Armor Class

While d20 modern used the Class Defense Bonus (CDB), there are still options of armor available. This article contains the rules for Armor, as well as a list of converted armor from d20 modern.

Basic Defense

This rule applies, if a character doesn't wear armor, and doesn't have Unarmored Defense as a class feature. There is no difference between the different armor proficiency classes with this option. Please remember, that in a campaign where you mix the 5e Modern classes with standard classes, all characters should use the same method to calculate AC.

AC = 10 + Dexterity Modifier + Proficiency Bonus

This gives an AC span of 9 - 16 AC at level 1 and will go up to a span of 15 - 21 AC. With standard 5e rules, there is an AC span from 9 (10 + -1 for 8 Dexterity) to 18, plus shield. Magic items would provide an additional +3 to AC at max, or +6 if you also get a +3 shield.

As you can see, the AC should roughly match with those from 5e, just being a little higher and cutting off the lowest ACs.

The Problem with Armor in Modern Times

While there is protective equipment for medieval times, and also for modern times, there is a strange hole from the Age of Reason until WW I. This is why we have the Basic Defense Rule above. If you want to use armor as items, you can still do so.

The table below will give you some armor suitable to more modern times, with the necessary information in additional columns.

Armor	Type	AC	Stealth	Weight	Purchase DC
Light Armor
Leather Jacket	Impromptu	11 + DEX-Mod	-	4 lbs	10
Leather Armor	Archaic	11 + DEX-Mod	-	15 lbs	12
Light undercover shirt	Concealable	12 + DEX-Mod	-	2 lbs	13
Pull-up pouch vest	Concealable	12 + DEX-Mod	DA	2 lbs	13
Undercover vest	Concealable	13 + DEX-Mod	DA	3 lbs	14
Medium Armor
Concealable Vest	Concealable	13 + DEX-Mod (Max 2)	-	4 lbs	15
Chainmail shirt	Archaic	13 + DEX-Mod (Max 2)	-	40 lbs	18
Light-duty vest	Tactical	14 + DEX-Mod (Max 2)	DA	8 lbs	16
Tactical vest	Tactical	14 + Dex-Mod (Max 2)	DA	10 lbs	17
Heavy Armor
Special response vest	Tactical	16	DA	15 lbs	18
Plate	Archaic	18	DA	65 lbs	23
Forced Entry Unit	Tactical	19	DA	20 lbs	19

If you wear a shield, you will add a +2 to your AC, just as you would with standard 5e armor. Keep in mind that you will add your proficiency modifier, if you are proficient with the selected armor! For example: You wear a Forced Entry Unit, and your class is proficient with Heavy armor, your AC equals 19 + Proficiency Modifier. If you are not proficient, you will only get the 19 from the armor itself.

Armor in Baeleris

In Baeleris, we use the Basic Armor Rules. Medieval armor is still sold in some places, but isn't in use. The prices for these items raised by 25% over the last years, from the prices noted in the Player's Handbook.