Protective Equipment encompasses a wide range of defensive gear used by adventurers and warriors. These items are designed to protect the wearer from physical harm, offering various degrees of protection against attacks and hazards encountered during their quests and adventures.
Types of Armor:
Armor comes in different forms, each providing different levels of protection, mobility, and suitability for different character classes and styles. Common types of armor include light armor, such as leather or studded leather, which offers moderate protection while maintaining mobility; medium armor, such as chainmail or scale mail, striking a balance between protection and mobility; and heavy armor, such as plate armor, providing the highest level of protection but sacrificing mobility.
Armor Class and Protection:
Armor is represented by an Armor Class (AC), which determines how difficult it is for opponents to hit the character in combat. Higher AC values indicate better protection. The AC of a character is determined by the type of armor they wear, any additional bonuses or magical effects, and their Dexterity modifier (up to a certain limit) if the armor allows for it. Players must carefully consider the trade-off between protection and the potential decrease in mobility or other limitations imposed by heavier armor.
Proficiency and Wear Requirements:
Characters can be proficient in wearing specific types of armor, representing their training and familiarity with the equipment. Proficiency grants bonuses to the character's AC when wearing the corresponding armor type. Certain classes or subclasses offer specific armor proficiencies, allowing for specialized combat roles. Additionally, some armors have strength or dexterity requirements, limiting who can effectively wear them.
In addition to armor, shields can be used to provide an extra layer of protection. Shields offer a bonus to AC and can be used to block attacks, providing additional defensive capabilities. They are versatile and can be used with most types of armor, allowing characters to further customize their defensive strategy.