When it comes to the concept of natural armor, there is often confusion as to whether it should be considered as wearing armor or not. To address this question, we need to understand what natural armor really means in the context of role-playing games.
In many fantasy games, natural armor is a term used to describe a creature or character’s innate physical defenses. It represents the natural toughness, scales, thick hide, or other physical attributes that offer protection without the need for traditional armor. Examples of natural armor include a dragon’s scales, a turtle’s shell, or a humanoid creature with thick skin.
To determine whether natural armor counts as “wearing armor,” we should consider the intent and mechanics of the game. Most RPG systems provide rules for calculating a character’s Armor Class (AC), which represents their ability to avoid being hit in combat. AC is typically influenced by various factors, including the type of armor worn.
In some games, natural armor is explicitly stated as a type of armor, separate from traditional armors like plate mail or leather. In this case, the game mechanics treat natural armor as a form of protection similar to wearing armor. It may have its own specific rules, such as providing a bonus to AC or reducing the character’s vulnerability to certain types of attacks.
On the other hand, there are games where natural armor is not considered as “wearing armor.” Instead, it is seen as a part of the character’s inherent abilities, separate from the equipment-based AC calculation. In these systems, natural armor is often depicted as a passive defense that does not interfere with other class features or abilities.
For example, in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5E), the rules state that natural armor does not count as wearing armor. The AC calculation for a character with natural armor is typically based on a different formula, such as a base AC plus a Dexterity modifier. This allows characters with natural armor to benefit from their inherent defenses while still being able to utilize other class features that require unarmored movement or martial arts.
In my personal experience playing RPGs, the distinction between natural armor and wearing armor can have significant implications for character design and gameplay. Choosing a character with natural armor can provide unique advantages, such as increased AC without the need to invest in traditional armor or the ability to combine natural defenses with other class features.
However, it’s important to note that the specific rules and interpretations may vary between different game systems and even individual game sessions. Game masters or rulebooks may have their own house rules or interpretations regarding natural armor. It’s always a good idea to discuss and clarify these rules with the GM and other players to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Whether natural armor counts as “wearing armor” depends on the specific game system and its rules. While some games treat natural armor as a type of armor, others consider it separate from traditional armors. It’s important to understand the mechanics and intent of the game you are playing to determine how natural armor should be handled.