Armor check penalty

Armor check penalty (ACP) is a penalty to some skills due to the restrictiveness of certain armors and shields.

The following are subject to Armor check penalty:
 * Balance
 * Hide
 * Jump
 * Move Silently
 * Swim is subject to double the standard Armor check penalty
 * Tumble

Armor check penalties from armors and shields stack.

Non-proficiency penalties
ACPs always apply to your skills. Non-proficiency with an armor or shield causes its Armor check penalty to apply to your attack rolls as well.

Carrying capacity
Carrying capacity also can cause an Armor check penalty.


 * Medium encumbrance causes a -3
 * Heavy encumbrance causes a -6

Note that medium encumbrance does not give any visual feedback, except that you run slightly slower. This may lead to unexpected deaths while swimming.

Armor and Shields

 * Mithral armor and shields have reduced armour check penalties (usually by 3).
 * Nimbleness reduces armor check penalties by 2 or 4.

Enhancements
Note that light armors have a base armor check penalty of 0 (leather) or 1 (chain), so reductions beyond this level do nothing. Enhancements with reductions to armor check penalty usually increase maximum dexterity bonus as well; reducing the check penalty is just a bonus effect.

Racial

 * Warforged Mithral Fluidity: [-2/-4/-6] to Mithral Body

Class

 * Assassin Light Armor Mastery: [-2/-4/-6] to light armor
 * Kensei Athletic Mastery: [-1/-2/-3] to all armor
 * Tempest Improved Mobility: [-1/-2/-3] to light armor