Ah, I misunderstood - most races that have a "base armor class" it's using the rule I mentioned, which as you said, gives them an Armor Class when they're not wearing armor.
Be aware that due to the focus on not stacking AC in 5th edition, giving a race a bonus of +2 AC is very powerful.
I'm looking for a way to show they are heartier since they are made of metal. I was hoping the "only warforged armor" would keep the character from picking up anything laying around and allow the DM to specifically dole it out, but I certainly don't want to it be too powerful.
Would the Unarmored AC be better, or would there be a better way to get this flavor that isn't OP?
To give you some context, the general consensus is a +1 AC is roughly equivalent to two +1 ability score increases (or a +2). Subsequently, a +2 to your AC is going to be worth +4 of ability scores. A +1 AC would be all I generally recommend.
However, there are potentially other options to show their durability. You could introduce anything from a boost to HP (look at Hill Dwarves for an example), or the aforementioned Unarmored Armor Class. Keep in mind that it is not the same as a monk/barbarian's unarmored defense. If your race equips armor they will use whatever gives them the highest AC, whether that is the 12 + DEX from the racial trait, or their actual armor. Alternatively you have traits similar to the goliath's 'Stone's Endurance', or an iron golem's Immutable Form. Just some ideas!
https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/races/3304-clockwork
I've made this race and I want their base AC to be 12+DEX mod, a trait called Integrated Armor.
In this trait I have a modifier. Modifier type is Set, Subtype is Minimum Base Armor, Fixed Value is 12, and everything else is blank.
However, when I use this class it just sets my AC to 12 and doesn't add my DEX. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, and any help is appreciated.
Thanks!
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D&D Beyond FoundersClose! What you want is
modifier type: Set
Subtype: Unarmored Armor Class
Fixed Value: 2
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So, if they put on armor (they can wear any armor with warforged in the name) would they go back down to base 10?
Wait, I think I have it. I just did a Bonus to Armor Class or 2. That seems to work.
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D&D Beyond FoundersAh, I misunderstood - most races that have a "base armor class" it's using the rule I mentioned, which as you said, gives them an Armor Class when they're not wearing armor.
Be aware that due to the focus on not stacking AC in 5th edition, giving a race a bonus of +2 AC is very powerful.
Pun-loving nerd | Faith Elisabeth Lilley | She/Her/Hers | Profile art by Becca Golins
If you need help with homebrew, please post on the homebrew forums, where multiple staff and moderators can read your post and help you!
"We got this, no problem! I'll take the twenty on the left - you guys handle the one on the right!"🔊
I'm looking for a way to show they are heartier since they are made of metal. I was hoping the "only warforged armor" would keep the character from picking up anything laying around and allow the DM to specifically dole it out, but I certainly don't want to it be too powerful.
Would the Unarmored AC be better, or would there be a better way to get this flavor that isn't OP?
To give you some context, the general consensus is a +1 AC is roughly equivalent to two +1 ability score increases (or a +2). Subsequently, a +2 to your AC is going to be worth +4 of ability scores. A +1 AC would be all I generally recommend.
However, there are potentially other options to show their durability. You could introduce anything from a boost to HP (look at Hill Dwarves for an example), or the aforementioned Unarmored Armor Class. Keep in mind that it is not the same as a monk/barbarian's unarmored defense. If your race equips armor they will use whatever gives them the highest AC, whether that is the 12 + DEX from the racial trait, or their actual armor. Alternatively you have traits similar to the goliath's 'Stone's Endurance', or an iron golem's Immutable Form. Just some ideas!
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My homebrew: [Subclasses] [Races] [Feats] [Discussion Thread]
Gotcha, so my initial thought of "ac can't go below 12" would work? And that's the setup Stormknight showed me (sorry Stormknight, I understand now).
Thanks!
Thx my guy, i was struggling with this too