An armor check penalty applies to most dexterity-based skills when a character wears armor heavier than leather, and it applies to hide, move silently, parry, pick pocket, set trap, and tumble. The only dexterity-based skills not on this list are open lock and ride, to which neither the maximum dexterity bonus nor the armor check penalty apply.
If a character is wearing armor and using a shield, both armor check penalties apply.
Type of armor or shield | Base AC | Armor check penalty |
---|---|---|
none, clothing | 0 | none |
padded armor | 1 | none |
leather armor | 2 | none |
studded leather armor, hide armor | 3 | -1 |
chain shirt, scale mail | 4 | -2 |
chainmail, breastplate | 5 | -5 |
splint mail, banded mail | 6 | -7 |
half plate | 7 | -7 |
full plate | 8 | -8 |
small shield | 1 | -1 |
large shield | 2 | -2 |
tower shield | 3 | -10 |