Don't Get Flattened! A (Mostly) Comedic Guide to AC in D&D 5e
Ah, Armor Class, also lovingly (or not so lovingly) known as AC. That magical number that stands between you and a goblin's pointy stick finding a new home in your, well, everything. Here's the deal, adventurers: a high AC is your best friend in the monster-mashing world of D&D 5e. It's the difference between dodging a dragon's fiery breath like a champ, or becoming a well-done barbecue.
So, how do you become a slip-and-slide pro, a dodging deity, the envy of every rogue who ever wished they weren't made of paper? Let's delve into the glorious, and occasionally goofy, world of boosting your AC!
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| How To Get Ac In Dnd 5e |
1. Suit Up! (But Maybe Skip the Tin Foil)
There's a reason they call it armor. It's your first line of defense, a metal (or leather, or occasionally bone) barrier between you and pointy things.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
- Light Armor: Perfect for the nimble adventurer who likes to dodge and weave. Think Rogues and Monks, flitting around like butterflies...of death.
- Medium Armor: A good balance between protection and mobility. Bards, Clerics, and Fighters often find themselves comfortable in this mid-range.
- Heavy Armor: The ultimate in defense, but feels like wearing your grandpa's recliner. Slow and steady wins the race, as long as the race isn't a footrace.
Remember: Heavy armor and Dexterity don't exactly see eye-to-eye. If your Dexterity modifier is negative (which means you're about as graceful as a drunken moose on roller skates), heavy armor might actually hurt your AC.
Side note: While a suit of tin foil might seem appealing (shiny!), it's not exactly recommended by the Dungeon Master's fashion police.
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
2. Dexterity is Your Dodge-y Friend
Dexterity isn't just about picking locks and juggling daggers. It's also about how well you can avoid getting hit altogether.
- Boost that DEX score! Every point you put into Dexterity adds a bonus to your AC, making you a harder target.
- Dodge like a pro! As a bonus action, you can try to dodge an attack, giving you a +2 AC bonus until the end of the current turn. Just remember, dodging that fireball might not be the best idea.
Pro tip: If you're a Rogue or Monk, you might have a class feature called Unarmored Defense. This lets you add your Wisdom or Constitution modifier (depending on the class) to your AC, even if you're rocking the birthday suit look (not recommended in all adventuring situations).
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
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3. Shielding Yourself from the Storm (of Blows)
Shields! A classic for a reason. They provide a flat +2 bonus to your AC, making them a great way to bump up your defenses without sacrificing mobility (unlike that giant tower shield you found in the dungeon... maybe leave that to the barbarian).
4. Embrace the Magic! (But Maybe Ask Permission First)
The world of D&D is full of wondrous magic, and some of it can give your AC a serious boost.
QuickTip: Focus on one paragraph at a time.
- Shield of Faith: This nifty spell gives you a +2 bonus to your AC for an hour. Basically, it's like a magical bubble shield...except way cooler.
- Magic Armor & Shields: Keep your eyes peeled for enchanted armor and shields. These bad boys can come with permanent AC bonuses, making you a walking (or sometimes sneaking) fortress.
Word to the Wise: Before borrowing your buddy's magic amulet of unknown origin, make sure it's actually giving you a bonus and not, you know, turning you into a frog.
5. Taking Cover: The Art of Not Being There
Sometimes, the best defense is a good offense...or, you know, just not being there at all.
- Use the environment! Take cover behind that conveniently placed rock, or hide in a ditch (hey, it works!). Half cover gives you a +2 AC bonus, three-quarters cover a +5 bonus, and full cover makes you untargetable (although you might have trouble seeing what's going on).
Remember: Cover can be your friend, but it can also be destroyed. Don't get too comfortable behind that rickety wooden door.
There you have it, adventurers! With these tips, you'll be dodging attacks like a seasoned acrobat, and laughing in the face of those pesky goblins (or at least,
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