So I'm unclear about Barkskin and if you get other bonuses to your AC with it. Says that you have a minimum of 16 AC with it, but do you get dex bonuses, ring of protection and such, or is 16 just a minimum? On the one hand, 16 base AC seems pretty powerful if you can add those other things, but it is a 2nd level spell so it would make sense it's better than 1st level Mage Armor. Also, seems odd if you didn't get that other stuff from a gut feel sort of way. I assume this has been discussed before so sorry if this topic has already been beaten to death, just looking for some feedback.
D&D 5E Barkskin clarification
- Thread starter Gwarok
- Start date
mellored
Legend
It's a flat 16 AC, no bonuses, no penalties.
If you have 16 dex, mage armor, and a ring of protection, then you have 17 AC.
If you have 16 dex, mage armor, a ring of protection, and barkskin, then you have 17 AC. Barkskin does nothing.
Overall it's a pretty poor spell. Though unlike mage armor, you can cast it on someone else. Like your 8 dex paladin who lost his armor and shield.
If you have 16 dex, mage armor, and a ring of protection, then you have 17 AC.
If you have 16 dex, mage armor, a ring of protection, and barkskin, then you have 17 AC. Barkskin does nothing.
Overall it's a pretty poor spell. Though unlike mage armor, you can cast it on someone else. Like your 8 dex paladin who lost his armor and shield.
Sacrosanct
Legend
Several threads on this in the past, but the short version: No, you don't add anything else. It's the final step in the AC calculation. You tally everything up, and if your AC is below 16, then it becomes 16. There was a tweet by Mearls a while ago that said he'd add shield bonus, but IIRC, Jeremy clarified later in Sage advice that no, you don't add it.
Sacrosanct
Legend
That's entirely subjective. It carries over into wildshape, making it a great spell for the class that uses it (druid). Not to mention a serious boost to your casters in the party
wedgeski
Adventurer
Agreed. It's a mainstay of the druids in my circle (Ithangyou).
The Grassy Gnoll
Explorer
[MENTION=26510]SAN[/MENTION]crosant didn't mean to click laugh, fat fingers attempting to scroll.
Barkskin is a useful spell, guaranteeing you a minimum of 16AC, no matter what - captured and stripped of armour, in wild shape, or as a boon to another party member or NPC.
It's all personal choice but I prefer my Druids in robes rather than hard leather, so it works for me thematically, bearing in mind the no metal rule.
Barkskin is a useful spell, guaranteeing you a minimum of 16AC, no matter what - captured and stripped of armour, in wild shape, or as a boon to another party member or NPC.
It's all personal choice but I prefer my Druids in robes rather than hard leather, so it works for me thematically, bearing in mind the no metal rule.
mellored
Legend
Except it takes concentration and your going into melee, so it probably won't last long.
I'm not saying it's totally useless. I'd put it above locate objects / plants, but it's wouldn't end up on my prepared list without a very specific reason.
You can cast Mage Armor on others as well. And unlike barkskin it doesn't require concentration so you can armor up the entire party if you're willing to spend the slots, or have another way to cast it such as the Staff of Defense from Lost Mine of Phandelver.
Our druid would routinely cast barkskin, stoneskin, or a conjur spell before shifting and going melee. She rarely ever actually failed the concentration checks (most often just a DC 10), and generally saved her inspiration for them if it was absolutely critical. There was a point early on where she intended to get the War Caster feat, but by about level 10 decided it wasn't worth it since the concentration thing wasn't really a big deal.
