Amulet of Natural Armor: Stacking Secrets and AC Mysteries in Pathfinder
No, an amulet of natural armor does not stack with existing natural armor. An amulet of natural armor provides an enhancement bonus to your natural armor, and bonuses of the same type (in this case, enhancement bonuses) generally do not stack in Pathfinder. The higher bonus always takes precedence. This means if you already have natural armor from your race, class, or another source, the amulet simply improves that existing armor. It doesn’t grant a separate, additional layer of protection.
Unveiling the Armor Class Enigma
The rules governing Armor Class (AC) in Pathfinder can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth. Understanding how different types of bonuses interact is crucial for optimizing your character’s defenses and surviving those perilous encounters. The key is to remember that bonuses of the same type generally don’t stack. Let’s break this down further with some common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What exactly is natural armor?
Natural armor represents a creature’s inherent toughness, whether it’s thick hide, scales, or a naturally resilient form. It grants a natural armor bonus to your Armor Class (AC).
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So, what bonuses do stack with natural armor?
Plenty! Natural armor bonuses stack with armor bonuses (from actual armor), shield bonuses (from shields), deflection bonuses (like from a Ring of Protection), dodge bonuses, size modifiers, and miscellaneous bonuses. The key is that these bonuses are of different types than natural armor.
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If I have two sources of natural armor, which one applies?
You only use the highest natural armor bonus. For example, if you have a +2 natural armor bonus from your race and then gain a +3 natural armor bonus from a spell, you only benefit from the +3 bonus. They don’t add together.
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What about an enhancement bonus to natural armor? Does that stack?
Enhancement bonuses to natural armor (such as from an Amulet of Natural Armor) do not stack with other enhancement bonuses to natural armor. If you have an Amulet of Natural Armor +2 and another effect that grants a +1 enhancement bonus to natural armor, you only get the +2 bonus from the amulet.
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If I already have an Amulet of Natural Armor, should I bother getting a new one?
Only if the new amulet provides a higher enhancement bonus than your current one. Getting an Amulet of Natural Armor +3 when you already have a +2 is a worthwhile upgrade. Getting one with the same bonus is a waste of gold.
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Does natural armor count as wearing armor?
No, natural armor does not count as wearing armor. This is important because certain class features or feats may require you to be unarmored to benefit from them (like a monk’s unarmored bonus to AC).
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Can I wear armor on top of natural armor?
Yes, absolutely! You can wear regular armor and still benefit from your natural armor. The armor bonus from the armor will stack with your natural armor bonus.
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What’s the difference between a natural armor bonus and a natural attack?
These are two completely different things. Natural armor increases your AC, making you harder to hit. Natural attacks are the attacks a creature makes with its natural weapons (claws, teeth, etc.).
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Does the Barkskin spell stack with an Amulet of Natural Armor?
No, Barkskin grants a natural armor bonus, just like the natural armor a creature may already have. Similarly an Amulet of Natural Armor grants an enhancement bonus to a characters natural armor, and both of these types of bonuses do not stack. You use whichever is higher. Therefore, Barkskin would not stack with either natural armor or the amulet.
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Can I sunder natural armor?
No, you can’t sunder natural armor. Natural armor is considered part of the creature’s body and cannot be targeted for sundering.
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How does Dexterity affect my Armor Class if I have natural armor?
Dexterity adds to your AC regardless of whether you have natural armor, regular armor, or no armor at all (up to the maximum Dexterity bonus allowed by your armor, if any). So, a high Dexterity score is always beneficial.
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Can I use a shield if I have natural armor?
Yes, you can absolutely use a shield with natural armor. The shield bonus from the shield will stack with your natural armor bonus, as they are different types of bonuses.
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What about the Monk’s Unarmored Defense class feature? Does that work with natural armor?
Generally, no. A Monk’s Unarmored Defense typically provides an alternate method of calculating AC (usually 10 + Dexterity modifier + Wisdom modifier). This calculation replaces your base AC, including any natural armor you might have, it does not stack with natural armor.
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If I’m a Druid in Wild Shape, do I keep the Amulet of Natural Armor’s bonus?
Yes, generally. When you use Wild Shape, you gain the physical abilities of the new form, including any natural armor it possesses. However, you also retain the benefits of your worn equipment, as long as it can be reasonably worn in the new form. Therefore, you would get the enhancement bonus from your Amulet of Natural Armor (assuming it can still be worn).
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How important is AC, really?
Armor Class is crucial for survival in Pathfinder. The higher your AC, the less likely you are to be hit by enemy attacks. Investing in items and abilities that boost your AC is almost always a wise choice. Understanding how these bonuses stack is integral to becoming a powerful adventurer. Want to learn even more about game-based learning and how these concepts can translate into educational settings? Visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website to explore research and resources in the field.
Understanding the intricacies of AC and bonus stacking is a key component of mastering Pathfinder and enjoying the depth of its strategic combat. So, venture forth and build your defenses wisely!