Armor¶
Seven armor types are catalogued in the IWD:EE Mastering Melee & Magic manual. Each has a base AC and separate AC ratings against specific damage types (missile, slashing, crushing, piercing). All other AC modifiers (Dexterity, magical items, spells) are applied to the base AC.
For how AC interacts with combat, see Armor Class.
AC table¶
| Armor type | Base AC | vs. Missile | vs. Slashing | vs. Crushing | vs. Piercing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leather | 8 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 |
| Studded Leather | 7 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Hide | 6 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Chain Mail | 5 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Splint Mail | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Plate Mail | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Full Plate | 1 | –2 | –3 | 1 | –2 |
Descriptions¶
Leather¶
Leather hardened in boiling oil and shaped into breastplate and spaulders. The remainder of the suit is fashioned from more flexible materials.
Studded Leather¶
Unhardened leather reinforced with close-set metal rivets.
Hide¶
A bulky, odorous armor sewn from the thick hides of large animals.
Chain Mail¶
Made of interlocking metal rings. Worn over a layer of padded fabric or soft leather to prevent chafing and lessen the impact of blows.
Splint Mail¶
A variant of banded mail in which metal strips are applied vertically to a backing of chain, leather, or cloth. Since the mid-torso does not normally swivel as much as it flexes back to front, splint mail is more restrictive in battle.
Plate Mail¶
A combination of chain armor with metal plates covering vital areas — chest, abdomen, groin. Held together with buckles and straps, the weight is distributed over the whole body.
Full Plate¶
The best — and heaviest — armor a warrior can buy, both in appearance and protection. The perfectly fitted interlocking plates are angled to deflect impact, and the whole suit is carefully adorned with rich engraving and embossed detail.
Class restrictions on armor
Different classes can wear only certain armor types — Mages and Sorcerers cannot wear armor at all; Druids cap at non-metallic; Thieves and Bards cap at Studded Leather (Bards at Chain Mail); Barbarians cap at Splint Mail; Fighters, Paladins, and Rangers may wear anything. See each class page for specifics.
Source: iwdee/original_manuals/IWDEE - Mastering Melee & Magic.pdf — "Armor", "Appendix 8: Equipment — Armor".