work.

 

[jgsugden]

Building it into a game when it was not envisioned as part of the rule set is going to be problematic. The game is not balanced for it, and it would be more likely to cause player arguments. Also, a heavy armor PC may feel like you're adding it just to screw with them, and that doesn't go well.

I'd stick with the Dex Save.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Yes, dex save. Also makes sure you don't directly compare it to unarmored AC. In 4e I thought it was inelegant when your reflex defense (which was effectively touch AC) was higher than your actual Armor.

 

[Oofta]

Dex is already overpowered, so I would say no. Besides, I envision touch attacks having to hit either flesh, or at least flesh with minimal cover.

 

[Don Durito]

I suggest you look up warhammer frpg 2nd edition if you want a more realistic feel on how armor and skills at arms should work.

I suggest you don't bother replying unless you have something worthwhile to say.

I mean seriously...? What was the point of that?

 

[LordEntrails]

Dex Save.

 

[MarkB]

Yeah, I'm leaning toward using "10 + Dex mod" just out of simplicity.

I'd love the "dexterity save" option, too, if it weren't for the various abilities in 5E that trigger and/or negate based on dexterity saves. And that's fine, except when it doesn't make sense (for example, using the Shield Master feat to cause that attack to hit your shield instead and therefore miss your shield. Somehow.)

I briefly considered just giving the creature a discrete bonus or Advantage on attack rolls against armored targets, since (as @humble minion pointed out) there are a ton of different bonuses added to AC besides just armor or shields. But it feels really complicated and fiddly, and that's why I'm soliciting feedback from folks who might have done this before. Where did you draw the line? Which bonuses did you use and which did you omit?

The basic idea is that, the heavier your armour, the less it factors into your protection against Touch attacks. So how about this: Your Touch AC is equal to your total AC minus a value depending upon the type of armour you're wearing.

No armour	-0
Light armour	-1
Medium armour	-2
Heavy armour	-3
Heavy armour + shield	-4

That way you don't need to worry about how special AC-boosting effects factor in, because you're not trying to deduct anything for them. The only adjustment you're making is based upon the target's armour.

EDIT: You could even keep this all on the attacker's side, by instead giving them a bonus to their attack based upon the above values.

 

[CleverNickName]

Hey @MarkB that's not bad...I might go with a variation of that, except I would break out the shield separately (Light -1, Medium -2, Shield -2, Heavy -3). You know, for folks who use a shield without armor, or use a shield with light or medium armor.

 

[MarkB]

Hey @MarkB that's not bad...I might go with a variation of that, except I would break out the shield separately (Light -1, Medium -2, Shield -2, Heavy -3). You know, for folks who use a shield without armor, or use a shield with light or medium armor.

Yeah, I realised about two minutes after posting that shields should be a separate floating penalty.