Hmmm. It makes sense, but I think you could just as easily make the argument that the benefit is from the fighting style, not the actual armor itself. So wearing the armor doesn't offer you the 11+DEX method to calculate AC (the benefit of wearing the armor), but it would let you use the defense fighting style and get that +1 AC.
But as a fighter, you'd likely be better off just making creative use of the Tortle's Shell Defense. Bonus action emerge from the shell -> Move -> Attack -> action surge and use the action to pop back in your shell for +4 AC until your next turn. Repeat. ALSO: Shell defense doesn't say that you have to drop anything you're holding to use it, so you could also be wielding a shield for its +2 AC, giving you a 23 AC while in your shell...
I think most DMs would allow you to just get the +1 AC on top of your natural armor if you're willing to spend your Fighting Style choice on Defense, but if you were going into Adventure League or you're just playing with a DM who prefers to stick 100% to RAW, then yeah... it wouldn't apply.
(From Sage Advice Compendium) Is natural armor considered light armor?
No. Natural armor doesn’t fit into the categories of light, medium, and heavy armor, and when you have it, it isn’t considered to be an armor you’re wearing.
[edit] This is also one of those rare instances where I agree with the RAW, yet personally disagree with the intent. The Tortle Natural Armor is handled in a way that is distinct from all other PC races: Tortles are completely incapable of wearing actual armor. The option is completely off the table for them.
This means there is a scenario in which a Tortle with levels in one of the main martial classes can legally choose the Defense Fighting Style while never legally being allowed to use it. That should signal a red flag to the design team.
Let's not kid ourselves about the logistics behind the Tortle's Natural Armor either... it's a full-body shell equivalent to Splint that can never be removed, not "toughened skin"; it's armor. It would be more accurate to classify it as "Permanent Armor", rather than the Natural Armor classification.
You don't know what fear is until you've witnessed a drunk bird divebombing you while carrying a screaming Kobold throwing fire anywhere and everywhere.
But as a fighter, you'd likely be better off just making creative use of the Tortle's Shell Defense. Bonus action emerge from the shell -> Move -> Attack -> action surge and use the action to pop back in your shell for +4 AC until your next turn. Repeat. ALSO: Shell defense doesn't say that you have to drop anything you're holding to use it, so you could also be wielding a shield for its +2 AC, giving you a 23 AC while in your shell...
Don't forget, I think shell defense makes you prone. Amazing for dodging arrows, but mele attackers will get advantage
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I already know your natural AC is 17, and you don't get benefits from armor.
But what about defensive fighting style? Cold you just put on some leather armor, have your natural AC, and get the +1 from defensive fighting style?
Thanks!
D&D is a game for nerds... so I guess I'm one :p
The racial feature specifies
I would definitely say that activating the defensive fighting style counts as a benefit, so doesn't work.
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Hmmm. It makes sense, but I think you could just as easily make the argument that the benefit is from the fighting style, not the actual armor itself. So wearing the armor doesn't offer you the 11+DEX method to calculate AC (the benefit of wearing the armor), but it would let you use the defense fighting style and get that +1 AC.
But as a fighter, you'd likely be better off just making creative use of the Tortle's Shell Defense. Bonus action emerge from the shell -> Move -> Attack -> action surge and use the action to pop back in your shell for +4 AC until your next turn. Repeat. ALSO: Shell defense doesn't say that you have to drop anything you're holding to use it, so you could also be wielding a shield for its +2 AC, giving you a 23 AC while in your shell...
I think most DMs would allow you to just get the +1 AC on top of your natural armor if you're willing to spend your Fighting Style choice on Defense, but if you were going into Adventure League or you're just playing with a DM who prefers to stick 100% to RAW, then yeah... it wouldn't apply.
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Short answer: No.
Long answer: Still no.
There's also a rare tweet from Crawford that is actually succinct.
[edit] This is also one of those rare instances where I agree with the RAW, yet personally disagree with the intent. The Tortle Natural Armor is handled in a way that is distinct from all other PC races: Tortles are completely incapable of wearing actual armor. The option is completely off the table for them.
This means there is a scenario in which a Tortle with levels in one of the main martial classes can legally choose the Defense Fighting Style while never legally being allowed to use it. That should signal a red flag to the design team.
Let's not kid ourselves about the logistics behind the Tortle's Natural Armor either... it's a full-body shell equivalent to Splint that can never be removed, not "toughened skin"; it's armor. It would be more accurate to classify it as "Permanent Armor", rather than the Natural Armor classification.
You don't know what fear is until you've witnessed a drunk bird divebombing you while carrying a screaming Kobold throwing fire anywhere and everywhere.
Don't forget, I think shell defense makes you prone. Amazing for dodging arrows, but mele attackers will get advantage