Armor
Heavy armor is significantly weaker than lighter armor in many cases in D&D 4th edition. It has significant downsides (reduced speed, worse skill checks, etc.) and at later levels little upside compared to light armor.
Example
Section titled “Example”A level 4 Rogue in leather with high DEX can have AC:21 REF:19 FOR:12 WIL:14 while a level 4 Paladin with high STR in plate with a heavy shield could have AC:22 REF:14 FOR:17 WIL:13. These defense totals are equal, but as both characters continue to level, the Rogue will add their primary attribute to two key defenses, including AC. So even ignoring the heavy armor downsides, the Rogue can end up with better defenses.
Changes
Section titled “Changes”These changes should make choosing between armor types more significant.
Don and Doff
Section titled “Don and Doff”All armor must be donned and doffed. It is possible that you may choose to forgo armor to react faster to certain situations. This change also encourages you to plan for and take initiative to engage in battle. If you wait for monsters to come for you, you are at a disadvantage.
- All light armor takes 1 standard action to don or doff.
- Chainmail takes 1 full round to don or doff.
- Scale armor takes 5 minutes to don or doff.
- Plate armor takes 30 minutes to don or doff.
Hide Changes
Section titled “Hide Changes”- Added a
-2penalty to all Charisma checks.
Chainmail Changes
Section titled “Chainmail Changes”- Increased AC bonus from
+6to+8 - Removed the
-1penalty to speed. - Stealth skill gains a
-5check penalty.
Scale Armor Changes
Section titled “Scale Armor Changes”- Increased AC bonus from
+7to+10 - Added
+2Fortitude bonus - Stealth skill gains a
-5check penalty.
Plate Armor Changes
Section titled “Plate Armor Changes”- AC bonus increased from
+8to+10 - Added
+2Fortitude bonus - Armor gains the
resist 1 allproperty - Stealth skill gains a
-5check penalty.