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Breastplate

A breastplate is a fitted metal chest piece worn with supple leather. This medium armor provides excellent protection without restricting movement or creating noise. The breastplate is often considered the optimal medium armor choice, offering the same base AC as half plate (14) while avoiding stealth disadvantage and costing less. It's particularly favored by rangers, rogues with medium armor proficiency, and clerics who need to balance protection with stealth capability.

At a Glance

Type
Armor
Cost
400 gp
Weight
20 lbs
Medium Armor

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MechanicsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

Mechanics

Armor Class: 14 + Dexterity modifier (maximum +2). Medium armor lets you add your Dexterity modifier, up to a maximum of +2, to your AC. You can don a breastplate in 5 minutes and doff it in 1 minute. Donning with help reduces time by half. No Strength requirement. No disadvantage on Stealth checks.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Not realizing breastplate is often better than half plate for stealth-conscious characters
Common Mistake
Forgetting the +2 maximum on Dexterity modifier (16+ Dex still only adds +2)
Common Mistake
Thinking the 400 gp cost is too expensive (it's a great mid-level investment)
Common Mistake
Comparing it unfavorably to half plate without considering the stealth disadvantage tradeoff
Common Mistake
Not understanding that characters with 14 Dex get AC 16, same as many heavy armors

DM Tips

DM Tip
Breastplate is arguably the best medium armor for balanced builds
DM Tip
Characters with 14 Dexterity get AC 16 with no stealth disadvantage (excellent value)
DM Tip
The 400 gp cost is substantial but much cheaper than half plate (750 gp)
DM Tip
Perfect for rangers, medium-armor clerics, and skill-focused characters
DM Tip
The 20 lb weight is the same as chain shirt but with +1 base AC
DM Tip
Consider breastplate as a reward for completing mid-level quests
DM Tip
Offers same AC as half plate for characters with 14+ Dex, without stealth disadvantage
DM Tip
NPCs in breastplates are professional adventurers or elite guards
DM Tip
The lack of stealth disadvantage makes this ideal for mixed stealth/combat encounters

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading