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EachDungeons & Dragonscharacter class represents a different fantasy archetype.
There are lethal Fighters, armoured Paladins, powerful Wizards, and crafty Rogues.
Of all these exciting classes, two stand out for a particular reasonthe Barbarian and the Monk.
Torogar Steelfist by David Sladek
These two classes can opt to use a feature called Unarmoured Defense at level one.
Outfit your new character with the best equipment and items for each class with this guide.
The Unarmoured Defense mechanic simulates a character so adept at fighting without armour that it becomes an advantage.
Human Monk via Wizards of the Coast
However, they also have a class feature called Unarmoured Defense.
There’s no need to spend gold on armour!
Certainly, early on, you may get a higher AC from wearing armour.
Unarmoured Defense can be thematic, fun, and effective, especially as you level up.
A Barbarian’s core ability scores are usuallyStrength and Constitution.
However, many Barbarian abilities likeRage and Reckless Attackare designed to compensate for lower attack rolls.
Human Monk via Wizards of the Coast
Unarmoured Defense For Monks
Like Barbarians, ourhistorical ideasabout fightingMonksoften featureunarmouredcombatants(like the Shaolin Monks).
Monks in martial arts films and other media often havesuperhuman reflexes.
In D&D, a Monk’s reflexes are represented by the Unarmoured Defense feature.
Monastery Mentor by Brian Valeza
However, the Monk’s version of this feature works differently from the Barbarian’s.
Secondly, tomaximiseUnarmoured Defense, a Monk needs to pump ability score points intoDexterityandWisdom.
This doesn’t leave much room for points in Constitution.
Monks are a multi-ability-score-dependent class, needing Dexterity, Wisdom, and Constitution to operate optimally.
It can be challenging to balance these three attributes perfectly.
Taking Unarmoured Defense as a class featurereplacesall yourotherarmour proficiencies(except for shield proficiency in Constitution-based classes).
However, the scantily-clad Barbarian or Monk is a fun archetype to roleplay.
Whatever choice you make, have fun.
Learn the many uses of terrain and how to improve combat in D&D!
