Maximum dexterity bonus

Most armors and shields have a maximum dexterity bonus. This is the maximum amount of additional Armor Class you can gain from your Dexterity bonus while wearing that item.

For example, a character with 14 Dexterity has a Dexterity modifier of +2. While unarmored, that character gains +2 AC. If she wears armor with a maximum dexterity bonus of +1 (such as Full plate) she would only gain +1 AC beyond what the armor itself provides.

Your encumbrance level may also impose a maximum dexterity bonus.

Maximum dexterity bonus of armor, shield, and encumbrance does not stack. The lower of the three is the limit.

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Maximum dexterity bonus
The normal Maximum Dexterity Bonus is shown below. Mithral armors have a Maximum Dexterity Bonus that is 2 better than normal. Darkleaf is 1 better than normal. Enhancements that increase maximum Dexterity Bonus are available to Fighters and Dwarves, and very limited extent Paladin Defender of Siberys enhancements. Epic Crafting also has unique versions of armors and a Blue Augment Crystal that can increase maximum dexterity for those armors only by +2.

Light Armor

 * Padded 8
 * Leather 6
 * Studded leather 5
 * Chain shirt 4

Medium Armor

 * Hide armor 4
 * Scale mail 3
 * Chain mail 2
 * Brigandine 3
 * Breastplate 3

Heavy Armor

 * Splint mail 0
 * Banded mail 1
 * Half Plate 0
 * Full Plate 1

Shield
Mithral tower shields increase their maximum Dexterity bonus by 2. Enhancements that increase the Maximum Dexterity Bonus are available to Fighters and very limited extent to Paladin Defender of Siberys enhancements.


 * Tower shield 2
 * Other shields do not have Maximum Dexterity Bonus

Encumbrance

 * Light (unnaffected Maximum Dexterity Bonus)
 * Medium 3
 * Heavy 1