From "base = 13+4(dex), final AC = base + 4 (dex)". That is, a misunderstanding. In 5e there isn't a "base armor class" which is modified by "armor class bonuses, like Dexterity". There are various "armor class calculations", of which you pick one out of the ones available to you. Everybody has at least one available armor class calculation: "10 + Dexterity bonus". Mage Armor gives you another one: "13 + Dexterity bonus". Plate armor gives you another one: "18". Some items or features give you bonuses to your armor class, which work in addition to your armor class calculation. Ring of Protection and Cloak of Protection are two examples. Dexterity, on the other hand, is not: it's not a bonus to your armor class, but rather part of many (but not all) armor class calculations.
It took me a bit to get used to the 5e way of calculating AC. I am used to base AC 10 for no armor, armor either gives an AC or +N to the base, Sex is then +Y on top of that, magic a further +Z. Getting used to some armor types add Dex bonus, others don't was a shift. Also that isn't a "base" armor class to which each new factor adds an adjustment.
So Mage Armor isn't a bonus to AC, it is an AC that then gets a bonus from DEX. I am used to thinking Base unarmored AC 10 + X for Mage Armor + Y for DEX bonus = Final AC.
I have a question about working out the base a/c in this spell.
Is the base a/c 13, OR is it 13 + your dex modifier?
For example, if you had a dex modifier of +4, your a/c would be 17; whereas, under the second option, it would be 21?
Is anyone able to clarify this for me?
Mage armor gives the armor calculation 13 + dex mod. So a naked wizard with 18 dex and mage armor has a 17 AC total
Thanks Noksa.
Where are you getting 21? Show your work.
From "base = 13+4(dex), final AC = base + 4 (dex)". That is, a misunderstanding. In 5e there isn't a "base armor class" which is modified by "armor class bonuses, like Dexterity". There are various "armor class calculations", of which you pick one out of the ones available to you. Everybody has at least one available armor class calculation: "10 + Dexterity bonus". Mage Armor gives you another one: "13 + Dexterity bonus". Plate armor gives you another one: "18". Some items or features give you bonuses to your armor class, which work in addition to your armor class calculation. Ring of Protection and Cloak of Protection are two examples. Dexterity, on the other hand, is not: it's not a bonus to your armor class, but rather part of many (but not all) armor class calculations.
It took me a bit to get used to the 5e way of calculating AC. I am used to base AC 10 for no armor, armor either gives an AC or +N to the base, Sex is then +Y on top of that, magic a further +Z. Getting used to some armor types add Dex bonus, others don't was a shift. Also that isn't a "base" armor class to which each new factor adds an adjustment.
So Mage Armor isn't a bonus to AC, it is an AC that then gets a bonus from DEX. I am used to thinking Base unarmored AC 10 + X for Mage Armor + Y for DEX bonus = Final AC.
Thank you all. I appreciate your help.
That was almost a year and a half ago.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
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Well, it took a while to find someone cast Resurrection spell.
Lol
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting