Armor check penalty

Armor Check Penalty: Any armor heavier than leather hurts a characterâ€™s ability to use some skills. An armor check penalty number is the penalty that applies to Hide, Move Silently, and Tumble checks by a character wearing a certain kind of armor. A characterâ€™s encumbrance (the amount of gear carried, including armor) may also apply an armor check penalty.

Shields: If a character is wearing armor and using a shield, both armor check penalties apply.