Heavy Armor Recipes

This is the strongest type of armor, designed for absorbing serious hits. It doesn’t rely on Dexterity for protection, so it’s a good match for tanky characters who want to stand their ground. It’s heavier and noisier, but it makes up for that with high AC.

Chain mail consists of thousands of interlocking metal rings forming a protective mesh. Worn over padded clothing, it offers strong protection at the cost of weight and noise, and it requires strength to wear effectively.

Chain Mail

Armor (heavy)

Made of interlocking metal rings, chain mail includes a layer of quilted fabric worn underneath the mail to prevent chafing and to cushion the impact of blows. The suit includes gauntlets.

Stealth. The wearer has disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. 

Strength. If worn without meeting the Strength requirement, the wearer has disadvantage on Acrobatics and Athletics checks. 

AC: 16

Stealth: Disadvantage

Weight: 55 

Minimum Strength: 13

Ring mail is a suit of leather armor with heavy metal rings sewn into it for added protection. It’s relatively inexpensive and bulky, offering more defense than basic armor but less effectiveness than more refined options.

Ring Mail

Armor (heavy)

This armor is leather armor with heavy rings sewn into it. The rings help reinforce the armor against blows from swords and axes. Ring mail is inferior to chain mail, and it's usually worn only by those who can't afford better armor.

Stealth. The wearer has disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. 

AC: 14

Stealth: Disadvantage

Weight: 40

Splint armor is made of vertical metal strips riveted to a backing of leather, covering most of the body. It provides excellent defense but is heavy and restrictive, suitable for frontline warriors who can handle its burdens.

Splint Armor

Armor (heavy)

This armor is made of narrow vertical strips of metal riveted to a backing of leather that is worn over cloth padding. Flexible chain mail protects the joints.

Stealth. The wearer has disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. 

AC: 17

Stealth: Disadvantage

Weight: 60

These armored greaves and thigh guards protect the legs from knee to hip. They are often strapped over chain or padded fabric and are essential for full-body defense on the battlefield.

Plate Leggings

Armor (heavy)

These heavy, polished leggings are crafted from interlocking metal plates to provide sturdy protection for the legs in battle. Often worn as part of a full suit of plate, they offer solid defense on their own.

Stealth. The wearer has disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. 

Strength. If worn without meeting the Strength requirement, the wearer has disadvantage on Acrobatics and Athletics checks. 

AC: 12

Stealth: Disadvantage

Weight: 30

Minimum Strength: 13

These heavy, metal-plated boots are designed to protect the feet and ankles in battle. While they offer excellent defense against strikes and traps, their bulk can hinder quick movements and stealth.

Plate Boots

Armor (heavy)

These heavy metal boots protect the feet and ankles, often featuring reinforced toes and decorative trim. Their weight makes each step resound with authority, but also hinders stealth.

Stealth. The wearer has disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. 

Strength. If worn without meeting the Strength requirement, the wearer has disadvantage on Acrobatics and Athletics checks. 

AC: 12

Stealth: Disadvantage

Weight: 20

Minimum Strength: 13

A solid steel helm encases the head, offering critical protection from blows and projectiles. Though it limits vision and hearing, it can mean the difference between survival and a fatal strike.

Plate Helm

Armor (heavy)

This heavy metal helm protects the head and face, often featuring a visor or ornate embellishments. While it offers solid defense, it limits peripheral vision and adds weight to the wearer’s movements.

Stealth. The wearer has disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. 

Strength. If worn without meeting the Strength requirement, the wearer has disadvantage on Acrobatics and Athletics checks. 

AC: 12

Stealth: Disadvantage

Weight: 15

Minimum Strength: 13

Plate armor is the pinnacle of personal protection. A full suit of interlocking steel plates custom-fitted to the wearer. It deflects blows with ease and offers maximum coverage, but its weight, cost, and maintenance needs are considerable

Plate Armor

Armor (heavy)

Plate consists of shaped, interlocking metal plates to cover the entire body. A suit of plate includes gauntlets, heavy leather boots, a visored helmet, and thick layers of padding underneath the armor. Buckles and straps distribute the weight over the body.

Stealth. The wearer has disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. 

Strength. If worn without meeting the Strength requirement, the wearer has disadvantage on Acrobatics and Athletics checks. 

AC: 18

Stealth: Disadvantage

Weight: 65

Minimum Strength: 15