Armor & Shields

Prices are in copper pieces (cp). The Mace variant uses stone weights (st; 1 st = 14 lbs). The Greyhawk variant uses coin weights (cn; 10 cn = 1 lb).

AC values use the ascending system (no armor = AC 11, higher is better).

Notes

Padded / Quilted armor consists of layers of cloth or padded material stitched together. Light and flexible.

Hide armor is made from thick animal hides — crude but effective. Commonly worn by barbarian cultures.

Leather armor is formed leather, hardened with heat or chemicals. A common choice for thieves and rangers.

Studded Leather adds metal rivets or studs to leather for improved protection with moderate weight.

Ring Mail is interlocking metal rings sewn onto a leather backing — lighter than chain but less protective.

Brigandine consists of small metal plates riveted to a cloth or leather backing, worn under an outer garment.

Chain Mail is a mesh of interlocking metal rings. The standard armor of many fighters.

Scale Mail overlapping metal scales on a leather foundation. Heavier than chain.

Splint Mail vertical metal strips laced together. Rigid and heavy.

Banded Mail horizontal metal bands over a padded backing. Lighter than splint despite similar protection.

Plate Mail shaped metal plates covering the body with chain protection at the joints.

Field Plate is a more refined suit of full-body plates with articulated joints. Expensive and rare.

Full Plate is a masterwork suit covering the entire body in articulated metal. Reserved for the wealthiest warriors.

Buckler is a small, fist-held shield used to deflect blows. No missile protection.

Tower Shield is an oversized shield covering most of the body. Excellent missile protection but cumbersome.